There were two trees mentioned in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). The first tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was forbidden. Disobedience would bring death, and Adam and Eve disobeyed. While death did not come instantly or perhaps in the way anticipated, their relationship with God was broken and Adam [...]
Genesis three is often referred to as the story of the fall. When you read the chapter, however, the fall happened within a short time—verses 1-6. It is more correct to say that Genesis three is the story of salvation from the fall. In order to save Adam and his wife from the fall into [...]
Doagh Coast, Donegal (Aaron Dunlop) Nowhere in the entire Bible (as far as I can find) do we find in one paragraph the story of saving grace displayed in such fullness in the life of one individual. The Story of Adam and his wife Eve, in Genesis three, brings us from the despairing [...]
It has often been claimed that the Protestant Reformation did not stimulate missions and that the Reformers had no missionary vision. One Italian Jesuit, Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), claimed that the Protestant Church lacked evangelistic zeal which, he said, is a key characteristic of the true Church. Bellarmine may be forgiven for this claim, judging it by Martin Luther's teaching on the [...]
Photo credit: Alex Haney on Uusplash Some of the first words that Jesus spoke to Peter after the resurrection were “come and dine” (John 21:12). In recording this incident of the appearance of Jesus after the resurrection, John makes the point that Jesus “revealed himself in this way” (John 21:1). In other words, [...]
On June 15, 1949, an article appeared in Maclean’s Magazine featuring Dr. T.T. Shields of Toronto; the title was “The Battling Baptist.” This perception of Shields as a controversialist, rightly or wrongly, has become the most defining feature of his life and ministry. In some respects, it is understandable how this perception has developed; there [...]
For two millennia, the Church has tried to steer a safe passage through the dangerous waters of ecclesiastical music. History shows us that this is no easy task and in hymnody, as in other areas, the Church has failed and repeated that failure. Often, in trying to correct hymnody, the church went to the extreme [...]
Moses prayed that “all” the Lord’s people would have the Spirit. Joel prophesied that the Lord would pour out of the Spirit on “all flesh” and Paul tells us that we have “all” been baptized into one body. The repeated gift of tongue throughout the book of Acts proves that this happened and shows that the giving of the Spirit at Pentecost was intended for the Church universal; “all” believers; “for there is no difference” (Romans 10:12).
It is important to distinguish between a true Church and a healthy Church. Five of the seven churches in Asia minor were “true Churches” but they had serious health problems. Some were dying a slow and silent death. So, it is important to be able to identify health concerns and to work towards a healthy Church. [...]
Understanding the kingdom of God (see PDF diagram) is fundamental to our understanding and enjoyment of the gospel. Salvation—the new birth—is an entrance into the kingdom (John 3:3) which we are commanded to “seek first” and before the things of this world (Matthew 6:33). However simple these truths may be in relation to salvation, the [...]