Author Archives: kgnprchr@gmail.com

10 Oct

The Great Commission

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Wayne Goff | Kansas City, Missouri

via Robert Koorenny | Pixabay

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Contextually speaking, the great commission of Matthew 28 was given to the eleven apostles (v. 16) shortly before Jesus ascended into heaven. It was not given to every Christian, but every Christian should feel the obligation to share the gospel with friends, family, acquaintances, and even foes, if they will listen. We say this because after the apostles began preaching the great commission in Acts 2, those three thousand plus who were converted “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). Read More →

10 Oct

What is “the Mystery” in the New Testament?

BEYOND THE BASICS | Jeff Smith | Gainesville, Virginia

The most likely association made when “mystery” is mentioned is to the mystery literary genre. We think of authors like Arthur Conan-Doyle, Agatha Christie, and G. K. Chesterton, and their famous fictional sleuths, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Father Brown. Their characters are artfully crafted. Plots are intricately woven. Facts are strategically and stingily meted to keep the reader guessing “who done it” until the great reveal at the climax of the work. Although popular and entertaining, this is not Biblical mystery.

“Mystery” may also suggest mysticism. Practitioners of Mysticism seek to become one with God, often through some sort of altered consciousness that may be drug induced. Ironically, such religions maintain that true knowledge is unattainable, or nearly so. Mystics teach that it is important to grasp for and grapple with lofty ideals. Disciples are locked in a closed loop of ever-reaching for an ever-elusive goal. This is not biblical mystery, either. Read More →

28 Jul

Tribute to Sean Cavender

MARCH 13, 1987 – JULY 20, 2023

“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.” (Proverbs 27:9)

I confess to knowing very little about oils and perfume. Certainly, a fragrant aroma is better and more desirable than a putrid smell. Soap and deodorant are more pleasant than the lack thereof. Beyond that, I’m not the guy to speak to about fragrance. Of course, Solomon’s purpose is not to exalt the excellence of beautiful odours – this is the lesser through which he introduces the greater – the value, the sweetness, and the delight of a close friend. Read More →

28 Jul

The Hall of Faith: Abraham & Sarah : Faithful Strangers and Pilgrims On The Earth

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Jeremy Diestelkamp | Toronto, Ontario

Hebrews 11:8-19

Oftentimes, when we read Hebrews chapter 11, we believe that the Hebrew writer was penning this section in order to raise up the people found in it as examples of perfect faith, of people who lived sinless lives.  Perhaps we come to that conclusion because of the first two examples of faith given: that of Abel and Enoch.  All we really know about Abel is that he was a shepherd, he offered a sacrifice to God by faith that was accepted by God, and was subsequently killed by his hateful brother, Cain (Genesis 4:1-8).  No words of Abel are ever recorded, yet though he is dead, he still speaks (Hebrews 11:4).  And then when it comes to Enoch, if it weren’t for the Book of Jude, we’d know even less about him, for all the Book of Genesis tells us about him is that he was the father of Methuselah, and that he walked with God in faith three hundred years before he was taken directly to Heaven by God (Genesis 5:21-25). Read More →

28 Jul

Paul’s View of the Local Church

CHURCH ARTICLE | Sean Cavender (fondly remembered)

via ulrichw | Pixabay.com

As the apostle Paul introduces many of his epistles, he takes the time to praise the congregation for their strengths. Some local congregations had more to be praised for than others did, but usually he could find some good to complement the local church to whom he was writing. The opening of the epistle to the Colossians is no different. Paul first states, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Colossians 1:2). It is easy for us to look over these statements about the local churches that Paul was writing to because they are not addressed to us in the 21st century. However, we can learn several important lessons concerning the local church and how it is to be conducting itself. Read More →

28 Jul

Becoming Like Jesus : Love One Another

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Brian Sullivan | Jordan, Ontario

via Priscilla du Preez | Unsplash.com

In Romans 8:28-30, the apostle Paul by inspiration gave a concise treatment of God’s Eternal Plan or Purpose for mankind.   Within its context it is a clear demonstration of the principle expressed in verse 28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. Every part of His plan and purpose is intended to bring us closer to Him.  In verse 29, Paul writes: “For whom He foreknew”.  That would be His choice to bless those who enter into Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5; 9-10; Ephesians 1:3; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-29). However, it is what we learn next that sets the stage for what we hope to develop in this article.  “He also predestined (determined in advance, bvs) to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29b, NKJV). From eternity it was God’s will, desire, and intention for those who follow His Son to enjoy the blessings in Him (Ephesians 1:3; 1 John 3:1-3), but to also be like Him. Read More →

28 Jul

Being Salt And Light In The World

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | John Maddocks | Toronto, Ontario

via congerdesign | Pixabay.com

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16) Read More →

17 Apr

The Hall of Faith: The Pre-Flood Hall of Faith: Abel, Enoch, and Noah

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Joshua Welch | Anderson, Indiana

via Rith Lindsay | Pixabay.com

The book of Hebrews is a treatise encouraging the perseverance of faith. The Jewish converts to Christianity faced persecution, leading to discouragement (see 10:32-34). So there is constant, systematic encouragement throughout the work to continue in their confident faith. Read More →

17 Apr

How Christ Relates to the Church: The Headship of Jesus

CHURCH ARTICLE | Sean Cavender | Wichita, Kansas

It is common to consider Jesus as our personal and individual Savior, which He is. Also, it is easy to see that Jesus is connected to God since He is God’s very Son. However, we can sometimes neglect how Christ relates to the church. We recognize Jesus’ relationships with us individually or to God, but how does He connect to the universal body of all believers? The Bible helps us to see that relationship through Jesus’ headship over the body. Read More →