Bill Boekestein · Christians · Good Works · Grace · Guest Blogger · Jesus · Salvation · Serve

Why Good Works Aren’t Enough

For several years Bill Boekestein and I ministered in neighboring towns in Northeastern PA. I have always found Bill thoughtful and someone who attempts to be in line with Scripture. He is today’s guest blogger. This article was first published in “Core Christianity” June 16, 2022. Many of us struggle with gifts. We like receiving… Continue reading Why Good Works Aren’t Enough

Grace · Legalism · Love · Mercy · Pharisees · Salvation

What is Christian Legalism?

There is a lot we could say about legalism and how to define it. Legalism comes in many shapes and sizes and can’t be easily pinpointed. In short, legalism is man-centered, performance-based faith – and is not God-dependent. It says that everything is earned through keeping rules. Or we could define legalism as “adding” to… Continue reading What is Christian Legalism?

Eternal Security · Forgiveness · Salvation

Can I Lose My Salvation?

One question I often get from people is, “Can I lose my salvation?” There are several reasons that people ask this. First, some Protestant denominations  teach that you could lose your salvation. Not many of them, but enough that this becomes a question within Christianity. The second reason that people may think that they could… Continue reading Can I Lose My Salvation?

Judging · Judgment · Salvation

Should Christians Judge?

Many times over the years I’ve heard people say  Christians should not judge. If one looks directly at Matthew 7:1 where Jesus says, “judge not,” it seems pretty clear. There is no room for judgment. At the same time, if we do not understand the context of what is being taught, we will misinterpret Scripture.… Continue reading Should Christians Judge?

Jesus · Karma · Salvation

Christian Karma

I’m amazed at the amount of Facebook posts that I see about karma. They often come from people who are angry about what someone else has done. They hope someone else is punished for the injustice that was done to them or perceived to have been done to them. Does karma exist? What should the… Continue reading Christian Karma

Atheist · Depravity · Good Person · Image of God · Salvation

Do Christians Think Too Little of Atheists?

Talk to anyone who has been a Christian for awhile and you will hear them say something like, “I’m not the person I used to be.” The statement they are making is a positive good. It’s a proclamation that they believe that God has worked in their lives in a way to better glorify Him,… Continue reading Do Christians Think Too Little of Atheists?

Church · Forgiveness · Grace · Guilt · Salvation

What’s with Guilt and Church?

 What people think about church, whether true or not, has a lot to do with whether people want to attend church. When I talk to people who say they believe in God but do not attend church, one of the hurdles for them is their understanding of guilt. When they close their eyes and picture… Continue reading What’s with Guilt and Church?