When we consider the basis for the identity of the Church, we should begin with our identity as God's covenant people. Once we understand what it means to be God's covenant people, then we can understand what God's covenant people look like as his Church (i.e. Assembly). PAST COVENANT Deuteronomy 7:7-9 (CSB) “The Lord had …
Christ’s Divinity in the Synoptic Gospels
This week I had the opportunity to sit with some friends outside on the patio of a little local pub. One of my friends, a retired gentleman who has become a very dear friend of mine over the last three years, has literally traveled the world and really enjoys captivating everyone’s attention with all kinds …
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Cut Off Your Right Hand
Matthew 5:27–32 (CSB) — 27 “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28 But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it …
Oneness of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 4:4–6 (CSB) — 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling—5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. ~~~~~~~ Christian epistemology holds “oneness” in high esteem and depends …
The Spirit of Yahweh
Acts 5:3-4 (CSB) — 3 “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this …
Deity of the Holy Spirit: Eternality
ETERNALITY Hebrews 9:14 (CSB) — 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God? ~~~~~~~ One of the hidden gems of Scripture is found in a text where the incomparable …
The Deity of the Holy Spirit: Omnipotence
OMNIPOTENCE Job 33:4 (CSB) — 4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Psalm 104:30 (CSB) — 30 When you send your breath, they are created, and you renew the surface of the ground. Romans 15:19 (CSB) — 19 by the power of miraculous signs and …
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Deity of the Holy Spirit: Omniscience
Scripture attributes to God certain divine attributes which are not attributes to any created beings, such as omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, and eternality. We then see these divine attributes attributed to the Holy Spirit himself in such a manner that identifies the Holy Spirit with the divine being of Yahweh. OMNISCIENCE Isaiah 40:13 (CSB) — 13 …
Providential Permission and Impediments: Arminianism 101
Abstract: Arminianism has been used so broadly that it means different things to different people and, as a result, it has been unfairly accused of sentiments that are not truly Arminian. Arminianism champions the Biblical theology of redemption in Christ as being freely offered to all by grace through faith. The need in our time …
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Divine Providence: Arminianism 101
Abstract: Arminianism has been used so broadly that it means different things to different people and, as a result, it has been unfairly accused of sentiments that are not truly Arminian. Arminianism champions the Biblical theology of redemption in Christ as being freely offered to all by grace through faith. The need in our time …