The Breadth of Our Salvation (Titus 3:4-7)
For most of my life I have associated with various Evangelical churches. In all of them there has been an emphasis on being saved from hell, that is, the lake of fire. It is safe to say that the majority of the messages given in those churches revolved around that theme. Being eternally saved is […]
Is the Modified Evangelism Explosion Question Misleading?
A friend likes the EE evangelistic method. As we discussed that method, I said I liked the opening question, but that I follow it up with a modified version. The opening question is, “Have you come to the point in your religious experience where you are sure you have everlasting life?” I don’t use the […]
Working as a Team
Many of us played on a sports team when we were younger. My favorite sport was basketball, and I was on a team throughout my high school years. There were a couple of things that stood out for all of us who played. I think that even a casual fan would observe the same things. […]
“I Wonder How Many of Those Have Been Christian Coaches” (Joe Mazzulla)
I admit I’m a Dallas Mavericks fan. I don’t root for the Boston Celtics. But the head coach of the Celtics, Joe Mazzulla, impressed me greatly with his answer to a question from a reporter about the NBA Finals. Mazzulla was asked by Yahoo Sports senior reporter Vincent Goodwill: “For the first time since 1975…you […]
Nuclear Spiritual Warfare
The attacks on the saving message of eternal life by faith alone in Jesus are not new. For example, beginning in Acts 15, both unbelieving and believing Jews attempted to bring works into the saving message by saying that Gentiles needed to be circumcised. Today, the distortion of grace is still very much alive and […]
The Fear of Men
All of us have read things in the Bible that we do not understand. I don’t know if you’re like me, but one of those examples is found in John 9. In that chapter, the Lord heals a man who was born blind. The man is a wonderful example of boldness in his proclamation that […]
Can I Have a Side of Legalism with That?
Whenever I order a hamburger, I always ask for a side of fries. I am always curious to see how many fries I get. I’m disappointed when they don’t pile them on. I will usually tell anybody who is listening, “They didn’t give me enough fries.” In Luke 5, the Pharisees order up something they […]
Do You Plan to Retire Someday? Do I?
Sunday night, Sharon went to Cypress Valley Bible Church with Mike and Letitia Lii for the Lord’s Supper meeting. Afterward, she enjoyed visiting with many people. One couple told her that they were sorry I was going to retire soon. Sharon expressed surprise and told them I had no plans to retire soon. The confusion […]
Does Ephesians 2:10 Disprove Once Saved, Always Saved?
In a documentary titled “Once Saved, Always Saved?” Bible scholars and pastors attempt to disprove Once Saved, Always Saved (OSAS). One three-minute section of the documentary answers the question, “Are We Saved by Our Works?” Part one. In the first minute, Drs. Morrell, Oswalt, McKnight, and Witherington say that salvation is by grace through faith […]
Missions Moment: Uganda
Over the last nine years, GES has partnered with a few ministries in Africa, including ones in Zambia and Kenya. However, this year we are excited to be spreading our outreach in Africa to the country of Uganda. In June, I will be flying out to Uganda to work with a special needs orphanage for […]