Blogogetics

is Once Saved, Always Saved?

Luke Shiras — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:24:05 +0000

Perseverance (or preservation) of the saints is also known as “eternal security.” The word saints is used in the Biblical sense to refer to all who are set apart by God, not in the technical sense of one who is exceptionally holy, canonized, or in heaven (see Saint). The doctrine asserts that, since God is [...]

The Death of Celebration

Thomas Moller — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:46:12 +0000

Originally written Mar 18, 2005 I have had a few months to reflect on the tsunami that killed upwards of 250,000 people in Southeastern Asia . I have heard sermons, read obituaries, and seen images that evoked a range of emotions. I have talked to people that tell me we should celebrate the life of the [...]

Personal Worship

Luke Shiras — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:13:43 +0000

The following are notes from a study I did about Personal Worship. We were looking at the tree analogy of roots, trunk and branches (study, affections, and fruits). More specifically, I was looking at how within each of these are three aspects; personal, social (small/intimate group) and corporate (church). Many of my notes [...]

God, Creation and Evolution

Duane Smets — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:44:35 +0000

Introduction: the purpose of this teaching is three-fold: 1) to demonstrate that belief in the theory of evolution does not prove God does not exist and one can believe both in the theory of evolution and God at the same time. 2) to demonstrate evidence for the existence of God as creator which does not require or [...]

Kicked out of the Garden

Luke Shiras — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:40:48 +0000

There are so many things I am thankful for; my wife, fellowship, a job, family, getting kicked out of the Garden of Eden… Yes, I am thankful for getting kicked out of the Garden. Sure it was probably the most beautiful place on Earth, plenty of food to eat, running around naked without a care in [...]

The Church and the Parachurch

Sam Shin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:39:58 +0000

THE CHURCH AND THE PARACHURCH There’s an old hand gesture that children do to describe the church. It goes like this: “Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people.” It’s funny how children’s rhymes can sometimes carry deep meaning. Indeed, the church is much more [...]

The Problem of Pigs

Thomas Moller — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:31:08 +0000

“Whither is God?” he cried; “I will tell you. We have killed him—you and I. All of us are his murderers. But how did we do this? How could we drink up the sea? Who gave us the sponge to wipe away the entire horizon? What were we doing when we unchained this earth from [...]

Pastoral Thoughts on Politics

Duane Smets — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:56:49 +0000

Biblical Government - Theocracy 1 Samuel 8:7 “The LORD said to Samuel…they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.” The Biblical worldview combined with the common grace of general revelation teaches man that God is King and ruler over the earth and that mankind ought to [...]

New Testament Deacon

Luke Shiras — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:24:17 +0000

A short essay on Alexander Strauch’s The New Testament Deacon: The Church’s Minister of Mercy When I began reading this book, I had now idea what a Deacon was supposed to be and therefore had no idea there was a question about it. Having read the book, I see why Alexander Strauch calls them “Ministers [...]

God

Sam Shin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:22:37 +0000

Introduction God’s nature and character have been the central topic for many theologians throughout the centuries. This is not to assume that anyone is able to completely understand and know God for His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). However, it is to say that there is no greater joy than to desire [...]