Biblical Studies

Created in Christ for good Works

Mark Johnston
Sep 19, 2019
Too often the idea of ‘good works’ has been the Cinderella of Reformed discussion. Wanting (quite rightly) to distance ourselves from any kind of meritorious implications attached to them (which lies at the heart of the Roman Catholic view) we have perhaps over-corrected our stance to our own loss...

Grace Now and Not Yet

Tim Bertolet
Sep 18, 2019
As heirs of the Reformation, we rightly champion salvation by grace alone. If God was not gracious to us we would have no hope. The simplest definition of grace is: favor extended where wrath is deserved. Others have made the definition in the form of an acronym: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense...

Little Greek Gems: God with Us

Jeffrey Stivason
Sep 16, 2019
The opening chapter of Matthew’s Gospel is, for some, like watching paint dry on a wall! Genealogies are not everyone’s thing. But this genealogy ought to be. It’s obviously the genealogy of Jesus. Yet, not so obvious is the Davidic background of the genealogy. David alone is mentioned five times!...

Should Churches Have Christian Schools? A Test Case Regarding Church and Society

Dan Doriani
Sep 12, 2019
Pastors, elders, and godly parents rightly take interest in the education and nurture of their children, and as a result action-minded Christians start schools. Christian schools represent a natural or spontaneous result of faith, and the Lord is pleased with such loving motives and acts...

Little Greek Gems: To Bind or Beg?

Jeffrey Stivason
Sep 5, 2019
He surely saw him from the boat. The Lord watched the erratic and unstable demoniac who was as unruly as the storm he had recently silenced. The man’s appearance alone made him an imposing figure against the otherwise peaceful shores of the Garasenes. One can’t help but wonder if the disciples...

Little Greek Gems: Confidence in Prayer – Ephesians 1:18

Martin Blocki
Aug 30, 2019
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, NIV having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are...

Little Greek Gems: The Great Commission: Soul Winning or Disciple Making?

James Rich
Aug 28, 2019
How many times have you heard a missions conference speaker exhort everyone to fulfill the Great Commission by going overseas? I’ve heard that numerous times because I grew up in a Christian tradition that put a heavy emphasis on evangelism and “soul winning.” In fact, it was touted that the Summum...

The One Book: The Pilgrim's Progress

Jeffrey Stivason
Aug 24, 2019
I was once asked what I considered the best theology text. I took a breath and as I did the person reiterated, “ The best.” Their emphasis on the definite article reminded me that they wanted one and only one. It brought me up short as does the question before me. What one book has made a singular...

When They Speak Against You

Keith Kauffman
Aug 23, 2019
It was a distinct moment of realization, a head-slapping, should-have-known-it nugget of truth that I had just heard. Dr. Mohler, at the 2018 U.S. Banner of Truth Minister’s Conference, made the simple point that we, as Christians in modern America, should not be at all surprised that our doctrine...

The One Book: All That's Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment

Persis Lorenti
Aug 19, 2019
What is discernment? Is it knowing who to unfollow and who to mute? What books not to read? What foods and medicines will make you sick? If this is the case, then I just need to make the right choices about what to avoid, and all will be well. But what if discernment is more than just what and who...