Biblical Observances
Peering through the Biblical lens.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Doctrinal Issue: Eternal Security
Salvation is the key component in the life of a Christian. Without Salvation there is no Christianity. If there is no Christianity, then there is no freedom from sin. If this is true, then there is no hope. There has to be assurance of salvation in order for there to be peace with God.
Peace with God is a sign of the assurance of Salvation. The first link that ties us eternally with the Savior is peace with God, Verse 1 “Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (John Macarthur Security of Salvation)
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Book Review: The Jesus Mission
The Jesus Mission by Steven K. Scott is an excellent read from the author of The Greatest Words Ever Spoken.
The idea of the book is that Jesus came to earth and fulfilled 27 missions during His three-year ministry. In turn, he left us with four missions, not just the “Great Commission.”
Scott examines the true Salvation of a Believer as well stating that it is not just a prayer but truly following Christ, His commands, and His ways.
The book is an easy read and most anyone would be able to understand the simple format and style of writing. The stories will captivate you, some will make you laugh, others will make you say “wow” and others will make you cry.
No matter where you are in your walk with Christ this book will encourage, challenge, and strengthen you to become more like Christ, and to become a true follower of Him.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Gaining Wisdom
I have recently been in a discussion about a particular Study Bible. One of the other scholars made the comment that all contributors must have a PH.D. after their name. I argued that this is absurd. Have we come to rely so heavily on academia that we forget the work of the Spirit?
James 1:5 says that if you lack wisdom you may request it from God.
The word wisdom in this verse is the Greek word σοφία (sophia). Sophia has the meaning of:
the capacity to understand and, as a result, to act wisely—‘to be prudent, wisdom.
Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1: Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (383). New York: United Bible Societies.
Is it not possible that someone without a PH.D. behind their name could also be able to “rightly divide the Word of Truth?” (2 Tim. 2:15)
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Stick Together
Today, many of us do not face persecution, but the sad fact is that a lot of us of gone "Lone Wolf." We have decided that we have Jesus and He is all we need. Unfortunately this is not what the Bible teaches, nor is it what the early church practiced.
Acts 2:42 shows that they continued (after receiving the Holy Spirit) to meet together to study the Word, and have fellowship. Hebrews 10:24-25 shows us that not only are we to continue to meet, we are to build one another up and help each other in our daily walk.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Don't Worry
I constantly find myself worrying if I am going to make the cut and be able to make the bills.
Christ addressed this in His Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 6:25-34 encourages us to not worry about this life. God has promised to take care of us, we need to rely on Him and Him alone. Rather, we should be more worried about Kingdom work and God will take care of the Earth work. He has promised that he will supply our needs. (Philippians 4:19)
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Jesus Inquest by Charles Foster
The book felt very much as if you were reading articles of evidence for a court case. The evidence on both sides is very detailed and extremely deep in content. Just looking at the footnotes alone you know that Foster did an amazing amount of research for the book.
What was most pleasing about the book is that, though very technical, anyone would be able to read and understand it with ease. Many scientific and Theological terms are introduced but explained very well.
I have to give The Jesus Inquest 4 out of 5 stars. It is a must read that will strengthen or convince you of your faith in Christ and what He did on the cross.