Luke records that an angel appeared to Zacharias, a priest serving in the temple. The angel told Zacharias, “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John” (Luke 1:13). The angel went on to tell Zacharias that this child would grow up and be the forerunner of the Messiah as prophesied by Malachi (Luke 1:17; Malachi 4:5-6). Zacharias did not immediately believe the angel so he was struck with silence until the time the child was born (Luke 1:20).
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January 8, 2008
His Name is John
January 1, 2008
Non-Denominationalism
Last month I posted an article about the problem of denominationalism. Yet there seems to be a shift occurring in the religious world. We are seeing a gradual move from denominationalism to non-denominationalism. It is becoming more common to pass a church building and see that the name on the sign does not include a denominational distinction. That is one sign of this shift.
Denominational distinctions are becoming less important. It used to be that people would generally identify themselves by their denomination. They would think it strange when you said you were “just a Christian.” Now they tend to simply call themselves Christians, too. This may be a step in the right direction (Acts 11:26; 1 Corinthians 1:12-13), but there is still more that needs to be done. There are two things that have come from this decreased emphasis on denominational distinctions.
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January 1, 2008
Measures of a Sound Church
How can we know if a local church is a sound church? First, what do we mean by a sound church? This particular phrase is not used in the New Testament. But the word “sound” is used to describe teaching, doctrine, and words (1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:13; 4:3). The Greek word which is translated “sound” means to have good health, to be well, and to be uncorrupted. This word can certainly be used in reference to a local church. So how do we know if a church is “sound”?
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January 1, 2008
Put On the Full Armor of God
We are engaged in a war for the cause of Christ. This is not a physical war; instead, it is spiritual (2 Corinthians 10:4). It is a battle for the souls of men. In order to help us in this fight, God has given us the armor that we must put on so that we will be able to “stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Let us notice the armor with which the Lord has equipped us.
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January 1, 2008
Another Jesus
There are certain times of the year when the religious world pays special attention to Jesus. One is the Christmas season in which they celebrate the birth of Christ. The other is Easter when they focus on His death and resurrection.
Why is there such a focus on these things about Jesus? Remembering a baby Jesus reminds people of the grace of God in sending Him to earth – not to mention the fact that nearly everyone loves babies. In the death and resurrection of Christ, we see a Savior who died for our sins and gives us the hope of heaven. It is no wonder why people celebrate these events. These things make people feel good. Anymore in religion, if something makes people feel good, that is what they choose to believe and practice.
But the Bible has much more to say about Jesus than just these things. Sure, we must remember the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But by only focusing on these things and ignoring so much of what the Bible teaches about the Christ, many in the religious world have accepted another Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4). They have molded Him to suit their desires. For this study, let us consider some of the other things the word of God has to say about Jesus that many have forgotten, ignored, or have never known.
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December 27, 2007
Unless You Believe
“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).
Belief in Christ is essential for salvation. But the belief that Jesus mentioned here is more than just a belief that he existed, came to earth, died for our sins, rose again from the dead, and ascended back into heaven. Yes, we must believe those things about Jesus, but if that is the extent of our belief, we will die in our sins.
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December 19, 2007
Rest for the Weary
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
This is the great invitation that has been offered by Jesus. He offers the invitation and makes the promise to those who will come: “You will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
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