“Free” and “Easy” Salvation?
Posted in Articles by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | Categories: Salvation, 2 Samuel, Luke, 1 Peter
All of my life, I’ve heard people talk about salvation as being something that was free for the taking, and easy to attain. One of their favorite words seemed to be “just”- as in, “If you will just do this”, or “just believe this,” or “just feel this way in your heart.” These concepts bother me somewhat in light of what the New Testament as a whole teaches. But...
Subjective Salvation?
Posted in Articles by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | Categories: Salvation, Genesis, 1 John
One of the most spiritually destructive tools Satan ever devised, and developed into the thoughts and vernacular of men, was the notion that “It doesn’t really matter what you believe or practice as long as you’re honest and sincere.” I’m sorry to be so blunt, but of course it matters what you believe, and what you practice! If it doesn’t, why did God go to all the trouble of inspiring men to write the New Testament? If it doesn’t, why is the New Testament so replete with warnings to, and corrections of, Christians? If it really doesn’t, why did Jude urge us to “contend earnestly for the faith” (v.3); why did Paul warn Timothy about the perversion of truth (1Timothy1:6-7; et al); and why did Peter spend an entire chapter to help us recognize, identify, and combat false prophets (2Peter 2)?
What Does One REALLY Need to Know Prior to Baptism?
Posted in Sermons by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | Categories: Salvation
From time to time I’m either asked, or it comes up in conversation, the question of our title. Sometimes, the question is asked in the context of a church member trying to encourage someone to become a Christian. What they really want to know is at what point one “knows enough” to be baptized. I thought we’d spend a few minutes reasoning through a few things this evening that will hopefully help to answer these questions. It is also hoped that lesson will provide a concise, but complete, rendering of "teaching points" on which those attempt to bring others to Christ can effectively focuse their efforts.
Religious but not Spiritual
Posted in Sermons by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | Categories: Church, Salvation, Matthew
This PowerPoint lesson is a companion to "Spiritual but not Religious" (and #2, "Local Church Membership"). It, too, seeks to ask and answer several questions: "Why did both John the Baptist and Jesus come from outside "organized" religions of their day?" and, "Are there religions today that are analogous to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians of Jesus' day?" and, "How do we avoid becoming corrupted, and therefore encouraging seekers of God today to go 'outside' of religion in their efforts to be spiritual?"
