The basis for discerning the whole truth of a matter is assessing “testimony.” Geologists look at the testimony of rocks. Paleontologists look at the testimony of bones. Astronomers look at the testimony of stars. Mathematicians look at the testimony of numbers. Inspired Bible writers looked at the testimony of God’s mighty acts in history. In […]
In December we celebrate the incarnation of Christ. Jesus came into the world for many reasons (Luke 19:10; Mark 10:45; Matthew 10:34; 1 Timothy 1:15). But one reason he came into the world was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Since the church is to continue what Jesus began to do […]
Richard Halverson, former US Senate Chaplain, quoted Sam Pascoe, “Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.” That is a sobering statement to […]
The first missionary journey (Acts 13, 14) was so successful that a church conference had to be called to handle the growth (15:1-35). Thanks to Peter’s testimony, Paul’s report, and James’ use of Amos 9:10, 11, the second missionary journey accelerated the success of the gospel (Acts 16-18). The new missionary team of Paul and […]
God likes things to grow: families (Genesis 1:28), gardens (v. 29), nations (11:8, 9), and churches (Acts 5:14). In fact, God expects his church to grow (Matthew 13:31, 32) and it is unnatural if she does not grow (vv. 8, 23). If “well begun is half done,” then the church is off to a great […]
