He Saved Me, He Saved Me Not: Finding Assurance in the Free Grace – Lordship Salvation Debate (Part 1)

After being nurtured in a godly Christian home, Joe made a life-changing choice to make Jesus his personal Savior when he was 11 years old. He was immediately baptized by the Children's Pastor.  He continued to attend church and youth services, generally obey his parents, and engage in the basic spiritual practices expected from a … Continue reading He Saved Me, He Saved Me Not: Finding Assurance in the Free Grace – Lordship Salvation Debate (Part 1) →

Thoughts on the Allegorical Hermeneutic of Full Preterists

I recently listened to a podcast series with Kim Burgess called “Covenant Hermeneutics and Biblical Eschatology”. In this podcast series, he attempted to persuade his audience of full preterism theology built on a so-called “Covenant Hermeneutic”.   It can be found here. Initial Reservations As open minded as I always attempt to be, I must apologize … Continue reading Thoughts on the Allegorical Hermeneutic of Full Preterists →

The Angel of the Lord:  A New Answer for the Open Theism Debate

God’s Foreknowledge The Christian doctrine of foreknowledge asserts that God possesses exhaustive knowledge of all future events, including human choices and actions. This means that God knows beforehand what will happen in the world and in individual lives. The concept of foreknowledge is often connected to God's omniscience, His attribute of knowing all things.  Berkhoff … Continue reading The Angel of the Lord:  A New Answer for the Open Theism Debate →

What About Israel?  An “Expanded Elect Israel” View of Romans 11

The phrase "all Israel will be saved" in Romans 11:26 has sparked vibrant discussions and divergent interpretations among biblical scholars and theologians throughout history. Unraveling the enigmatic meaning of "all Israel" in this verse has become a captivating endeavor, showcasing the complexity and depth of Paul's writings.  Below is a summary of the main views.  … Continue reading What About Israel?  An “Expanded Elect Israel” View of Romans 11 →

My Rediscovery of Biblical Healing Out of the Word of Faith Movement

I’ll never forget the phone call I received from a friend at church.  A week earlier, she had privately told me about a mass that doctors had discovered.  Considering me a “prayer warrior”, she asked me to pray for her healing.  I did not hesitate to pray a zealous prayer over her that day, asking … Continue reading My Rediscovery of Biblical Healing Out of the Word of Faith Movement →

My Rediscovery of Context Out of the Word of Faith Movement

In my last article, I described my journey of rediscovering God’s sovereignty while I was immersed in a full time pastoral position at a Word of Faith church.  As I discussed, the two primary ingredients to the Word of Faith formula are promises and profession.  Adherents search the scriptures vigorously for promises, latch onto those … Continue reading My Rediscovery of Context Out of the Word of Faith Movement →

My Rediscovery Of Sovereignty Out of the Word of Faith Movement

My next few posts will revolve around the Word of Faith movement, also called the faith healing, health and wealth, positive confession, and prosperity movement.  This is a movement within charismatic circles which teaches that Christians are guaranteed physical healing and financial prosperity by faith expressed in spoken commands and decrees. This teaching was popularized … Continue reading My Rediscovery Of Sovereignty Out of the Word of Faith Movement →

Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Uniting Restorationist and Evangelical Views of Baptism (Part 1)

I'll never forget my baptism. I was fourteen years old. Both my mother and I were baptized on the same day in a pond right next to our church. Many other church members, both newer and more mature believers, were baptized at this bi-annual baptism service. Before each baptism, the person being baptized got to … Continue reading Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Uniting Restorationist and Evangelical Views of Baptism (Part 1) →

Are Christians Supposed to Keep the Sabbath?

After a hard week of work, many of us fill our weekends with recreation -- camping, hiking, travel and other recreation. These activities are often our great escape from the daily routine. While we are enjoying our weekends, there are others who have to work -- the pilot, the mail delivery person, the utility repair … Continue reading Are Christians Supposed to Keep the Sabbath? →