Is “the Gospel” More than Just a Salvation Message?
“What is the gospel?” Seems like a simple enough question, right? Vocabulary.com explains, “The word gospel comes from the Old English god meaning ‘good’ and spel meaning ‘news, a story.’ In Christianity, the term ‘good news’ refers to the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection.”[1] Most Christians would agree with that definition. The…
Read MoreProphecies of the Coming Christ: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament
Throughout the Old Testament we find numerous prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah, the Christ. In fact, biblical scholar and Jewish convert Alfred Edersheim includes a list of 456 Messianic prophecies in his book The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah.[1] We will look at just a few of those this week. We…
Read MoreDrowning in Disappointment
Have you ever found yourself in that position where you’ve been disappointed or let down by someone, and you’re having a hard time getting past it? Sure, it’s easy to tell yourself to “get over it,” or “forgive as you’ve been forgiven,” but honestly, that’s not really much help, is it? On the other hand,…
Read MoreBefore the World Began: Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament
“It is a mind-stretching exercise to ponder that before the creation—indeed, before time even began—the three persons of the Trinity enjoyed uninterrupted and blissfully loving fellowship for all eternity.” – Ron Rhodes, Christ Before the Manger[1] Do you, somewhere back in the hidden resources of your mind, think that Jesus “began” when He was born…
Read MoreI’m a Saint!
Well, right now the people who know me best are likely rolling on the floor laughing so hard some of them might need oxygen. And there’s a good reason for that. According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, a saint is “a very virtuous, kind, or patient person.” Nope. I missed out on that one by…
Read MoreShedding Light on Sight
A letter from a missionary couple recently arrived at our home. They began their letter with a fascinating story. The couple drove over a hill on their way home from their workplace venue. They were amazed by a unique sight—a rainbow displaying its spectral colors. The author of the missionary letter stated, “I sometimes geek out (emphasis…
Read More2024 Olympics—Citius, Altius, Fortius
In our day few events draw the nations of the world together in unity and agreement. An important exception is the quadrennial modern Olympic Games. The 2024 Olympiad athletic spectacle has recently concluded. For two weeks the attention of many millions of people was riveted on the grandeur of worldwide athletic competition. The Olympic Games…
Read MoreWhat is Truth?
“What is truth,” Pilate asked Jesus in John 18:38. Here we are, more than 2,000 years later, and people are still asking the same question. But Pilate had an opportunity to do something unique, something that he completely ignored. When he asked, “What is truth,” the One standing before him, the One to whom he…
Read MoreNothing But the (Relative) Truth
“What is truth,” Pilate asked Jesus in John 18:38. Here we are, more than 2,000 years later, and people are still asking the same question. But the answer has gotten a bit complicated as a Barna survey reveals. The survey, conducted in 2001, indicated: Barna noted that even many Christians considered activities such as abortion,…
Read MoreCrystals: Decoration or Doorway to the Occult?
As you are walking through the flea market one day, you see a few gorgeous crystals and think to yourself, “Oh, that would be so pretty in my house! I can’t wait to see all the beautiful colors as the sun shines through it,” so you buy it and take it home. As it hangs…
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