Articles & Essays – Page 19

Christian Ministry & Preaching Fred Zaspel | December 1, 2011

Gentlemen, this is the Mission of the Church

Our generation of Christians ought to be marked by a distinct note of gratitude to God for his mercy in raising up multiple, clear voices from so many quarters of the Church to call us — Christians and churches alike — back to that which ought to be the central mark of the Church everywhere […]

Misc Topics Fred Zaspel | December 1, 2011

Doctrine vs. Jesus?

I’ve heard the song only a couple of times now, and so I can’t quote it exactly. But it’s message goes something like this: it’s not our interpretations that matter, it’s not our firmly held positions, it’s not the doctrinal points we argue over — “It’s still the cross!” The implication, of course, is that […]

The Christian Life Fred Zaspel | November 1, 2011

You and Your Temper!

Proverbs 14:17 counsels us, “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated” (ESV). This proverb warns of human anger and its results in relation to others, and it does it in a most interesting way. Notice that two men are identified in the verse, along with their distinguishing […]

Divine Attributes Fred Zaspel | November 1, 2011

Who Owns Greatness?

After King David and the people of Israel had given generously toward the coming Temple which Solomon would build, David paused for worship. His prayer is famous for its exalted praise: Therefore David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel […]

The Christian Life Fred Zaspel | November 1, 2011

Did God Make Me Sin?

God and Sin We have all noticed how trials of whatever kind somehow have built into them a strong potential for sin. Physical suffering, emotional stress, bereavement, persecution — trials of whatever kind — bring with them the temptation to faithlessness, giving up, callousness, bitterness, despair, and a host of other sins. We are also […]

Divine Attributes Fred Zaspel | September 1, 2011

The Kindness of our Creator

Thinking through the early chapters of Genesis the other day, I was struck again with the wonderful picture of God’s kindness that emerges in the creation narrative. God carefully brings into existence all that is — all, it seems, for the use and benefit of his newly created image-bearers (Gen. 1:26-29). He created for his […]

The Christian Home Fred Zaspel | September 1, 2011

The Goal of Parenting

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Prov. 22:15 Can you remember your childhood well enough to recall how much you needed parents? Of course when we were new-born we needed our parents for absolutely everything. We were utterly dependent. And it […]

Revelation, Inspiration, & Canon Fred Zaspel | September 1, 2011

The Formation of the Biblical Canon

The books of our Old Testament became recognized as “canon” in the same way that the Old Testament itself was formed — gradually, as holy men of old spoke and wrote, being moved of the Holy Spirit. In various ways and at various times throughout the old covenant times God spoke to his people through […]

Biblical Studies Fred Zaspel | September 1, 2011

The Acts of the Apostles

What is the book of Acts all about? What is its significance? Today I want to draw our attention to this important book, highlighting its role and function in the New Testament canon and locating its history in God’s redemptive purpose. Its Place and Role in the Canon The Promise of deliverance from sin by […]