Fasting and Maturation

Last updated on: February 9, 2016 at 10:23 am By Guest Contributor

by Peter Leithart The Mosaic liturgical calendar prescribes only one fast, the day of atonement, when Israel was commanded to “humble your souls” (Leviticus 16:29; 23:27, 29, 32; the verb is sometimes translated as “afflict”). By way of contrast, Israel celebrated two week-long festivals, a handful one-day festivals, and a weekly Sabbath, when they were to eat, drink, and rejoice in Yahweh’s good gifts. This seems to imply that fasting plays little or no role in Israel’s religious life, but... Read more

Do Near Death Experiences Reveal the Heaven of the Bible?

Last updated on: February 1, 2016 at 7:10 pm By Guest Contributor

by John Burke In 1979, my father was dying of cancer. I was an agnostic when I noticed a book on his nightstand, Life After Life. The book coined the term “near-death experience” (NDE). I read it that night and realized there’s evidence that God does exist. That opened me up to studying the Bible and coming to faith. Since that time, I went from a career in engineering to studying at seminary and starting a church. I have also... Read more

Dismantling Your Heart Idols

Last updated on: January 27, 2016 at 2:12 pm By Guest Contributor

by JD Greear Every heart has a throne. And on that throne sits something (or, perhaps, someone). Every day, without fail, each of us comes to that throne to present ourselves as obedient slaves. Most contemporary people scoff at this. “Slave? I’m not a slave to anyone! I’m free, and I do whatever I want.” To which the Apostle Paul would calmly respond, “Oh, really?” Or, to use his words: Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone... Read more

The Most Important Verse in the Bible

Last updated on: January 27, 2016 at 2:03 pm By Guest Contributor

by JD Greear When I was in seminary, one of my professors said that Romans 4:5 was, in his estimation, the most important verse in the whole Bible. That’s a bold claim, but I’m inclined to agree with him. Because if you get Romans 4:5, you get the gospel. But if you don’t grasp what Paul is saying, chances are you’ve wrapped Christian language around a system of works. It all hinges on one word: credited. “To the one who... Read more

Blessed are the Risk-takers

Last updated on: January 27, 2016 at 1:49 pm By Guest Contributor

Failure to risk our lives to the fullest potential for the kingdom of God is as wicked as the most egregious violations of the laws of God. Read more

Preaching that Impacts Culture

Last updated on: January 18, 2016 at 10:27 am By Guest Contributor

The most impactful sermon is not the one developed solely in the cloistered walls of the preacher’s study. But one that captures the heartbeat of God for the sufferer birthed through the preacher’s time in prayer, focused study of the Bible, and clear thinking that surfaced from extensive analysis of the problem. Read more

Wheaton, John Hagee, and Judaism

Last updated on: December 22, 2015 at 11:57 am By Bart Gingerich

There may seem to be more commonality between Judaism and Christianity in the popular imagination. Nevertheless, exclusivity or inclusivity of one faith has direct bearing on others. How evangelicals perceive Islam and God defines how evangelicals should also perceive Judaism and God. Read more

A Christmas Alleluia

Last updated on: November 30, 2015 at 10:20 pm By Guest Contributor

by Chris Tomlin Who is this Jesus? He is the King whose Kingdom the Lord has established forever. (2 Samuel 7:12) He has deeper courage than David, (Luke 19:51) greater wisdom than Solomon, (Luke 11:31) and stronger faith than Elijah. (Matthew 4:1-11) He is the Son to be given, the child to be born. (Isaiah 9:6) He is Immanuel—God with His people. (Isaiah 9:19, 6:13) He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of... Read more

Bethlehem

Last updated on: November 30, 2015 at 10:15 pm By Guest Contributor

by Chris Tomlin Bethlehem was not only little in size, it was also little in stature. The Lord said that from Bethlehem, which was small in Judah, the King would come to Israel. (Micah 5:2) It is the way of the Lord to make much out of little. The King of all creation was born in a stable in an insignificant town to illustrate the glorious truth that Christ comes to the lowly. What does this mean for us?... Read more