Blog – Grace Evangelical Society

You Must Grow Up (Ephesians 4:11-24), Part 1

November 27, 2020 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - Discipleship, Ephesians, Local Church, spiritual disciples, spiritual theology, spirituality

Those of us who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s will remember one of the most famous jingles in retail history: I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Toys R Us kid; they got a million toys at Toys R us that I can play with We have idolized childhood, haven’t we? How often

Jesus Rejected in His Own Hometown (Mark 6:1-6)

November 26, 2020 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - Jesus rejected in His hometown, Mark 1:1-6, seeking honor from God

President Donald Trump was born and raised in Queens, New York City. He rose to the highest office in the land. Yet the mayor of NYC and the governor of NY State both speak very badly of President Trump. Most of the people in NYC do not welcome President Trump. He illustrates the Biblical principle

Five Reasons You Cannot Be a Lone Ranger Disciple

November 25, 2020 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - Discipleship

Question: Am I truly being a disciple if I’m doing it alone? Answer: That’s a good question, especially for today, when social media has become a substitute for flesh and blood relationships with real people. There are extreme circumstances where you have no choice but to be alone. I’m thinking about someone who comes to

The Rapture and the Age of Accountability

November 24, 2020 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - Age of accountability, are children raptured with their parents?, the Rapture and the age of accountability

Martin asks a question that deals with the Rapture but also applies to the gift of everlasting life:  The age of accountability is always mentioned when dealing with the death of a child or someone with mental disabilities.  In 1 Thess 4:17, does the harpazō [catching up, i.e., the Rapture] include those who have not

Run to Jesus

November 23, 2020 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - advocate, Mediator, Sin

When you’ve done something wrong, and you know you’ll be in trouble, the natural instinct is often to run and hide. That’s what the first sinners did after they committed the first sin and knew they’d be in trouble (i.e., that they would die!). So they tried to hide from God: And they heard the

Faith in Jesus for Salvation Versus Faith in God the Father for Salvation

November 20, 2020 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - faith in God the Father for salvation, John 5:24, Romans 4:24

Nikki asks a very important question: If one is saved by believing in Jesus, then why does Rom 4:24—“Now it [Gen 15:6] was not written for his sake alone that it [righteousness] was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our

You Get What You Give (Luke 6:27-38)

November 19, 2020 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - Judgment, Luke, Mercy, sermon on the plain

In Jesus’ sermon on the plain, He gives some extremely demanding commands: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.

J. Vernon McGee on Repentance and Salvation

November 18, 2020 by Shawn Lazar in Blog - back-loaded gospel, believing, Faith, J. Vernon McGee, Repentance, Salvation

Even the most gifted Bible teachers can sometimes preach a confusing saving message. For example, I’m sure most readers of this blog are familiar with Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s Thru the Bible commentary. I’ve been reading through his comments on Luke’s Gospel and found his remarks on Luke 3:8 to be confusing. “John’s message was

He Who Endures Will Be Saved (Matthew 24:13)

November 17, 2020 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - Eternal Security, Final Salvation, future salvation, Matthew 24:13, Perseverance of the Saints

John asks this quality question: “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved” (Matt 24:12-13). You may have commented on these verses before, but I couldn’t find it.  It seems to support the idea of the perseverance of the saints. I’ve recently

Persuading Church People about the Promise of Everlasting Life

November 16, 2020 by Bob Wilkin in Blog - Eternal Security, evangelism, saving faith, sharing the promise of everlasting life

A pastor asks a very important question: I have been extremely blessed by the ministry of GES and the clarity you all teach with. I recently held a class at my church about eternal security and assurance, and my question is, how do you converse and disciple church members who think that it’s not good