Grace in Focus – November/December 2022

Are We Grateful?
By Ken Yates INTRODUCTION For nine days in August, I had the opportunity to conduct a pastors’ conference in Kenya. On the weekends, I was able to speak in three different churches. On one Saturday, I led a Bible study in which various smaller studies came together to discuss the parables of Christ. As you
What Would Jesus Say? The Seven Churches of Revelation: The Letter to Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11)
By Philippe Sterling PERSECUTED AND POOR, BUT RICH Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? Have you ever been put at a disadvantage because of your faith? Have others ever hated or shunned you because you were a believer? The example of the church at Smyrna alerts us to the possibility of being persecuted
Believers Need to Dress Well Because the King Is Coming Soon
By Lucas Kitchen I was in ministry in West Texas several years ago. We were about to begin a night worship service called Paradigm for college students when a man, probably homeless, walked into the church and sat down on the back pew. That was not that uncommon; what was uncommon was his attire… or
Is the Free Gift of Salvation for Those Who Bow Their Knees and Repent?
By Bob Wilkin My sister, Pam, sent me a very interesting message by Dr. Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis. It is called “Divided Nation: Cultures in Chaos.” I believe that Genesis 1-11 reports literal history, not poetic history, and not a mix of what actually happened and things that did not happen. I believe
The Bible Is Reliable, Part 2
By Dix Winston In part 1, we saw that the Bible accurately records the words and events in the life of Christ. This is important since the Gospels are the primary source document on the words and works of Christ. If they did not accurately record what He said and did, we lose our message.
Everybody Can Serve
By Kathryn Wright Recently I participated in a podcast interview with Broken Vessels, Hidden Treasures Ministries in Idaho. I was asked how churches can best demonstrate the love of Christ to people with disabilities and their families. Even though I have two sisters with disabilities and have been attending church all my life, I don’t
Is John 3:16 Out of Warranty?
By Bob Wilkin I. J. asks an important question: Hi. I appreciate reading many of your articles online, and I am trying to study the Lordship Salvation debate for myself. I know that John 3:16 is used to support the idea that only belief is necessary for salvation. From what I understand, how is it
A Review of “Mom, I’m a Girl”
By Kathryn Wright Mom, I’m a Girl1 tells the story and lessons learned by a mother who lost her son to suicide at the age of 19. The son struggled with what is called transgenderism, though his counselors questioned that diagnosis. Glenney and her husband have been involved in Christian ministry their entire adult lives,
Purple Water Is Not Good
By Ken Yates INTRODUCTION Many years ago, I attended a summer camp for Boy Scouts near an Army post. It had a large swimming pool. The Army provided soldiers as lifeguards. These soldiers warned us about what would happen if we misused the pool water. They told us that the Army had put a chemical
Voice from the Past: Man’s Role in Conversion
By Zane Hodges* *This article originally appeared in the September-October 1993 issue of what was then the Grace in Focus newsletter. The answer to the jailer’s classic question, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” is still the same: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31, italics added).