Author: Constance Clay

I’m a former ECPA Christian bestselling novelist, journalist and educator with twenty plus years of experience teaching kindergarten through university classes in private, public, secular and Christian institutions. I hold a bachelor’s degree in writing and a master’s in literature. My college sweetheart and I have been married more than thirty years, and I’ve homeschooled our children through high school. Our oldest daughter is a second-year medical student, our middle is a senior music composition major and our youngest is in seventh grade. We love performing our original music and plays as a family.

All or nothing, part 2: “Pas” or fail in Ephesians 4:30-5:21

We finished part 1 by looking at Ephesians 4:29. Let's pick up part 2 with verse 30: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed (sphragizo) for the day of redemption. Sphragizo may occur “for security, from Satan,” or “to hide, keep in silence, keep secret,” or “to prove, confirm, or attest … Continue reading All or nothing, part 2: “Pas” or fail in Ephesians 4:30-5:21 →

All or nothing, part 1: Ephesians 4:1-29

Ephesians 4 contains life verses that I review at least every year, especially the last half of the chapter. For me, it's a handy guide to maturity in Christ. Paul begins by identifying himself as "the prisoner of the Lord," and appealing to the Ephesians "to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with … Continue reading All or nothing, part 1: Ephesians 4:1-29 →

Is the Bible pro-slavery?

Like polygamy, slavery is conditionally allowed in the Bible. Paul writes in Colossians 4:1, "Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven." Slaves were to be shown certain considerations including Sabbath rest to "refresh themselves" (Exodus 23:12). They were to go free if a master knocked … Continue reading Is the Bible pro-slavery? →

Beyond bias

In 1 Timothy 5:21, Paul writes, "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality." This verse sings a common refrain to Christians: we are to do what God asks, making no exceptions, … Continue reading Beyond bias →

A biblical response to (even unjust) authority

The Bible teaches that there are things worth dying for, and a time to obey God rather than man, as the apostles said in response to the Jewish Council in Acts 4:18-21: 18 “And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But … Continue reading A biblical response to (even unjust) authority →