One key element of modern Christianity is the concept of salvation. It is often at the center of endless theological debatesâsalvation by works versus salvation by faith, the question of whether one can lose salvation, or the doctrine of âonce saved, always saved.â These debates ultimately narrow down to a singular, anxiety-laden question: Are you saved? This approach often feeds off fearâthe fear of judgment, the fear of what happens after death, and the fear of being excluded from Godâs … [Read more...] about Salvation: Whoâs In and Whoâs Out
Holy Spirit
Prophecy: Knowing the Future in Advance
When Paul began to address problems in the Church in Corinth, he clearly explained that the wisdom of God is a mystery, but that the things of God are revealed through His Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ addressed this stating that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and will tell us of things to come (John 16:13). So we have a combination of truth and "things to come" as an aspect of the Holy Spirit. And Peter said that those who were given the Holy Spirit now have minds that … [Read more...] about Prophecy: Knowing the Future in Advance
Surrendering the “Old Man”
God has given humanity a purpose, and He has provided us insight and a roadmap on how to accomplish His purpose for each of us. Simply put, we are to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). Conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, in this case, to God the Father and Jesus Christ. You are to ââŠput off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 … [Read more...] about Surrendering the “Old Man”
What Is the Kingdom of God?
What is the Kingdom of God? I donât think we can overstate the importance of the answer to the question. There are so many theories out there about different systems of belief including different definitions of the Kingdom of God. We need to think about the end result of what those beliefs produce and about what the implications of their version of reality are. The idea of the Kingdom of God was clearly central to Christâs ministry making it a fundamental premise of our hope, of our purpose, … [Read more...] about What Is the Kingdom of God?
A Form of Godliness
The Apostle Paul wrote to the young pastor Timothy to help and encourage him at a time when the Church was experiencing internal pressure from false teachers. He encourages Timothy to, âHold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Jesus Christâ (2 Timothy 1:13). Paul identified certain conditions that he saw as being challenges that the Church would have to deal with in the days preceding Christâs return. Whatever the time frame for this … [Read more...] about A Form of Godliness
Why Does Man Exist?
In an article dated September 21, 2018, titled âThe Human League: What Separates Us from Other Animals?â the British Newspaper The Guardian states the following: "What a piece of work is a man! marvels Hamlet. How noble in reason! How infinite in faculty! ⊠In action how like an angel! In apprehension how like a god! ⊠The paragon of animals! Hamlet then ponders the paradox at the heart of humankind: what is this quintessence of dust? We are special, but we are … [Read more...] about Why Does Man Exist?
Peace, Peace but There is No Peace
Peace is something that we all desire, seek and want. During the Christmas season, one of the tag lines of the holiday is âlet there be peace on earth.â But regardless of how hard the governments of man and individuals work for peace -- it is elusive. Why is that? One of the reasons peace is so elusive is the way power is used and where it is focused. In general, there are two approaches to the use of power. One use of power leads to strife, conflict, and war while the other leads to peace. … [Read more...] about Peace, Peace but There is No Peace