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In Apologetics, Blog, Book Reviews on
January 25, 2021

Another Gospel?

Several weeks ago, I was searching on YouTube for a podcast episode when I came across a video from a channel called “God is Grey.” The video appeared to be a woman’s response to a critique from a Christian woman I highly admire and respect and listen to often. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the video and watched it. I discovered that the woman’s name was Brenda and that she had some unorthodox and even unbiblical views, even though she claimed to be a Christian. I decided to watch some of the other videos on the God is Grey channel, and I learned that Brenda believes things like the Bible is simply full of human writings, homosexuality is not a sin, Christians should vote pro-choice, and having sex outside of marriage is just fine to do.

I would describe Brenda as a progressive Christian. Progressive Christianity is both dangerous and harmful to the Church, which is why Alisa Childers wrote her book Another Gospel?.

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In Attributes of God, Blog, Theology on
January 18, 2021

He is Merciful

What is the difference between the words “gracious” and “merciful?” Is there a difference? We often hear that God is both gracious and merciful in the same sentence. The phrase “gracious and merciful” is repeated many times throughout the Old Testament (2 Chronicles 30:9, Nehemiah 9:31, Psalm 111:4, Psalm 145:8, Joel 2:13). Are these words synonyms, or do they describe different attributes?

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In Bible Study, Blog, Matthew on
January 11, 2021

Hear and Understand

When we are trying to teach a lesson, we often use stories to help those who are listening to us understand it. We tell children the story of The Tortoise and the Hare to teach them to never give up. We tell them the story of The Ants and the Grasshopper to teach them the importance of hard work. Or perhaps we share with them the story of The Lion and the Mouse to teach them to be kind to everyone they meet.[1] But we don’t just use stories to teach children. Pastors use illustrations in their sermons. Professors insert stories into their lectures. And motivational speakers share the tales of their own personal successes.

Jesus also used stories when teaching people during His ministry, which are usually labeled as parables. One of my favorite parables of Jesus is His Parable of the Sower.

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In Blog, Common Questions, Theology on
January 4, 2021

Was Jesus Simply a Good Teacher?

Jesus was truly the greatest teacher ever. He never made a bad sermon illustration. He never droned on for hours and hours about meaningless information. He never strayed from the truths of the scriptures. He always preached truth in a relevant and mostly understandable way. Jesus taught His followers to love and forgive others, even their enemies, and to treat others how they would like to be treated. He emphasized the importance of faith and repentance, and He revealed that it is impossible to enter the kingdom of God through doing enough good works.

While Jesus was truly a good teacher, some claim that that is all He was. They acknowledge that Jesus really did live in ancient Israel 2,000 years ago, and they may even acknowledge that He was crucified on a cross. He was a great man who taught great things, but He was not God. According to Ligonier Ministries’ 2020 State of Theology survey, 51% of Americans believe this.[1]

Is this true? Was Jesus simply a good teacher?

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In Blog, Book Reviews, Spiritual Growth on
December 28, 2020

Chasing Perfect

I’ve never really been the kind of person that makes New Year’s resolutions. I’m convinced it’s because I’m a perfectionist, and I know that I won’t keep my resolutions perfectly. Perhaps you can relate. According to U.S. News & World Report, eighty percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February.[1] We can resolve to eat better, exercise regularly, or be the best mom, wife, or student possible, but what is the point? The odds are that we’ll fail within two months, leaving us more empty and exhausted than we were before. We’re attempting to chase perfection, yet it seems like we’re destined to fall short.

In Alisha Illian’s book Chasing Perfect, she reminds us that we are not perfect and that nothing we can do will ever be enough for us to achieve this perfection that we seek. Instead of pursuing resolutions, she encourages her readers to chase after something, or rather Someone, who is truly perfect-

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