In his sermon on Pentecost Peter charged his listeners with crucifying the Son of God. Many of those listeners responded, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of […]
What Is the Gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38? Read More »
The term “Christian” is used in so many different ways and applied to so many different things in modern times that its real meaning is lost on many people. In this article we will examine the word’s actual New Testament usage and determine its meaning from those texts. Though other related terms and descriptions are
What Is a Christian? Read More »
My last paper article addressed the subject of immigration and the right of a nation under its God-ordained laws (Romans 13) to control who enters its country. This article addresses spiritual citizenship and the nature of the Christian’s life upon the earth and his relationship to it. The apostle Peter wrote, “Dearly beloved, I beseech
Strangers and Pilgrims Read More »
The words of our title come from Philippians 2:12. The very next verse begins with “for,” which introduces reason. Thus, verse 13 needs to be considered with verse 12. Paul said, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your
“Work Out Your Own Salvation” Read More »
The “political correctness” of the social sphere has produced a kind of religious correctness among religious people. This has led to the popular notion that Christians are not to be critical of any type of behavior that they consider to be sinful and wrong. It is alleged that “true” Christians will have a “live and
I recently heard someone compare Bible baptism to waterboarding. I have heard baptism ridiculed in many ways over the years, but this is the first time that I have heard such a crude comparison. Waterboarding is a coercive interrogation technique that simulates drowning. The subject is strapped face up to a downward angled board and
Is Baptism Like Waterboarding? Read More »
Tragedies happen every day, and many involve the loss of human life. Some are the result of criminal action by other humans. Some are caused by accidents. Some are from natural catastrophes. Others are health-related. Regardless of the cause, the effect is suffering, destruction, distress and often death. Tragedies remind us that some events are
When Tragedy Strikes Read More »
Millions of Americans are about to celebrate the day of Thanksgiving. “Thanksgiving” means different things to different people. Most Americans likely think of a specific day in November when they hear the word “thanksgiving.” It is traditionally a day for gathering with family and eating a turkey dinner. Family members have an opportunity to visit.
While oral and written instructions are effective means of communication, examples can be even more effective. This is well understood by those of us who have assembled complicated products. Good directions are important, but diagrams and illustrations enable us to see the directions applied. They add another layer of instruction. This is also true of examples.
Examples Of Conversion In The Book Of Acts Read More »
For decades we have seen churches focus more and more on social and secular programs and less and less on sin. The reasons are obvious. Sin is an unpopular topic. People are not comfortable hearing sin openly discussed, defined and condemned. They are made to feel guilty about their own short-comings, bad attitudes and bad
