All of the blessings we experience in this life are ultimately undeserved, they are all of grace. In fact, for Peter, the entire Christian life is lived by grace (1 Peter 5:12). But are there any special means that God uses to give additional grace to us? Specifically, within the fellowship of the church are …
The Power of the Church: What kind of authority does the church have?
When we look at the powerful governments of the world and at other business and educational organizations that have great influence, and then consider our local churches, or even our denominational headquarters, the church may seem to us to be weak and ineffective. When we recognize the rapid growth of evil that is seen daily …
Continue reading "The Power of the Church: What kind of authority does the church have?"
THE PURITY AND UNITY OF THE CHURCH: What makes a church more or less pleasing to God?
Last week we discussed that there are "true churches" and "false churches." This week a further distinction must be made: there are more pure and less pure churches. This fact is evident from a brief comparison of Paul's epistles. When we look at Philippians or 1 Thessalonians we find evidence of Paul's great joy in …
THE CHURCH: ITS NATURE, ITS MARKS, AND ITS PURPOSES
The Nature of the Church Definition: The church is the community of all true believers for all time. This definition understands the church to be made of all those who are truly saved. Paul says, "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). Here the term "the church" is used …
Continue reading "THE CHURCH: ITS NATURE, ITS MARKS, AND ITS PURPOSES"
Baptism in and Filling with the Holy Spirit.
What Does "Baptism in the Holy Spirit" Mean in the New Testament? There are only seven passages in the New Testament where we read of someone being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The seven passages follow: In the first four verses, John the Baptist is speaking of Jesus and predicting that he will baptize people …
Continue reading "Baptism in and Filling with the Holy Spirit."
Union with Christ: What does it mean to be “in Christ”
Although we have now completed our study of the steps in the application of redemption, one other subject is so frequently mentioned in Scripture and so wide-ranging in its application to our lives that it deserves a separate treatment here. That is the concept of union with Christ. Every aspect of God's relationship to believers …
Continue reading "Union with Christ: What does it mean to be “in Christ”"
GLORIFICATION (RECEIVING A RESURRECTION BODY)
We continue with our discussion of the elements of salvation to our lives. Here again is the complete list of the elements: "The Order of Salvation" Election (God's choice of people to be saved) Posted March 19, 2017 The gospel call (proclaiming the message of the gospel) Posted March 26, 2017 Regeneration (being born again) …
Continue reading "GLORIFICATION (RECEIVING A RESURRECTION BODY)"
Death: What is the purpose of death in the Christian life? What happens to our bodies and souls when we die?
We continue with our discussion of the elements of salvation to our lives. Here again is the complete list of the elements: "The Order of Salvation" Election (God's choice of people to be saved) Posted March 19, 2017 The gospel call (proclaiming the message of the gospel) Posted March 26, 2017 Regeneration (being born again) …
THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS (REMAINING A CHRISTIAN): Can true Christians lose their salvation?
We continue with our discussion of the elements of salvation to our lives. Here again is the complete list of the elements: "The Order of Salvation" Election (God's choice of people to be saved) Posted March 19, 2017 The gospel call (proclaiming the message of the gospel) Posted March 26, 2017 Regeneration (being born again) …
Sanctification: How do we grow in Christians maturity?
We continue with our discussion of the elements of salvation to our lives. Here again is the complete list of the elements: "The Order of Salvation" Election (God's choice of people to be saved) Posted March 19, 2017 The gospel call (proclaiming the message of the gospel) Posted March 26, 2017 Regeneration (being born again) …
Continue reading "Sanctification: How do we grow in Christians maturity?"