Jesus has just healed a demon-possessed man. The amazed crowds began to speculate that he might be the Messiah. His enemies retort that he drives out demons because he is in league with the devil himself. Our Lord responds with the most severe warning in the gospels: “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 3:29). What did he mean? What is this “unpardonable” sin? (more…)
With this essay, we step into the most enduring debate in Christian theology. It’s all about a single word, “election.” The term means to choose, as in electing a candidate. You “elected” to buy this book, and to read this chapter. In theological use, the word relates to the idea that God chooses (or has chosen) a people or individuals to belong to him in a unique way. (more…)
The poet claims of Jesus Christ, “All the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever sailed, all the parliaments that have ever sat, and all the kings that have ever reigned, put together, have not changed life on this earth as much as has that one solitary life.” There are more Christians on the planet than adherents of any other faith, so the universal significance of the Christian position regarding the existence and deity of Jesus is clear. But is it justified? (more…)
Someone asked a wise older pastor his view of the “end times.” He smiled and said, “The Lord put me on the preparation committee, not the planning committee.” He spoke for us all. We cannot control how the Lord chooses to end history. Our theories about the future are just that. The word of God is too practical to focus extensively on an issue which possesses no pragmatic value for our lives. If I could prove a particular theory of the end times to you, would such knowledge change your life today? (more…)
One of the most obvious differences between Christian denominations regards the various leadership roles which churches recognize. Most Baptist churches have deacons but no elders. Presbyterian and Bible churches have both. Catholic and Methodist churches recognize “bishops.” Why the differences? What difference do they make? (more…)
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