But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 1 Peter 3: 14-16
Christmastime. Truly the Christmas season has a uniqueness to it more than any other season. There is hope in the air—a sort of Christmas cheer. Though many do not understand why, there is hope because, even in secular society, there is a focus on Jesus more than at any other time of year....
Believers desiring victorious living are often instructed to memorize Scripture as a means to experience victory. An example often cited is Jesus using Scripture against the devil’s attack in what we call the temptation of Christ. Scripture memory is undoubtedly an incredibly valuable...
Q. When presenting the Gospel, should the presenter say to the unbeliever that Christ died for them?
Kind Regards,
Mike
A. Hello Mike,
Thanks for your question. I’m assuming your question relates to whether Jesus Christ died for every individual or just the elect. Let’s let the words of God...
When someone you love gives a promise, you can count on it. This is especially true if that one is Jesus. Jesus promised, “If a man love me, he will keep my words” (John 14:23). What a powerful promise!
Jesus is both the source and goal of life. When you love Jesus—in relationship,...
Q. What do you believe is the difference between preaching and teaching? Is it a matter of emphasis on facts vs. application?
A. Hello,
Great question! An important one too. The distinction needs to be understood from the Bible.
Many think the main difference between preaching and teaching is style, the...
Assurance of Salvation: Preaching for Doubt vs Preaching for Faith
Written by John Van GelderenOver the years, I have received more inquiries regarding assurance than any other matter. It’s a joy to offer help by pointing people to the object of faith, Jesus, based on the sure Word of God. The only infallible assurance is the infallible Word of God.
A simple pattern is evident in most...
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Prov. 18:13). A conservative paraphrase of this verse says, “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” The warning here is to refrain from speaking to an issue...
Merry Christmas!
Too early? Perhaps the greeting is rushing things, but the time is right to place your order and be ready to share the gospel this Christmas season. The Gift of Jesus,a Christmas tract written by John Van Gelderen, highlights the gospel message of John 3:16 and closes with a clear...
Some people understandably and rightfully find portions of Charles Finney’s theology troublesome. Others have taken issue with his methods (an assessment which may not be as fair). But we should all recognize that Finney is excellent on faith. I recall hearing someone who had just spoken...
Assurance of Salvation: Preaching for Doubt vs Preaching for Faith
Written by John Van GelderenOver the years, I have received more inquiries regarding assurance than any other matter. It’s a joy to offer help by pointing people to the object of faith, Jesus, based on the sure Word of God. The only infallible assurance is the infallible Word of God.
A simple pattern is evident in most...
Q. What do you believe is the difference between preaching and teaching? Is it a matter of emphasis on facts vs. application?
A. Hello,
Great question! An important one too. The distinction needs to be understood from the Bible.
Many think the main difference between preaching and teaching is style, the...
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him” (Prov. 18:13). A conservative paraphrase of this verse says, “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” The warning here is to refrain from speaking to an issue...
Merry Christmas!
Too early? Perhaps the greeting is rushing things, but the time is right to place your order and be ready to share the gospel this Christmas season. The Gift of Jesus, a Christmas tract written by John Van Gelderen, highlights the gospel message of John 3:16 and closes with a clear...
Some people understandably and rightfully find portions of Charles Finney’s theology troublesome. Others have taken issue with his methods (an assessment which may not be as fair). But we should all recognize that Finney is excellent on faith. I recall hearing someone who had just spoken...
In recent decades, some have been quite negative about the ministry of Charles Finney. It’s easy to criticize someone who is no longer here, but are the criticisms valid?
I had heard so much criticism against the man that in spite of being blessed by biographies of his life and understanding...
Q. Jude exhorts us to be “praying in the Holy Ghost”(Jude 20), Paul in Ehp.6:18 states, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit”, and 1Cor.14:15 says “I will pray with the spirit”, while the religious Pharisee of Luke 18:11 addresses God...
Q. Our family has been studying through 1 John together and have come to verse 16 of chapter 5 and are puzzling over what could possibly be a sin unto death. We first questioned what is meant by “death” – is it eternal death (separation from God) or physical death? Our first...
The Guidance of the Holy Spirit, Part Three: How Can You Discern Counterfeit Guidance?
Written by John Van GelderenIn this series on spiritual guidance, we have noted that the Spirit of God does lead individuals and have addressed how the Spirit leads. But knowing that Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, how can we discern the true from the false? Recognizing the genuine is vital to discerning the...
Q. How can I embrace Christ if I am prideful and don’t want to be humble?
Jojo
A. Hello Jojo,
Many wonder the same. Thank you for you honesty! The Bible gives us a prayer we can all pray when we feel this way.
In Lamentations 5:21, Jeremiah cries out, “Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we...
The Guidance of the Holy Spirit Part, Two: How Does the Holy Spirit Lead?
Written by John Van GelderenIn the first part of this series, we addressed the reality that the Holy Spirit does in fact guide individually. But how does the Spirit lead? Knowing the genuine is always vital to discerning the counterfeit. Two key biblical principles provide a plumb line for discerning the Holy Spirit’s...
Q. What do you think is the biggest hindrance to revival in today’s society? And on the flip side, what is the biggest key to having revival in today’s society?
Colton
A. Hello Colton,
Thanks for your thought-provoking question. If we’re speaking of society, several thoughts come to...
The Guidance of the Holy Spirit, Part One: Does the Spirit Guide Individually?
Written by John Van GelderenSatan knows a believer in right relation to the Holy Spirit poses a threat to what he considers his turf. In response, he has orchestrated attacks against the person and work of the Holy Spirit and has influenced some individuals to even deny the specific leading of the Spirit. Is there any...
Q. I seem to see we are in desperate need in our land. We are in desperate need in the church. As I talk to other Christians, I don’t find a sense of desperation. “It’s not good but we seem to be content with it.” My question is, can we have revival if we are not really...
In our world, “meditation music” has become popular even in the secular realm. However, the New Age version under this label is not meditation music at all. Meditation involves the mind. Thus, the Scripture urges believers to meditate on God’s Word day and night (Josh. 1:8; Ps....
Q. While I was at church this morning, we sang the song, Have You Any Room for Jesus? One of the verses said, “Oh today is time accepted. Tomorrow you may call in vain.” Am I correct in saying this is not biblical? Does not the Bible say whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord...
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