Few chapters in the Bible elicit as much controversy as Romans 9. The subject matter of God choosing to redeem one person over another—based solely on His sovereign choice—is an absolute affront to most modern sensibilities of fairness and justice. But the apostle Paul wasn’t bothered by those objections. In fact, he used the truth of… Continue reading God’s Unimpeachable Sovereignty
Category: Bible Introduction
One Race, One Remedy
While this short series was first published over a year ago, we believe it could not be more timely. As worldly, corrupting influences seep into the church, we trust that these vital truths will help God’s people calibrate their hearts, minds, and words according to Scripture. The following blog post was originally published on May 9,… Continue reading One Race, One Remedy
Inviting Persecution
Persecution may be a foreign experience for most of us, but it has been the norm for most Christians throughout church history. In a culture that seems increasingly hostile to the biblical worldview, we should not fear or panic. We can find the joy, comfort, and courage that God has provided for us in His… Continue reading Inviting Persecution
Christ, not Caesar, Is Head of the Church
A Biblical Case for the Church’s Duty to Remain Open Christ is Lord of all. He is the one true head of the church (Ephesians 1:22; 5:23; Colossians 1:18). He is also King of kings—sovereign over every earthly authority (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16). Grace Community Church has always stood immovably on those biblical principles. As His people,… Continue reading Christ, not Caesar, Is Head of the Church
The God Who Understands
Most people think of God as being far removed from human life and concerns. Jesus is the very Son of God, yet His divinity did not prevent Him from experiencing our feelings, our emotions, our temptations, and our pain. God became man to share in the testing and suffering of humanity, in order that He… Continue reading The God Who Understands
Did God Promise You Prosperity?
In the lead-up to the Truth Matters conference in October, we will be focusing our attention on the sufficiency, authority, and clarity of Scripture. Of our previous blog series, none better embodies that emphasis than Frequently Abused Verses. The following entry from that series originally appeared on September 25, 2015. -ed. What does this verse mean to you? Most… Continue reading Did God Promise You Prosperity?
Reconciled by the Response of Obedience
This post was originally published in May 2018. –ed. The means of our reconciliation to God—the sacrificial death of Christ, the perfect forgiveness God applies to our sin—are divine works. But there is a human component that goes along with it. We bear some responsibility, too, if we are to be reconciled and redeemed. Paul hints… Continue reading Reconciled by the Response of Obedience
A Picture of Heaven’s Joy
The story of the prodigal son is perhaps the best-known parable in the Bible. The themes of forgiveness and reconciliation tap into the longings of all who are broken over sin. Yet, so much more than that, Christ’s parable conveys critical and wonderful eternal truths that He intends for us to know and stake our… Continue reading A Picture of Heaven’s Joy
The Servant Leader Warns
This post was originally published in February 2019. –ed. We all understand the importance of roadside warnings while driving. Our safety often depends on the signs that line our streets and highways—especially the ones posted to inform us of potential dangers that lie ahead. Yet in the realm of pastoral ministry, there is widespread reluctance to… Continue reading The Servant Leader Warns
The Impotence of the False Church
We need the timeless truths of God’s Word to make sense of this crazy world. But Scripture not only explains what is really going on—it also fills us with hope as God works His sovereign plan to its ultimate, glorious conclusion. This blog series, first run in January 2016, is a timely reminder to that… Continue reading The Impotence of the False Church