J. Vernon McGee on Repentance and Salvation
Even the most gifted Bible teachers can sometimes preach a confusing saving message. For example, I’m sure most readers of this blog are familiar with Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s Thru the Bible commentary. I’ve been reading through his comments on Luke’s Gospel and found his remarks on Luke 3:8 to be confusing. “John’s message was […]
He Who Endures Will Be Saved (Matthew 24:13)
John asks this quality question: “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved” (Matt 24:12-13). You may have commented on these verses before, but I couldn’t find it. It seems to support the idea of the perseverance of the saints. I’ve recently […]
Persuading Church People about the Promise of Everlasting Life
A pastor asks a very important question: I have been extremely blessed by the ministry of GES and the clarity you all teach with. I recently held a class at my church about eternal security and assurance, and my question is, how do you converse and disciple church members who think that it’s not good […]
In Your Father’s Footsteps: Reflections on 1 Samuel
As I read through 1 Samuel, I notice a pattern, or, better yet, the contrast between fathers and sons. Eli was a godly man, but his sons Hophni and Phinehas did not follow in their father’s footsteps. Unlike Eli, they were “corrupt” and “did not know the Lord” (1 Sam 2:12). They turned God’s sacrifices […]
The Love of Christ Compels Us (2 Corinthians 5:14)
Pastor Allen asks, “In 2 Cor. 5:14, is the ‘love of Christ’ that compels us the love that we have for Christ or the love that Christ has for us?” Super question. Both the options he mentions are possible grammatically. But Paul explains what he means when he adds, “because we judge thus: that if […]
I Just Do It Because I Love the Lord
Many times, when I talk to people about rewards in the world to come, they respond that such an idea is selfish. They usually add that we should obey the Lord and be faithful to Him because we love Him. That is motivation enough and is the only pure motive. I wish that I did […]
Two Motivations for Ministry: A Lesson from Anthony Norris Groves
There are two very different motivations for ministry. The first motivation begins in doubt, and the second begins in assurance. That was the experience of Anthony Norris Groves, one of the first “Plymouth Brethren,” and often called “the father of faith missions.” In his interesting biography, Robert Dann notes how Groves went through both kinds […]
The Difference between God’s Acceptance and His Approval
I grew up in a home where I knew I was loved. I was a surprise, but a good surprise. My mom turned 40 a few months after I was born. My dad was nearly 40 as well. I was the long-awaited son. Both Mom and Dad hugged and kissed me a lot. They showed […]
Don’t Let Go and Let God (Luke 6:47-48)
Each spring, I have the very best intentions of raising a bountiful garden. But by each fall, all I have is a tangled weedy mess and barely a handful of cherry tomatoes to show for it. Any idea why? I recently heard two folksy illustrations comparing the Christian life to farming and gardening that shed […]
The Word “Death” in the Book of Romans
The word “death” (thanatos) occurs 22 times in the Book of Romans. (The word “dead” [nekros] occurs 16 times.) Often times, when people hear the word “death” they think the Bible is talking about eternal death or what happens when a person goes to hell. The verse in which this most often is the case […]