John 3:16
A sign on one of the churches close to my home says, “John 3:16: Read it, believe it. Enough said!” If that is really enough, then why does the Bible mention so many other requirements to obeying the gospel. If it is “Enough said,” then why did God say to repent of our sins? Jesus […]
Operation Entebbe
In July 1976, Israeli commandos made a daring raid at an airport in Entebbe, Uganda, in which 103 Jewish hostages were freed. In less than 15 minutes, the soldiers had killed all seven of the kidnappers and set the captives free. As successful as the rescue was, however, three of the hostages were killed during […]
“Woman, Why Weepest Thou?”
There will be times of tears in our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:4 says, “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (cp. Psalm 30:5). After Jesus had been crucified there were many tears shed. Mary Magdalene was in tears, not only because of the death of […]
What Those “Steps” Mean
It was less than 150 years ago that Walter Scott devised a simple way to impress his hearers with the relation of obedient faith to blessings in Christ. He taught children to count on their fingers: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, and Be baptized. Then, and now, it is obvious that children and adults could learn […]
Are You a Christian?
“Christian.” It is a name or title that so many people want to wear in our modern-day world. Saying that you are a Christian according to the world today though carries with it so few obligations. If you believe in God, you’re a Christian. If you attend a “church” once in a while, you’re a […]
“Change We Can Believe In”
This was a popular political mantra in 2008, but it can also direct our thoughts to a much higher spiritual principle. Our world constantly changes, and this is no more apparent than in technological changes over the past 50 years. Our grandparents rode in horse-drawn buggies, and our grandchildren will be able to travel into […]
Saved “in the Twinkling of an Eye”?
“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh, and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherits incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, […]
“One Thing Thou Lackest”
I don’t think anyone likes to think that they are lacking in anything. Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). He […]
Is Your Baptism Valid?
Christians are often placed in situations where they must define the role of baptism. This has caused many to accuse us of believing in “water salvation.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Baptism that is administered as God prescribes in His word must meet certain guidelines. There are many religious bodies who practice a […]
Is Baptism “Spiritual Regeneration”?
Denominational writers are more and more interpreting passages such as 1 Peter 3:21 as “spiritual regeneration.” This is a relatively new position in that almost all of the older denominational commentators acknowledged that baptism used the element of water. For example, popular writer John MacArthur, in his comments on 1 Peter 3:21, says, “Peter here […]