The Bible verse most often referenced when it comes to the topic of judgment is Matthew 7:1, where Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” At first glance, this verse seems pretty straightforward: don’t judge others if you don’t want to be judged yourself. However, as with many single verses taken out of context, there is more to the teaching of Scripture on judgment than just this one statement from the Sermon on the Mount. When we examine what the rest of the Bible says about judgment, we get a fuller picture of the heart behind Jesus’ command.…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
Christian discipleship is the process of learning, following and imitating Jesus Christ. It involves studying and obeying the teachings of Jesus as found in the Bible, with the goal of becoming more like Him. Discipleship is a lifelong journey that requires commitment, sacrifice and transformation as the Holy Spirit works within a believer. The Call to Discipleship Jesus called all believers to follow Him and become His disciples. In Mark 1:17, Jesus said to Simon Peter and Andrew, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He repeated this call to discipleship many times, instructing people to deny…
The prophet Malachi spoke of a messenger that would come before the day of the Lord, saying “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 3:1). This verse prompts the question – who is this promised messenger that would prepare the way before the Lord? There are a few key things we can understand about this messenger from the text: He is sent…
The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father or Pater Noster, is perhaps the most famous prayer in all of Christianity. Found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4, this prayer was given by Jesus to his disciples as an example of how to pray. It’s a model prayer that teaches us to pray for the glory of God, the needs of others, and our own needs. But should Christians regularly pray the Lord’s Prayer verbatim? Let’s explore what the Bible says. The Original Context of the Lord’s Prayer In Matthew 6, Jesus taught his disciples how to give, pray,…
An exvangelical is someone who was once an evangelical Christian but has since left evangelicalism. The term “evangelical” refers to a movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes the authority of the Bible, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and spreading the Christian gospel. Key features of evangelicalism include: A belief in the inerrancy and supreme authority of the Bible An emphasis on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ A belief that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone A commitment to spreading the gospel and making converts Adherence to historic Protestant theology and practice Evangelicalism has its roots in the…
Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ or CCCI) is an interdenominational Christian organization that was founded in 1951 by Bill and Vonette Bright on the campus of UCLA. The organization’s primary goal is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples around the world, particularly on college campuses. Here is an overview of Cru’s history, mission, beliefs, and practices: History of Cru As mentioned above, Cru was founded in 1951 by Bill and Vonette Bright as a campus ministry at UCLA. The Brights had become Christians during their time as students at UCLA and felt called…
The phrase “we are pressed but not crushed” comes from 2 Corinthians 4:8, which says “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair.” This verse gives us insight into the trials and suffering Christians may face, yet also the hope we have in Christ. The context of this verse is Paul describing the hardships he and other believers endured in their ministry. In verse 8, he acknowledges they were “afflicted in every way.” The Greek word for “afflicted” refers to being under pressure, squeezed, or placed in a difficult situation. Christians face various…
The issue of whether a Christian should join a secret society is an important one that deserves careful consideration according to biblical principles. There are various viewpoints on this issue among Christians, so it is wise to examine what the Bible teaches to come to a thoughtful conclusion. What Are Secret Societies? First, it is helpful to define what we mean by “secret societies.” In general, these are organizations that require members to take an oath of secrecy about the group’s activities, practices, rituals, membership rolls, and other inner workings. Examples of well-known secret societies include Freemasonry, college fraternities like…
The question of when the peace described in Nahum 1:15 will come is an important one for Christians seeking to understand God’s plan for the future. Nahum 1:15 says, “Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.” This verse comes in the midst of a prophecy about the judgment coming upon Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire, which had oppressed the kingdom of Judah. The “worthless” one who will be…
The “day of the Lord” is a biblical term that refers to any period of time where God directly intervenes in human affairs to execute judgment against sin and wickedness. It is referenced all throughout the Old and New Testaments, beginning in the prophetic books and continuing through the New Testament writings. The day of the Lord speaks of God’s sovereignty over human history and His purpose to make all things right in the end. While the day of the Lord can refer to any time God breaks into history to bring about His plans and purposes, there are several…