The Ragtown Pulpit

What does it mean that we are made in God's image? What is a steward? What happens when nations reject Christ's rule? Is there a plan for bringing them back? All this and more in today's sermon.

Joined by my wife, Joyce, we continued to discuss Hebrew terminology for dark forces, and then summarized Heiser's take on the New Testament's use of "demon" as a sort of catch-all term.

The first warning of several to come in Hebrews. A sobering but encouraging call to press on.

We got about halfway through Chapter One, looking at the term Elohim, then several terms for the Dead and the Realm of the Dead; and territorial spirits. This stuff opened a can of worms in my own thinking.

Beginning at Hebrews 1:4, this chapter exalts Christ above the angels by emphasizing his full godhood, even in surprising ways.

Gordan begins an exciting new series, a chapter-by-chapter review of Dr. Michael Heiser's book, "Demons: What the Bible Really Says about the Powers of Darkness". Get in on the ground floor as we work our way through this provocative demonology.

Jesus is greater than the prophets. Our text lists seven reasons to believe that.

Moses is about to die, but God will not leave the nation without spiritual witness-leaders. With the advantage of many centuries behind us, we can see that although these were good and helpful they were ultimately not enough to keep the people from falling away. Something more was needed and was provided in the fulness of time.

Pastor Tom Miller fills the pulpit on Pentecost Sunday, reminding us our redemption in Christ and the conquest of His Gospel was always Plan A, or rather Plan Only. Our prophetic witness is still what a dying world needs.

Moses sets the choice before the people, life or death, peace or destruction. Like Jesus 1500 years later, he urges them through the straight gate, upon the narrow path.

Moses invites Israel to realize that God's grace will be available to them even if they should fail. Even if their rebellion lands them in horrible circumstances, the way of repentance and restoration will be open to them. But will they be able to choose to return? What does it mean that God promises to circumcise the hearts of His people?

Moses gathers the nation and then speaks to the individual's heart in this passage, warning against the bitterness of idolatry (Wormwood) and against thinking you'll be okay , even though your sin is cursed. God is after a clean, transformed community of heartfelt faith.

Moses begins to renew or reconfirm the covenant with the nation and reminds them of God's amazing works on their behalf. He does this a lot. A lot! Moses repeats himself a lot. But when he says that God has not given Israel eyes to see or ears to hear, the purpose of that repetition becomes clear. What would he say about us, our eyes and ears?

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Easter at IBC 2026

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If you don't know what Postmillennialism is, this is an excellent place to start learning. A very fine explanation of our strong hope for the future and for the success of the Gospel.

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A shorter sermon from Deuteronomy 26 with the communion service that finished it off. Find Gordan Runyan on Whatsapp, Signal, or Snapchat

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