Power to Become Sons of God
John, in his prologue indicated that Jesus’ own nation would reject Him, but not completely. He wrote, “But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on his name” (John 1:11, ASV). The KJV translates the same passage to read, “But to […]
The Unknown Creator and Savior
The writer of the gospel of John was very careful to make certain that his readers knew the work of John the Baptist — that he came to bear witness of Jesus, the Light. Having said that, the writer hastened to add that John was not the Light. He was just the witness to the […]
Are You a Legalist?
Most Christians have, at one time or another, been accused of being a “legalist.” Of course, the term “legalist” is used in derision intending that we would run backwards in horror of being connected with the nasty “L” word. In most religious circles, the term “legalist” is connected to the Pharisees and its meaning is […]
The Witness of John
John, in his gospel’s prologue (1:1-5), identified Jesus as a shining light that darkness could not “apprehend” or overcome. He then added, “There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light that all might believe through him” (John 1:6-8). John […]
Is It Wrong to Call Names?
Many people say it is wrong to call names from the pulpit or in a bulletin or periodical. They say it is “unchristian,” mean-spirited, and unnecessary. To them, it is anathema. Such people walk by sight, not by faith (cp. 2 Cor. 5:7). They do not get their attitude from the Bible, but the world–since […]
Where Is the Ark of the Covenant?
For the Israelites, God’s presence was associated with the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:22). This was a sacred chest of wood overlaid with gold in which Moses placed the two stone tablets of the Law. While the Israelites dwelled in the wilderness, the ark was kept in the Most Holy compartment of the tent […]
Introduction to John
The gospel according to John is the fourth account of the life of Jesus. The writer stated his purpose in his composition of his account, saying, “Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples which are not written in this book, but these are written that you might believe that Jesus […]
An “Intelligent Design” Mandate
In October 2004, the small town of Dover, Pennsylvania became the first community in the United States to require the teaching of “intelligent design” in biology class as an alternative to evolution. “Intelligent design” is a concept that attributes the universe’s complexity to the work of an undefined intelligent force. As you might imagine, Dover’s […]
This New Year Can’t …
Our country emphasizes the changes of a new year. Many Christians, including me, are caught up in the joy and anticipation of renewal in their lives. That’s not at all “bad”, for such feelings may inspire one to reform his attitude and revise his actions. However, this new year is only a calculation of time. […]
Bound, But Not Bound
Paul wrote to Timothy in his second letter: “Wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds as a malefactor: but the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). Several years had passed from that fateful day in Jerusalem when an adversary of Paul’s from Ephesus spied him in the temple and cried out, “Men of […]