Grace in Focus – March/April 2023

Was the Apostle Paul Uncertain of His Eternal Destiny? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
By Doug Potgeter Some theologians today claim that the Apostle Paul was uncertain whether he would make it to heaven. The passage they use to support this claim is found in 1 Cor 9:24-27, where Paul wrote: Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?
Here Comes the Son: Learning from the Church at Philadelphia
By Philippe R. Sterling Jesus judged the church at Philadelphia that was faithful (3:7-13). “Here Comes the Sun” was written by George Harrison and was featured on the Beatles’ album Abbey Road in 1969. The lyrics reflect his relief at the arrival of spring and the temporary respite he was experiencing from the band’s business
Am I One of God’s Elect?
By Bob Wilkin1 The Calvinist doctrine of unconditional election is meant to be a wonderful comfort to people. Back in 1978 I was on staff with Cru at NC State University. I remember hearing the Campus Director from the University of Carolina speak on the doctrine of election. I don’t recall having heard about it
Politics Ain’t as Powerful as We Think (John 19:12-13)
By Ken Yates INTRODUCTION Politics has a bad reputation today. Our leaders are accused of not doing what is right, but simply letting their politics dictate their decisions. The approval rating of members of Congress is below 20%, and it has been as low as 9%. By comparison, 47% of Americans have a very favorable
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
By Lucas Kitchen I have received the question pretty often, “How could a loving God allow all the suffering in the world?” This question makes it sound as if God is sitting by with His enormous arms crossed, staring down indifferently. Or maybe He’s not staring down at all but is occupied with something else.
Christ Is Credible, Part One: His Claims and the Disciples’ Corroboration
By Dix Winston One Solitary Life is a popular and well-read poem about Jesus Christ. It is attributed to James Allan Francis, (1864-1928) a Canadian pastor: He was born in an obscure village The child of a peasant woman He grew up in another obscure village Where He worked in a carpenter shop Until He
Biblical Ha-Ha! Moments: Part 2
By Marcia Hornok Serious Bible study reveals God’s character and ways. But looking for God’s sense of humor, as well, has serious benefits. Perhaps He inserted 1 Chronicles 26:18 as a bit of comic relief, knowing that the KJV would translate it: “At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.” In Part
Top 5 Changes I’m Making in My Spiritual Life
By Summer Stevens Though I’ve been a Christian most of my life, there are seasons when I’ve felt like I’ve needed to dig into different spiritual practices for growth and nourishment. Sometimes it’s been memorizing large passages of Scripture or doing group Bible studies or praying the Psalms. The Holy Spirit has been faithful to
What About Those Guys? (Jeremiah 12:1-6)
By Ken Yates Sometimes when I read about certain people in the Bible, they seem to be superhuman. One of those people is the prophet Jeremiah. His ministry was one of suffering. The Lord asked him to do many things that were very difficult. There is a reason he is known as the “weeping prophet.”
How I Was Transformed
By Nancy Rempel My body was rigid with tension as I lay in the sweltering heat of another Pakistani spring. Some missionary I had turned out to be. It was Easter 1995, and we had just dedicated our second baby, Curtis, at the little church in Layyah, Pakistan. I felt like a baby myself as
Voice From the Past: Does a Biblical View of Grace Actually Promote Sin?
By Bob Wilkin* In the great tradition of dramatic disclaimers, such as the Apostle Paul’s in Romans 6:1-14, Shakespeare’s in King Lear, and Sir Winston Churchill’s in his famous Harrow School address, GES says “Never!” A Biblical view of God’s grace never promotes sin. People who hold to Lordship Salvation or works salvation are rarely