Implications of Sola Scriptura
Sola scriptura is a term first applied during the Reformation period that refers to the acceptance of Scripture alone as the only infallible source of truth, and therefore the highest and final authority in all matters of faith and practice. But as alluded to in a previous post, the term…
Jesus is Coming Again
“…this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Act 1:11). A beloved southern gospel song starts with the words “Jesus is coming soon…” While no one knows how soon, all who read and…
Helping Grace
This is post #2 in a series on Grace. Grace is a gem with many facets. Peter said as much when he admonished us, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10) "Manifold"…
Why Are There So Many Problems In Marriages? (Part 2)
Most Couples Live For Their Lusts James 4:1-10, From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not,…
Pie in the Sky or Steak on the Plate: What is Christianity?
The old preacher once said, “I’m glad for the pie in sky when I die, but I’d like some steak on my plate while I wait!” Although this is a lighthearted remark, sadly, it is representative of the way a vast number of people understand classical Christianity. The idea advanced…
Achieving Greatness
(outline adapted from Mark 9:30-41) There is nothing wrong with wanting to be great. Everything is wrong, however, with pursuing greatness outside of the parameters set by Christ. Just as the mistakes of the first-born child can serve to instruct his younger siblings and protect them from repeating his errors,…
Priestly Praying
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood…a royal priesthood…” “…and hath made us…priests unto God…“ I Peter 2:5, 9 (selected) Revelation 1:6 Levitical priesthood law, according to Hebrews 7:11-19, has changed. “There was made of necessity a change” because the priests who were Aaron’s…
First, Grace
This is post #1 in a series on Grace. Perhaps the most famous hymn in Christendom is John Newton's "Amazing Grace". It can arguably be said that no one described grace better than he when he said, Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,That saved a wretch; like me!I once was…
Why Are There So Many Problems in Marriages? (Part 1)
As a Pastor and Biblical Counselor for many years, I have counseled many people about their marriage. Several years ago, I could see that so many of the people we counseled for marital problems (and other problems) all had a common issue. I would ask, "What is your relationship with the…
The Bible, Our Sole Authority
What is a Baptist? As a church-planting missionary in a majority Catholic country, I frequently need to give a brief explanation of what constitutes a Baptist. The answer is quite simple. But as the common saying goes, the devil is in the details. A Baptist is one who accepts the…