The most popular account of Jesus ‘final’ words to his disciples make up what is popularly referred to as the “Great Commission.”

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:” – Mat 28:19-20

Most often it’s meaning is boiled down to a few words: all nations, name, and teaching. The rest of the verses cause no little controversy in the doctrinal beliefs of those who wish to follow it, and for good reason. Read more …

One hundred years ago two wealthy oilmen funded the widespread distribution of twelve volumes describing the fundamentals of Christianity [1]. These books helped to strengthen the foundation of Bible Christianity from the doctrinal attacks of liberal Christianity.

These books explained the core teachings of Christianity such as the inspiration and inerrancy of scripture, the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the virgin birth, substitutionary atonement, and the physical resurrection of Christ. Read more …

Can you hear it? It’s the cacophonous sound of doctrinal arguments all over the internet and in church buildings across the country.

If there has been one tradition that can define Christianity from the very first century it is the age old tradition of doctrinal war. Read more …

Who is this statement addressing? What is the willful sin? Who lives in fear of the fiery judgment? These are important questions when considering the dispensational context of Hebrews 10:26.

The Audience

First, the audience of the book is given to those who will receive Israel’s promises, law, priesthood, covenants, and future hope in that heavenly city to come (Heb 7:12, 13:14).

Since these doctrines are reserved for Israel and cannot be reconciled to the grace teaching of the Apostle Paul it must be recognized immediately that Hebrews is not for our participation who live under God’s grace today (Eph 3:1-2). The audience then is prophetic Israel not Jews or Gentiles under Paul’s ministry. Read more …

The tradition of singing My Country, Tis of Thee in churches on July 4th began in 1831 at Park Street Church in Boston. For one hundred years it was generally accepted as the national anthem. It was not until 1931 that The Star Spangled Banner became the official national anthem of America.

My Country, Tis of Thee was written by a 21 year old Samuel Francis Smith. He had just decided to become a minister after studying at Harvard. While studying at Andover Theological Seminary he wrote the now popular words.

Mr. Smith considered the greatest thing he could do for his country was to preach the gospel, as he would spend his entire life in ministry and die on the way to a preaching engagement. Read more …