By: Rob Sullivan About twenty years or so before Pontius Pilate assumed control of Judea, a Procurator by the name of Caponius was installed by Rome. The year was 6AD. His governorship would set in motion the fulfillment of one of the most important predictions found...
“…And they two [husband and wife] shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Eph. 5:31-32 Each of these seven bride unions have something unique to their relationship, not shared by the others. Considering only these main differences, the composite of these special features gives a […]
If one was to ask the question “what the greatest need in the church is today?”, a considerable list of items could be proposed, all of which would have some merit. However, above all, the greatest need in the church today is the restoration of our love for Christ. Let’s consider therefore how our love […]
Habakkuk 2:2 – 3:19 In this third installment of a three part series, Warren Henderson takes us through the personal struggles that the prophet Habakkuk experienced in the life of faith – valuable lessons for believers in any age as they work through the problem of evil. The prophet had questioned God’s method of chastening […]
“Things surely believed among us…” Acts 1:1 I am reminded of the old lady, who before retiring at night would look heavenward and say, “Perhaps tonight Lord?” In the morning, she would again look up and say, “Perhaps today Lord?” She lived with anticipation, expectation, and certainty of the imminent return of her Saviour. Is […]
Habakkuk 1:9 – 2:1 In this second installment of a three part series, Warren Henderson takes us through the personal struggles that the prophet Habakkuk experienced in the life of faith – valuable lessons for believers in any age as they work through the problem of evil. The book commenced with the prophet lifting up […]
Sometimes runners will double-knot their laces. Doing so gives them confidence that their shoes will be secured to the end of the race. The Greek word ou mē (G3364) is a composite of two negative words: ou (G3756) meaning not, and mē (G3361) also meaning not. This compounded word significantly drives home the negative meaning, […]
What takes place the moment we believe in the Lord Jesus? We know that something life-changing occurred, but what really happened? 1. We were born again (Jn. 3:5-6; I Pet. 1:23) At the moment of believing, God imparted to us divine life. In the Bible, this is called “regeneration” “He saved us, not on the […]
In this first of a three part series, Warren Henderson takes us through the personal struggles that the prophet Habakkuk experienced in the life of faith – valuable lessons for believers in any age as they work through the problem of evil. A Burden to Be Lifted (1:1) Habakkuk referred to his received message as […]
I grew up in a Bible-believing church that celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ once each week in a meeting called “The Lord’s Supper.” The meeting is unlike communion services in mainline evangelical churches in that it is a service where men who have trusted in Jesus Christ can stand up to share […]
During the apostolic era, pioneering efforts pertained to missionaries visiting regions that had never heard of Jesus Christ previously. Though believers were rigorously opposed by the devil, many souls were saved and new local churches sprang up throughout the Roman Empire. Those responding to the gospel were to be discipled and cared for in local […]
Much of Scripture is narrative, that is, the stories or accounts of events. The challenge for the preacher is to make the story relevant for today. There is a need to develop a lesson or lessons from the account with meaning(s) and application(s) for today. Much of Scripture is narrative, that is, the stories or accounts […]
Despite a new wave of contemporary church buzzwords like relational, relevant, and intentional, people who show up on Sundays are looking for the same thing, which has long anchored most services: Bible-based in-depth preaching. According to Gallup researcher Lydia Saad, who conducted her poll in 2017, the number one reason Americans go to church today is “Sermons that […]
It is the business of servants of Christ to proclaim the Word of truth to a lost world. But the mere statement of gospel truth, apart from the power of the Holy Spirit, is not likely to bring many results. It is true that God in His sovereignty may use His Word, no matter who […]
This is the order of Scripture: The Word of God is proclaimed, heard or read; the Spirit of God convicts the sinner, bringing him to the place where he desires to be saved, and is ready to receive Christ. Believing the gospel, he is justified by faith. Let me give a word to those who […]
The year of 1871 was a critical one for D. L. Moody. He had been greatly used of God, but felt that something was lacking. He realized more and more how little he was fitted with personal talents for his work and how much he needed the Holy Spirit’s power. He continued to hunger for […]
Some people like knives; others like guns; others like bows and arrows. I have a favorite weapon that is extremely effective at close and long range, day or night, in all weather. It can get through any metal detector or x-ray machine. I know! I have taken it with me on all kinds of public […]
We read in Ephesians 5:18, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? It means to be controlled by the Spirit of God. God wants us to enjoy our relationship with Him. When the Lord Jesus […]
There are certain questions which are foundational to Christian doctrine and practice. For example, “Where do we find authoritative revelation from God?” If the answer is “the Bible plus subsequent books,” we shall arrive at Mormonism or Islam. If the answer is “the Bible plus the teachings of the Church,” we will become Roman Catholics. […]
The Bible is God’s life-transforming message for the church; therefore, we are exhorted to declare “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). We read early in the book of Acts that the believers, “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Paul counsels Timothy, “Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2). The Word of God taught in the power of the Holy Spirit is an indispensable discipline for the local church.