Divorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)

Marriage is a holy covenant that should not be broken. But the sin of abandonment can separate what God has joined.

Few subjects require more biblical care, pastoral tenderness, and spiritual honesty than divorce and remarriage. Marriage is holy because God designed it. Divorce is grievous because it tears apart what Continue ReadingDivorce and Remarriage (The Biblical Question of Abandonment)

The Problem with Apologetics (Why I Stopped Being Jealous of Their Snappy Answers)

Our job is to bear witness to Christ, speak the truth in love, and call people to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.Our job is not to win the argument.So, use apologetics, but do not worship it. Answer questions, but do not machine-gun people with facts. Correct error, but do not forget compassion. Defend the faith, but do not confuse debate victory with gospel fruit.

There was a time when I was jealous of Christians with a talent for apologetics who always seemed to have the perfect answer. You know the kind. Someone raises an Continue ReadingThe Problem with Apologetics (Why I Stopped Being Jealous of Their Snappy Answers)

Don’t Overemphasize the Wrong Word in Romans 12:1-2

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2 is one of the clearest and most searching calls to Christian discipleship in the New Testament, but we must consider the whole verse and not overemphasize one word Continue ReadingDon’t Overemphasize the Wrong Word in Romans 12:1-2

Did Jesus Suffer in Hell at the Crucifixion? (Understanding Death, Hades, Gehenna, the Lake of Fire, and the Finished Work of the Cross)

He took your verdict, carried your curse, absorbed your wrath and walked out of the grave undefeated so you don't have to go to hell.

Some Christians have heard the phrase, “Jesus descended into hell,” and have wondered what it means. Did Jesus go to hell after He died? Did He suffer under Satan? Did Continue ReadingDid Jesus Suffer in Hell at the Crucifixion? (Understanding Death, Hades, Gehenna, the Lake of Fire, and the Finished Work of the Cross)