The Importance of Denying Self

I wouldn’t blame you for seeing the title of this week’s Exhorter and perhaps
thinking to yourself, “Maybe I’ll just wait and pick up next week’s article.” The
idea of self-denial doesn’t exactly have the same appeal as some of the other
virtues we read about in scripture. If I’m being candid, I’d prefer to write about
something seemingly more positive and uplifting such as joy, kindness,
faithfulness or love. Self-denial by contrast doesn’t evoke the same warm and
fuzzy feelings, but more likely makes us squirm uncomfortably in our seats. Sort
of like a trip…

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Various Trials

1 Peter 1:6-7 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have
been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more
precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

To call the persecution of the Christians in and around Asia Minor, “various trials”
seems, by my estimation, inadequate. I believe it fair to assume that some of the
“Exiles of the Dispersion” rolled their eyes, or possibly…

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Know Your Value

I find it interesting how often we can be the harshest critics of ourselves. It
seems as if it’s easier for us to find the good and value in others, and yet we
neglect to see that in ourselves. How often do you find yourself asking the
question, “How could anyone love someone like me?”, or “I have made so
many mistakes, so how is it that anyone sees value in me”? I believe that in
these low moments when we struggle to see our value, we ought to take a
moment to look at ourselves through the…

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Conspiracy Facts

In an age of instant information, why do conspiracy theories continue to
thrive? These narratives of shadowy cabals plotting our downfall often stem
from paranoia—yet what if the ultimate conspiracy was hiding in plain sight,
confirmed by the Bible? Ephesians 6:12 uncovers a true conspiracy: "For we do
not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." This verse exposes a cosmic
conspiracy far more pervasive and potent than any human theory—a spiritual
battle that shapes our world…

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RAISING CAIN
(By Dan Richardson)

Jude, a servant of Christ, wrote by inspiration to admonish Christians to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).  The need for this is apparent by the warning in the next verse: "For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ" (vs. 4).  In further description, Jude said, "Woe…

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FIVE VERSES FOR THE FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM
(Nicolas Edwards)

Calvinism has been, and continues to be, a big problem. John Calvin's doctrine has, to some degree, left its mark upon nearly every protestant denomination. Calvin's system of theology contains five points: (T)otal Hereditary Depravity, (U)nconditional Election, (L)imited Atonement, (I)rresistible Grace, and (P)erseverance of the Saints. These are often remembered by the acronym, "TULIP". Let's define each one:

TOTAL HEREDITARY DEPRAVITY. This doctrine teaches that infants are born completely depraved (morally corrupt; wicked), having no…

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