The article explains that although God destined Israel to become a “kingdom of priests” and live amidst His people, when He descended upon Mount Sinai no one—priest or layperson—was permitted to ascend the mountain on their own, for the Lord is so great and holy that to attempt self-climb leads to death.
Conversion in the Bible is closely connected to regeneration. Regeneration is a gift from God, worked by the Holy Spirit by means of the calling of the Word.
Man has been created in the image of God, but sin intervened. Sin destroys everything. What consequences does sin have for man, created in the image of God? Is he still able to fulfill the mandate from God? Can he still be held accountable?
Serving in an office in the church is based on a special endowment by the Holy Spirit. When brothers had to be appointed in Jerusalem to “wait on tables,” the apostles asked the church to seek out seven men “full of the Spirit and wisdom”.Timothy fulfills his work as an evangelist based on the gift which was given to him. Paul sets as a rule that the overseer has to be “able to teach”
This article considers how the Sunday worship service is to impact the rest of our week, such that there is much continuity between corporate worship and our daily affairs, including personal worship, listening to God’s Word, and prayer.
When sharing in each other's sufferings, we are to show compassion. This article discusses how this is our responsibility as kingdom citizens, and as priests.
Should there be a ministry of exorcism? This article engages with this question, highlighting the scriptural data on the influence of the devil among God's children, demon-possession in the New Testament, and then making some remarks on Mark 16:17-18, a passage often cited as proof that also today evil spirits can be driven out in the name of Jesus. The author emphasizes the importance of God's people being armed with the Word and prayer.
If a Christian today can feel like such a stranger in his community, should he then hold to a private faith? This article addresses this question, and explains that if you allow your faith to be pushed to the private sphere, it will have a massive impact on your life as a whole. Ultimately, private faith is no faith. The only defensible answer to secularization is to let one's faith permeate all of his life.
How well do you hear the Word of God? This article considers the modern-day challenges to our hearing the Word well, whether in church or in the home. It highlights the thought patterns of many toward certain parts of Scripture that are deemed less relevant for the church today. It offers some methods of reading Scripture in order that one can gain a renewed appreciation for all parts of the Bible.
Over time, the church acquires a certain reputation in the eyes of the community. Sometimes that reputation can be deservedly negative, as also the people of God in Scripture experienced on account of their sins. This article explains that the Lord does this in order to bring his people to their senses, and to turn them in faith to him.
This article examines the command of the Lord Jesus to take up our cross and follow him. What does this really entail? What kind of suffering is he calling us to?
What is the place of the kingdom of God in preaching? This article examines the centrality of the kingdom in the Bible in order to answer this question.
This article considers the practice of self-harm, whether spiritually or physically, and the hope we have through the gospel and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.