Jesus’ Authority – My Responsibility
By Philipp Meinecke Read Luke 8:26-39 and Matthew 28:18-20 18th century English writer and theologian G. K. Chesterton postulated that “the first effect of not believing in God is to believe in anything.”[1] This effect is felt throughout the Western hemisphere, where belief in Christianity has given way to the erosive forces that have sought to break it down. Fascination and pursuit of alternate experiences have left a gaping hole that yearns to be filled. Add to that the void that has
Soli Deo Gloria: To the Glory of God Alone!
Would you like to spend eternity with a group of dour, self-righteous, ritual bound, judgmental people? Would you even want to be around them? Probably not! Then why would God? Often so much of what we can know and love about God seems obscured or absent in the religious people who end up doing more to harm our perception of him than reflecting his true character. Even when so much information is at our fingertips, we know and communicate alarmingly little
Solus Christus, In Christ Alone
Solus Christus, “Christ Alone” for salvation is Christianity’s central scandal. How could anyone make such an exclusive claim and still be considered the foundation of love and justice? Well, let’s agree for argument’s sake that Jesus did make, or at least could have made, the claim that he is the only way to God. Does it still seem unfair to a world of multiplicity of religions? One way to approach this seemingly intolerant attitude is to ask what the logical alternatives would
Sola Scriptura: Is What You Believe the Gospel Truth?
What if you discovered that much of what you believe about God, Jesus, and salvation has very little to do with the Bible and a lot more to do with popular trends, modern culture, and ancient pagan philosophy? Would you be alarmed? If you’re anything like most of us believers, then, normally, we tend to believe what we’re taught by spiritually sincere and well-meaning family, friends, pastors, and Sunday school teachers. The pastor who influenced you was a great guy, he
The Church of Irresistible Influence – Part 2
By Philipp Meinecke Jesus used many compelling and vivid metaphors to describe the Church and its intended influence and function in the world: A city set on a hill. Visible event to the untrained eye. A lamp bringing light even into the darkest of rooms. A beautiful bride made ready for her husband. A house, in which those far and near find a home. Salt to season and preserve. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the early Church presented such a
The Church of Irresistible Influence
by Philipp Meinecke A city set on a hill. Visible even to the untrained eye. A lamp bringing light even into the darkest of rooms. A beautiful bride, made ready for her husband. A house in which even those far off find a home. Jesus used many compelling and vivid metaphors to describe the church and its intended influence on the world. Through the power and work of the Holy Spirit, the Early Church presented such a transformative force on its culture that even persecution
Faith and Grace
It’s summer—children, youth, and parents are excited to begin a relaxing holiday time! Many of our church families are away, either returning to be with family and friends in their home countries or enjoying the beauty of God’s creation here in Europe. Our summer worship schedule begins this Sunday, 30 July and will run until Sunday, 3 September. There will be Bible study and prayer for adults. We’ll be considering chapters from the books of John, Acts, and Romans and how
Resurrection? I’ll Believe That When Caterpillars Fly: Ten Reasons to Believe in Resurrection
“That’s just impossible! Since it flies in the face of everything we know, you’d have to be an idiot to believe in the resurrection.” I hear this sort of thing all the time, and it’s often spoken as though it’s the very essence of bear-trap logic. The only sensible response I can think of is something like this: “You’re right, you’d have to be an idiot to believe in the resurrection or any of miracles of the Bible, but only if
Challenged Accepted?
Do you like a challenge? If yes, here are some questions you can ask yourself: • Where is my life going in relation to my faith in Jesus Christ? • What is my life goal, my mission statement—the reason I get up in the morning? • Do I have more or less enthusiasm for my faith than I had a year ago,
