Philip Dampier's Blog

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them ever sing for joy…” (Psalm 5:11) We sing, “Safe in the arms of Jesus,” understanding that He is our refuge in time of trouble and strife. That should be a song of joy. All songs that reference Jesus as…

“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.” (Psalm 4:7) The quest for joy takes us to some strange places and involves us in some odd behavior. We have set up a formula for joy that involves material abundance or freedom…

One of the verses from the Psalms that has been put into modern song. It is a beautiful song because it is a beautiful verse. This verse came from a lament of David’s when he was being pursued by his own son, Absalom. How tragic a moment in life when…

“He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision,” (Psalm 2:4). I have long been fascinated by this verse about the reign of God’s anointed son. For a long time, it seemed out of character in its description of God to me. Certainly, it is speaking…

The book of Psalms as it appears in the Old Testament is the result of many years of compiling and organizing. Like any hymnal, it doesn’t contain all the psalms written, but it does have the ones the Holy Spirit saw fit to include in the collection of scriptures. Somewhere…

“From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” (Gal. 6:17, 18) Paul has stated his case. He has made his argument. He is tired of the…

“And as for all who walk by this rule, peace, and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” (Gal. 6:16) Seems pretty straightforward, doesn’t it? Just walk by the rule. What rule is that Paul? It is the new creation rule. The new creation is an act…

“For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” (Gal. 6:15) End of the letter and Paul cuts through the chase. He gets to the point. Paul believes in repetition, repetition, repetition. This was his original argument. Circumcision does not replace the gospel. It does not enhance…

“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Gal. 6:14) There is only one reason to boast: The cross of Christ. It’s all about Jesus. What Jesus…

“For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.” (Gal. 6:13) What? Paul, are you saying that those who were teaching “keep the law” weren’t keeping it? Does this mean that they were…