Still Unforgivable Many Christians, if asked, will tell you that there is no sin for which Christ did not die. They can be forgiven for this mistake because in the wide range of every possible sin, there is exactly one sin for which Christ did not die. Others argue that the one sin Christ said…
God Uses Weakness
Aaron’s Loss Leviticus 10 begins with the family of Aaron experiencing two losses. Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before…
Never Weary of Good
Confidence In Obedience Paul concludes his second letter to the church in Thessalonica with a reminder of remain faithful. Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful. He will…
Purpose of Punishment
Many people consider punishment to be unnecessary cruelty. Parents are told they will raise warped children if they spank them. Overincarceration is the reason given for seemingly every social woe that communities already riddled with crime experience. Even when people acknowledge the need for imprisonment, it is with an eye to rehabilitation only. There are…
Sign of Jonah
Seeking Signs Jesus performed many supernatural wonders during his earthly ministry. Many were healed, demons were cast out, he walked on water, and even saved a wedding by turning water into wine for the celebrations. On many of these occasions, the scribes and Pharisees opposed him upon the basis of the signs themselves. They claimed…
Nations In Judgement
Collective Judgement There are many examples in scripture of a people becoming so wicked that God judges them collectively. Sodom and Gomorrah likely comes to mind for many readers (Genesis 19). However, there are also examples of peoples who were warned of judgement, but that judgement was stayed because they repented. Perhaps many are thinking…
What Is Prayer?
Most people understand that prayer is an important aspect of Christian life. Jesus, during his ministry to the disciples who would be the foundation of his church, didn’t leave them without instruction on this important practice. We find such instruction in Matthew 6. Not for Others Before providing an example of prayer, Jesus knew it…
Do Not Abuse Patience
Flood Witness Uniformitarianism as a scientific paradigm became popular in the 18th century. However, it has been the worldview of scoffers from time immemorial. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4…
Unworthy World
Hall of Faith Many modern commentators and teachers refer to the eleventh chapter of Hebrews as the “Hall of Faith”. Like a typical Hall of Fame, this chapter lists the names of many of the “greats” of the faith. It lists of people of God who remained faithful to God in spite of adversity. These…
What Is In Man
Jesus’s Ministry Begins John 2 begins with the record of the first of Jesus’s signs. This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. John 2:11 He was at a wedding and they had run out of wine. Being pressed by his mother to…