Big Words in the Bible (Part 5): Resurrection

Big Words in the Bible

The final word we will discuss in our series is resurrection. It is likely the one with which we are the most familiar. There is a lot we could say about it, but we will consider some highlights to show why this word is so important. As we will see, without this, none of the […]

Continue reading...

Big Words in the Bible (Part 4): Justification

Big Words in the Bible

We have already discussed how we are reconciled to God and set apart as His special people (sanctified). This means we can be in a right standing before God. Yet it is important to understand how this comes about. Paul used the example of Abraham to explain this. “What then shall we say that Abraham, […]

Continue reading...

Book Review: The Sin of Empathy

The Sin of Empathy (cover)

For many, empathy is considered an unquestionably positive virtue. Yet in a new book provocatively titled The Sin of Empathy, author Joe Rigney challenges that assumption. In it, he argues that empathy is very different from the Biblical concept of compassion. In fact, he suggests that our culture has distorted compassion and created “empathy” as a justification for […]

Continue reading...

Not Forsaking the Assembly

Empty Church Pew

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). The passage above is often used to show the importance of assembling […]

Continue reading...

Big Words in the Bible (Part 3): Sanctification

Big Words in the Bible

In the previous articles, we discussed Christ’s propitiatory sacrifice on the cross and the reconciliation made possible by it. Those who take advantage of this become God’s special people, which is what Paul discussed in the passage below: “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are […]

Continue reading...

What Does It Mean to Be Called to Preach?

James M. Mathes: Called to Preach?

James Madison Mathes (1808-1892), like so many religious people in the nineteenth century, was determined to dismiss the religious teachings he had previously been taught to simply learn the Scriptures and follow what they taught. This led him to be immersed for the remission of sins. Later, he joined the ministry and dedicated his life […]

Continue reading...

Big Words in the Bible (Part 2): Reconciliation

Big Words in the Bible

In the previous article, we discussed propitiation, which referred to the act of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. In this article, we are focusing on the result of Jesus’ sacrifice. Notice what Paul wrote: “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for […]

Continue reading...