To understand the tax collectors of Jesus’ day and how they were viewed by their fellow Jews, we must first gain some insight into tax system in Israel. At the time of Jesus, Israel was under Roman occupation, and Rome exercised its authority over Israel by placing governors over some of its provinces (e.g., the … Continue reading Jesus, Friend of Sinners
Death the Intruder, Christ the Victor
Death is an intruder. And everything that leads to death—sickness, pain, old-age, heart-attacks, high-blood pressure, brain aneurisms, and cancer—are also all intruders. We live in world that is not the way it’s supposed to be. But even before any of these intruders entered our existence there was a more primal intruder: sin. It was sin … Continue reading Death the Intruder, Christ the Victor
Justification, Works, and the Final Judgment: Making Sense of Romans 2:6-16
For those who love the truth of Romans 3:27 and 4:5—that we are justified by faith alone apart from works of the law—Romans 2:6-16 can be a tough, even unsettling passage. But it is vital that we understand this passage so that our minds and hearts remain clear and our walk with Christ unhindered. Every … Continue reading Justification, Works, and the Final Judgment: Making Sense of Romans 2:6-16
Eight Strategies for Cultivating a Good and Honest Heart
In the last article, I discussed how professing believers should apply the parable of the soils to their own lives and the lives of their brothers and sisters. If you haven't already, I encourage you to read this introductory article to see why it is vital for professing Christians to apply the entire parable to themselves. … Continue reading Eight Strategies for Cultivating a Good and Honest Heart
How Many Conditions Must We Meet in Order to Believe in Jesus? None
Perhaps the most deadly feature of hyper-Calvinism is the idea that one must first discover certain qualifications of the Spirit's work in his heart before he has warrant to believe in Jesus. Over the centuries hyper-Calvinists have taught, either implicitly or explicitly, that a certain amount of remorse for sin or love for Christ must be located the soul in … Continue reading How Many Conditions Must We Meet in Order to Believe in Jesus? None
Sleep, Exercise, and Assurance of Salvation
Assurance of salvation is God's will for Christians. A continual lack of assurance and doubting of one's standing before God may appear ultra-spiritual, but it is actually a sign of spiritual immaturity. Scripture repeatedly calls Christians to pursue assurance and assumes that it is possible to attain it. And we desire each one of you to show … Continue reading Sleep, Exercise, and Assurance of Salvation
Making Sense of Hebrews 6
Sometimes the texts that cause the most initial trouble in one's spiritual life are the texts that later bear the most fruit. This certainly has been my experience with Hebrews 6. Shortly after I became a Christian, I was confronted with the terrifying warnings in the book of Hebrews. The sixth chapter caused the most turmoil, for … Continue reading Making Sense of Hebrews 6
From the Study 