Category Archives: Index

Election: “Those he called,” Part 2 (Paul)

Paul’s use of “called” So let’s take a fresh look at Paul’s use of “called,” which is surely informed by the prophetic use of the word. (Rom 1:5-6 NASB) through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about … Continue reading

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Teaching Adult Bible Classes: How to Survive 1 Corinthians

I get emails — Jay, this year I’m teaching 1 Corinthians in one of our adult classes. And so I’ll get to address the thorny issues of divorce and remarriage and womens’ public role in the church. I’ve read your … Continue reading

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Faith Lessons by Ray Vander Laan: Learning to Walk Like Jesus, Part 2

QUESTIONS: 1. What practices are like circumcision and Sabbath to Churches of Christ — as serving as markers of salvation (not looking for a discussion of baptism here but rather post-conversion markers)? [weekly communion, a cappella music, plurality of elders, … Continue reading

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Available Light: Consideration of additional passages

We are considering a post by Al Maxey and another post by Leroy Garrett arguing that, for those who’ve never heard the gospel, their salvation will be determined based on their response to what they know of God from other … Continue reading

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Available Light: A note on Rom 2:8-13

As I mentioned earlier, among Protestants, it’s unnerving to be told we’ll be judged by our merits, as Paul plainly says in Rom 2:8-13, among many other passages. In his recent book Justification, N. T. Wright explains how this does … Continue reading

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Faith Lessons by Ray Vander Laan: Learning to Walk Like Jesus, Part 1

Jesus said, “Come follow me,” and the disciples did. He told them to go make disciples, and they did. And no disciple was more like Jesus than Paul. RVL teaches his group near the Damascus Road, where he reads the … Continue reading

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Election: “Those he called”

Paul frequently refers to Christians as being “called.” What does it mean? “Called” sounds so much like “invited.” Is that the meaning? Well, many have been invited and not responded! I mean, how many have heard the gospel message and … Continue reading

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Available Light: Consideration of Romans 1 – 2

We are considering a post by Al Maxey and another post by Leroy Garrett arguing that, for those who’ve never heard the gospel, their salvation will be determined based on their response to what they know of God from other … Continue reading

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Ministry Ideas: Adoption

(Now, this one chokes me up. I’m glad I’m typing and not speaking.) We have couples who’ve decided that they should adopt children from poor countries — as a ministry for Jesus. Adoption is common enough, of course, but most … Continue reading

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Available Light: The case from scripture

We are considering a post by Al Maxey from November 15, 2004, arguing for the doctrine of “available light” — the idea being that — all men, who ever have lived or ever will live, are amenable to whatever available … Continue reading

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