Christianity without a passion for doctrine should really be an oxymoron in our minds, because it simply does not make sense. We would not trust a scientist who claims, “I don’t study science; I only practice it.” We would not trust a doctor who says, “I don’t study anatomy; I just operate.” Yet when it comes […]
» Read moreWhat is Theology? Theology is a word which many tremble at as they picture dry academics and controversy which only real “Bible students” can understand. While this can appear to be a sort of humility, it is actually an ignorant position that produces needless fear. We need to understand what theology is before we can question its necessity. […]
» Read moreBelievers are facing a tremendous battle in Western culture, namely over tolerance, relativism, and subjectivity. The media, Hollywood, mainstream “Christianity,” education, and any other outlet of information all bombard us with the message that respect toward every belief is the highest virtue. We know in our minds that this doesn’t align with reality, but with such a massive force of […]
» Read moreWe are faced with two options for a wake up call from God: revival or persecution. Both cause God’s people to take their Christianity more seriously. Though they take different forms, the resolve necessary is basically the same when facing either: to hold Scripture as sufficient and Christ as supreme. It is a high view of God and a radical […]
» Read moreThe quality of a person’s Christianity has always determined the extent of his endurance. When persecution hits and we are called to endure it, we will not have time for flippant or weak Christianity. We will need backbone. We will need conviction. We will need maturity. We will need people who know what they believe and why they believe it, […]
» Read moreShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced similar threats as Daniel did, but at least they had each other. Daniel apparently only had himself. (Of course, we will see that this wasn’t his mentality). Where will we be when all our moral support is gone and everybody except our own self turns against God and therefore against us? Now, it may be […]
» Read moreWe are normally quick to hail the bravery of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego and try in some superficial measure to learn from them; but we should admit to ourselves that we often view their situation as being long ago and far away, thus lacking true potential for changing our lives. But the reality is, these men existed. These men had […]
» Read moreFrom a large-scale perspective, revival and persecution are very close in purpose for the people of God. Revival restores them to spiritual vitality and an impactful collective testimony. Persecution purges them to spiritual purity and singleness in affection toward God. Revival positively raises us toward spiritual maturity. Persecution negatively cleanses against spiritual complacency and immaturity. Persecution pushes Christians together; revival […]
» Read moreIn examining revival lessons from Acts 19, the first thing we notice is that only Paul and not Apollos had the privilege in God’s sovereign purposes to see revival in Ephesus. Apollos had his work in Corinth. Paul had his in Ephesus, and it was there that the Word spread like wildfire. Was the work in Corinth of less dignity? […]
» Read moreThe Word of God is always the means of the Spirit of God to bring conviction of sin and restoration to the Christian community. Apart from the Word of God, there will be no work from God. And as long as we have the idea that we can somehow separate the power of God from the clear, consistent teachings of […]
» Read more