The Brotherliness and Sisterliness of Faith - this post's title is derived from a chapter in a book by Ian Hamilton "The Faith-Shaped Life." The focus of Hamilton's chapter is Christian love and grace. It struck a chord with me and initiated some personal reflection and examination. Hence the following thoughts, once … [Read more...]
The Nature of Our Hope
What is the Nature of Our Hope? Is it not the redemption of our sick dying bodies and our wicked natures? And is not that hope found in Christ's accomplished work on our behalf? In Prayer and Spiritual Warfare (Saved in Hope), Charles Spurgeon wrote, Our hope of being completely delivered from sin in our spirits … [Read more...]
Did God the Father Create the Son?
Did God the Father create the Son? Those who affirm this hold to a doctrine called Arianism. Essentially Arianism states that God the Father created the Son out of nothing. The Son was the First of Creation and from Him everything else was created. It was proposed early in the 4th century by the Alexandrian presbyter … [Read more...]
The Day of the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 5
What did the Apostle Paul mean by the expression "peace and safety" before the Day of the Lord in 1 Thessalonians 5? What can we say about its timing? Is it pretribulational? Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the … [Read more...]
Extravagant Grace – Scandal of the Gospel
Extravagant Grace - Scandal of the Gospel. This idea forms a chapter in The Gospel-Shaped Life by Ian Hamilton. The gospel is so gracious in mercy; some may actually be scandalized by it. Do you find it hard to pray for some people, say certain politicians and activists who incite violence? I do. I confess to … [Read more...]
Imago Dei – Made in the Image of God
Imago Dei means made in the image of God. All ethnic groups, whether male or female - or whatever they think themselves to be - are without exception made in the image of God. Black Lives do Matter - All Lives Matter, whatever one's ethnicity. Even pre-born babies! Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, … [Read more...]
Man was Originally Made to Rejoice
Man was originally made to rejoice. He was not made to mourn. Charles Spurgeon was a man who suffered from ill health and quite often depression. Yet he wrote about joy and hope. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 Christ's Joy and … [Read more...]
The Lord Jesus Christ is Coming Soon
Are you ready? There will be mockers who note that people have been saying that for eons. Don't fall into the trap. Jesus is always coming soon. One day He will surprise those who are still on this earth. Always be ready. Dr. Steven Lawson recently sent out three tweets which impacted me. I'll cite them in bold. … [Read more...]
A Tribute to my Prayer Partner Georgia
A tribute to my prayer partner Georgia. I won't reveal her second name but she was one of two of my prayer partners. Georgia recently went home to be with the Lord and is now basking in God's glorious realm. I first met Georgia and her husband at an Omega Letter gathering at Jack Kinsella's house in Canada in 2009. … [Read more...]
What is a Christian?
What is a Christian? What are the marks of a Christian, and why do some people prefer to call themselves "Christ Followers"? For the first question I'm going to take Ian Hamilton's book The Gospel-Shaped Life as a guide. Hamilton also wrote The Faith-Shaped Life. But I want to cautiously address the last part of … [Read more...]
