Does doctrine matter? (Doctrine – didachē – teaching) Is it important? Do our souls depend on an accurate understanding of “doctrinal matters,” and an adherence to them? Many who claim to be believers in Jesus would answer with a negative to the former questions. We are familiar with mantras like, “The Man, not the plan,” or, “Relationship …
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The first epistle to the Thessalonians begins with a thankful remembrance of the faith displayed by the recipients of the letter. It impresses us with the power of our actions. Even the great apostle Paul was astounded by the faith of these brethren. Genuine faith can reach beyond the limits of our known geography. Paul …
Continue reading The Thessalonians’ Example
After facing the Sanhedrin, Jesus was bound and sent to Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea (cf. Matthew 27:1-2). With several false accusations brought against Jesus, and upon questioning Him personally, Pilate determined His innocence (cf. Luke 23:4; John 18:38). After learning Jesus belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, Pilate sent Him over, and Herod sent Him back …
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The gospel reveals the centrality of Christ in all things. In fact, the gospel is the eternal plan of God to return everything to its proper order in Christ (cf. Ephesians 1:9-10; 3:10-11). The world is more Christ-centered than it might think, and for this unawareness it is not nearly as Christ-centered as it should …
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Panacea. A cure-all. A solution to all problems. A universal remedy. Is there any such thing? The notorious COVID-19 says otherwise. This particular coronavirus is a novel virus, which means it is new, thus, unknown. Unknown to epidemiologists, and unknown to the human body. Ergo, there is not a known cure. No panacea exists, else …
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Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). His statement is profound, and bold. He did not say to Thomas, “I am a truth,” or even “I am truth,” but “I am the truth” – the definite article narrowing the field. Webster defines truth as “(a)(1): the body of real …
Continue reading The Nature of Truth and Our Obligation to It
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13) The charge to work out our own salvation would be a depressing one if it were not for the Divine component. The scripture is replete with …
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“For the word of God is living and powerful.” (Hebrews 4:12) Edward Bulwer-Lytton famously wrote, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” This was not an empty suggestion, but a keen observation. History has shown the written word to have immense power. Yet, it is not words themselves that contain effective energy. The lesser the …
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“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) The profundity of Jesus’ words must be taken into consideration. We often skim over this statement without stopping to ponder its deep spiritual implications. We take it to be one of the simpler statements of inspired truth. Yet, the …
Continue reading the Digest (Issue 2.6): Worship in Spirit and Truth
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as …
Continue reading the Digest (Issue 2.5): Walking in the Light – 1 John 1 – Abuse and Misapplication