Category: Theology

The Church on the Corner

They are everywhere. Some are picturesque brick or stone buildings with beautiful stained-glass windows. Others are white, wood-sided buildings with crosses on top of steeples. Many are big, but most are small. Some are in crowded cities, but most are in small towns. A sign out...

Seven Truths About Knowing God

Much is often taught about the importance of having a “personal relationship” with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Believers frequently contrast the terms “religion” and “relationship” when explaining the difference between that which is merely outward and formal, and that which is spiritual and true....

Sanctifying Reason

Note from Jim Elliff: I have copied below a chapter from my little book entitled Led by the Spirit, published by Joshua Press of Canada, on the important subject of the use of reason in decision-making. I have a particular interest in your reading this book...

Justification: God’s “Not Guilty” Verdict

Imagine you are on trial for a crime you didn’t commit—a crime punishable by death. Though you are innocent, circumstantial evidence has convinced police and prosecutors that you are guilty. You have no alibi—no way of proving you were somewhere else when the crime was committed....

Knowing We’re Chosen by God

I’ve noticed both online and in person that some people regularly and vigorously defend their view of election (God choosing to save some people). When the apostle Paul mentioned the idea of election in First Thessalonians 1:4, he wasn’t arguing for his view, but simply stating...

Joining the Great Multitude in Heaven

Read contemplatively, and even picture in your mind, the following glorious scene in heaven. After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,...

Man of Sorrows

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane . . . And . . . he began to be sorrowful and troubled. (Matthew 26:36, 37) The statement in Matthew 26:36, 37 is significant. Christ has known sorrow before this, but the assertion that in...

Making Lemonade Out of Lemons: Using the Talpiot Tomb as a Witness

Those with an interest in the subject of the resurrection have probably already seen the film, “The Lost Tomb of Jesus.” It’s been the topic of news articles, talk shows and water-cooler chats since it aired in early March. Christian apologists have been scrambling to correct...

Like Those Who Dream: An Imagination of the New Creation

When the new creation comes, it’s going to be unbelievable. Psalm 126 can help you imagine it. A Song of Ascents. 1 When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then...

May I Participate in the Lord’s Supper?

Who should participate in Lord’s Supper when it is offered in the church meeting? Though there are some differences between churches on this question, many leaders agree on the following statements as requirements from the Bible on this important practice. Is not the cup of blessing...