are you gregory?
In this season of Advent we are reminded of what it means to wait for something special. We generally reflect upon the first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how the ancient Jewish people waited for their messiah. We also consider the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our own waiting for [...]
when you’re left scratching your head
I have a couple of friends who willingly engage in theological discussions with me. One is a Pastor with a Doctorate from Southern Seminary. The other is studying to be a Pastor and a Church Planter. Whereas I am just a guy who has too much time to think, so I am generally the first [...]
does God change his mind?
Do our prayers change God’s mind on outcomes? There are many who believe that prayer can change God’s mind and usually cite Exodus 32:7-14 and Isaiah 38:1-6. But how can an omniscient and immutable [1] God change his mind? In Exodus 32:7-14, God is ready to consume Israel and fulfill his promise through Moses. However, after [...]
book review: a primer on postmodernism
A Primer on Postmodernism does a great job at what the title suggests – it introduces the reader to the ideas and people who have helped shape and reflect upon the postmodern era. The book is divided into seven chapters each serving a unique purpose to introduce postmodernism to the reader. Throughout the book author [...]
metamelomai [regret, remorse, and repentance]
![metamelomai [regret, remorse, and repentance]](http://bibledude.net/wp-content/uploads/judas-kiss-150x150.jpg)
Judas, the one who betrayed him, realized that Jesus was doomed. Overcome with remorse, he gave back the thirty silver coins to the high priests,” – Matthew 27:3 (The Message) One of the words used in the Greek to help us understand repentance is metamelomai. It’s literal definition is “To regret, repent.” It’s the word used [...]
hell: the conversation [12 quotes from rob bell and francis chan]
![hell: the conversation [12 quotes from rob bell and francis chan]](http://bibledude.net/wp-content/uploads/hell-ancient-painting-150x150.jpg)
Hell. It’s one of the most controversial doctrines in all of Christianity right now. Personally, I think it’s great to get these conversations out there. One of the biggest problems in the church today is Biblical illiteracy, and it’s these conversations that often drive people back to the Bible to search for what it actually [...]
man changes his mind: repentance
After the preliminary considerations in my study on the doctrine of salvation, we begin to take a look at the activity of man in salvation. This consists of three elements: repentance, faith, and conversion. First up, we’ll look at some principles associated with repentance. Basic Meaning of the Word Repentance There are a couple of [...]
the will of God in salvation
It’s one question that seems to pop up in nearly every theological conversation I end up having. So many other things seem to ride on how you view the difference between predestination and free will. The Bible teaches both, but we often struggle trying to reconcile the two. This lesson in my study on the [...]
understanding the millennium [part four]: evaluation, opinion, and impact
![understanding the millennium [part four]: evaluation, opinion, and impact](http://bibledude.net/wp-content/uploads/microscope-150x150.jpg)
Now that we have briefly covered the essentials of the three major millennial views let’s analyze the views in three ways. First, I will give a quick evaluation of the three (strengths and weaknesses). Second, my opinion on why I adhere to one in particular. Third, the impact of the views in society. Evaluation: Premillennialism [...]
understanding the millennium [part three]: amillennialism
![understanding the millennium [part three]: amillennialism](http://bibledude.net/wp-content/uploads/revelation20-150x150.jpg)
So what is amillenialism? The amillennialist believes essentially that there is not a literal thousand year reign of Christ on earth. The “a” in amillennialism signifies the belief that there is not a millennium (as understood in the previous two positions). The amillennialist suggests that the world will be a mix of good and evil [...]
understanding the millennium [part two]: postmillennialism
![understanding the millennium [part two]: postmillennialism](http://bibledude.net/wp-content/uploads/white-horse-150x150.jpg)
So what is postmillennialism? The postmillennialist believes that Christ Jesus returns to complete the millennium. Thus, the “post” in postmillennialism signifies that the second coming is after the millennium. This position has seen a remarkable downturn in adherents in the 20th and 21st centuries and is considerably the least popular choice among the three major [...]
the background of salvation
There are many ideas regarding the antoning work of Christ, beginning with the necessity of it. But regardless of your view on the necessity of the atonement, one thing that’s clear is that God didn’t have to save anyone. He chose to save because He loves (John 3:16). There have been many different theories regarding [...]
the doctrine of salvation
I’m taking a Soteriology class. It’s part of my efforts to complete my degree in Church Ministries through Global University. What’s soteriology? It’s the study of the doctrine of salvation. As I started the course, I began to wonder whether most Christians really understood what it means to be ‘saved’. We all know that we [...]
