Echoes of Eden in the Lord’s Prayer (Matt 6:9-13)
I’ve been preaching through the Lord’s Prayer at church, and in my studies, I keep hearing echoes of Eden through these petitions. Our Father which art in heaven, We address our Father in heaven, because in Gen 1:1 God created all things, including us. He is not part of creation, but over creation, in heaven. […]
How Can We Tell If We Are Being Judged By God Or If He Is Simply Teaching Us Through Trials?
I received this question Sunday before last in a class I was teaching and then again via email today. I think God wants me to answer the question. Here is the question concerning my blog on God’s wrath and the believer (see here): Thanks Bob. I am in hearty agreement. But how would you explain […]
David Cloud, Way of Life Literature, and Lordship Salvation
I’ve been doing some research into Independent and Fundamental Baptists (IFB), looking for Free Grace friendly voices. David W. Cloud and his ministry, Way of Life Literature, is an important voice in that movement. I remember purchasing his Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible and Christianity as a young man. Here is an article […]
He Is the Author of Eternal Salvation to All Who Obey Him — Hebrews 5:9
This question just popped into my Inbox: I’ve noticed there are passages in the Bible that appear contradictory. While some passages talk about grace, other passages speak of obedience. I suspect this is the reason for so much confusion among believers. I’m curious what you make of the following passage: “though He was a Son, […]
One of My Heroes: Simon the Zealot
Mark tells us the names of the Lord’s original 12 disciples in Mark 3:16-19. Some of them are better known than others. For example, Peter, Matthew, Judas Iscariot, James, and John are better known than the other seven. With about half of them, we basically know nothing other than that their names are included in […]
What Are We Trying to Accomplish?
“Martin Luther did not so much set out to reform the church as he did to reform preaching.” ~John T. Pless What is GES trying to accomplish? I appreciate Pless’s quote about Martin Luther’s mission. Luther did not want to start a new church or denomination—he wanted to reform preaching. That’s basically, what we’re trying […]
The Reformation Had Lordship Salvation and Free Grace
Reformation Commentary on Scripture, New Testament XIII: Hebrews, James. Edited by Ronald K. Rittgers. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2017. 341 pp. Cloth, $49.99. Free Grace proponents have tried to show that both John Calvin and Martin Luther held to Free Grace Theology. While it is certainly true that we can find quotes from both […]
John Wesley on Being a Fake Christian
Do you know when you were born-again? Some Free Grace people say they were born-again before they believed in Jesus for eternal life. They believe those doctrines now, but they say they were born-again before. How do they know? Usually, based on an experience they had. “I suddenly had a desire to read Scripture, and […]
Did the Disciples Become Confused About Salvation When Jesus Spoke with the Rich Young Ruler? — Matthew 19:25
I receive many questions. Most are very good. Most I’ve heard before. But at least once or twice a week I get a question I’ve never heard that is a good one. Today I received a question via email that is both new and extremely challenging. Here is the question: We know the Scriptures tell […]
Confession and Consequences
Sin has more than one consequence. On the one hand, it can break or hinder your fellowship with God. On the other hand, it can have consequences for you in this life. The man who gets drunk at work, not only loses his intimacy with God—he can also get fired. And the woman who covets […]