No Man Is an Island

by in
By Bob Wilkin In 1624, English poet John Donne wrote a poem whose first line reads, “No man is an island entire of itself…” He went on in the same short poem to write, “any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell
read more

Tips for Prospective Seminary Students

by in
By Bob Wilkin Fourteen years ago, I taught a discipleship group for seminarians. I sought to help them avoid some of the pitfalls of seminary education. In this article I will share some of the tips I gave to those I was mentoring. These tips apply to both seminary students and Bible college students. Historically
read more

Try Using Questions in Evangelism

by in - , , ,
I recently read a book called Questioning Evangelism: Engaging People’s Hearts the Way Jesus Did, second edition (Kregel, 2004, 2017). It is by Randy Newman, who for a time was on college campus staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Newman’s purpose is not to explain what the saving message is. For the most part he
read more

“Running in Vain” in Paul’s Epistles

by in - , , , , , ,
On several occasions Paul used the illustration of running a race in relation to the believer’s judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ, the Bema (1 Cor 9:24-27; 2 Tim 4:6-8). Finishing the race is vitally important (2 Tim 4:7). It is what leads to Christ’s praise and approval at the Bema. On some occasions
read more

“Castaway” and “Disqualified” Are Bad Translations (1 Corinthians 9:27)

by in - , , , ,
“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (NKJV) The King James Version translates the end of 1 Cor 9:27 in this way: “lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (emphasis
read more

Saved Yet Through Fire, Part 2 (1 Corinthians 3:5-17)

by in - , , ,
Here is a powerful passage about the church, eternal rewards, and temporal judgment. There is much in this passage for every believer. Rewards are in view. After all, Paul says “he will receive a reward [misthos, wages].” However, there are some well-intentioned misunderstandings which can be quickly eliminated. Misconception #1: This Means There Will Be
read more