Simply Gospel

May my steps be worship. May my thoughts be praise.

  • Christian Ignorance

    In Religious Literacy, author Stephen Prothero cites the general lack of ignorance regarding religions in general, and our own experiences among our brothers and sisters can speak to a lack of knowledge of Christianity among those who claim to be Christians. We laugh at the ways children might mix up Biblical stories, but, after a time, such missteps are no longer humorous. They reveal an ignorance on our own part. Prothero gave his university students a quiz regarding Christianity, Judaism, and other world religions, and they failed spectacularly. Likewise, the Gallup organization cites its own studies demonstrating a record low… Continue reading

  • A Law Unto Themselves

    Sometimes we wonder if there is a double-standard with God based on a couple of passages. One is I Corinthians 5:9-13 as Paul deals within tolerated sin within a congregation. One part of the argument makes it sound like it is okay for some of the world to live one way while Christians are held to a different standard. The other is Romans 2:13-15 where Paul speaks of those who are a law unto themselves, not knowing the gospel of God. A Law Unto Themselves We have a tendency to think of God’s word as two parts – the old… Continue reading

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  • Standing In the Gap

    Early in their history, Israel wanted a king, a decision that eventually left to a divided kingdom and a great deal of unfaithfulness. During the reign of the final king if Judah, in Jeremiah 4:14 and 24 the people are described as lacking understanding, as foolish children, Also, in chapter 5:1-5, God gives Jeremiah a mission to look for anyone who is living justly, and Jeremiah is disappointed in his search time and again. Additionally, in Ezekiel 22:26-28 (after the captivity has begun), the problem has not improved. Rulers and spiritual leaders are leading the people into lies. Again, God… Continue reading

  • God’s Plan for Sin

    Who is ultimately responsible for Jesus’ death? Often, this question contains political and personal agendas. Some blame the Jews, citing the mob’s call for His death and their claim to bear the responsibility. Others blame Pilate because He was the one to declare the sentence. Many of us say we ourselves are to blame because of the sins in our lives, but one we often omit is God. Ultimately, God sent Christ to Earth, and it was His plan for Jesus to die on the cross to fulfill His plan of salvation. Sin Entering the World The first couple of… Continue reading

  • A Bad Case of Pride

    Selfishness or pride is really at the center of our problems with following God’s word as we should. In our previous lesson, we looked at how being spiritually mature involves putting others first. Regarding pride, Proverbs 16:18 warns us that it leads to self-destruction, and I Peter 5:5 says that God resists the proud. Certainly, none of us want to set ourselves up for failure or put anything between ourselves and God, so we should be careful not to let our pride get in our ways. The Example of Sennacherib In Isaiah 10:12-14, God claims He will punish the king… Continue reading

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  • Love, Edification, & Unity

    Paul worked with congregations like Philippi and congregations like Corinth, some he could work with easily and draw as much encouragement from as he could offer. Others had serious difficulties, both between members of the congregation and scripturally. More often than not, we may find ourselves relating more to Corinth than to Philippi, and, in I Corinthians 12:14, Paul speaks to the need for members to edify, exhort, and comfort each other. Even though he is speaking specifically to members who prophesied at the time, we can all learn from these instructions in how we interact with one another. Our… Continue reading

  • Reflecting the Name We Wear

    Names can be fascinating, and, when we name a child, we go through a great deal of preparation and research in the process. We make associations with names, and they mean something to us. What does our name of Christian mean to us? The name literally means that which belongs to or pertains to Christ. In Ephesians 1:22-23 and Romans 6:3 we are described as being in Christ’s body and His death, and Galatians 3:27 we are said to have put on Christ. Qualities of the Name This name brings a new life. In II Corinthians 5:17, Paul states that… Continue reading

  • Being Faithful

    We may define “faithfulness” in a few different ways – being full of faith, having a true conviction, being dependable or loyal. In Galatians 5:16, Paul begins speaking of behaviors we should avoid and those we should adopt. In this, in verse 22, he considers faithfulness a fruit of the spirit, a quality we should have as godly people. What kind of faith do we have, and are we full of that faith? Faith is a topic we are familiar with. For example, we can turn to Hebrews 11 for a definition of faith and many examples of people who… Continue reading

  • Free Books for Sale

    Where I have hallway duty, the media center specialist has been placing library carts of books that are being phased out of the system – free for kids to take and keep. The carts went untouched for a couple of days until one small boy asked me, “What do those books cost?” “Nothing,” I replied. “They’re free.” At this point, the boy scrambled to find his friends informing them that, “There are free books for sale over here!” In a matter of minutes, dozens of kids had swarmed the library carts, poring over the available books, making recommendations to each… Continue reading

  • Seven Essentials for Congregational Growth

    Congregation usually go in one of two directions – either forwards or backwards. Rarely do they successfully stay the same. From a personal perspective, Paul describes his efforts to grow as a Christian in Philippians 4:13-15, and congregations are similar. We either have to continue growing and improving, or we will slide backwards in dwelling on perceived problems rather than solutions. In II Timothy 1:6-8, Paul knows he will soon be put to death. He knows he has no future on this world, but, even so, he attempts to remind Timothy of God’s love and the ability God gives him… Continue reading