In the book of Revelation, did John time travel into the future? Oh, yeah, man. This is gonna be EPIC. First, we must consider the big picture structure of the book of Revelation. In fact, I would be so bold as to suggest that there really is only one proper Biblical breakdown of Revelation. And... Continue Reading →
7 Times Paul Says “Take Heed”
To take heed is to take hold upon something, to seize something with great attention, or it’s to pay close attention to something. In Paul’s epistles, there are 7 aspects of the grace life we are to take heed with great attention. These aren’t simply 7 instructions we’re to embrace intellectually. We are to seize... Continue Reading →
Q&A: The Babe In Christ And The Weaker Brethren
Question: What’s The Difference, If Any Between The “Babe In Christ,” And The Ones Who Are “Weak In The Faith?” Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. Rom 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Rom 14:3 ... Continue Reading →
Mechanics Of Our Identity: “Like As Christ”
Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk... Continue Reading →
THE JUNK DRAWER?
1 Timothy 1:18-20 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom... Continue Reading →
40 Things I Learned Doing 600 Podcasts
Come join us for our 600th podcast today at 10 a.m. EST! 1. Rule #1. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6). 2. Rule #2. There are no exceptions to Rule #1. 3. Rule #3. Speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). 4. Rule #4. There are no exceptions to... Continue Reading →
A Proper Biblical View of Israel Today
My heart goes out to any nation brutally attacked as what happened to Israel, who has a right to defend themselves. And there is certainly nothing wrong with supporting our allies. But now the MCM, the Mainstream Christian Media, has gone into an eschatological frenzy over this war in Israel. Netanyahu is invoking Amalek and... Continue Reading →
PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE
There is one thing that will never change. People will always be people - no matter their personal level of sanctification. We have been given by God peculiar (some more peculiar than others) particular personality traits, which often conflict with the New Man, who is supposed to reflect the image of Christ. Some Believers are... Continue Reading →
The Exceeding Greatness of God’s Power To Us-Ward Who Believe
This is my all-time favorite of J.C. O'Hair's articles. It's totally epic. You're welcome. -Joel THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF GOD’S POWER TO US-WARD WHO BELIEVE What is the measure of God’s power toward believers? What can be accomplished in the believer by that power? How can the believer appropriate and apply that power? THE MEASURE... Continue Reading →
Adam vs. Christ
I love the contrast between Adam and Christ in Romans 5:12-19 and 1 Cor. 15:45-49. Adam is the first Adam whereas Christ is the last Adam. Adam was made a living soul whereas Christ was made a quickening spirit. Adam was the First Man, earthly, whereas Christ was the Second Man, heavenly. Sin entered the... Continue Reading →
Necessary Food
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. [12] Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. - Job 23:11-12 One thing in life that is so very important is a correct diet. ... Continue Reading →
Grace Goodies!
How about some link love to a lot of free grace goodies I adore? (I'm a bit of a link-a-holic.) Shawn Brasseaux has written over 4,500 grace articles each fewer than 333 words. My church’s website has a wonderful list of many grace newsletters including the Berean Searchlight, which has a new October issue (and... Continue Reading →
How many issues were at Corinth?
What a thrill it was to participate last weekend in the Twin Cities Grace Fellowship Conference! I had a blast! The theme was The Gathering of Christ’s Body. My first message, called "For Better or For Worse," used 1 Cor. 11:17 as the base text. I had pointed out that in my sermon prep, I... Continue Reading →
Joel’s Dream Come True
I have for years been telling Pastor Hal Bekemeyer he needs to write a book called "God Don't Make Junk!" That's a phenomenal title, which he is known for saying on occasion (along with "Words mean things!") Of course, a book with that title would be all about our glorious identification with Christ, who you... Continue Reading →
God Don’t Make Junk!
[This article is taken from Hal's NEW FREE booklet called "God Don't Make Junk!" Download the free pdf. Read it. Smile. It's awesome. I love it! -Joel Hayes] We are New Creatures. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all... Continue Reading →
There’s a Scandal in my Church!
So what does Paul teach us about how to handle a scandal in a church? Let’s say you have discovered that your beloved grace pastor has been doing something really, really stupid for a long time. How should you and your church handle a scandal? The Dangers of Secret Sins First, how about we address,... Continue Reading →
AGREEING TO DISAGREE?
OK, first off, I would like to have a show of hands to demonstrate how many people agree with any other person 100% of the time. OK, do I have any takers at 50%? That is what I thought. You can hardly find two people who agree on more than a few key issues. Everyone... Continue Reading →
His Power Upon Me
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from... Continue Reading →
Universal Forgiveness
Do people go to Hell with their sins forgiven? Two quick comments: I would not break fellowship with saints who hold that view, even though I strongly disagree. I’ve also seen some extremely disgraceful behavior over this debate. In some cases, I think awful behavior merits being marked and avoided (Rom. 16:17), because they're offences... Continue Reading →
My, My, My x 3!
It’s often easy to see how a person can get caught up in performance based religion. Simply put, people tend to look at a single verse, without context, and build their doctrine based on the incomplete knowledge they have been given. One such instance can be found in Psalm 18:20: The Lord rewarded me according... Continue Reading →
