No Shame?
The idea that shame has no place at all in the life of the believer says too much.
Regeneration: The Bestowal of New Life
Regeneration is not a cooperative effort between God and man. God initiates the new birth by reaching down to us in love, mercy, and grace and lifting us from our lifeless condition. We do not meet Him halfway.
A Mother’s Shield
Mothers are not generally regarded as warriors. However, the Bible describes some mothers who fought in a hand-to-hand combat for their children.
Fans or Followers?
The crowd who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem may have been fans of Jesus, but they certainly weren’t followers of Jesus.
The Return of the Master (Part 2)
Jesus is serious about His disciples working while He is away. Why do you think that you will be more fervent about serving Him tomorrow if you are unwilling to serve Him today?
The Return of the Master (Part 1)
Because we don’t know when Jesus will return, we must always be ready. To be ready is to be faithfully working for Christ. There is no time for casualness or time-wasting. The Master is coming. We must be working.
The Paralysis of the Fear of Man
Have you ever squandered a clear opportunity to testify about Jesus? The fear of man is strong. But we can consider ourselves in light of Who God is and fear Him most of all.
Expressing Gratitude to God
Whether spontaneously uttered, purposefully remembered, or extensively prepared, our gratefulness to God for Who He is and what He has done for us should be expressed regularly.
Prophetic Significance of the Temple Mount
The past two weeks have seen amazing events taking place in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount. These events may well be a precursor to the fulfillment of important prophecies relating to the end times.
Truly Free
What does it mean to be spiritually free? It speaks of a status that is not true of everyone in this world.
On Hank Hanegraaff’s Conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy
Within quite a few supposedly evangelical churches, we are witnessing the adoption of Catholic and Orthodox aesthetics and liturgical practices even where official allegiance to Catholicism or Orthodoxy is not claimed.
The Importance of Church Membership
Church membership actually matters and is not only biblical, but practical and pastoral.
Justification and the Gospel
Any putative gospel that denies justification through faith alone is a false gospel, whatever other elements of truth it may contain.
Healthy Church
What is a healthy church? A healthy church is one that maintains its first love.
A Sword Will Pierce Your Soul
The real meaning of Christmas is a message of hope flooding a darkened world with marvelous light, healing old wounds, reviving broken dreams, and setting the captives free.
The Channel of Peace
Sometimes the water we are trying to navigate gets a little shallow, doesn’t it? This is the precise time we need to sail into God’s channel of peace.
The Simple Solution to Unleashing the Spirit . . . No, Really!
The Gospel of Luke gives us a wonderful window into how Jesus changed the world in three short years. Luke shows that prayer played a vital role.
‘I Do All Things for the Sake of the Gospel’
“I do all things for the sake of the gospel.” So said Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:23. I wonder whether this verse can sustain all the freight that has been loaded onto it over the years.
What Does ‘Judge Not’ Mean?
One of the more frequent retorts that is thrown at Christians is that we are not to judge. Unfortunately, some Christians have picked up on this and are propagating it too.
The Foundation of Christianity
Every philosophy rests on certain pillars—certain foundation stones. The gospel is Christianity’s foundation.
The Emotions of Easter
Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions that took the followers of Jesus on a wild ride during His last week?
Redemption’s Blueprint
The death of Christ was not the mere actions of the frenzied mood of misled Jews. Christ’s death was part of God’s purposeful plan.
What about Muslims?
Controversy over Islam is increasing both within American religion and among American political candidates. How are Christians, and especially Baptists, supposed to think about Muslims?
Twelve of the Most Annoying Arguments Used against Biblical Creation
In the debate concerning evolution and the age of the earth, certain arguments I grow tired of hearing. We spend so much time dealing with silly ideas that we cannot move on to the real meat of the issues.
The Groan and the Glory
An axiom of the Christian life is, Those who are truly saved will suffer. Living in the here and now means some degree of struggle.
Resolution: Same-Sex Marriage
2015 GARBC Annual Conference resolution, passed by voting messengers, Same-Sex Marriage.
Resolution: Our Connection to Christ
2015 GARBC Annual Conference resolution, passed by voting messengers, Our Connection to Christ.
Misdirected Love
The greatest danger facing the believer is not future persecution but daily love seduction from the world system.
Preaching Parables
When reading books or hearing sermons on parables, you may well encounter some interesting commentary. Too often people approach the Bible’s parables as if they were true accounts.
Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom: The Great Puzzle
The relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility (or free moral agency) has long been a fixation for me.
Baby/Child Dedications Biblical?
Q. Please comment on the practice in many churches of dedicating infants and children in a church service ceremony. Is there a Biblical basis for …
Value of Customary Church Membership
Q. Lately some friends have begun attending a church that doesn’t have membership; a person who simply attends is considered a member. Is this right?
A. In the last few decades an increasing number of churches have gone this route, particularly so-called megachurches. The Bible doesn’t specifically use the word member concerning local churches, and I am not going to judge those churches that do not have what we might call formal membership. However, I believe a positive, Biblically harmonious case can be made for it.
God Was Looking at the Heart
Q. Two verses, 1 Samuel 16:7 and 16:12, seem to contradict each other. Please explain.
A. Samuel was to anoint a new king to take the place of wicked King Saul. God instructed Samuel to go to Jesse the Bethlehemite to find a king among his sons. Verse 7 says that the Lord warned Samuel not to evaluate the sons by their looks, “for the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” After God indicated that the sons, one by one, were not whom He had in mind, verse 12 says that there was one son left, “so he sent and brought him [David] in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good looking. And the Lord said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!’”
Why Pray for Jerusalem’s Peace?
Q. Occasionally I hear preachers and others telling us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” How can this be right or even possible in …
A Personal Guardian Angel?
Q: I have a question about the belief some have that each Christian has a personal guardian angel that watches over and protects us through …
Kissing the Son
Q. Please comment on Psalm 2:12, which mentions “kissing the Son.” A. The phrase “kiss the Son” is figurative language, referring to the actual practice …
Interest in Ancestry, Genealogy Wrong?
Q: Is it wrong to invest time in genealogies, family trees, etc.? I refer to Titus 3:9. A: Titus 3:9 reads, “But avoid foolish disputes, …
Puzzled by 1,260 vs. 1,290 in Daniel
Q: In reading the book of Daniel, I came across something that appears to be contradictory. Daniel 12:11 says 1,290 days, while my understanding from …
Born of Water
Q: What does “born of water” in John 3:5 mean? A: Several views exist. Some believe it refers to water baptism, meaning that a person …
Jesus’ Disciples—Married?
Q: We’re convinced Jesus never married, contrary to what some attention-getting liberals have advanced lately, but what about His disciples? And if any of them …
Unleavened Bread Required for Communion?
Q. Are churches required to use bread without yeast in observing the Lord’s Table? A. Churches use a variety of elements in Communion bread, but …
Judging vs. Discerning?
Q. Please explain Matthew 7:1 in relation to our need to exercise discernment. A. The familiar verse is, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” …
Can Humans Attain Godhood?
Q. Recently I heard that a certain cult teaches we can become gods, based on Psalm 82:6 and John 10:33 and 34. Please comment. A. …
Already/Not Yet Theology: A look at the kingdom
I’m resuming this series after a break. I struggle with breaking this down into “bite-size” chunks. I already looked at how this type of language …
Last First and First Last; Many Called, Few Chosen
Q. Please explain what two curious statements mean Biblically: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30; cf. 20:16); and …
Hebrew and Greek Required for Spirituality?
Q. I have met some believers recently who say that to truly be spiritual, one must know the original languages of the Bible (Hebrew and …
Issues Surrounding Mankind’s Fall
Q. I have some questions about Adam and Eve when they sinned. Where was Adam when Eve was tempted? Also, why does Adam apparently get …
Should Baptists Observe Lent?
Prior to the 1970s, most Baptists did not observe Lent, a 40-day period of penance, voluntary fasting, and self-denial. Now several Baptist leaders are suggesting this should change.
Why Worship on Sunday?
Q. Why do we worship on Sunday instead of Saturday? Is it true that Sunday worship originated in Roman Catholicism? A. It may be true …
What Was Bad About the Knowledge of Good and Evil?
Q. In Genesis 3:22, God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil.” Many theologians say “Us” is …
Why Did They Need Manna?
Q. When the Hebrews left Egypt, they took their herds with them. Why didn’t they eat their flocks instead of complaining and receiving manna? Also, …
Should We Pray to Angels?
Q. Recently I was introduced to some literature by a group that says believers should petition angels. The group says that angels are our best …
Sign Gifts: What We Believe
Q. People in our fundamental circles believe that the so-called sign gifts in the early New Testament church, such as speaking in tongues, ceased and …
Why Aramaic?
Q. In Acts 23 or 24, Paul talks to his accusers in either Aramaic or Hebrew—it depends on which translation one reads. What is the …
Taking Communion Unworthily?
Q. Please comment on “unworthy” in 1 Corinthians 11:27. I’ll admit I sometimes am afraid of taking the Lord’s Supper unworthily. A. If you are …
“Angel” in Revelation 2:1
Q. Please comment as to who the “angel” is in Revelation 2:1. A. Revelation 2 and 3 include messages the Lord gave to the seven …
What about Polygamy?
Q. Legalizing polygamy has been in the news lately. If it’s wrong, why did so many Old Testament believers practice it? Why did they go …
Are We Commanded to Pray for the Salvation of the Lost?
Are we commanded to pray for the salvation of the lost? Mathew 9:37, 38 – Pray for laborers Acts 4:29–31 – Pray for boldness Colossians 4:2–4 …
When Did Lucifer Fall?
Q. Just when did Satan fall? Why did God allow Satan to fall, and why did God even create Satan in the first place? A.To …
The Death Angel in Exodus
Q. Please comment on Exodus 11 and 12, where the “death angel” supposedly killed the firstborn of any families who didn’t have blood sprinkled on …
New Wife for Job?
Q. After Job’s intense suffering, the Bible says he was given more than he had before his trials began, including seven sons and three daughters. …
John the Baptist, Landmarkers, and the Bride of Christ
Q. Recently I came across a person who insists that Baptists are the only true church because only Baptists can trace their heritage to John …
KJV-onlyism and the KJV Preface
By Daniel Hartwig Are you dealing with someone who insists that the King James Bible is the only valid Bible translation for churches to use …
Unsure of Ezekiel
Q. We are currently in Ezekiel in Sunday School, and I am stuck (I teach the adult class). I have a problem knowing which judgments …
God Asks Questions?
Q. Every now and then in Scripture, I read about God asking people questions. Why would God, Who knows everything, bother to ask people things? …
Questions in Exodus
Q. In Exodus 2:18, the priest of Midian and father of Zipporah (wife of Moses) is named Reuel. In Exodus 3:1, the father-in-law of Moses …
Passage Teaches “Prosperity Gospel”?
Q. Why should we oppose the “prosperity gospel” in the light of 3 John, verse 2? A. The verse reads, “Beloved, I pray that you …
Bauder: Follow-up on Rick Warren & John Piper
The IARBC meeting has come to a close, but during the meeting there was a Q&A with Kevin Bauder and Paul Hartog. Most of the questions …
An Exercise in Separation Otherwise Known as Discernment
Several months ago John Piper invited Rick Warren to be a part of the national Desiring God conference coming up this fall. This news has …
Good Friday or Good Thursday? When was Jesus actually crucified?
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days …
Theology Books for Kids
Andy and Jennifer Naselli recently reviewed theology books for younger children. Their reviews can be found here. To their list I would add and highly recommend …
Fundamentalism, Legalism, Mark Driscoll, and Faith
It’s interesting how certain things intersect. Mark Driscoll on the Resurgence blog has an eight-minute video about “fundamentalists” and their problems: “7 Ways to Know If …
You Have to Read This (an update to my last post)
Like I said, it’s funny how some things intersect. After viewing Mark Driscoll’s video and reading Faith Pulpit, you have to read Kevin Bauder’s latest In the Nick of …
Pope the Antichrist?
Q. Do you think the pontiff at Rome could be the Antichrist? A. Some people believe that the pope is indeed the Antichrist, regardless of …
Delivering a Person unto Satan
Q. Please explain what the apostle Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 5:5. A. The verse reads, “Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction …
The Missional Church: Video CliffsNotes
Many of you have heard the term “missional” before. It is a buzzword among churches that are seeking to be relevant in their communities in …
Further Follow-up on Manhattan Declaration
We’ve had a lot of discussion on the Manhattan Declaration. Here’s another follow-up with a helpful discussion guide put together by John Greening, who has been …
City of Palms
Q. Is Jericho also known in the Bible as the City of Palms? If so, I thought Jericho was destroyed by Joshua and not rebuilt …
Reconciling People and Places
Q. Is the story told in John 12:1-8 the same as the one in Matthew 26:6-13? I read a study that says so, but the …
Kept from the Tribulation
Q. Please explain what Revelation 3:10 means. A. The verse reads, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from …
A Look At Already/Not Yet Language
All right, getting back to looking at “already/not yet.” I have been thinking through the best way to break this down, and I’m going to …
Follow-up on the Manhattan Declaration
There still continues to be plenty of discussion about the Manhattan Declaration. To point out some of the better discussion: David Doran continues to jot …
The Manhattan Declaration
The Manhattan Declaration is starting to take the blogosphere (if nowhere else) by storm. Basically it’s a statement by a group of more or less …
Already & Not Yet? Looking into This Paradigm for Interpretation
Have you ever been discussing theology or reading a book and heard the speaker say something like, “Well, this is a case of the already/not …
Which Blogs Do You Follow?
Like many of you, I subscribe to various and sundry blogs in order to keep up on what’s out there in theology, church ministry, and …
Did Jesus Change the Rules?
Q. In Luke 9:1–6, Jesus told His followers not to take various necessities with them when they went out to minister. Why did He instruct …
Joseph Practiced Divination?
Q. In Genesis 44:5, it appears that Joseph practiced divination. I can’t imagine Joseph, the godly man he was, being involved with such. Also, I …
The New Covenant
An understanding of how the new covenant (Jer. 31:31ff.) integrates into dispensational theology is a much discussed point of theology. Questions like, “How does the new …
Biblical Apologetic Methodology by Dr. Myron Houghton (conclusion)
A final passage and then Dr. Myron concludes: (6) 2 Corinthians 4:3–6. In these verses there is both a problem and a solution. (a) The …
Biblical Apologetic Methodology by Dr. Myron Houghton (part 5)
Dr. Myron Houghton works through more Biblical evidence as he looks at another passage of Scripture. (5) 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. Introduction. In the first chapter, Paul tries …
Biblical Apologetic Methodology by Dr. Myron Houghton (part 4)
This week we look at a single passage in 1 Corinthians as Dr. Myron Houghton continues to examine the Biblical evidence: (4) 1 Corinthians 1:17-31. …
Biblical Apologetic Methodology by Dr. Myron Houghton (part 3)
Biblical information In this section of the paper, I want to examine six passages in the New Testament that will help us to develop a …
Biblical Apologetic Methodology (Part 2) by Dr. Myron Houghton
Here we get a summary of the evidentialist and presuppositionalist approaches to methodology. Next week will be the Biblical evidence. A METHODOLOGY FOR APOLOGETICS Evidential …
Biblical Apologetic Methodology by Dr. Myron Houghton (part 1)
We have the privilege of having a paper on apologetic methodology by Dr. Myron Houghton at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary that I’m dividing up into …
Resurrection Questions
Q. There’s a section of 1 Corinthians 15, verses 39-44, that simply doesn’t make sense to me. Please explain. A. Looking at the whole context …
“Destroy Both Body and Soul”
Q. What did Jesus mean when He told His disciples to “fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell,” if …
The “Science” of Motivation
The surprising science of motivation I ran into the video of this talk on Matt Perman’s blog. He said it was definitely worth the 18 minute investment …
Thinking about the Future
Al Mohler spoke about the future of the Southern Baptist Convention. While obviously specific to SBC issues, there is much that someone trying to reach this …
Theology Quiz
You know people have been doing those “25 random things about me” notes on Facebook recently . . . Right? . . . Okay, are …
God’s Sovereignty: Its necessity for our good
Why is God in control of His universe? As we read through the Bible, we see that God reveals Himself to people in love (Exod. …
A Refined Version of the Sine Qua Non (Part 4 of 4—Theology: Method and the Essence of Dispensationalism)
by Dr. Stallard At this point it is possible to formulate with more precision the essence of dispensationalism in light of the foregoing remarks. First, …
The Significance of Proper Theological Method (Part 3 of 4—Theology: Method and the Essence of Dispensationalism)
by Dr. Stallard It has been shown that dispensationalists and nondispensationalists approach the harmonizing of the Old and New Testaments in different ways. That is, …
Literal Hermeneutics (Part 2 of 4—Theology: Method and the Essence of Dispensationalism)
by Dr. Stallard The most basic objection that has been raised against dispensational literal hermeneutics is that the term “literal” does not possess such a …
Is World Peace Our Objective?
Q. Taking the view your group does on dispensationalism, premillennialism, and the pretribulational Rapture, I sense that you don’t believe in peacemaking in the world …
Last Trumpets Not the Same
Q. First Corinthians 15:51 and 52, apparently referring to the Rapture, link that great event with a sounding of the last trumpet. In Revelation 11:15-19, …
Seven instead of One?
Q. Why does Revelation 5:6 speak of seven Spirits, when there is only one Spirit? A. The “seven Spirits” should be regarded as “sevenfold Spirit,” …
Why at Night?
Q. Why did Nicodemus come to talk with Jesus during the night? A. Nicodemus appears three times in the Gospels; you are referring to the …
Theology: Method and the Essence of Dispensationalism (Part 1 of 4)
As Greg posted in his “Introduction to Christianity and Culture” we’re getting started on organizing and publishing this blog. We want you involved! I’m in …
Why So Little on Jesus’ Childhood?
Q. When one searches for information in Scripture on Jesus’ childhood, why do we find so little? One would think that more of Jesus’ example …
“Lily of the Valleys” and “Rose of Sharon”
Q. Is it right to call Jesus the “Lily of the Valleys” and “Rose of Sharon”? A. Song of Solomon 2:1 presents a conversation between …
Must Antichrist Be a Jew?
Q. I’ve always been under the impression that the Antichrist will be a Jew. Is this correct? A. The belief that the Antichrist will be …
When People Say Christmas Is Pagan
Q.What is a proper Christian response to people who claim Christmas and other Christian celebrations are pagan? A. First, if we are honest, we are …
Did They Go into Debt?
Q. I can’t understand 2 Corinthians 8:3. It appears that these believers, giving “beyond their ability,” were going into debt, and the Bible forbids indebtedness. …
Amillennialism: More Problems Than You Think
Q. How does one answer an amillennialist to prove Christ will reign a literal thousand years on earth? Revelation 20 clearly says so, but that …
Why Do Spirit-indwelt Christians Disagree?
Q. Why do believers, including Bible characters, have disagreements, when they all are supposedly indwelt by the same Holy Spirit? One would think that all …
Is Marriage a Covenant?
Q. Is marriage a covenant? A. I assume you are not asking about so-called covenant marriage, which has been in the news. In contrast to …
“Sin” or “Sins”?
Q. Which of these two words should we use—“sin” or “sins”? Is there any difference between the two? A. A fine passage to observe is …
Why the Word “Easter”?
Q. How did the word “Easter” get into Scripture? Easter has pagan connotations. A. Acts 12:4 is the single use of the word “Easter” in …
Into Outer Darkness
Q. Explain Matthew 22:13 and 25:30, where a person is said to be cast “into outer darkness.” Was the person a Christian? In Heaven, will …
Just Run and Finish the Race
Q. I’m concerned about coming in last, if that is the right way to put it, when it comes to Hebrews 12:1 and 2. It …
Witnessing to J.W.s—and Anyone
Q. Biblically, how does one witness to a Jehovah’s Witness? A. Your question reminds me of a story told by a pastor. A church member …
Does the Devil Make Us Do It?
Q. (1) Who was Jesus referring to when He said, “Get behind Me, Satan” in Matthew 16:23? (2) What did Jesus mean when He called …
Adam and Eve—Did They Repent?
Q. Did Adam and Eve ever repent after their sinning in the Garden of Eden? A. Initially they didn’t, of course. The Biblical account shows …