Articles

James 2 and Me

Since the very popular false doctrine of “faith only” held by many Methodists, Baptists, and others who have branched off from Calvinism, the second chapter of James has been used as a deadly dagger against the doctrine, and rightly so, for the chapter is straightforwardly contrary to the doctrine that one is saved by “faith only,” even verse 24 concludes: “you see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” But that is not what this article will be about. I believe one needs to look at every scripture with the intention to make application […]

The Origin of the Name “Jehovah”

There are a few ways that the Old Testament text refers to the Almighty God. First, the title of “God” (in Hebrew: Elohiym), is given (Genesis 1:1). Another title, “LORD” (Hebrew: Adonai) is popularly used throughout the Old Testament. Finally, the name, not title, given to God: YHWH, commonly pronounced as Yahweh. But wait! What about that ancient word “Jehovah?” Where does it fall in line with the above? Honestly, it doesn’t. In fact, the ancient word “Jehovah” isn’t really all that ancient at all, but is a product of a series of mistakes made by men throughout the years. […]

Outside the Gate

In Hebrews 13:11-14, the Holy Spirit compares and contrasts the blood sacrifices of animals under the Old Law to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that sealed the new testament. In the Law of Moses, after the animals were sacrificed by the priests, their bodies were carried outside the gate of the city and cleanly disposed of by fire (Leviticus 16:27). Therefore Jesus also, showing Himself a sacrifice for sin, hung on a cross outside the gate of the city, at the “place of the skull,” where many animal sacrifices were burned under the old Law.     After the text of Hebrews […]

As a Very Lovely Song

    Why do people young and old flock to hear their favorite musicians perform on stage? Is it not because those musicians are artists who play instruments and sing masterfully? These professionals play and sing so well that the music and lyrics move the listeners and they go home flying higher than a kite. But what does this have to do with the scriptures? Ezekiel 33:30-33.     The start of the paragraph (in Ezekiel 33:30) sounds tremendously encouraging as God speaks to the man Ezekiel, saying, “As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside […]