The doctrine of hereditary depravity is certainly not new to the scene. This age-old doctrine has led many astray throughout its existence, and has contributed to the birth of other false doctrines. Hereditary depravity is the idea that the original sin of Adam and Eve is inherited at birth. It also teaches, “from this original …
Continue reading The Patternists: Violations of the Pattern: Hereditary DepravityArticles
The given text records the first four disciples called by our Lord after being tempted in the wilderness (cf. 4:1-11). These four men were “two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew” and “two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John.” In order to understand their response to the Lord’s demand, it is important …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22In Paul’s first letter to young Timothy he labels the church as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). This language paints an image of the church that must be understood. Truth is that which always has been, and always will be. It is objective in nature, and therefore is independent of …
Continue reading Article: The Pillar and Ground of the TruthAnyone would think it absurd to turn away from a sincere, loving, and caring individual to a self-serving, manipulative, and hateful one. However, ironically Paul found the Corinthians acting thusly. Their actions were instigated by certain false teachers who claimed to be apostles themselves. The Corinthians were greatly influenced by their deception to the degree …
Continue reading Article: Paul’s Concern For All The ChurchesIn his time of lament after his transgression with Bathsheba, David pleaded with the Lord to forgive him. He recognized the putrid nature of sin, and that his involvement with it had tainted him. In Psalm 51, David explains the power of the Lord to cleanse us of our sins. He wrote, “Purge me with …
Continue reading Article: Whiter Than SnowOf the letters written to the seven churches in Asia, the one addressed to Smyrna was one of two without complaint. This letter is one of immense encouragement to the church experiencing great persecution. Under the rule of Domitian, emperor worship was obligatory. The Christians in Smyrna found themselves in trials day after day, choosing …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11On Facebook, and other social media sites, it is not uncommon to see various pictures of people sitting in a comfortable chair, legs elevated, a cup of coffee in hand, and an open Bible in their lap. In part, this is encouraging to see. We must have an interest in God’s word! However, it is …
Continue reading The Patternists: Violations of the Pattern: Eisegetical Study VS Exegetical StudyJude describes the false teachers as “spots in your love feasts.” He likely refers to common interaction amongst Christians due to their love for one another. This often included feasting (cf. Acts 2:46). However, we note that such feasts were forbidden in the assembly (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:17-22). These “certain men” were causing harm to …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Jude 12-15HEAVEN Live Faithfully (cf. Revelation 2:10) Be Baptized (cf. Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) Confess Christ (cf. Romans 10:9) Repent of You Sins (cf. Acts 2:38) Believe the Word (cf. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38) Hear the Word (cf. Romans 10:17) The Bible clearly defines the steps to heaven. In order to obtain salvation each step …
Continue reading Article: Six Steps to HeavenLove is the crux of scripture. It is the cornerstone of our faith. It is paramount in our salvation. Love can be both positive, and negative. The ultimate condition is placed upon the object of our love. The Bible describes various things we are encouraged, and expected to love. However, it also reveals certain objects, …
Continue reading Article: Rightly Directed and Misdirected Love