I came across a video recently in my social media feed of a preacher making a claim that the church should be about entertainment. Is that true? Let's unpack it. Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church, in Grapevine, Texas, sparked controversy in a recent sermon. Young drove onto the stage in an expensive car. Specifically he drove a Rolls-Royce, which typically costs around $200,000 to $600,000. (It's possible he may have rented the car, which can also be pretty expensive.) The

The following article will provide a list of some of the most prominent creeds, confessions of faith, and catechisms. But let's start with a quick note on the terms. There is a distinction between creeds, confessions, and catechisms. They may sound like the same thing, but they are not. Creeds are general statements covering core beliefs. They are typically focused on the primary, orthodox beliefs of the Christian faith (e.g., the Trinity, the gospel, the second coming of Jes

Type of Doctrine: Typically Secondary or Tertiary "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." -2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV throughout) Why Does It Matter? Church offering declarations are used by some churches—especially those with leanings towards the Word of Faith and prosperity “gospel” beliefs. What are they? Are they biblical? When did churches begin using them? Although worship liturgy is typically

One of the most confusing concepts I ran across in seminary was "biblical theology." The terminology seems straightforward. I knew what the Bible was; I knew what theology was; but when you put the two words together it seemed like everyone defined it differently. When I tried to wrap my head around the concept, my head started spinning. Initially, it was hard to appreciate what I could not define. It is sometimes difficult to see the value in something that you don't underst

Type of Doctrine: Typically Tertiary "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6 ESV Many American Christians who grew up attending church are familiar with Vacation Bible School (VBS). It's true: Some VBS programs today don't resemble a vacation (especially for the volunteers!). So how did it get this name? What is Vacation Bible School? When church traditions are adopted and practiced for a long period of time,

(For a more thorough treatment of the latest claims on this topic and what the Bible says about UFOs/UAPs, please read my article titled: " What Does the Bible Say About Aliens and UFOs/UAPs?" ) The topic of UFOs (often referred to as UAPs now) is gaining steam once again. Here is the rundown. First, former President Obama announced in an interview that aliens are real . Then, President Trump accused the former president of revealing classified information and gave the direct

Type of Doctrine: Typically Tertiary "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glor

Type of Doctrine: Usually Secondary "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit...

"15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is...

Sometimes it can be incredibly difficult to find time to sit down and crack a book open. With all of the responsibilities in our lives,...

"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to...

When I was a kid, I remember the panic that came over me the few times I forgot to wear green on St. Patrick's Day. It was necessary to...

Who Were the Church Fathers? Part 2 The church fathers were significant Christian leaders and writers who lived during the first 400...

Type of Doctrine: Secondary or Tertiary "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by...

Type of Doctrine: Secondary or Tertiary "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a...

Type of Doctrine: Typically Secondary "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that...

Type of Doctrine: Typically Secondary "Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!" -Psalm 96:1 ESV Why Does It...

What Is Reformation Day? On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther protested the Roman Catholic Church by nailing his 95 Theses to the door of...

The Apostles’ Creed is a brief, ancient summary of the Christian faith. Despite the name, there is no evidence that the apostles...

Who Were the Church Fathers? Part 1 The church fathers were significant Christian leaders and writers who lived during the first 400...