The Doctrine of Christ
In 2 John 9, the King James translation says, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” Other mainline translations replace doctrine with teaching which is acceptable. But notice the importance of having […]
Conversion
Conversion is a process of change. Water placed into a freezer is converted into ice. That same water, placed over a fire, will change or convert into steam. Spiritually, we are changed from death into life: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not […]
Being A Christian
Being a Christian is a unique and joyful experience when we properly fill the role. The unrighteous may heap scorn upon the child of God. But, he has nothing comparable to the strength, power and happiness that fills the Christian. Because of the special place the faithful disciple enjoys, his life should be full of […]
The Primacy of Jesus
Jesus is first. There is no salvation without Jesus. There is no approach to God apart from Jesus. Culture warns us to be tolerant of other beliefs and other faiths. That’s fine as long as we never take Jesus down from his position as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:14; Revelation […]
Spirit of Desperation
Life moves along nicely most of the time. As a Christian, when troubles does come, we know that we can call upon God for deliverance. Jesus promises to be close and to hear our prayers. The Lord is like the proverbial ace up our sleeve. We keep Him in there, hidden, until just the right […]
Robert Bentley and Brotherhood
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley discovered quickly that the secular community neither understands nor seeks to understand Christian thought. In comments to a denominational gathering just after being sworn inaugurated into office Bentley declared that there was no brotherhood with people who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ. The remarks were sharp and to the point. A […]
Should We Apologize for Jesus?
There is nothing like a good cathartic rant to take us into the weekend but I just need to say a few things. I am a Christian. I stand with Jesus. I will reject everything else for him. I will not be tolerant of anything or anyone if it means discounting or disrespecting my Lord […]
The “Smoothing” of the Old Rugged Cross
Crucifixion was a horrible way to die. The Romans intended it that way. A criminal might languish for hours and hours as his life slowly drained away. The very public death was also intended to be humiliating. The near naked man was displayed for all to see and to berate with every conceivable insult. There […]
Jesus the Slave
It is a strange thought that Jesus was a slave. But the facts are there. He was a servant, a slave of the Father as he calls us to be. No one likes the idea of being totally devoted to the point that you surrender your will to someone else but isn’t that exactly what […]
The Rejection of Jesus
“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11) It is amazing that Jesus was rejected by his own people. More precisely, he was rejected by the leadership of his own people. In the Gospels we see a raging war develop between Jesus and the religious leaders. The common […]
