The method for establishing familiarity is frequent exposure, even immersion. Ask yourself what book of the Bible you’re least familiar with. Now, why not do something about it?   The Bible is not boring. It is the Drama of the ages, the Story of all stories. In this book we read of the living God’s... Continue Reading

Today, we need the Apostles’ Creed more than ever, but in our current church culture, there is a tendency to reject words for an emotional experience. Far too often, we see performance-driven worship use imagery to draw us into a higher emotional state.   I read an article a while ago that has stuck with... Continue Reading

Three thousand people could point to that specific day when they repented, were baptized, and received forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. That first Pentecost was not only the dividing line of history; it was the dividing line in their lives.    “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that... Continue Reading

The preacher expects us to take to heart both the urgent warning against a final departure from Christ and the admonition to assured confidence in God’s promise  without any whisper of contradiction. He doesn’t admonish us to doubt the inheritance that God assures us by his sworn oath and promise. God regularly uses warnings and... Continue Reading

There is nothing in the Christian’s heart—whether in the mind, desires, or will—that is untouched by God’s grace. Our hearts are enlightened, made pure, and established in the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We know God truly, love Him sincerely, and follow Him resolutely.   We call those white flakes that appear in... Continue Reading

Even if an angel from Heaven brought the Mormon gospel, Paul warns us not to believe it. At this point, gently ask them if they know the gospel Paul preached. If they don’t, share the true gospel of salvation—Ephesians 2:8-9.   I want to make a promise to you. After reading this, you’ll be prepared... Continue Reading

As we think of Jesus, he was radical in the way he served people. In a culture that despised the idea of “servanthood” Jesus was eventually murdered on a cross for his heart of service to the world.    Counter Cultural in Age of Ego-Centeredness “Take all I can!” That seems like what I see... Continue Reading

To start asking the “what” questions too early can do more harm than good, as if we are denying that what’s happening to us is real and that we are terribly sad because of it. But at some point, by God’s grace, shifting that one word can make a world of difference. It can move... Continue Reading

 Even if you or I genuinely love God and delight in him, which of us can put our hand on our heart and say that we do this perfectly? Which of us does not have times—sadly, many times—when what consumes our hopes and affections is not God but some blessing we hope God will give... Continue Reading

The discussions of unity in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 2, 4, both mention church officers, but as gifts to his church that is one (1 Corinthians 12:28-30; Ephesians 4:11-16). Nothing in these texts suggests that the officers constitute the unity as Rome believes. Rather, officers serve the one church. In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, which gives... Continue Reading