Discipleship

What is a disciple? A disciple in its most basic and generic sense, is a student or follower. A good example of the word in Scripture appears in John 9:28, where we read, “You are His (Jesus’) disciple, but we (the Pharisees) are Moses’ disciples.” A disciple is someone who endeavors, both in their learning and lifestyle, to emulate the one who is their teacher. In this case, the Pharisees implied that they were students of Moses and the Law Moses provided Israel. This reflected in their demeanor; for as the Law could not be merciful, in that it did not know how, neither were the Pharisees merciful. They were austere in their judgment, sharp in their doctrinal beliefs, and unforgiving of any transgression. John Bunyan, in his classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress, depicted the Law (in the form of Moses) as unyielding. One of the characters, Faithful, was nearly beaten to death by Moses’ character. When he pled for mercy at the hand of the lawgiver, Moses replied, “I do not know how to be merciful!”

A Considerate Look Into Hebrews

Author's note: I have (until recently) held a different interpretation of the passage in Hebrews I am presently discussing. I have since been soundly convinced that my standing was in error. I still preach eternal security, but I now believe Hebrews 6:4-9 teaches something more than I had noticed. In humility I write this, grateful to God for a little clarity, and for His boundless love with which He loves all of His children! Without further ado, I present to the reader my study on Hebrews 6:4-9; I apologize for the length, but it was necessary for the scope of this study. God bless!

Love Redefined...or Defiled?

I won't convince or convert; no soul will be lost,
I've found the answer in my own mind;
“love” is my religion; you can take it or leave it...

I begin this post with a sample of human wisdom recently coined by a very liberal thinker. All I can say in honest response is that “love” not based on truth is delusion— who has authority to decide in their own mind what truth is, so that no soul is lost? Take or leave all faiths being wrong, with no soul being lost? Does anyone critically evaluate their philosophy?

Genesis Chapter Four

The fourth chapter of Genesis deals with the beginning of division among mankind. As soon as there were brothers, there was strife. One of the brothers was a godly man, who heard the word of God, accepted it, and yielded fruit in accordance with spiritual growth. The other heard the word of God, did not understand it, and the wicked one came and took the seed of the message from him. There is much to be learned from Cain and Abel. Abel did what God desired, and approached God in the manner that was commanded, and he was accepted. Cain, who must have heard the same command that Abel had heard, rejected the notion that God only respected one approach of fellowship and worship. He had the idea that any road to God will suffice. He came with an offering of his own election and in the clothing of his own righteousness, and was refused.