Comments on: The Sword of Christmas

By: Gordon Ruddick

Gordon Ruddick — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:49:21 +0000

I am just now reading this two weeks after Christmas. Just when we think we may have the story figured out, you remind us that the wonder does not cease. To follow this Savior hopefully includes a wealth of wonder along the way. It keeps us humble and thankful. May we continue to pasd on this peace to others during tough times.

By: Kate Jordan

Kate Jordan — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 12:12:43 +0000

A blessed Christmas to you, Philip!
Thank you for sharing your time and insightful thoughts, always so thought-provoking.
Kate Jordan

By: Karen Fitts

Karen Fitts — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 19:10:55 +0000

Since we usually read the Bible in bits and pieces, it’s good to see the continuity of the Scriptures, the broader meaning of the topics.

The song, “Mary Did You Know” caused me to wonder what she knew apart from what the angel said, what she said in her song, what the angel told Joseph, what the magi said, and what Simeon and Anna said.

She knew about “the sword”, but probably was puzzled as to what it meant. It’s good that God doesn’t tell us the details, especially in this case. In her song she was “troubled”, but we don’t know the details of what was troubling her. We could speculate, but might be wrong.

Thanks for helping me think more about the Christmas story on
my 76th Christmas week. There’s always something new God wants to show me.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:03:34 +0000

Jesus is the sword, He is the word and the word became flesh. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ Ps. 119:105

‘For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.’ Hebs. 4:12

Such a delicate balance of Jesus bringing the sword but offering His peace; ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’
John 14:27

An interesting study, that sword, because when He returns; ‘From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.’ Rev.19:15

Grace and peace Philip

By: Carlos Moran

Carlos Moran — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 02:40:26 +0000

Very Nicely said. Tnx so much for your insights. If Traditional commentaries is to classical music, your writings since the “The Jesus I Never Knew” is Jazzy, setting an offbeat to tone to stimulate a connecting awareness to present global and Biblical perspectives. Godbless.

By: wayne cole

wayne cole — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 01:55:38 +0000

Micah 4:3b-4. All wars will stop, and military training will come to an end. Everyone will live quietly in their own homes in peace and prosperity, for there will be nothing to fear. The Lord has promised this.” NLT.
Oh how I wish this prophecy was for no, today, not for the last days.

By: Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:15:16 +0000

Greetings Phillip, I have been studying the first three centuries following His advent, using " THE Anti Nicene, Nicene, and Post Nicene Church Fathers ", as my textbook, and currently reading the earliest deep understanding of the analogical dissection of the Gospels. Along with the " Missing Gospels " I have a more clear, and deeper understanding of the deep meaning of Christ's messages for humanity. You have been the catalyst for my journey to fully understand why we are here and what we need to know. Peace, Grace and Blessings Philip

By: Lynne Belleville

Lynne Belleville — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 22:22:08 +0000

Please give us more insight on “the sword” in the mission and ministry of Jesus. That passage has always confused me.

By: David Cumby (retired pastor)

David Cumby (retired pastor) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:43:57 +0000

Thanks Philip as always for a “road less travelled” perspective on the gospel and the Kingdom, that helps us digest it more fully, and travel in and to it more wisely!

By: Meredith Bunting

Meredith Bunting — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:09:02 +0000

Sobering thoughts. Sword and Salvation. But you’re right, there’s always been a sword between Truth and Tyranny.