Being “born again” (cf. John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23) takes a moment of faith. But becoming like Christ is a lifelong process. What is “spiritual growth,” why is it important, and what steps can I take to begin growing in my faith? (I’m so glad you asked.) :)) What is Spiritual Growth? Spiritual … Continue reading What is Spiritual Growth, and why is it so important?
Bible Learning
What if God Took the Bible Away?
What if God said, “You have no interest in what I have to say? Think you know better than I do? Have it your way. Let’s see how that works out for you.” That’s what happened in the days of the prophet, Amos. And it could well happen now. We’ve all won the lottery where … Continue reading What if God Took the Bible Away?
The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith
Preface The topic about which I'm writing is actually nothing new, certainly not unique to modern times. Jesus, himself, told his disciples two millennia ago, "I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith." I try to always document and cite quotes. Some quotes used here were gathered almost nine years … Continue reading The Deconstruction of the Christian Faith
The Width and Depth of Scripture
Recently, I was humbled by the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. I was humbled for the following reason: I've read the Bible through, cover to cover, many times. In various translations. Additionally, I've "camped out" in particular books and/or passages for months at a time. Finally, I've carefully studied … Continue reading The Width and Depth of Scripture
Bewitched
**Immediately below this blog is a message I preached not too long ago to help people understand that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Stop trying to work your way to heaven. It’s called “legalism.” It’s bondage. And it will suck the life out of you. It’s the day-after-day “checking … Continue reading Bewitched
What the Bible Tells Us About Heaven
What the Bible tells us about Hell
From Dante's Inferno: "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here." But, there is hope. His name is Jesus Christ. To think lightly of Hell is to think lightly of the Cross. **The video of a recent class I taught on this doctrine. nw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49n14Tl9xOo&t=2003s
Don’t Read the Bible Through in One Year
I stumbled across this blog by professor, author, and defender of the Christian faith, Sean McDowell, and thought it was brilliant. Why? Because Sean offers encouragement to those who, desperately trying to read the Bible through in a year, grow discouraged and quit when they fall behind in the designated schedule. From the article: Why … Continue reading Don’t Read the Bible Through in One Year
Christian Theology: What is it, exactly?
What is Christian theology? "Theology" simply means "the study of God." While some are vocational theologians, all Christians are theologians. Paul's instructions to Timothy (and us) were a command, not a suggestion: Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a worker who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and … Continue reading Christian Theology: What is it, exactly?
What Price Are You Willing to Pay for Biblical Truth?
A Nugget of Truth from this past week's time of Learning: John 8-9 What price are you willing to pay to stand up for biblical truth? Take the two most combustible issues of the day: sexuality & the rights of the unborn. Are you willing to pay the price for biblical truth? It will cost … Continue reading What Price Are You Willing to Pay for Biblical Truth?