The story of Gideon in Judges 6 often captivates believers because of his "fleece test" to confirm God’s will. Gideon asked God for a miraculous sign, first for the fleece to be wet and the ground dry, and then the opposite, to confirm that God had indeed called him to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. While this story reveals God’s patience and grace, using it as a model for decision-making today is misguided for Christians who have the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  Read More

       Augustine. Confessions. Translated by Henry Chadwick. Oxford: Oxford Press, 1998.          Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) made many contributions to Christian theology and literature, earning him status as one of the most influential fathers in the Western Church (both Catholic and Protestant).  For much of his early life, he followed the false beliefs and teachings of Manichaeism.  After ...  Read More

     Trust in God's Provision: A Summary of Don't Worry by David PowlisonDavid Powlison’s article, "Don’t Worry", explores Jesus' teaching from Luke 12:22-34, where Christ instructs His followers not to be anxious about their daily needs. Through the lens of this passage, Powlison offers a practical and spiritual guide for Christians on dealing with worry and anxiety, particularly about material c...  Read More

So maybe you have heard someone say: ... Noah's flood is just a myth taken from other Ancient Near Eastern flood epics... That's the claim made by the critics...   Read More

This week, I've read a lot about words, their meaning, and their "context," as found in the Bible...  Read More

What is a very common but not realized sin that Christians commit? I believe one answer can be found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 through 19—quenching or stifling the Holy Spirit and not giving thanks.  Read More

In short, Client-centered therapy offers no real hope, no actual change, no true redemption, and no possibility of reconciliation with the God who created all humanity. It allows men and women to remain in their sins, exalting them to act as the de facto God of themselves. Nothing in the theory points to the truths of God.   Read More

Ideas like those offered by B.F. Skinner brazenly illustrate the height and depth of mankind’s foolishness apart from God. Where do you get your wisdom from?  Read More

By John Holmes First Baptist Church Moriarty          The local church is not a building but an intentional gathering of two or more visible Holy Spirit-filled believers who, in Jesus' name, mutually agree about His Gospel. It must preach the Word of God and observe the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper scripturally. Normatively, when spiritually healthy, church members voluntarily coven...  Read More

By John Holmes The Empty Tomb (Source: Logos Media)           The phrase "He is risen indeed!" used on Easter morning by Christians has a deep-rooted history in Christian tradition. It serves as a joyful affirmation of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. This tradition is encapsulated in the liturgical practice known as the Paschal greeting, which varies slightly across different languages ...  Read More

By John Holmes Communion Plate (Source: Logos Media)           Jesus instructed His disciples to remember His death and resurrection. To help them do so, He gave the church two visible symbols (called “ordinances”). These two ordinances are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. They are not sacraments, and as such, they do not dispense God’s grace. Ordinances are symbolic and not undertaken for salvation...  Read More

By John Holmes Baptismal Pool at Ephesus (Source: Logos Media)           Christian Baptism is one of two ordinances of the local church. It is an act of obedience to the Lord and provides a public witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Baptism does not make you a believer; neither does it save you. Baptism testifies that you already believe. As such, every believer should follow in baptism as soon...  Read More