The Story Every Baptism Tells
In Romans 6:3–4, Paul describes believers as having been baptized into Christ’s death and buried with Him. He is describing the believer’s spiritual union with Jesus Christ, a reality visibly portrayed through water baptism. But why did Christ have to die? Because all have sinned and stand guilty before a holy God (Romans 3:23). No amount of morality, religious observance, or human effort can erase that guilt.
More Than Water: Five Truths Baptism Proclaims About Jesus
We have all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Sometimes, a single image communicates something that would otherwise take pages to explain. A soldier embracing his family after returning from war. A mother holding her newborn child. A family standing outside a courthouse after an adoption has been finalized.
Walking by Faith, Not by Sight: When What Looks Best Isn’t What God Has Promised
We live in a world that teaches us to pursue whatever appears most advantageous. The better-paying job. The larger home. The more promising investment. The opportunity that seems certain to provide greater comfort, security, or success.
What Are You Really Trusting?
“And he journeyed on from the Negeb as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the LORD.”
Faith, Fear, and the Faithfulness of God
Abram believes God enough to leave everything behind. But almost immediately, the promise begins to collide with reality. The land God promised is already occupied. The wife through whom the nation must come is barren. And then the promised land itself is struck by famine.
When Faith Meets Fear
God told Abram to go, and Abram went. He did not receive a map. He did not know every difficulty he would encounter. Hebrews tells us that “he went out, not knowing where he was going.” God had given Abram something better than complete knowledge of the journey: He had given him His Word.
The God Who Finishes the Story
Israel’s rejection of Jesus is real. The nation that received the covenants, the Law, the prophets, and ultimately the Messiah has largely rejected Him. But Paul tells us that Israel’s hardening is both partial and temporary.
Israel’s Story Isn’t Over
God called Abraham and promised to make him a great nation and, through him, to bless all the families of the earth. From Abraham came Isaac. From Isaac came Jacob. From Jacob came Israel. From Israel came the covenants, the prophets, the kings—and ultimately, the Messiah.
What About Israel Today? The Jewish People, the Modern State, and the Christian
Few questions expose the confusion surrounding Israel more quickly than this one: “Do you support Israel?”
When God’s Promises Meet Today’s Headlines
Paul does not say they were Israelites. Writing after the cross, resurrection, Pentecost, and establishment of the church, he says they are Israelites.