Isaiah 9:6 gives us great insight into the person and work of the promised Messiah. The person of Jesus Christ is the only One who fills the qualifications mentioned in this verse.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
An Example of Bad Pop Theology
A seminary professor once told me that everyone is a theologian. What he meant is that everyone has an opinion of who God is and what He is like. When a considerable number of the general population accepts a concept about God, it can be called “pop theology”, meaning that a particular belief about God has become popular (regardless of whether it is true or not).
One belief of pop theology, even among some professing Christians, is that if something bad happens to you, then it can be traced back to sin in your life. Continue reading
Nebuchadnezzar is one of the most infamous kings of the Old Testament. He conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the First Temple, and sent the Jews into exile or captivity. In Daniel chapter 4, however, the king is humbled by God. After Nebuchadnezzar boasts of his achievements, God gives him an odd mental disease (know in modern times as lycanthropy or porphyria) where he is forced to live as an animal for seven years. Continue reading
Holiness has become a dying discipline among God’s people. This is a tragedy and one which should be remedied. Holiness is the primary theme in the book of Leviticus to the people of Israel and a common theme in the Bible as a whole. In short, God tells us in His Word, “Be different! Do not act like everyone else. You are special to Me. Be like Me.” Continue reading
“But I don’t feel like it!” This is a common excuse I hear from my children on a regular basis when I ask them to do something. However, it is an excuse that adults often use as well. In the Christian life there are a number of practices we might call “Christian disciplines”. These include prayer, Bible study, worship, and witnessing. Too often we neglect these disciplines for no better reason than we just don’t feel like practicing them. Continue reading