We are weeks away from thousands of Southern Baptist messengers migrating to Dallas, Texas for the annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Southern Baptists hold to the autonomy of the local church. Unlike a denomination, which consists of a top-down organizational structure, the SBC has a bottom-up polity. Local and like-minded churches choose to partner with … Continue reading THE ERLC NEEDS REFORM RATHER THAN BEING ABOLISHED
A Biblical Response to Suicide: What the Bible Actually Teaches?
The act of suicide is heartbreaking for many reasons. First, the person who committed the act believed that the only way out of whatever troubled them was by prematurely ending their life. Second, those who are left behind must deal with the many emotions, questions, and uncertainties as they process the loss of their loved … Continue reading A Biblical Response to Suicide: What the Bible Actually Teaches?
2 Types of Hypocrisy that Hinder the Gospel’s Advancement
Paul's Example of Gospel Change After the Apostle Paul met Jesus, his entire life changed. His life changed so drastically that people were talking about it for miles. This is what they were saying, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (Gal 1:23). The gospel--i.e., the … Continue reading 2 Types of Hypocrisy that Hinder the Gospel’s Advancement
3 Characteristics of False Teachers
The New Testament warns believers that false teachers and false gospels will be an ever-present reality until Christ returns (click here to learn more). John Stott once wrote, "The church's greatest troublemakers (now as then) are not those outside who oppose, ridicule and persecute it, but those inside who try to change the gospel" (Stott, … Continue reading 3 Characteristics of False Teachers
The New Testament’s Warning about False Teachers
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven … Continue reading The New Testament’s Warning about False Teachers
3 Reasons to Make Your Disciples Write
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to … Continue reading 3 Reasons to Make Your Disciples Write
How to Prepare for Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022)
Mark 11-16 record the final week of our Lord's earthly life. Mark devotes more than one-third of his Gospel to "Passion Week."Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Mark, p. 242 The Lord's sovereignty never ceases to amaze me even in the seemingly small details of life. Akin's quote above shows us that … Continue reading How to Prepare for Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022)
Why Does Mark’s Gospel Begin with the Ministry of John the Baptist?
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" John appeared, baptizing in … Continue reading Why Does Mark’s Gospel Begin with the Ministry of John the Baptist?
Jesus Is God’s Beloved Son: A Lesson from Mark 9:7-8
And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.Mark 9:7-8 This event displays the second time readers of Mark's Gospel have witnessed a voice exclaim that Jesus is God's … Continue reading Jesus Is God’s Beloved Son: A Lesson from Mark 9:7-8
The Old Testament Points Us to Jesus: A Lesson from Mark 9:4-5
And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what else to say, for they were … Continue reading The Old Testament Points Us to Jesus: A Lesson from Mark 9:4-5
Be Imitators 