The “doctrine of the Incarnation” is no bad phrase as long as we remember that it is only a shorthand way of affirming that something happened, something actually was done and that it was God who did it. When we … Continue reading
John Drum
He reminded the Thessalonians how he and his fellow-servants had lived among them and taught them (1 Thessalonians 2:12), “To live lives worthy of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” Of course he was talking to individuals! … Continue reading
“For my sake!” Not because it’s fashionable or prudent or rewarding or exhilarating. “For my sake!” Not because it’s the right thing to do or it’s what we’ve always done or it’s what others expect of us. “For my sake!” … Continue reading
The early Christians began with the fact of Jesus. To be with him was more than to hear truth revealed; to be in his presence was to be in the presence of revelation—he was revelation! Anyone who has been on … Continue reading
That’s an ugly expression but it reflects on an ugly thing that has become part of Western Christianity. In a world where individualism is pandemic and our “rights” have become a near obsession “church shopping” isn’t too shabby a phrase … Continue reading
Baptism declares the faith of the one submitting to it. It tells the meaning and nature of that person’s faith. It means they not only understand certain truths about Christ but that they’re making a personal commitment to him and … Continue reading
I’ve made the point on a number of occasions that in the NT people were called to be baptized to take on them the name of Jesus and so be saved. That being the case that’s what we should be … Continue reading
The Christians in the New Testament had all been baptized in water (F.F. Bruce in his commentary on Acts simply says that the NT knows nothing about unbaptized Christians). The church was a baptized community and their baptism said that … Continue reading
How do you get saved? The very question makes it sound like we save ourselves, and that couldn’t be further from the truth! God alone is the Savior in Jesus Christ. But because God cannot and will not save us … Continue reading
This is said of God: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:15) He triumphed over all the powers and authorities, whoever or whatever they are, … Continue reading