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
We are in California this month, and between meetings, we made a quick visit to San Francisco. While walking, we passed a particular Starbucks that brought back special memories.
Years ago when my son John was a toddler, we stayed in the prophet’s chamber at the Hamilton Square Baptist Church....
Q. Frances Ridley Havergal experienced personal revival through understanding 1John 1:7, seeing that the word “cleanseth” is in the present and continuous tense. The way of holiness opened to her and changed her life. Could you please comment on this verse, explaining how one may enter...
What If the American Church Had One Day of Persecution?
Written by John Van GelderenWhat if the American church had one day of severe persecution, a day like those endured by many brothers and sisters in Christ in other nations?
One ministry focused on persecution and tracking developments around the globe claims North Korea is the most unsafe place for believers in Jesus. The...
The Qualifying Principles of Gender Distinction and Modesty
Written by John Van GelderenRecently, a preacher friend introduced an interesting thought to me regarding gender distinction and modesty. While man without God chafes and pushes against God’s design, those with a heart for Him must recognize that each principle has boundaries and that each qualifies the other.
God...
№ 104: Do You Ever Stop Praying and Witnessing?
Written by John Van GelderenQ.Is it ever appropriate to stop praying for a person’s salvation or to stop witnessing to a person for their salvation?
Frank
A. Hello Frank,
Great question! I would assume many have wondered about this. Sometimes an individual seems totally indifferent even after much prayer, love and witness...
Sometimes believers feel they must spiritualize conversations with lost friends and people they are burdened about regarding salvation. However, this can strain things as it ignores the practical side of life.
Peter said of Jesus, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and...
When I was a kid, I looked forward to Saturday morning cartoons. I liked one in particular because I love the underwater world, and this one had something to do with life in an underwater world in the year 2020. In the 1970s, it seemed so far away, but now we have crossed the threshold. It’s...
Introducing Terry Pergl, Conference Speaker
Written by John Van Gelderen
Several years ago at one of our Christ Life Clinics, Terry Pergl preached a series on Jesus in His humanity living in dependence on the Holy Spirit—the perfect example of faith and the Spirit-filled life. It was fabulous! Many were helped in their understanding of walking by faith to access...
Mystery of Christmas night,
Prophecies of old come true —
Infant lies in candle light,
Prince of peace in wondrous view.
Gift of God and hope of man,
King of glory born on earth.
God’s eternal master plan
Offers man a second birth.
Mystery of Christmas glow,
Shining still with saving...
№ 103: Faith, Confession and Salvation
Written by John Van GelderenQ. I understand that salvation is through faith; why then does Romans 10:9 say If thou shalt confess with thy mouth? What part does confession play in salvation?
Leah
A. Hello Leah,
Thanks for your question. Many have wondered this.
The issue is faith. Most salvation passages just mention believing in or...
Most nativity scenes include three wise men. Technically, there were likely more than three who undertook the journey and who arrived well after the manger scene, but the wise men add a special part to the Christmas account of the birth of Jesus. We can learn from them.
Anticipating Jesus
“Now...
№ 102: Inspiration, Inerrancy and Translation
Written by John Van GelderenQ. At a Bible conference recently teaching on the subject of inspiration of translated scriptures, the statement was made “Inspiration is not inerrancy.” To me I thought they went together. Can you shed any light on this for me?
William
A. Hello William,
Thank you for your question....
“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19
This was Mary’s response to the visit from the shepherds. The word things is the plural of rhema.Faith comes by the word or rhemaof God (Rom. 10:17). What were these words?
The words or sayings of...
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...
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