http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=36283&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
These are not good days for the evangelical church as three recent books agree: 'No Place for Truth' by David Wells; 'Power Religion' by Michael Horton; and 'Ashamed of the Gospel' by John MacArthur. Though the titles speak clearly, the subtitles are even more revealing. Respectively, they are: Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology?
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=31550&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Principles of biblical interpretation ought to be determined before developing one's theology, but in practice the reverse is often true. Cultists in particular consistently read their deviant theologies into the biblical text instead of allowing the text to speak for itself. Faith teachers are also guilty of this practice, as I document in my book "Christianity in Crisis".
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32646&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Suggestions for Sermon and Public Speaking for Youth Audiences...
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=73450&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
What does the Bible say about Tongues?
This gift is a matter of hot dispute among many theologians in the Pentecostal, Charismatic and Reformed camps. So, all I can do is show you what the Word has to say, not what people think it should say! (This is why I told you to read it first!) A biblical definition of tongues is speaking in a language that you do not know, that you have not learned, so that another person can supernaturally hear the Gospel or message from God through you in their language. Thus, Tongues is supposed to verbally articulate and point to the Gospel of Christ.
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32346&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Does Jesus call the church to speak in tongues to be saved?
Has anyone ever approached you and asked if you have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Or, perhaps they challenged you further by saying that unless you have spoken in tongues, you are not a real Christian.
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=44828&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Background and Setting
This Epistle is about the God Who is here, the One who speaks. He is the God of promise and fact; He has an inheritance and an Inheritor and a role for us. Jesus Christ is greater than anything and everything! He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament; all that came before pointed to Him. This Book tells us of the Supremacy, Sufficiency, Pre-eminence, and Divinity of Christ. He is supreme over all...
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=32254&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
God calls us to proclaim what we have seen and heard!
When someone asks you to make a profession of faith or give a testimony, does your blood pressure go up? Do you dread it, and begin to sweat, perhaps even panic? Can you think of all kinds of reasons why you should not profess your faith, such as you do not know enough, you are not ready, or that this is not your gift? I know I have in the past. I have a natural fear of public speaking, which you may think is weird for a pastor, but many of us do.
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=33617&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Background Setting for the Gospel of James.
James' Epistle was copied and dispatched to all the known Christian world as a handbook on how to endure persecution, model authentic faith, and be encouraged because Christ loves you! It was also a first century sermon resource to pastors!
James is primarily speaking to Jews living in Jerusalem who are starting to face persecution. Given the period; it has only been a decade since Jesus' death and resurrection. The Pharisees had started to persecute the early Christians. They Killed James the brother of John, then Steven, and Paul was on the prowl to destroy the Church (Acts 6-9).
http://intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=58342&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Have not love?!