Jon Benzinger: Addressing Only One Way of Salvation

Justin Peters Speaks with a Bethel Insider

Paul Lamey: The Pilgrim in a Politically Charged World

The message was delivered at the Truth in Love Conference at Founders Baptist Church in Spring, Tx:

A Conversation About Fallen Pastors

It is a sad reality that those in church leadership will let us down. One area that hurts the church the most is when a pastor falls due to some moral failure in his life. I have experienced that myself while a freshman in college and it took the church a while to recover from that.

What are Christians to do when this happen? How are we supposed to handle a situation that is really becoming too familiar in the church. I appreciated this conversation that took place on the Redeeming Truth Podcast from Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, AZ as some of their pastors have a conversation regarding fallen pastors. 

Jesse Randolph Addresses the Most Misquoted Verse in the Bible

Prayer is a Weapon

Prayer is the soul's weapon, and is it not a grief to lack a weapon in our spiritual warfare? Prayer is the soul's ornament, the excellent garment of a Christian; and is it not an affliction, to be without this garment, and to be found naked? Prayer is the Christians element; and as the fish lives in the water as in its element, and dies when it is out of it, so a Christian lives in prayer as in his element, and his heart dies when he is out of it. Prayer is the soul's provisioner, bringing in provision for the soul and for all its graces.

Adapted from A Lifting Up for the Downcast by William Bridge

Kyle Swanson Addressing the Issue of Sin

For Those Wondering About Interracial Marriage

It seems there is discussion if the Bible forbids interracial marriage. It is really baffling that people in the church are having this discussion in the 21st century, but here we are. There have been well written blogs on this issue, so I am going to give a simple answer: no.

People thought God forbid interracial marriage in the Old Testament which he did forbid the people of Israel not because of their race, but for their worship of false gods. Mark Tatlock wrote:

In the Old Testament, interracial marriage was not forbidden on the basis of ethnicity but rather idolatry. Since national membership and faith were linked in identity, ethnicity was linked to idol worship. The basis of God's prohibitions was to prevent false worship from being integrated into the Jewish culture; therefore, an Israelite could not marry a person who was not a true worshipper of God. This is still true for the believer today (2 Corinthians 6:14). For God's people, marriage has always been an issue of faith, not race.

Here is the proof from the book of Deuteronomy:

When Yahweh your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess it, and He clears away many nations before you, the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and stronger than you, and when Yahweh your God gives them over before you and you strike them down, then you shall devote them to destruction. You shall cut no covenant with them and show no favor to them. Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons. For they will turn your sons away from following Me, and they will serve other gods; then the anger of Yahweh will be kindled against you, and He will quickly destroy you (Deuteronomy 7:1-4, LSB).

The Bible is clear that marriage is for one man and one woman which does not say about skin color or ethnicity. It does mention that we should make sure whoever we marry worships the one true God. The Bible does not forbid interracial marriage. 

Will We Ever Know Why We Suffer?

Suffering is inevitable. The testing of our faith is guarantee for those who walk with Jesus. The book of James tells us that we encounter trials of various kinds (James 1:2). Most of them will catch us off guard, while there are some that we can probably see a mile away.

When suffering comes, most people want to why is this is happening to them? What did I do to deserve this? There are times when our suffering is known. Why you have lung cancer? Because you smoke 3 packs of cigarettes per day. Why are getting a divorce? Because you committed adultery. 

What about the ones we cannot wrap our heads around. A cancer diagnoses when you have been healthy for majority of your life. A child that wanders from the faith. The loss of a job that you are very successful in. 

There are people in the church that believe we will know why we went through suffering. They think that God will explain His reasons for letting our suffering take place. I think one of the reasons is from Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God, which states that we will never know the truth of our suffering until we hear from God. Blackaby believes that Christians can hear the voice of God. If not, you are in trouble at the heart of the Christian experience. 

This teaching from Blackaby is problematic because it says Christians who do not hear God speaking to them are probably not saved. I have known believers who have never heard the voice of God, yet they are faithful to Christ. Blackaby saying God speaking about the reasons for our suffering adds more problems because it certainly does indicate that God owes us an explanation, which He does not.

When spoke to Job, He never told him why he went through the suffering he did. Why would God tell us about the suffering we have gone through? What makes us better than Job or anyone who has gone through suffering in the past centuries or in today's world.

We may or will never know the truth about our suffering, but one thing is clear: God allows our suffering for His glory and our good. The Apostle Paul wrote:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers; and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified (Romans 8:28-30, LSB).

What is the good mentioned in Romans 8:28? The good is being conformed to the likeness of Christ. Suffering is to help us mature in Christ. We suffer to bring God glory and to grow in our faith. As painful as it can be, it is beneficial. 

My Thoughts on Petra's New Album

 I was around 10 years old when I was introduced to the Christian band, Petra. My first album that I got to listen to was "This Means War," and the rest is history. Petra has been my go-to band for listening to while driving, working out, and even mowing the yard. I was sad to learn that Petra was no longer going to be making music after 2005, but they still continued to tour with their latest tour being called, "The Best for Last."

I never had the chance to see Petra in concert until June 2025 with my son in Arlington, Tx. I have to admit; my inner teenager was coming out including attempting to headbang in a couple of the songs which was an epic failure only because I had short hair. As the concert progressed, there two words that came from the band I never thought I would hear again: new album. I was excited to hear that my favorite band was coming out with a new album, which happened on January 6th. 

Petra released a new album titled, "Hope," which is their first studio album in over 20 years. The reason is they wanted to encourage the church with a message of hope in a chaotic world. Like most of Petra's music, they are supported by scripture. I am not going to do a thorough review of this album but just share a few thoughts. 

First, this album was a breath of fresh air. Petra's new album was something that was needed in the CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) world. Yes, there are other decent bands in CCM, but Petra tends to bring in those who love rock and pop together. Their concerts have been brought old and young together, which I saw in Arlington. The song "Oxygen" was surprising because it felt like you were listening to Jimmy Buffet or the Beach Boys in the beginning.

Second, though backed by the Bible, you may not agree with all of the lyrics to their songs. Their first single, "Deliver Us" addresses binding every power that opposes which is a little charismatic lingo. These songs are not worship songs. This is just a group of Christian musicians who want to give encouragement to the body of Christ. 

Finally, as a long time Petra fan, this one was worth the wait. They may not be as hard rock as they were with "This Means War" or "Beyond Belief," but it was great hearing new songs from them. I hope (no pun intended) Petra will continue to make more albums. I know they are getting up in age, well three of them, but they still got it. 

Virgil Walker Addressing Race, Identity, and DEI

Book Review: The Promise of the Messiah by Ethan Jago

It has been nearly a month since we celebrated Christmas. Most Christians love this time of the year because we remember what God did by sending His Only Begotten Son born of a virgin. What's sad is many Christians after Christmas will forget all about the incarnation of Christ till next Christmas, which is less than 12 away for those who are keeping track. 

The Incarnation of Christ is not something we should study around Christmas time. It should be something that we study, read, and know for all times of the year. I am delighted to recommend a great resource from G3 Press written by Ethan Jago, titled, The Promise of the Messiah: A Theology of Christmas. 

Jago does a wonderful job showing his readers that the coming of the Messiah was something God promised all the way back to the beginning in the garden of Eden. He also points out that while Christmas is a time to reflect on the birth of Christ, it is also time where we anticipate His return. Christ's first coming should always make us consider that one day He will return.

Jago continues to point out that Christ never ceased to be God. Jesus went through everything a man could go through yet was without sin. He was tempted so that He can be a Great High Priest that can sympathize with us in our weakness. Jesus did not earn righteousness or salvation but came to fulfill the Father's will. Jesus was already the Son of God and He delighted to do the will of God.

Jesus did not come just to be a good teacher, as Jago says in the book, or a miracle worker. He came to bear the sins of the world so that we can have righteousness from God by faith in Christ. Christ lived a perfect life because we could not. 

Jago concludes that the fulfillment came when Christ took our place on the cross so that He can pay for our sins. He also was raised on the third day and will physically return one day. As Christians today, we must share this good news to all. Christ's incarnation is not something that should be celebrated just during Christmas time, but in every season of the year. Not saying we should bust out the Christmas decorations, but we should remember that God loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son as John 3:16 boldly proclaims.

This is a great resource for all studying on the incarnation of Christ. This is also a useful tool to be used for Christmas time when doing a Sunday School lesson or sermon on the incarnation.

I received this book from G3 Press in exchange for an honest review. 

Jon Benzinger Speaks with a Former Muslim Regarding If Islam is a Religion or a Political Power

On the Redeeming Truth Podcast, Jon Benzinger is joined by Dan Burmawi, who is a former Muslim, about his upbringing, how he came to faith in Christ, how Christians can stand for truth, and other topics. 

Scott Aniol and James White Discuss Islam in America

With Islam in the news especially with its growth in America, what are Christians to do. In this video, Scott Aniol is joined by James White to discuss what Islam believes and the challenges American Christians face in reaching them with the gospel.

Recommended Resource:

What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James White

The Euangelion in the New Testament

When we come to the New Testament, we find three distinct ways in which the term gospel is used. First, we have four books in the New Testament that we call Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books are biographical portraits of Jesus. Gospel in this sense describes a particular form of literature. Second, during the earthly ministry of Jesus, the term gospel was linked not particularly with the person of Jesus but with the kingdom of God. John the Baptist is introduced as one who comes preaching the gospel, and his message is “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt. 3:2). Jesus did the same in His parables, proclaiming, “The kingdom of God is like . . .” On the lips of Jesus, the gospel was about the dramatic moment in history when, through the long-awaited Messiah, the kingdom of God had broken through in time and space. The good news was the good news of the kingdom. Third, by the time the Epistles were written, particularly the Pauline epistles, the term gospel had taken on a new shade of understanding. It had become the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel had a clear content to it. At the heart of this gospel was the announcement of who Jesus was and what He had accomplished in His lifetime. 

In addition to the person and work of Jesus, there is also in the New Testament use of the term gospel the question of how the benefits accomplished by the objective work of Jesus are subjectively appropriated to the believer. First, there is the question of who Jesus was and what He did. Second is the question of how that benefits you and me. That is why Paul conjoins the objective account of the person and work of Jesus (particularly to the Galatians) with the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which is essential to the gospel. 

In preaching the gospel we preach about Jesus, and we preach about how we are brought into a saving relationship with Him. The gospel is under attack in the church today. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get the gospel right and to understand both the objective aspect of the person and work of Jesus and the subjective dimension of how we benefit from that by faith alone. 

Application 

In what ways have you seen the gospel attacked in the church or in society? Is the objective or subjective dimension of the gospel attacked more frequently? Now consider your role in the kingdom to defend the gospel and take some time to reflect on these two dimensions. Rehearse a succinct gospel presentation that incorporates both aspects and anticipates the common attacks that you have heard.

Adapted from The Power of the Gospel: A Year in Romans with R.C. Sproul

The Euangelion in the Old Testament

For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how without ceasing I make mention of you, always in my prayers earnestly asking, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you (Romans 1:9-10).

…Paul identifies himself as one separated as an Apostle and called by God to preach the gospel. I said that the phrase “the gospel of God” (v. 1c) did not mean the gospel about God, but rather the gospel that is the possession of God. God owns that gospel. He is the One who invented the gospel and commissioned Paul to teach it. The gospel did not originate with Paul; it originated with God. Here, Paul uses the same structure to refer not to the gospel of God but to the gospel of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. The gospel is the possession of Jesus, but even more, Jesus is the heart of the content of the gospel. 

The word for “gospel” is the word euangelion. It has that prefix eu-, which comes into English in a variety of words. We talk about euphonics or euphonious music, which refers to something that sounds good. We talk about a eulogy, which is a good word pronounced about someone at his or her funeral service. The prefix eu- refers to something good or pleasant. The word angelos or angelion is the word for “message.” Angels are messengers, and an angelos is one who delivers a message.

This word euangelion, which means “good message” or “good news,” has a rich background in the Old Testament. There, the basic meaning of the term gospel was simply an announcement of a good message. If a doctor came to examine a sick person and afterward declared that the problem was nothing serious, that was gospel or good news. In ancient days when soldiers went out to battle, people waited breathlessly for a report from the battlefield about the outcome. Once the outcome of the battle was sure, marathon runners dashed back to the people to give the report of the conflict. That is why Isaiah wrote, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news” (Isa. 52:7).

The watchman in the watchtower would look as far as the eye could see into the distance. Finally, he would see the dust moving as the runner sped back to the city to give the report of the battle. The watchmen were trained to tell by the way the runner’s legs were churning whether the news was good or bad. If the runner was doing the survival shuffle, it indicated a grim report, but if his legs were flying and the dust was kicking up, that meant good news. That is the concept of gospel in its most rudimentary sense. 

Application 

Have you ever had to deliver bad news? It’s difficult. But imagine yourself like one of those marathon runners whom Isaiah pictured. In Christ, you’ve been given a message of good news, an announcement of victory, that Jesus has defeated sin, Satan, and death in His triumph on the cross. Imagine the rush of Isaiah’s messenger. May this be true of us when we reflect on and share the gospel.

Adapted from The Power of the Gospel: A Year in Romans with R.C. Sproul

Darrell Harrison on the Truth about Gender and Gender Identity

Justin Peters and Jason Lisle Discuss the Evidence of a Young Universe

Ethan Jago on the Impact of Church Hurt

Let’s talk about church hurt—not the light kind you can brush off with Church folks be church-folkin’—but the kind that hits your chest, makes you question God, and has you halfway out the door every Sunday, at least on the inside. Church hurt is pain that happens in the context of spiritual community, through pastors, leaders, members, systems, or even theology used and applied the wrong way. It hits differently because you didn’t just trust these people with your time; you trusted them with your soul. You tied their words and actions to God’s name, so when they failed you, it felt like God had failed you, too. If nobody else gets why you still wrestle with it, I do.

The tricky thing about church hurt is that it doesn’t stay at the old church; if you aren’t careful, it packs its bags and moves with you to the new one. You walk through new doors with walls, not just wisdom. You find yourself scanning everything: How do they handle money? Who really has the power here? What do they believe about leaders, about women, about accountability? When people are kind, you become skeptical, wondering what they really want. Wisdom is a gift, but living in suspicion all the time is exhausting. Scripture says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Prov 4:23). Guarding your heart is not the same as locking it behind concrete and barbed wire so no one ever gets close again.

Without even meaning to, you start to isolate yourself while calling it “being cautious.” You come late and leave early. You avoid small groups and serving because those spaces require vulnerability. You keep the conversation on the surface: work is fine, God is good, life is okay. On the outside, you say, “I’m just observing,” but on the inside, what you really mean is, “If I don’t attach, you can’t abandon me.” The enemy loves that, because isolation makes your unchallenged thoughts sound more and more like the truth. God designed you for connection, not constant self-protection, which is why the Bible encourages believers not to give up meeting together, but to encourage one another (Heb 10:25). Community isn’t just a church program; it’s part of your spiritual survival.

Read the entire post here.

Book Review: A Little Theology of Exercise by David Mathis

As the new year begins, I am sure many of you have made New Year's resolutions. If I had to guess which resolution most will have their list, I would say losing weight or exercise more than last year. There is nothing wrong with that goal yet some many give up within a month, a week, or even a day of trying. 

There are some that say exercising is not that big of a deal in the Christian life. Some would say our spiritual growth is more important. So, the question is our spiritual health more than important than our physical well-being or are both important? David Mathis addresses this question and others in his latest book, A Little Theology of Exercise.

Mathis points out that our spiritual formation and maturing in Christ is vitally important but caring for our bodies are essential as well. He said, "We train our souls through conditioning our bodies. and what we do with our souls can greatly affect our bodies." Mathis is not being legalistic here. What is saying that the body does matter and we should do our best to take care of it. Not caring for our bodies does affect us in various ways.

Mathis goes on in the book saying we can make exercise Christian as we seek to honor the Lord as we take care of it. Mathis points us various passages of Scripture regarding our bodies. Mathis shows his readers that God has made our bodies even though sin has seized it. Jesus came in a human body and God dwells in the body through His Spirit. The body is not something God cast to the side. He made it to honor Him. 

Mathis shows us we honor God by caring for our bodies and it does help condition us spiritually. While physical health is important, it does not mean it is more important than spiritual growth. As the Apostle Paul wrote that "bodily training is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:8, LSB). 

There are not many Christian books on exercise that I am aware of. If there are any, it is usually from a worldly point of view. Mathis gives a Biblical worldview on exercise that does not make anyone feel guilty because they have not done enough exercise in their lifetime. So, take, read, and then go for a walk to the glory of God.

I received this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.