The Greek term we translate “fellowship” in English has a connotation different from what English speakers think of when we mention the term. We think of comradeship or companionship, and the pleasure those relations evoke. The Oxford English Dictionary gives us this idea here: Companionship, company, friendly association (frequently of or with a specified person or persons); an instance…

Raised in Lystra (Acts 16:1–5), “from childhood” Timothy had “been acquainted with the sacred writings” (2 Tim 3:15), thanks to his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice who had “a faith that dwelt first” in them (2 Tim 1:5). Eunice was “a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek” (Acts…

Our church recently finished a series through Deuteronomy 5-11. One thing that is hard to miss when studying this section is the importance of fearing God. In fact, fear of God and love of God are frequently put forward as dual motivations for obedience to God. Moses alternates between the two often, with the word…

The name George Müller is familiar to most Christians who have attended church for many years and have listened to hundreds of sermons in their lifetime. A German by birth, George Müller founded and operated an orphanage in Bristol, England in the 19th century. He kept a meticulous journal detailing his life and ministry. Buried…

In the development of Christian doctrine throughout history, we see a fascinating progression of how biblical truths have been articulated, defended, and preserved through various documents and councils. This progression doesn’t represent a change in doctrine itself but rather demonstrates how believers have carefully formulated and expressed doctrinal truth in response to challenges and theological…

What we often presume. Our imagination about the world prior to the Great Flood is likely highly inaccurate. We typically think of a planet sparsely populated with limited technological advancements and primitive living conditions. We might speculate that it was more advanced than we typically consider, but nothing like our modern age. Looking at the…

Today we’re joined by Dave Shumate to discuss his article, “Why Marijuana Is (Still) Wrong.” This is part of a series of podcasts from the March/April edition of FrontLine magazine on the theme, “The Self-Deception of Substance Abuse.” As marijuana legalization spreads across North America—now legal in 24 states for recreational use and 39 states…

Do you ever wonder if God has abandoned you? He saved you, but perhaps now you feel like He has left you on your own? Whatever our trials or troubles may be, this post is just a simple look at three passages that encourage us to trust in the faithfulness of God. We can consider…

The title of this piece might seem as controversial as saying firefighters should use water or that people scared of heights shouldn’t sky-dive. Of course Christians shouldn’t participate in vice! Is anyone arguing they should? Well, from what I’ve seen, yes. There are in fact Christians arguing that certain vices aren’t that big a deal,…

A national research survey conducted by the Barna Research Group suggests that the coverage and opinions expressed by Christian leaders regarding the worship wars have masked the real issue surrounding worship. Barna writes that Christian leaders have “exaggerated the scope of the problem.” The real issue, they contend, is that they “don’t understand the relationship…