Handel’s Easter Music

by Keith Bassham

Speak of Handel’s Messiah, and thoughts instantly turn to what we call the Hallelujah Chorus and Christmas. The chorus’s main theme and most of the words are known throughout the English speaking world. But did you know that Messiah was actually first performed during an Easter season, and not at Christmas? [click to continue…]

Unlimited Atonement and 1 John 2:2

by Greg Christopher
Introduction
The extent of Jesus Christ’s atonement has been a point of controversy since the Synod of Dort (1618). Godly individuals on both sides of the issue have appealed to history and Scripture to defend their position.
The purpose of this paper is to reconsider the extent of Jesus Christ’s atonement. The focus of the [...]

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The Bible God Intended?

by Wayne Slusser
There is little doubt that the Bible is a unique and controversial book. But what makes it unique? Is it the fact that it was written by God through human hands (2 Peter 1:21)? Is it the fact that it was written over a period of some 1,400 years by different men, from [...]

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Faithfulness

The first in a series on Christian virtues
By Mike Randall
Many Christian virtues are taught and exhibited in the Bible. All of them are important, but none more important than faithfulness.
The words “faithful” or “faithfulness” are found 97 times in the Bible. Teachings and examples of this virtue abound in Scripture. One of the most compelling [...]

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Love: The greatest virtue

Eleventh in a series on Christian virtues
By Mike Randall
The Apostle Paul said that of the three gifts of God — faith, hope and love — the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Greek scholar A. T. Robertson says this is because love is the attribute of God (1 John 4:8), because it is [...]

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Purity: The virtue of protection

Seventh in a series on Christian virtues
By Mike Randall
Virtue is defined as a particular moral excellence, the adherence to a standard of right and/or a beneficial quality. All of these positive elements can be rightly applied to the virtue of moral purity, a trait currently in disfavor. Purity is living a life free from immorality, [...]

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Self-Discipline or Temperance: The achievement virtue

Fifth in a series on Christian virtues
By Mike Randall
The Lord Jesus Christ said, “… If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew [...]

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Patience: The virtue for growth

Fourth in a series on Christian virtues
By Mike Randall
One of the most common traits of modern times is impatience. Technology has advanced to such a degree that the word “instant” is applied to everything from breakfast to suntans. Modern transportation has become so rapid that people cannot endure the brief wait at a stoplight. Eating [...]

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Humility: An essential Christian virtue

Third in a series on Christian virtues
By Mike Randall
Editor’s note: To write and publish a lesson on the virtue of humility may seem presumptuous to some, but the prominence placed upon this virtue in the Bible demands that it be done. The reader may be assured that the ideas and admonitions in this study have [...]

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Honesty: A foundational Christian virtue

Second in a series on Christian virtues
By Mike Randall
Virtue is defined as that which “procures preeminent estimation for a person or thing; hence intrinsic eminence, moral goodness.”1 It is also described as moral excellence and adherence to a standard of right.
The Christian is commanded to “add to your faith virtue” (2 Peter 1:5). [...]

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