Baptism – Related to Salvation but Not a Work
Two insights from Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament that help us get a better understanding of baptism: 1) Baptism is seen in the New Testament as part of God’s reconciling process. Here are some words from Oepke in Kittel, “Christian baptism certainly has as its final goal new and eternal life…the new life […]
What Are the Results of Sin?
We usually are quick to point out death (Romans 3:23) and that is a correct answer but what is interesting about sin is that this death can be a very slow, gradual process. This is very much in line with the song “Slow fade” by Casting Crowns. Death yes, but in the meantime sin takes […]
When Did Eve Get Her Name?
A – Adam named her when he woke from his post-op slumber (Gen 2:22) B – Right after her title of wo-man was given (2:23) C – Before she ate the fruit D – After she and Adam sinned When the woman took Adam the fruit to eat, she was still just “the woman.” It […]
Where We Exist vs. Where We Belong as Christians
“In the world but not of the world” is a popular phrase used by Christians to describe how we fit into the world around us. You often hear people say that we are citizens of another kingdom. And yet, here we are right in the middle of the world. There is a distinction in scripture […]
Incarnation – Adding Nonverbals to the Conversation
As was mentioned in a previous post, much of communication is done non-verbally. One of the difficulties of the Law in the Old Testament was that transformation is much more easily done through face-to-face interaction than through a series of written rules, regulations, and requirements. When the Law was first given it was done face-to-face. […]
Romans 14 – Dealing With Those Who Differ in Doctrine
I am convinced if we all followed the principles laid out by Paul in Romans 14 that divisions in the church would be held to a minimum. In Paul’s discussion of the weak and the strong in their faith he unpacks some information that get our heats in the right place when it comes to […]
Jesus – Powerful
I grew up in church hearing about Jesus. When you are a kid the things that stand out to you are the miracle stories. It is a lot easier for a Bible School teacher to hold a kid’s attention teaching about freeing a man of a legion of demons and scattering them into a herd […]
Craig Groeschel on Preaching a Dangerous Message
I love the distinction Craig G. makes in this post between a dangerous message and an edgy message – to the point and right on the money. Here is the link.
10 Dangers of Authenticity
There is a great desire today for people to be real. People want to be told like it is…no hypocrisy, no glossing over and certainly no “holier than thou” approaches. What we have seen has been refreshing for the most part – a real desire for authenticity among Christian leaders, teachers, and preachers. This is […]
Romans 8:1-17 – Life in Step with the Spirit
21 of 35 instances of the word “spirit” in Romans occur in chapter 8. Some have taught that the Holy Spirit is not active today. There are two extremes that have caused a rejection of the Spirit’s operating in the life of the believer today. The first extreme are those who have made a big […]