C.H. Macintosh said “There are two grand facts which characterize Christianity, and mark it off from all that had gone before; and these are, first, man glorified in heaven; and secondly, God dwelling in man on the earth.” One result of Christ Glorified is the truth of the forerunner, a word found only once in […]
Every phase of life is a new beginning and a learning step in God’s School. These include our school days, our career, and choosing a life partner. The last phase is death. As we begin our physical lives as a baby, we also begin our spiritual lives as babes the day we accept Christ as […]
As a young boy, my family attended a local church where they would annually have a “stewardship Sunday” – where stewardship meant how much money you would give to God for the coming year. It seems they missed the point. God has already given all that we have (not just money) and we are to […]
As a scientist and convinced Christian, I frequently encounter people who presuppose that everything can be explained by natural causes. This naturalistic view is especially common among my scientific colleagues. From this a whole set of conclusions follow, which are often assumed without checking the evidence. So, the objectivity which many scientists claim is not […]
Teaching, preaching, writing, and articulating the need for more serious shepherding work in the assemblies are not common in our time. Practical pastoral theology, relating theology to ministry is seldom discussed even among church leaders. However, postmodern times challenge us with the urgent need for a profound commitment to the biblical mandate of pastoral (shepherding) […]
As Richard walked into the chapel on a snowy Sunday morning, he was reminded by a brother that he was scheduled to lead the singing. “I completely forgot!” he said. He quickly sat down and thumbed through the hymnal to find a few of his favorite songs. The piano player sat down at 11:03 and […]
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 […]