In every human heart lurks a shadow of doubt. The Puritan theologian Thomas Ridgley captured this well when he said, “There is a great deal of atheism in our hearts; by reason of which we are prone sometimes to call in question the being, perfections, and providence of God. The devil also frequently injects atheistic … Continue reading Beyond The Believers Lingering Atheism
religion
Can the Divine Attributes Be Distinguished from the Divine Essence?
Understanding the nature of God is a complex endeavor. One of the most intriguing aspects of Christian theology is the relationship between God’s essence and his attributes. Can we really separate God’s attributes from his essence, or are they fundamentally the same? Is God’s essence identical to his attributes? Exploring this topic not only enriches … Continue reading Can the Divine Attributes Be Distinguished from the Divine Essence?
WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO? On the Enjoyment of God
Not knowing what to do makes me quite nervous. If it is a game, social situation, or some assignment, I need to know what I am supposed to do or anxiety takes over. To avoid the anxiety I give up or do something else or just go about it my own way with my own … Continue reading WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO? On the Enjoyment of God
Debating God’s Perfect Knowledge: Theological and Philosophical Perspectives
The nature of God's intellect has been a profound topic of theological discussion throughout Christian history. When Herman Bavinck boldly said of God’s knowledge, “The notion that something should be unknown to him is dismissed as absurd,” he stood in line with the great tradition of Christian thought.[1] This assertion no longer represents the views … Continue reading Debating God’s Perfect Knowledge: Theological and Philosophical Perspectives
We Worship and Do Not Receive: Apllying James 4:3 and Our Worship
It's easy to see worship as a means to satisfy our personal desires and passions. The pursuit of an emotional high or a sense of personal fulfillment often takes precedence over genuine worship. This tendency, however, can hinder us from experiencing the true essence and blessings of worship. James 4:3 speaks directly to this issue: … Continue reading We Worship and Do Not Receive: Apllying James 4:3 and Our Worship
Cain and Abel: 5 Lessons for Transforming Family Relationships
Family relationships can often be the most challenging due to their history, intensity, and the fact that we do not choose our family members. Forgiveness can be particularly difficult, as familial ties are deeply embedded in our lives. Different life stages and dynamics add further complexity. These difficulties are clearly illustrated in the story of … Continue reading Cain and Abel: 5 Lessons for Transforming Family Relationships
I’ll Be There: The Importance of Physical Presence in Christian Worship
Being physically present for worship with your church family is of paramount importance, as it not only enriches individual spiritual growth but also fosters a sense of community and unity among believers. The act of gathering together in physical fellowship holds deep significance in the Christian faith, and this significance is rooted in both biblical … Continue reading I’ll Be There: The Importance of Physical Presence in Christian Worship
Rediscovering Divine Blessedness: The Key to True Comfort and Joy
For millennia, Christians sung of God's attributes – His infinity, power, and justice. God is the "Fount of Every Blessing" that tunes our heart for praise. Yet, it is a melody which often goes unheard today. The hymns of Divine blessedness should return when we return to a Scriptural view of God's nature. Scripture portrays … Continue reading Rediscovering Divine Blessedness: The Key to True Comfort and Joy
How will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
In considering the gift of the Holy Spirit, it is essential to grasp its true essence—a divine and relational presence accomplished spiritually rather than a physical presence reduced to a mere tangible entity or set of abilities. After all, a non-corporeal (non-physical) omnipresent Spirit is already everywhere. The question is how does the Spirit relate … Continue reading How will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?
The Holy Spirit: Divine Creator, Life-Giver, and Teacher
The theology of the Holy Spirit entails three profound areas of focus: his deity, his work as Life-Giver, and Teacher. Firstly, the Holy Spirit is recognized as true God. This divine essence shines through from the very outset of Scripture, where the Spirit of God is seen moving over the waters during creation (Genesis 1:2). … Continue reading The Holy Spirit: Divine Creator, Life-Giver, and Teacher
Donnie's Dogmatics 