Bible, theology, culture, etc.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, … Continue reading Does God Desire All to be Saved?
Face as Presence In the Bible often the word for "face" is a metonymy for "presence." Frequently our English translations actually translate the Hebrew and Greek terms for face (פָּנֶה, panėh; πρόσωπον, prosōpon) just with the word "presence". For example, "And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the … Continue reading Coram Deo: A Theology of the Face
Let’s imagine that the Christian life is a road trip. At your conversion, Jesus Himself climbs into your car and He tells you: No matter what, you are going to make it to Heaven. My Father’s election of you, my death and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in you have … Continue reading Christian, You Need Warning Passages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtS1InmRo-s Note: This talk was given to High School guys. Transcript “All things were created through Him and for Him.” – Col. 1:16 We host Let’s Talk every quarter because of that verse. If your view of the Bible is that it is only a helpful guide when dealing with “spiritual” things, like church, … Continue reading Let’s Talk: Sex
Here is an email response given to someone who asked me this question awhile ago - it is a question I am asked fairly frequently, so I figured it would be helpful to just put it into a post. If you are unfamiliar with the "Unforgivable Sin", it is found in Mark 3:22-30, Luke 12:8-10, … Continue reading Have I Committed the Unforgivable Sin?
In our youth group we have been examining the book of Jonah, and had the opportunity to go through the second chapter recently. For time's sake we simply could not cover every aspect of the passage, but we were unable to run down one trail I was hoping to. So I will share my thoughts here: … Continue reading Sovereign God, Responsible People
The cross of Jesus displays the most awesome exhibition of God’s hatred of sin and at the same time the most august manifestation of his readiness to pardon it. Pardon, full and free, is written out in every drop of blood that is seen, is proclaimed in every groan that is heard, and shines in … Continue reading Infinite Mercy
Below is the transcript of my opening keynote address at my church's recent Engage event - the theme of the event was "Make a Difference". My lesson was from 2 Cor. 4:1-7. Hello, friends – you are here today because you are a leader. You may be a GROW group leader, a student ministry leader, or a … Continue reading Make a Difference
I have decided to compile a list of some of the most helpful resources I have found in studying the doctrines of grace (commonly called the five points of Calvinism). This is a subject that deserves our full attention, because it is replete throughout all of Scripture and requires us to think deeply. I encourage … Continue reading Helpful Resources for the Doctrines of Grace
Studying the doctrine of election and predestination for the first time can often be confusing and at times frustrating. I have been teaching this to young people for five years now, and I have never met someone who hasn't struggled with it at first. When I was first introduced to the doctrines of grace I … Continue reading 10 Tips For Studying Predestination.
Marc Sims 