I’ll bet most of our readers know that the Bible word “dispensation” is a translation of the Greek word “oikonomia.” “Oikos” is “house”, and “nomos” is “law or rule”. The combination of these two root words literally translates to the "law of the household" or "household management." Or as most books say, “stewardship.” Same difference.... Continue Reading →
[This is an excerpt from my Sunday message and new series on Ephesians. PTL! -Joel] Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Notice that we have in this one verse, blessed, blessed, and blessings, all variations... Continue Reading →
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. The first word Paul says is Wherefore. This means “for this reason.” Therefore also means “for this reason.” Same Greek word. The translators... Continue Reading →
I love the comparison between Genesis vs. Revelation, the beginning vs. the end. J. Sidlow Baxter in his work, Explore the Book, said, “A comparison of Genesis to Revelation proves that this book is a completed revelation of God to man. They complement each other. “In both, we have a new beginning and a new... Continue Reading →
How about we start the new year with some controversial passages! Woo hoo! Rom 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who... Continue Reading →
2 Timothy 2:15 Study – why? – to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. What does that mean to shew thyself approved unto God? Study Webster would tell us that study is a setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject.... Continue Reading →
I’d like to talk about a man whose books I do not recommend. There’s no spiritual value reading his works. This man was a German philosopher from the 1800’s. His name was Friedrich Nietzsche. The only thing about Nietzsche worth admiring is that he had this massive, unwieldly, walrus mustache draped over his face like... Continue Reading →
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 →
LET ME BE Why is it Lord that you should hear my call? My heart is obstinate and hard as a wall, I do my own thing and pleasures for me, Always saying to God, just let me be, But as the heartaches of life start to bring me down, I look for help and... Continue Reading →
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward... Continue Reading →
Rom 5 is the end of a great section of Romans that begins in chapter 3, which is all about our justification through faith in Christ’s payment for our sins on the cross. Of course, you cannot have chapters 3-5 without chapters 1-2. They are essential set-ups to the payoff verses about how we may... Continue Reading →
The Christmas season is again at hand, With thoughts of Christ in every land; The Christmas message again we'll hear, The songs of Christ Who brought good cheer; The Lord of glory, God's gift of love, Who left His home in heaven above. We'll sing and tell the Saviour's birth, How He dwelt with men... Continue Reading →
Occasionally, I check out various writings on subjects that interest me and lately I have been perusing Universal Reconciliation websites. It is puzzling to me about all the hoopla over the translation over the Greek word ‘aionios’ (everlasting, eternal, etc.). The common vein is to question all translations of the scripture and to suggest that... Continue Reading →
Since suffering from a stroke in March, 2022, I have been on the road to recovery. I am, however, physically tired. Each day I get more, and more, back to normal (whatever that may be now). Many of the things I used to do are no longer done, or are donw with great strain. There... Continue Reading →
Sometimes I don't know exactly what I’m going to write about until I actually sit at my desk, in front of my computer. In this case I’m at my seldom used desk at our actual church building. This is a rare event, indeed! With the advent of the automobile, and electronic communications the church office... Continue Reading →
The redemption God the Father has the apostle Paul mention in Ephesians 1:7 is not redemption from man to man; but rather, the redemption of the soul to God. The price for the soul is precious. The ransom must meet the justice of Almighty God. The price for man ceaseth forever. The price of the... Continue Reading →
"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, {4} Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:" (Gal 1:3-4)Believers often are myopic in their view of the redemptive work of... Continue Reading →
Redemption is the transaction of the riches of God’s grace imputed to the bondage and ransom you are naturally under, so you may receive the adoptions of sons and all the spiritual blessings thereof. Redemption is the depth of God’s love, the depth of His grace whereas adoption is the height. Redemption is God’s means... Continue Reading →
I have been reading the writings of the Universalists and am trying to make sense of them, especially as they relate to the original languages. Without exception their writings abandon the Received Text and rest upon translation exceptions to make their case.By way of example this quote from the promo for “At the End of... Continue Reading →
(Col 2:6-10) "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: {7} Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. {8} Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after... Continue Reading →
SUPPLY OF GRACE 