There probably is no theological term that has suffered more at the hands of modern thought than the word “faith.” The idea that faith is an irrational leap of some kind pervades modern thought and has infected the church as well. The Bible uses the word “faith” in three different ways—as a Read the rest of this entry →

“Conversion” has been a staple of fundamentalist and evangelical theology for a very long time, but what is it exactly?

Its most basic meaning is to turn or to turn around. It occurs in both the Old and New Testaments, and is used with both physical and spiritual meanings. In a spiritual sense it usually applies it to the nation (Israel) in a context of returning to the terms of the covenant after falling away, but it is also used of a Read the rest of this entry →

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the atoning work that creates the possibility of salvation. It is Christ giving glory to the Father through obedience that opens an avenue for God’s grace in our lives. But salvation takes place after man has knowledge of God, assents to His reality, and trusts Him for that salvation. This message, this calling is given to man that he might respond. Yet this gospel does not always meet success as it is preached to the lost due to the sinfulness of man. This is an external call and it is to be proclaimed throughout the world. But in spite of the darkness of the human heart, man does affirm these truths and finds salvation. Is the calling invalid? What is the difference between those who accept and those who reject this calling? Is this calling that is often rejected the same use of the word “called” as when Paul uses it to refer to those who are believers? Read the rest of this entry →

The most fundamental question one must answer when beginning to think about subjective soteriology is the definition of the gospel. Its technical meaning is “good news,” but that knowledge doesn’t take you very far. Your stock broker can give you good news, but no matter how good it is, it won’t affect your standing with God.

Once when I asked for a definition in 50 words or less, the answer was “Jesus.” True enough, but will it be the liberal Jesus or the conservative one? Something more is required. Read the rest of this entry →

Dear Pastors and friends,

Gordon returned safely from his trip to Europe. Thank you for praying for him during his time of travel. The journey to France and Luxembourg was completed by air and bullet trains. He met with many various peoples and dignitaries in Luxembourg. Glenn Kerr, our Bibles International colleague, was able to check and verify the first effort of the Luxembourgish translation for I Peter chapters 1, 2 and 3. It was humbling to meet with people who are spending so much time and effort in translating God’s Word. A man in France is working at least 8-10 hours a day on a translation work that will be going to a Muslim country. God’s Word in their own language is so precious to these people. Read the rest of this entry →

Pastor Kipp Crigger concludes a 3 week series on the incarnation of Christ as it applies to the believer in the areas of humility and foregiveness.