Posts by David Huffstutler

What is the difference between the baptism of John the Baptist and Christian baptism? This short post is an attempt to describe and distinguish the two. Paul met some disciples in Ephesus and learned that they had not heard of the Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost and that they were baptized into the baptism of John,…

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, an angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around. “Fear not,” said he for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind “glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind. “To you, in David’s town, this day is…

Matthew 2:1–2 records the travel of the wise men from the east to Jerusalem, looking for the King of the Jews, “For we saw his star when it rose.” King Herod interrogated them as to “what time the star had appeared” (Matthew 2:7). After leaving Herod, the star apparently reappeared and “went before them until…

One of the many wonders of a newborn child is wondering who he will be. What is his personality? Will he be more like his father or his mother? What will he look like? What will be his vocation? Who will he marry? How many kids will he have? Who will he grow up to…

With family and friends present, or perhaps a day to enjoy by yourself, the day after Thanksgiving can be busy or a time to reflect. Either way, here is a simple Psalm to encourage you to give thanks to our glorious God today. Psalm 100 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve…

While we celebrate Thanksgiving on earth below, what’s going on in heaven? We could answer this question in part by examining the three instances of the word “thanks” in the book of Revelation (Rev 4:9; 7:12; 11:17). This brief study can be one of the many ways whereby we are blessed to read and heed…

I was asked recently to give a list of 10 ways folks could pray for their pastor, which meant to me, “How can I pray for you?” So, I tried to give this request some careful thought, resulting in the list below. I’m sure a million requests could be added, but here is a brief…

As today is “Reformation Day,” the anniversary of Luther posting his 95 Theses to the doors of Wittenburg, I’ll echo a truth that he captured from Romans by looking at Galatians 2:16–21: we are justified by faith alone. Setting the Context In leading up to this passage, Paul has given an introduction (Gal 1:1–5) and…

The rapture is the event in which “the dead in Christ will rise first” and “then we who are alive, who are left” are “caught up together… in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). We can never know when exactly the rapture will take place, but Scripture at least…

Probably with some sarcasm, King Agrippa once told Paul, “In a short time you persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). Perhaps a question mark should be at the end of that verse, and maybe he had a wry smile of disbelief. Agrippa politely declined Christianity before Paul and the rest of the court.…