The hope and point of Christianity is not this life
Whether it’s politics or prosperity, many professing Christians seem to place their hope in worldly winning and success. But over and over, the Bible points us to eternity, to the only hope that God blesses.
Why ‘Whosoever’ is no threat to reformed theology
One of the most common objections to reformed soteriology is the word “whosoever” in some versions of John 3:16. But the Greek words don’t carry the same implications of the English word, so it’s not an effective challenge.
Ark of the Covenant found! So what?
The news that the CIA may have found the Biblical Ark of the Covenant is a good time to remember what it was, what it looked forward to, and why we don’t need it.
Why church shouldn’t be called a ‘worship experience’
Some Christians call their gatherings “worship experiences” that stimulate our senses and emotions. Here are a couple of experiences in the Bible that teach us what priority God gives the sensations of an “experience.”
A parable of Jesus blows up beliefs about healing, miracles
Two things some Christians believe are 1. God always wants us to be healed in this life, and 2. The gospel needs miracles to be effective. One parable of Jesus destroyed both of those ideas.
Meet the first health and wealth preacher in the Bible
Some charismatic Christians think it’s our fault if we suffer. That’s what Eliphaz wrongly thought about Job. He was the first health-and-wealth preacher, and we see in that book what God thinks of such beliefs.
‘Salt and light’ is about holiness, not preservation
Some Christians interpret Jesus’ teaching on salt and light in Matthew 5 to mean preserving traditional values in society. But His own words show that He’s actually talking about His followers’ holiness.
How I discovered God’s will for my life
Have you ever struggled to discern God’s will over an important decision you needed to make? Here’s what the author learned about how the Lord guides us in matters that aren’t specifically addressed in the Bible.
‘Christian’ is a noun, not an adjective. Why that matters
The word Christian is often used today as a modifier, as in Christian music or Christian nation. But since the Bible doesn’t use the word that way, we can get into murky territory when trying to define those things.
But look at the good things King Saul is doing
The king kept delivering win after win for his nation and his people, but he was disqualified for a personal failing. Here’s reaction from one of his angry supporters.
The church’s biggest threats are on the inside
Most Christians put up their defenses against attacks and persecution from enemies in the world, but overwhelmingly, the Lord tells us in His word to be more on guard against corruption from within.
The prodigal son teaches us how not to repent
Some take Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son as a model of Christian repentance, but it’s not. Our focus should be on the father’s unconditional love, grace, mercy and joy in unilaterally restoring his son.
Christian, you are a gift from the Father to the Son
One of the most wonderful truths of the Bible is that Christian believers are a gift from God the Father to Jesus, who treasures that gift so much that He keeps it for all eternity. Read about this astounding love in John 6.
Yes, God is in control – of everything. Here’s how
If God is all-loving, how can He be all-powerful? Some try to answer that by saying God is not in control. Is that true? It depends on what you mean by control. Here’s what the Bible says.
Jeroboam: The popular but evil leader raised up by God
Here’s the story of a national leader, chosen by God and the people, who liberated them from an oppressive tyrant and gave them freedom to worship. But the Bible casts Jeroboam as the most evil king Israel ever had.
Jesus punched right, and so should Christians
Most Christians’ political and cultural outrage is directed toward the other tribe – leftists and Democrats. But the Bible consistently teaches us that we should punch first and hardest in the other direction – ourselves.
How Christ’s birth gets around God’s curse
A Christmas conundrum: How can Jesus be the promised Seed of David and Heir of his kingdom when God permanently cut off David’s royal line at Jeconiah? The Lord’s creative and wonderful solution: the virgin birth.
How ‘Peace on earth’ distorts the meaning of Christmas
The ubiquitous Christmas phrase “Peace on earth” may be derived from Scripture, but it’s a difference in wording that’s significant enough to obscure the good tidings of great joy that the angels proclaimed the night Jesus was born.
Why most nativity scenes and movies are probably wrong
Was it really an “inn”? This may be nitpicking, but a study of the Scriptures shows that the birth of Christ might not have happened the way it’s depicted in most traditions, nativity sets, plays, and movies.
Why I changed my mind and celebrate Christmas
Some Christians say we shouldn’t celebrate Christmas because its origins and traditions are pagan. I used to think that way, but not anymore; here’s what changed my mind.