The Essential Gospel

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What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

There is a lot of good news in the Bible, and there are many uplifting and influential stories to tell of Jesus Christ. Jesus had great moral teachings, was a great help to those in need, was a prophet… But if somebody were to ask, “What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?”, what would be the appropriate answer? Or better yet, what essential elements must be included in one’s answer for it to be considered “good news”? The answer to the question, “What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?” is something that should be on the mouth and in the heart of every born-again believer. It is central to salvation. Without the essential elements of the gospel of Jesus Christ all is hopeless, or in the words of Paul, “We are of all men the most pitiable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

The Essential Gospel

Without further to-do, one of the most concise descriptions of the gospel of Jesus Christ is 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

[1Co 15:3-4 NKJV] 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

Three elements from this passage (which are expounded on elsewhere in scripture) that are absolutely essential to salvation are

  1. Jesus Christ died for our sins
  2. Jesus Christ rose again and is alive forever more
  3. It was was the Christ (Messiah), the anointed Son of God, who died for our sins

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Examining the Deity of Jesus Christ. Two Popular Interpretations: “Oneness” (or Modalism), and “Trinity”. Are either correct?

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This study will demonstrate the following:

  1. Introduction: We rarely get a chance to study the unfiltered doctrine of scripture without having already been told what we are supposed to get from it.
  2. Full understanding should not always precede faith. There are truths about Jesus Christ we can and should believe even if understanding is not there.
  3. The definitions of “Oneness” and “Trinity” are very similar yet also different.
  4. There could be some potential issues with rigid traditional “Oneness” teachings. The following beliefs/statements will be challenged:
    1. The Son is not eternal. The Son began at the virgin birth (the incarnation).
    2. Jesus is the name Father.
    3. Jesus Christ the Son is just another manifestation of God, such as the burning bush or voice of God from heaven.
    4. Jesus at the right hand of God is just a metaphor.
    5. There is only one on the throne in Revelation.
    6. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are just three titles of Jesus.
    7. God does not change
  5. Trinitarians have done a poor job representing the deity of Jesus Christ due to 1) a misunderstanding of the original intent of the word “Trinity” 2) miscommunication through the word “persons” 3) learning the creed before experiencing the revelation of scripture.
  6. When one looks at the original intent of the word “person”, and how time works differently with God, a strong case could be made that the difference between “Oneness” and “Trinity” comes down to semantics.

*This study will use the NKJV version of the Bible unless otherwise indicated. Continue reading “Examining the Deity of Jesus Christ. Two Popular Interpretations: “Oneness” (or Modalism), and “Trinity”. Are either correct?” »

Was there a Specific Baptismal Formula Given in Scripture?

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There are numerous viewpoints about the baptismal formula. Some say it is not very important as long as the person being baptized is associating themselves with God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet others put such emphasis on the formula that they will say that even if a person has believed and confessed the Lord Jesus Christ, received the Holy Spirit, lived a changed life, and has been baptized, they are still in their sins and in an unsaved state if the person baptizing them did not utter the correct words. Baptismal Formula

*In this study, when the word formula is used it is referring to the words spoken at the time of baptism.

*Scripture is from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.

This is not a study on if baptism is necessary for salvation, or if it should be full immersion, or anything like that. It is strictly examining the formula (if there even was a formula).

We can look at various creeds, history books, encyclopedias or old church writings like the Didachi to find accounts of baptismal formulas. This study will attempt to answer the question using only scripture, although some other sources will be referenced. It will seek to find if there was a specific set of words or a phrase that was always uttered before or during a baptism in the early church. This study is interested only in the baptisms after the great commission (once Jesus had ascended). Or in other words, the baptism we use today.

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On Eldership & Church Government

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Laying on of handsTwo offices and only two offices appear to have been established for church government: elders (or overseers) and deacons. There are gifts such as pastor, teacher and prophet, but only two defined offices. This study will examine the offices that are laid out in scripture and how gifts such as pastor can function within these offices. This is beneficial for anyone attempting to  re-structure or plant a Christian church that imitates the churches read about in scripture. It is also important for anyone seeking for spiritual gifts to flow as freely as possible.

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My Calling in the Digital Age

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This is an analysis paper I wrote for a class. The assignment was to (1)talk about God’s calling, (2)survey the Digital Media field we are associated with, and (3)talk about how the two interact. I wasn’t sure if I should post or not as some of it is a bit personal, but I decided it may be useful to some people – the first section in particular.

My Calling in this Digital Age Continue reading “My Calling in the Digital Age” »