It is profoundly clear in the New Testament that baptism is a prerequisite for one’s salvation from sins and the eternal consequences thereof. It certainly takes some maneuvering to make Acts 2:38 say that baptism is NOT for the remission of sins and to make 1 Peter 3:21 say that baptism does NOT save. Bible teaching, in that regard, is plain. The…

If you wanted to travel from where you are to St. Louis, Missouri, how would you get there?  First of all, what means of travel would you take?  The options are numerous: plane, train, automobile, boat, bus, bike, horse, camel, hot air balloon, wheelchair, pogo stick, etc.  Which one would you choose?  Next, once you determined your means of travel, what pathway…

There was a time when a lack of clothing on a person’s body in public evoked a sense of shame-shame within that person’s heart, shame within his family and friends, shame felt by others for him, shame felt by others for his family and friends. In fact, the Bible speaks of such shame from nakedness, in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It…

Daniel was carried as a young man to the land of his enemies and was selected (along with three of his friends) to serve in the king’s palace. Wow! Talk about someone who needed those “three years of training” (Dan. 1:5) to know how to fit in with his new country and new job and new environment and new associates. He needed…

Do you know anyone who “worships God” but is not saved? Think about that for a moment. Do you know anyone who regularly goes to an assembly of worshipers and “worships God” but that person has not obeyed the gospel and is not destined for heaven? Someone might say, “Wait a minute! How can somebody ‘worship God’ every week and not be…

Numerous are the attributes of God for which man ought to stand in awe, wonder and thanksgiving, including His holiness, love, mercy, omnipotence, etc. One of His most astounding characteristics (and essential for mankind) is His longsuffering! The Greek word for “longsuffering” or “patience” is makrothumia, which is a compound word combining makros (“long”) and thumos (“temper” or “feelings”). Thus, makrothumia describes…

For a long time in the church, we have emphasized the unique nature of “agape love.” One word (among several) that the Greeks used for love was the word “agape,” which represented the ultimate form of love — an unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial love which sets out to meet the needs of the one to whom it is  extended. It is the love…

Carefully consider this chain of verses. “God, who is rich in mercy” (Eph. 2:4), “and abundant in mercy” (Psa. 86:5), “according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope” (1 Pet. 1:3), “according to His mercy He saved us” (Tit. 3:5) and “made us alive together with Christ” (Eph. 2:5). By definition, mercy is not merely a feeling…