A Better Knowledge

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us . . . (Deuteronomy 29:29).  A couple of weeks ago I wrote a Facebook status which reads: God does not answer to us; we answer to Him.  A friend promptly replied, “Oh but He does answer prayer. …

Idol Questions

A Facebook friend wrote:   If being moved to worship by an image of Christ is not a violation of the 2nd commandment, what is? . . . This is precisely what idolatry is, being moved to worship by an image of a god. It is not worshipping statues. No one does that.  His question and …

How Big Is God?

After Sunday morning worship few weeks ago, a father brought his four-year-old son to me with this query: How big is God. At this time I also learned that this tot philosopher refers to me, not as “Pastor Steve,” but “the Captain.” (Yes, “Dead Poet’s Society” immediately sprang to mind.)  How big is God? This …

The End of All Learning

You shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, and with all your mind (Matt. 22:37).  Though we do not find salvation in the law of God, we do find direction there. Specifically, we discover that we are to love God with all of our being; and …

“Why doubt your salvation? Your assurance of your salvation is in your Savior.”

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble (2Peter 1:10).  I had a gentleman come to me some years ago in doubt of his salvation. “What if I’m not good enough, sincere, enough, etc…?”   I said to him: “The focus …

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Not long ago a friend was attacking what I consider to be a caricature of “Lordship salvation” (a term which seems to foster much confusion and consternation). He wrote, somewhat tongue-in-cheek: “if you get GRACE because ya ‘live fer Jesus,’ then…what yer gittin…ISN’T GRACE!!!”  Below is my response.  *************************    As for “Lordship salvation:” I’m …

Justification By Faith…Alone?

Justification is the article by which the church stands or falls. ~attributed to Martin Luther  Christian theological discussions and debates quite often boil down to this: The doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone (aka “justification by faith”). Unfortunately, many such dialogues produce more heat than light (thus evidencing that we are certainly saved …