Ordination Materials
Some of you may know I’m trying to become ordained in the Cumberland Association of Free Will Baptists. Because our movement gives autonomy to every local church, every association’s ordination process is different. I have heard some say there was actually a question about the need to eat a certain kind of food in his...
How an Arminian Can Read Romans 8 and Think Apostasy Is Possible
Have you ever wondered, “How can a Calvinist read Hebrews 6 and not believe in the possibility of a true Christian turning from Christ to be an apostate?” I have. Or maybe you’re a Calvinist and you think, “How could an Arminian read Romans 8 and think apostasy for a true Christian is possible?” That’s...
Apostasy / Arminianism / Assurance / Calvinism / Doctrine / Free Will Baptist / The Holy Spirit / Theology
Two False Extremes Related to Apostasy
The issue of apostasy has come upon me. I haven’t sought it out. About a month ago a friend asked me what I thought about it (I didn’t respond). Another friend has mentioned he isn’t sure what he thinks about it. And I’m teaching a class on assurance of salvation right now on Wednesday nights...
Adam and Eve and Maple Tree Leaves
This is a guest post by Dr. Kevin Hester. See his bio below the post. Jacob asked Dr. Hester to answer the question: “Why does it matter that Adam was a real person?” This article is his excellent response. _______________ As I sit here looking out my office window in late October I am greeted...
If Apostasy Isn’t a Possibility, Why Are There Warnings Against It?
In reading Dr. Picirilli’s Understanding Assurance and Salvation, I came across this gold nugget. Just read it for yourself. It is . . . important . . . for us to warn believers about the danger of apostasy and to exhort them to persevere in faith and good works, not as a means of frightening...
The Holy Spirit: Is That Like Magic Whiskey?
What do you desire your walk with Christ to look like? If you’re a pastor, what type of corporate journey do you think God wants to see in your local church? One thing I desire is to have a personal and communal faith that follows the guiding of the Holy Spirit with Christ-like sensitivity. To help my...
Review of Francis Chan’s “Erasing Hell”
It was late February when every semi-conservative evangelical Christian who has an Internet connection said, “The guy said what about hell?!” The guy was Rob Bell, and his book Love Wins was as provocative as the promotional video made it seem, as most reviews (most thorough being here) did land on Bell being some sort of...
Deeper Teaching or Simple Truth?
Most of the time, preachers get one of two critiques. People either say, “I just want some deeper teaching – I need to be fed!” or people say, “This is too deep; people need the simple truth of Jesus!” So then, what is the responsibility of the one who speaks God’s Word? I tend to...
Babies, Rulers, and Laborers: part 3
Part 1 and part 2 of this series have both been based on the story of the rich young ruler as found in Matthew 19:16-30. Now I want to turn to the preceding passage that is found in verses 13-15. This passage deals with Jesus rebuking the disciples for not permitting the little children to...
Babies, Rulers, and Laborers: part 2
In part 1 of this series, I pointed out that Christians tend to moralize Bible stories, and the story of the rich young ruler is a case in point. Many think that the message of this story is that earthly riches can endanger your relationship with God. And, of course, this is true. But to...
Babies, Rulers, and Laborers: part 1
From Sunday School, most of are familiar with the story of the Rich Young Ruler. Furthermore, most of us know exactly what the point of the story is: Being rich can hinder your relationship with God, so beware! Well, I’m sure that’s true, but maybe there’s more to the story. Before unpacking this, though, let...
God’s Wrath on Christ
I was blown away with praise for our Savior after reading this: Do we really think that the false judgment of men heaped upon Christ would pay the debt for all humankind’s sin? Do we really think that a crown of thorns and whips and nails and a wooden cross and all the other facets...
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