Biblical Cosmology

Cosmology simply means the scientific study of the universe's origins and development. To that end the popular cosmology today is Darwinian in its roots; generally a derivative of the Big Bang Theory. But what is the cosmology of the Bible? What does God's word say regarding the universe's origin and development? And as Christians who claim to be worshipers and followers of Jesus Christ, do we choose to believe what that word says regarding these fundamental issues?

First John Chapter One, Part 5 of 5

1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Verses 6 through 10 comprise a unit as John describes walking in the light with Christ. Verse 6 declares that this is where a Christian ought to be. Verses 7 and 9 inform us how we can apprehend this coveted place. Verses 8 and 10 warn us what conditions keep a saint from being in close contact with his God.

First John Chapter One, Part 4 of 5

1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

This enter passage (verses 7-10) comprise a curt answer to certain Christian sects that teach once a person is saved they are no longer capable of sinning. They carry a Biblical truth too far. It is true that a believer can no longer have sin imputed to them in a judicial sense (1st John 3:9) but the practical effects of sin in a saint’s life are all too real, 1st John 5:16. Note the wording of this verse: believers are to pray for erring brothers they see committing sin. Paul’s ordeal as a Christian suffering the spiritual battle of the flesh and the Spirit is vividly outlined in Romans chapter 7; a staunch testimony and clear warning that Christians can and will sin after being saved.

Jesus' Mark on History

I have been re-reading a book recently entitled "Evidence for Christianity" by Josh McDowell and found this snippet within that I would like to share. I quite enjoyed it and believe fellow Christians will likewise appreciate the praise given our Savior.

Regarding Infant Baptism

My wife has a tapestry in our garage from her childhood. It has letters sewn on its surface that read: “Gillian Ingersoll, born August 31, born a child of God October 13th.” Her parents attended a Lutheran Church at the time, and when Gillian was less than two months old she was baptized and declared a child of God, as is tradition in the Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and many other churches today. But is infant baptism biblical? That is the only question that ought to really concern a Christian. Without further ado we will explore the New Testament for evidence that points toward or against the practice of infant baptism.

First John Chapter One, Part 3 of 5

1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. James, in joining John’s depiction of our God, writes, “every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning,” James 1:17.

First John Chapter One, Part 2 of 5

1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life John begins his epistle with simple and candid testimony. Being an eyewitness of Jesus Christ, John was free to use such language since he was a close follower of the Lord both before and after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The apostle states that he heard, saw and touched the Word of life: namely Jesus Christ.

First John Chapter One, Part 1 of 5

John the apostle was one of the twelve, called to follow Christ along with Peter, Andrew and James, Matthew 4:18-22. These four men were the first four to be called by our Lord after His baptism, Mark 1:16-20. Although it does appear that Peter and Andrew were disciples before John, John 1:40-42. The fact that the calling of these four is mentioned specifically in the gospel seems indicative of the importance these men had within the budding church while the gospel accounts were being recorded.