Head-dibs

Proof of the deity of Christ. "Jesus Christ ... declared to be the Son of God with power ... by the resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:3-4). An integral part of the gospel. " The gospel ... how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures " (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The seal of the finished work of Christ. " When He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high " (Hebrews 1:3). Essential for salvation. " If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins " (1 Corinthians 15:17). " That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved " (Romans 10:9). Evidence of the believer's justification. " Jesus our Lord ... was delivered for our offenses, and was raised ...

A couple of weekends ago I was speaking with a man who brought up an objection to the gospel that is very, very common. The conversation reaches a point that goes something like this: “God commands that all men everywhere repent,” I say. “But, God forgives and is merciful and gracious,” comes the reply “Yes, He is, to those who repent,” I respond. “Are you reading ‘The Holy Bible’? Show me your Bible! Is it ‘The Holy Bible’? You are not reading from the New Testament. You are reading from the Old Testament. The God of the New Testament is a God of grace, not like the wrathful God of the Old Testament,” one objects. “Regardless of where I am reading, you will find the grace of God in the Old Testament as much as you find the wrath of God in the New Testament. Here, let me show you . . .” and I open the scripture. “You are twisting the Bible around . . .” and the person usually walks off. I am amazed (and not surprised) that those who seek to justify themselves be...

“Grace” is a word so often used in Christian contexts that the meaning can be quickly lost, leading to confusion in terms of application. The Greek word “charis” (we get the word “charity” here) was translated “grace” and has often been understood to mean “love,” “favor,” or “pleasure.” Originally, “charis” was used as a greeting, as Paul often demonstrated in his letters: “grace to you.” The implication includes joyfulness, rejoicing because of favor or a gift given for the sake of someone else. Grace makes effectual our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9), but there is a broader meaning. Robert C. McQuilkin (the first president of Columbia International University from 1923-1952) wrote a short book called “God’s Law and God’s Grace” (published posthumously by Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 1958) wherein he stretches our understanding of the way the word is used in the Bible: “We may think of grace primarily as that which belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. He is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Gr...

A young man was talking with an astronomer when the conversation touched on spiritual matters. The astronomer said, “Do you want to hear my philosophy of Christianity?” The young man said, “Yes!” “My philosophy," said the astronomer, "is the Golden Rule, doing unto others as you’d have them do unto you, and God will treat you all right.” The young man responded, “Would you like to hear my philosophy of astronomy? Twinkle, twinkle little star!”

“Christ will do.” This is my peace. “Christ will do,” Makes vain toils cease. “Christ will do;” Is covering fleece. “Christ will do.” Is His increase. “Christ will do,” His blood for me. “Christ will do” My cleansing be. “Christ will do,” And all will see How “Christ will do” To set men free. Say, “Christ will do,” Till all have heard. For “Christ will do,” Is life’s watchword. When “Christ will do,” Dead hearts are stirred, That “Christ will do,” Is grace conferred. “Christ will do,” Thus ends the war. “Christ will do.” He is the door. “Christ will do.” Makes praises soar. “Christ will do.” There is no more. (copyright James K. Wilson, Jr. April 23, 2008.)

A number of people called attention to this clip from the popular TV series ER. It really is amazing for secular television. The "Fair Use" law allowed us to teach from it, without violating copyright laws.