Who Is a Prophet?
The first individual to be identified as a prophet was Abraham (Gen. 20:7). The word “prophesy” means to “bubble up like a fountain,” signifying that there is an inner source which moves him to speak. There are three words pertinent to our study are prophet, prophecy, and prophesy. A prophet is the person who prophesies. Prophecy […]
“36,000 Scripture Quotations”
While doing some study concerning the lives of Christians who lived in the first through fourth centuries, I came across some facts that amazed and humbled me. I learned that the writings of Christians living in those times were Bible-centered, focusing most of the content of their writings on the New Testament. Biblical scholars like […]
“Affirmation of Baptismal Faith”
In late 2018, the Church of England issued pastoral guidance that “advises clergy to refer to transgender people by their new name” in a newly-announced baptism-style ceremony for transgender people to be welcomed into the Anglican faith. This new, celebratory service is called the “Affirmation of Baptismal Faith,” at which the person may be “presented […]
A Vision for the Future
Several passages in the New Testament describe the end of time and the coming judgment. Jesus’ coming is described as “thief in the night” and at that time the “heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:10). Paul said, “Behold, I tell you a […]
The Faith of an Atheist
Just this past week, I had the opportunity to talk with a self-proclaimed atheist. I found it to be a rather interesting conversation. He discussed several things which he found to be adequate evidence, none of which stood to any measure of inspection. Yet, he vehemently stood firm on the grounds of scientific discovery. He […]
What Is Religious Authority?
In Matthew 21:25, Jesus posed a question to the scribes and Pharisees. He asked them if the baptism of John was from heaven or men. The Lord was asking them to make a decision of whose authority must be followed. The scribes and Pharisees seemed to know the answer, but they did not answer because […]
The Baptism of Fire
John the Baptist says in Matthew 3:11, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” This statement is sadly taken out of context by certain people […]
Who Will Be in Hell?
Rob Well, a preacher from Grand Rapids, Michigan, has ignited a debate on the Internet over the subject of who will be in hell. An eye-catching promotional video for the book posted on YouTube criticizes the belief that a select number of Christians will spend eternity in the bliss of heaven while everyone else is […]
Does Heaven Exist?
In an interview published Monday, May 16, 2011 in The Guardian newspaper, Stephen Hawking — the world-renowned theoretical physicist — finds no room for heaven in his vision of the cosmos. The 69-year-old says the human brain is like a computer that will stop working when its components fail. “There is no heaven or afterlife […]
Is the Bible Relevant? #2
Is the Bible relevant to you? Although there are a lot of times when we reject the relevance of the Bible, the truth is we need it. First, we need the Bible when we are riddled with guilt. Joseph’s brothers were riddled with guilt when they thought they had killed him (Genesis 42:21). When we […]