Quick Answer: Why is it important that Jesus rose from the dead? The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves His divinity – that He has power over sin and death. But the resurrection is also important to the believer, as it is the means by which we have received new, resurrection life and new identity in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:17; Colossians 3:1). Diving Deeper: If Jesus has not been raised from the dead, then He is not the Son of God... Read more
Quick Answer: Should we have altar calls? The term “altar call” conveys Old Testament imagery of dead animals laying on altars for Israel’s atonement. In the New Covenant, Jesus was placed on the last altar, the cross, to take away sins once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). So, while God has saved people through altar calls at church services, the imagery actually conflicts with the New Testament reality of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Diving Deeper: Of course, there’s nothing wrong... Read more
Quick Answer: What is the narrow gate that leads to life? In Matthew 7:13, the narrow gate is the way of grace, and the wide or broad gate is the way of self-righteousness. Not many find the narrow gate (Matthew 7:14), because the religions of the world encourage good behavior for salvation, and this is very appealing to people. Scripture is clear: We must set aside our efforts to earn or maintain righteousness with God and humble ourselves by receiving grace... Read more
Quick Answer: Is suicide an unforgivable sin? Scripture only lists one unforgivable sin: the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit or the sin that “leads to death” (1 John 5:16; Matthew 12:31-32). This sin is simply unbelief in the Gospel and has nothing to do with suicide. The false idea that suicide is an unforgivable sin stems from Catholicism which holds that a last confession is necessary in order to be forgiven (and someone who dies by suicide cannot have that last... Read more
Quick Answer: Is the whole world forgiven? No, the whole world is not forgiven of their sins. Forgiveness is found only in Christ, not in Adam. A person must admit their sinfulness and their need for a Savior in order to be forgiven and cleansed of all their sins (1 John 1:9; Acts 26:17-18). Diving Deeper: John 1:29 says, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of... Read more
Quick Answer: Should a believer pursue a special anointing? Many teach the importance of a second blessing from God or the need for a special anointing. However, this is inconsistent with the Gospel. When we believe in Jesus, we are given everything we need for life and godliness including the fullness of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:3-4; Ephesians 1:3, 13-14). Diving Deeper: Some teach that Christians are in need of more blessing from God, or a special anointing. However, from... Read more
In Part 9 of my series, The Perfect You, I address several passages on forgiveness and confession of sin in the New Testament, including: Jesus’ teaching from the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 The instruction to confess your sins to one another in James 5 Confession tied to forgiveness in 1 John 1 Some might suggest these verses teach being forgiven and cleansed is a daily process. But Jesus said it is finished. He remembers your sins no more, and... Read more
What does the average Christian think about their forgiveness? For many, it may be, “If I confess, He promises to forgive. Isn’t that great?!” But then what about the sins you forget to confess? God has not only forgiven your past sins but has already forgiven your next sin - and every sin after that. God’s forgiveness isn’t about our words or apologies but about His blood! In this message, I share the difference between progressive forgiveness and once-for-all forgiveness.... Read more
The Old Testament is part of the inspired Word of God. It’s filled with incredible wisdom, including the law that led you to Christ. But as you come to salvation by faith, you enter into a new covenant. What is your relationship with the law going forward? What now leads and guides you daily? In Part 7 of my series, The Perfect You, I share a counter-intuitive and counter-religious newsflash: serving the Lord is not about following rules or regulations.... Read more
As believers, we understand salvation is by God’s grace, and there’s nothing we can do to earn it. We trust in Christ’s death and resurrection. But like the Garden of Eden, there’s a temptation to think that if I knew or did a little more, I could be more godly. We start to mix in rules and parts of the law in an effort to be better. In part 6 of my series, The Perfect You, I share how Jesus... Read more
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