Practicing Christian freedom
In the first installment of "Free in Christ," you learn how two congregations offer adult Bible classes to their members. The approaches are different, but the goals and outcomes are…
Catechism truths from Matthew: The Ten Commandments
At the end of the 13th century, King Edward I of England invaded Scotland. The Scots yearned for a leader to restore their kingdom. They found one in William Wallace,…
Catechism truths from Matthew: Apostles’ Creed
Imagine you are one of three thousand in Jerusalem at Pentecost who repent, are baptized, and are gathered by the Spirit into the Christian church—the messianic kingdom of Jesus. An…
Please explain: If I have been baptized, does that mean I have been anointed?
If I have been baptized, does that mean I have been anointed? Answering our question means comparing Old Testament anointing with New Testament Baptism. Old Testament anointing The ritual of…
Q&A: Is it wrong to have a cross with Jesus’ body on it?
Since God forbade “graven images” in the Old Testament, is it wrong to have a cross with Jesus’ body on it? God commanded Israel, “You shall not make for yourself…
God’s solid foundation
The early church leaders built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. When the apostle John died, the Christian church entered a new era. As news of John’s passing…
Q&A: How can we say that the Old Testament God is the same as the New Testament God?
The God of the Old Testament wiped out the world with a flood, sent plagues on the Egyptians, and commanded his people to kill the Canaanites. He revealed himself only…
Bible study: God has not grown soft on sin
David Scharf God certainly showed himself to be holy and willing to punish sin and disobedience in the Old Testament. At the same time, he also desired the salvation of…