The final of these cardinal Christian virtues Paul mentioned was their “steadfastness of hope” (ESV) or “endurance inspired by hope” (1 Thess. 1:3). Christians are motivated by the future promised by God and guaranteed by Christ himself. “Endurance refers to a faith that persists even through trials because of the end-time hope in Christ’s coming … Continue reading Steadfastness of Hope
God, Sovereignty, Inspiration, and Interpreation
Whenever we pick up the Bible, we hold God's Book. God worked with human authors to provide us all with His Word (2 Timothy 3:16).
Labor of Love
The Thessalonians work of faith was accompanied by their “labor of love.” Some things can only be described as a labor of love. The phrase “labor of love” is generally used to describe some hard and tedious work that is largely unrewarded. The Thessalonians work was hard, but it comes with a great reward. The … Continue reading Labor of Love
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of God
The nation lay afflicted in tyranny. The harsh king cared little for his foreign subjects. Financial gain and personal control were the king’s primary motivations. Then God began to act. The LORD said to Moses, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because … Continue reading Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of God
Work of Faith Working
It was common for the ancient Greeks, and some of us today, to love idleness. To be involved with physical labor was a sign of the lower classes—to be a servant. But it is for this “work” that Paul praised the Thessalonians before God. But what does “work of faith” mean? The relationship of faith … Continue reading Work of Faith Working
What Will Our “Bodies” Be Like in the Resurrection??
What will o drur resurrection bodies be like? In the resurrection will we resemble our present selves? Many of us may think we will enter eternity as disembodied spirits. This is the way that many of us tend to think of the resurrection body. Charles Hodge described the resurrection body: “It is probable that the … Continue reading What Will Our “Bodies” Be Like in the Resurrection??
Let it Go!: The freedom of forgiveness
What is your favorite attribute of God? For sinners like you and me, perhaps forgiveness is the most valued of God’s attributes. Forgiveness will unify a congregation, a family, and your view of yourself. A lack of forgiveness will destroy a congregation, a family, and your view of yourself. The only way we can … Continue reading Let it Go!: The freedom of forgiveness
Distinction Between the Creator And The Created
Humanity has struggled with sin since Genesis 3, but it would seem that temptation was a struggle, though limited in nature, since creation itself. God alone is perfect in all his ways (Ps. 18:30; Matt. 5:48). Consequently, God “cannot be tempted with evil” (Js. 1:13). Humanity, by virtue of their creaturely nature, can be tempted … Continue reading Distinction Between the Creator And The Created
When You Become Y’ALL: The Priesthood of All Believers
via When You Become Y'ALL: The Priesthood of All Believers
How Beautiful
When she was little, my Sophie would wake up every morning saying, “Suns up guys, Suns Up!” Wouldn’t it be great to be that excited to see the sun every morning. Both the sunrise and the sunset are beautiful and beckon us to awe. Beauty is in the universe because the God who created … Continue reading How Beautiful
Donnie's Dogmatics 