-
On ‘Cessationism’
Cessationism – from the root word “cease” – is a theory that the gifts of the Spirit went away after the first century and the death of the last original apostle, John. Before examining the theory that the spiritual gifts have ceased, a few things ought to be said up front. In this century, this has grown into a debate and at its worst, both proponents and opponents may contentiously call foul, accusing one another of twisting scriptures, and questioning whether one or the other are “real” Christians truly following Christ. The answer however may be not an either/or proposition. Rather, the whole truth is likely somewhere between opposite extremes…
-
The resurrection life – audio sermon
Jesus Christ said He is the resurrection and the life, and the spiritual reality of the “resurrection life” is to be a dynamic, powerful phenomenon enabling the Christian. This message, given Easter Sunday, is not about the usual lighter side of the historical fact of Jesus Christ’s resurrection but speaks of the power the that early Christians knew in experience, and how that promise remains for us today. It is about life – for those who know that their “old man” is “crucified” with Christ, and how this is God’s solution for the sin nature in humans, as well as the basis for a living relationship, becoming truly spiritual, and…
-
The church of Jesus Christ and His will for us all – audio
This started as a study of Ephesians 3, but became more about the church and what God wants – a bride read for Himself and individuals who know Christ in them! Things got off to a slow start with several interruptions in the first half hour but the cadence gets better and more productive although random discussion ensues. Discussions of the Spirit-led life called for a variety of scriptural references and lively talk. Lord bless you!
-
The eternally relevant church – audio
Jesus Christ died not just for individual sinners but so that they could join under one Spirit as His body. The Ephesian epistle talks about this, and in Ephesians 3 where we pick up our rambling and roundabout study that branches into the beginning of Ephesians 4, we read how the apostle Paul speaks of God’s eternal purpose (3:11). Despite certain solo holiness preachers speaking into their video camera on YouTube saying the church is no longer God’s mission, but rather individuals are, the one sure revelation of God’s Word says otherwise.
-
Relationship with Jesus and His church– audio
Jesus said “come to Me” and when He also said “abide in Me” He was essentially saying come to Me and stay with Me forever. That was the goal, and it still is. This started out as a Bible study continuation of Ephesians 2 but wound up staying in Ephesians 2 as we bounced onto other scriptures of this relationship. May the Lord bless you!
