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
Faith Alone?
This Sunday, we’ll be looking at the issue of faith and considering these and other questions: What role does human effort play in the life of faith? What is the place of “good works”? The New Testament often repeats that good works (deeds) are a necessary part of the Christian’s life, but different answers have been given in various branches of the Church as to what that means. The answer will determine all of earthly life for us because there
Dwelling in the Shelter of God
The idea that we can call out to God and he’ll hear us is so much a part of our Christian culture. We cling to this promise, and the Bible affirms this truth. It is our understanding of God's nearness that transforms our lives. When Jesus began his teaching ministry, one of the first things he wanted his followers to know was that God desired to be understood as the heavenly Father, who was accessible to his creatures. Through Jesus, God
Can You Be a Wicked Christian?
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus was addressing the super-religious people of his day—those convinced that they were “in” with God, while others outside their circles were “out.” We find the same situation with many Christians today, those who give no real evidence of a changed life. Often we find behavior in the church far more putrid and consistently repugnant than that of the world. Those of us who’ve been among Christians for many years can cite too many examples
Why Be a Christian?
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6 What difference, if any, does it make whether one is a Christian or of some other faith? Aren’t all faiths the same and all ways lead to God? Aren’t we judged ultimately on how sincerely we take our own chosen path or what a good life we’ve led? These aren’t just academic questions. They matter more than any other
What Is A Christian? — The Bible Study
Introduction: In so many ways and in so many places the church has lost its way, lost its identity, and has ruptured badly—not by external forces, but by internal strife and disagreement on the basics of faith. We may well wonder how much longer it will stay around. Entire denominations that have been here for generations are abandoning their historic confessions and tossing overboard the theological and moral guidance systems that have kept them going forward since their founding. All the fundamental
It’s A Wonderful Life!
It’s A Wonderful Life! That, of course, is the name of a film that many of us have seen—a perennial holiday classic. Along with The Bishop’s Wife and Scrooged, it's one of our family’s holiday favorites. (I should add The Holiday and Die Hard for the women in our family!) But is life all that wonderful for us? Our sermon topic for Sunday is “It’s A Wonderful Life,” and some of the questions we’ll be looking at are: What would the world
The Real Meaning of Christmas — A Christmas Play
The Real Meaning of Christmas is a fun, lively, joy-filled, and incredibly easy Christmas play! It starts with Isaiah 9, where the prophet announces the Messiah's birth, then goes into a fun and interactive Christmas narrative, and ends with singing Joy to the World. THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS STORY Long ago, before the birth of Jesus, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his
