Break the bad patterns of life
The patience God exemplifies is remarkable. Thankfully, he’s longsuffering and loving (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). Continue reading “Break the bad patterns of life”
Tag: salvation
The greatest prayer we can pray
During the holidays, we pray that you and all of yours may be deeply blessed by your time with family and with your friends and loved ones, and by the food and other things “that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” 1 Timothy 4.3.
Our greatest prayer for those who are not yet in Christ is that they may have faith that obeys the Lord, and not just any faith; that they may know the truth which saves; that they may enter into Christ through repentance and immersion in water.
All other blessings are far inferior to the greatness of knowing God and the call to follow Jesus. Continue reading “The greatest prayer we can pray”
Attitude
Jesus fashioned a whip of cords and drove the money changers out of the temple because they had made his Father’s house just an ordinary place of business (John 2:16).
Something interesting happened with the Lord’s disciples. These Galileans remembered King David had written, “For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me” (Psalm 69:9 NASB). The disciples applied this verse King David had written of the Christ directly to Jesus. Continue reading “Attitude”
The impact of salvation: more than just forgiveness
Walk through a shopping mall. Randomly ask people what Jesus can do for their lives. If people are willing to chat, what would they say? For those who know something about Christ, the predominant answer would likely relate to salvation.
To be sure, the good news about Christ crucified centers upon salvation. However if we limit salvation’s impact to being rescued from our sins and becoming God’s people, we will overlook a massive component of God’s work on our behalf.
Continue reading “The impact of salvation: more than just forgiveness”
Grace simplified from God’s perspective
Sadly, we argue and divide over the proper understanding of grace to the detriment of the Lord’s work. Instead, we should see it from God’s perspective, so we can move past our human frailties. Continue reading “Grace simplified from God’s perspective”
Tips for teaching the lost
We’re commanded to take the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). Utilizing the abilities and opportunities at our disposal, we become useful to the Lord (John 4:35). Continue reading “Tips for teaching the lost”
One church: the intersection of scripture and today’s world
Money, politics and religion can stir up controversy. Within Christendom, opinions about church run deep. Yet, most agree what the New Testament teaches, such as its insistence there is one church. Disagreement arises over how this teaching should be applied to our world.
Can we understand how the Bible’s teaching regarding one church relates to our world? Can the confusion be untangled? I believe yes. Continue reading “One church: the intersection of scripture and today’s world”
The shocking reason they complained about two baptisms
Our actions often tell the world more than we want to reveal. The attitudes behind our behavior will be leaked to the world regardless of our intentions. Continue reading “The shocking reason they complained about two baptisms”
The gospel instructs: rely upon Christ in baptism to be saved
Our world abounds with controversial issues ranging from politics to scientific theories, from social policy to religion. Among the chorus of dissenting voices rise competing perspectives regarding baptism.
It is my belief that scripture provides an unequivocal voice inviting us to rely upon Christ in baptism in order that we might receive the benefits of our Savior’s death. My experiences have also led me to conclude that one major barrier against accepting this understanding lies not with scripture’s failure to positively teach about baptism, rather false assumptions about faith are negating the biblical message.
How might someone tackle such a scenario? Here is one possibility.
Continue reading “The gospel instructs: rely upon Christ in baptism to be saved”
Can George be saved?
George never did anything wrong, that you’d notice. He wasn’t one to commit grave errors. He never spoke ill of another. He never cheated anyone, especially not his wife. He never killed anyone, nor harmed anyone bodily. George wasn’t a violent man. He never mistreated or failed to provide for his family. Continue reading “Can George be saved?”