Two Sundays ago, I preached Nehemiah 3. It’s a chapter that lists the various men and women who rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem. Here’s a taste: “…Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. Malchijah the son of Harim and HasshubContinueContinue reading “Can’t I Just Skip the Boring Parts of the Bible?”
Author Archives: Chad C. Ashby
Can I Mess Up God’s Plan for My Life?
What if I pursue the wrong job or go to the wrong college? What if I move when I was supposed to stay? What if I join the wrong church or marry the wrong person? What if I accidentally alter God’s whole plan for my life? I think many of us imagine the Christian lifeContinueContinue reading “Can I Mess Up God’s Plan for My Life?”
What I’m Learning about Women’s Ministry
Recently, a women’s coach at the college down the road approached me about providing a bible study for her players. Several of her girls were struggling with off the field issues, and she felt like I might be able to provide some support. I agreed to help. To be honest, I had rubbed shoulders withContinueContinue reading “What I’m Learning about Women’s Ministry”
New Post at Think Christian: “4:44–Hearing Jay-Z’s Confession”
I’ve done a pretty bad job of keeping you all up to speed on the stuff I’ve been writing on other platforms. So, I wanted to let you know you can check out my latest at Think Christian, a platform I’ve started working with. Today’s piece looks at Jay-Z’s latest album 4:44. You can read it here:ContinueContinue reading “New Post at Think Christian: “4:44–Hearing Jay-Z’s Confession””
A Multi-Layered Reading of Ruth 1:1-5
First off, the book of Ruth presents itself as the solution to Judges’s problem. The book of Judges sums itself up in its final sentence: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Turn the page, and Ruth 1:1, we find ourselves in same world: “In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land.” However, in verse 2 we are introduced to a man named “Elimelech”, which translates “God is King.”
The Two Ways to Read the Old Testament
The same story can be a tragedy or triumph depending on who you are rooting for. I grew up in North Carolina in the heated NCAA basketball rivalry Duke v. UNC. Twice every winter, the two schools would meet on the court. Every game ended in cheers or tears. I won’t name names, but IContinueContinue reading “The Two Ways to Read the Old Testament”
Why Did Paul Winter in Nicopolis?
I’m in a wintry mood this morning. Christmas is just around the corner. Perhaps you are stuck inside looking at the snow falling, or maybe you live in South Carolina–like me–and are watching cold rain. You clutch your mug nice and warm in your hand, and a perfectly normal thought enters your mind, “I wonderContinueContinue reading “Why Did Paul Winter in Nicopolis?”