PASTORS PEN

TURN THE OTHER CHEEK: Matthew 5:38–42

In Matthew 5 Jesus is addressing personal retaliation (“an eye for an eye”), reorienting His disciples away from protecting their own honor toward reflecting the Father’s perfect love. This flows from the character of God and the ethic of the kingdom given to a redeemed people. The believer who has died and risen with Christ (Romans 6; Colossians 3) is free from the old economy of honor and shame because his life is “hidden with Christ in God.”

1. NOT WEAK SURRENDER, BUT HOLY NON‑RETALIATION

Jesus forbids personal vengeance, not all resistance to evil; He calls us to refuse the fleshly instinct to strike back and instead to mirror His own patient endurance. Turning the other cheek is a metaphor for non‑retaliation and the willingness to endure further insult rather than seek revenge, explicitly tying it to Christ who “when reviled, did not retaliate.” This is consistent with Peter’s teaching that Christ “suffered…leaving you an example” (1 Peter 2:21–23), which has long been treated as the pattern for Christian ethics in personal suffering. A key clarification: “turn the other cheek” addresses personal retaliation, not governmental justice or the lawful use of the magistrate. This fits the classic two‑spheres distinction (civil and ecclesiastical) and avoids reading the command as an absolute pacifism that would erase the state’s God‑given role in bearing the sword (Ro 13). The believer is not called to become a doormat, but to entrust justice to God & His appointed means—not his own impulses. It may be obedience to Christ to walk away from abuse, seek legal redress, or protect the vulnerable, while still refusing personal vengeance or hatred.

 

2. NOT SHAMED VICTIMS, BUT SECURE SONS AND DAUGHTERS

These commands presuppose that the disciple’s honor is secure in the Father and therefore cannot finally be stolen through public shame. Turning the other cheek and going the extra mile are acts of dignified, gospel‑grounded freedom. Historical insight:

Ancient Literature Paper

 I recently completed my class, Ancient Roman and Greek Literature. My final paper was on Jude's use of Enoch. You can click on the link below to read.

Ancient Literature Paper.pdf

Hermeneutics

 I recently completed my Hermeneutics class at MBTS. My final paper was on Hosea's Bridegroom imagery in Hosea 2:16, 19-20. To read, click the link.

Hermeneutics Paper.pdf

THE PASTORS PEN

FAITH THRU THE FURNACE

Growth in the Christian life rarely comes through comfort. Just as gold is purified by fire, so our faith is strengthened through trials. The process can be painful, but the reward (maturity in Christ) is eternal. Consider the following verses:

James 1:2–4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 5:3–5 …we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame…

1 Peter 1:6–7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Acts 14:22 …through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

These verses teach us that trials are divine tools that refine our character and produce spiritual faithfulness. Paul states the progression: suffering > endurance > character > hope as the love of God grows more and more in us through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Peter explains that the trials we go through test the genuineness of our faith and shape us for Christ-centered worship for today and eternity. And again, Paul reminds us that we will go through many tribulations in order to enter the Kingdom of God.

We often seek spiritual growth through comfort or the path of least resistance. But as we see in Scripture, true growth takes place through hardship, not around it. Trials can stretch us beyond our limits. But when we are faithful, they cultivate endurance, deepen character, and strengthen our hope in the Lord. If we cling to Him, the pain will eventually serve its purpose—sanctification and transformation in Christ. Holding fast during trials isn’t passive survival; it’s faith in action. As Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us, we run with perseverance, looking to Jesus who endured the cross for the joy set before Him.  

What trial are you currently facing? How is God seeking to shape you through it? Are you holding fast to the Word of God no matter the cost? Remember, holding fast to the things of Christ is not just to endure, but to grow more and more in the likeness of the One who has saved our souls. James reminds us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

Amid trials, God is not absent. He is refining. Trials are not meaningless, but opportunities to trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; an opportunity to stand fast on the word of truth and be forged for eternal things. This is faith through the furnace: a tested trust that endures, matures, and reflects the glory of Christ who walks with us through every flame.

A LITTLE GETAWAY

 

Took off to Sonora after bible study on Wednesday for a little getaway with Gabi. Made a great office on Thursday, and then we were back on Friday. Love living in a place where we can do this on the fly.

Colloquium

 Colloquium is the first class of the Phd Program at Midwestern. The goal is to learn how to do doctoral research and present an idea of what may become your dissertation project. My paper is on Graeme Goldsworthy and his influence on Biblical Theology. To read my paper, click the link below.

Colloquium Paper.pdf

THE PASTORS PEN

 

I think it's fair to say that we all want peace in our lives, especially during the holidays. Whether it is with family members or co-workers or simply when we're trying to purchase a last minute gift at the mall or merge onto the freeway. Why is it that peace so often times feel so far away?

In Colossians 3, Paul encourages believers to put on the 'new-self' which includes putting on the peace of Christ and letting it (Christ's peace) rule our hearts. In the bible, the heart is the root of our affections, our attitude and disposition. It guides our thinking and behaving to such a degree that you don't have to decide to "follow your heart" because you already are. Your attitude, disposition, and behavior are all rooted in your heart. And so, whatever is in your heart is going to come out... eventually.

If your life is lived in rebellion, sin, frustration, or fear, there's a good chance that the peace of Christ is not ruling your heart. Not because life isn't hard or frustrating or even fearful at times, but because you've likely chosen a path towards peace that may include Christ, but does not allow Him to rule over your heart. You live what you believe and what you believe lives in your heart. Thus, Paul's admonition to believers to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart!

Well, what was Christ's peace like? For starters, He trusted fully in God the Father even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances - even in His death. But He not only trusted in the Father, He relied upon Him, forsaking the world, the devil, and the temptations of the flesh that He experienced in His earthly ministry and relying upon God's Word. Finally, He gloried in the Father knowing and understanding that God was, and is, working all things out in the universe for the good, particularly for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.

If you want peace this holiday season, know this - it's available. But real peace; abiding peace; peace beyond one's understanding can only be found in another, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is His peace we must obtain. It is His peace that must rule our hearts. How are we to do that?

First, we must trust God, that thru Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven; that Christ has paid the price in full and has freed us from the tyranny of sin and the consequences of sin, namely God's wrath. Second, we must rely upon God knowing that thru his written Word the living Word (Jesus) gives us the Holy Spirit who renews our hearts and encourages us in the ways of God. Lastly, we must glory in God knowing that whatever we may endure in this life it is not worth comparing with the riches of eternity that await all those who trust in Him. This is the peace of Christ that can rule your heart today if you will turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Look to the Son and know that all will be well no matter what difficulties you may face today. And then, in Him, live life to the full for His glory; for the good of all; and with the peace that Christ gives to all who trust in Him and who give Him rule over their lives. May the peace of Christ rule your heart and may you be blessed this Christmas Season!