The Greek word translated "faith" (pistos) means primarily "firm persuasion." "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1), being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see. This faith is that conviction of the truths of God's word and His gospel wrought in the heart by God, and which leads one to rely upon the promises of God in Christ. It has three vital aspects: knowledge of the truth; belief of the truth; and trust in the truth. This faith is "the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8; Acts 16:14; 18:27; Philippians 2:19), given in regeneration and exercised forever more. He who possesses faith may say, "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day" (2 Timothy 2:12). - Daniel Parks
WE SING “JOY TO THE WORLD!”Many religious leaders dissuade their followers from singing Isaac Watts’ hymn Joy to the world! We here do not speak of atheists or men of other “world religions” avowedly opposed to the...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Confessing Christ and Confessed by Christ Matthew 10:32-33Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Sir, We Would See Jesus Our brother Patrick recently stepped behind our pulpit, directed our attention to John 12:21, and announced he would preach to us on “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” He certainly and immediately had my...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Some of the most prominent ministers in many churches today are self-identified as “Pastoral Counselors”. They define pastoral counseling as “a branch of counseling in which psychologically trained ministers, rabbis, priests and...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
The eternally begotten Son of God necessarily from eternity possesses the divine nature – that of His Father. When the Son of God in His incarnation became Son of Man, He received the human nature (but not its imputed sin). He did not...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Acts 2:36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.I hear people speak of a Jesus who is trying his best to save everyone, for it is contrary to his will...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 A very vivid description of the death of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is recorded in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Isaiah describes Christ’s death in all three tenses – past, present, and future – and repeatedly...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
The eternally begotten Son of God necessarily from eternity possesses the divine nature – that of His Father. When the Son of God in His incarnation became Son of Man, He received the human nature (but not its Adamic sin). He did not cease...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Many treasure things associated with Christ, more than the Christ of those things; few treasure Christ more than things associated with Him.Many celebrate the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ; few celebrate the Christ who was...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
