κηρυσσων την βασιλειαν του θεου και διδασκων τα περι του κυριου ιησου χριστου μετα πασης παρρησιας ακωλυτως. The underlying meaning of this blog is this: the essential unity of Christians worldwide regardless of race, nationality, or religious denomination. There are real disagreements among us but there is a small remnant in every authentically Christian gathering. The Holy Spirit is leading his remnant into deeper understandings of the "meat" of the Gospel and not just the "milk." We are
ακωλυτως, unhindered.
SOME OF THE DOCTRINES WHICH I PERSONALLY BELIEVE ARE TAUGHT IN THE HOLY BIBLE: Updated 4 March 2026. The order in which the items are presented is not be considered to be a ranking of their importance.
1. The Bible is divinely inspired, infallible, and inerrant in its assertions, and authoritative and binding for Christians. The multiple human writers involved were led by the Holy Spirit but the texts were not dictated word for word by God as in the "automatic writing" of the Spiritualists. The writing styles and personalities of each writer are clearly preserved. This is to be expected because God respects the individual. His Son died for us as individuals.
SOME OF THE DOCTRINES WHICH I PERSONALLY BELIEVE ARE TAUGHT IN THE HOLY BIBLE: Updated 4 March 2026. The order in which the items are presented is not be considered to be a ranking of their importance.
1. The Bible is divinely inspired, infallible, and inerrant in its assertions, and authoritative and binding for Christians. The multiple human writers involved were led by the Holy Spirit but the texts were not dictated word for word by God as in the "automatic writing" of the Spiritualists. The writing styles and personalities of each writer are clearly preserved. This is to be expected because God respects the individual. His Son died for us as individuals.
The original manuscripts of the Bible no longer appear to exist but, due to the thousands of early manuscripts and text fragments having been extensively compared against one another, it is believed that we have recovered over 99% of the original New Testament texts. Due to the nature of the Jewish preservation of their Torah scrolls, we may have as much as 100% of the Old Testament texts.
As a Protestant, I do not consider the Apocrypha to be scriptural but they are important for study.
2. There is only one God. God has existed since before the Creation as a community of three persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each of these Persons is truly a distinct Person and each is also fully God. This doctrine of the Trinity, while not explicitly stated in the Bible, can be seen to have existed from the first page of the Bible. The doctrine is not an invention of man but is a deeper understanding of a truth which was gradually understood by the Church as led by the Holy Spirit..
God is fully in control of the cosmos from the movement of the galaxies to all the subatomic particles. He permits and causes the actions of nations and individuals, for which each person retains full personal responsibility (see item 13),
3. Jesus of Nazareth was a fully human carpenter in the town of Nazareth (modern an-Nasira, Israel), with all that being fully human means. He was born of a virgin mother, Mary, who subsequently was the mother of sons and daughters by her husband, Joseph. Jesus was, and is, fully God at all times; pre-existent, omniscient, omnipotent. He lived the only sinless human life in history and died voluntarily as an innocent sacrifice to vicariously atone for the sins of each individual. His death and bodily resurrection are the defining moment of all history. At the end of history, he will return. We are specifically told that we do not know that date. Attempts to determine or to hasten the date of Jesus' return are misguided.
4. The Old Testament blood sacrifices of perfect animals were effective for the remission of the people's sins, but, because they were sacrifices of animals, they were imperfect and temporary and had to be repeatedly performed. Like the sacrificial animals, Jesus was perfect and utterly sinless; unlike the animals, he was human and was able to take upon himself the just punishment for all our sins. The Blood is the Life, so when we are covered by the sacrificial Blood of the Lamb, God sees us as holy.
5. a. Doctrine must be based on the Bible only, and not on traditions, the declarations of self-appointed "prophets" or mystics, and not on the decisions of scholars or councils. Doctrine must not be declared based on individual verses taken out of the context in which they appear. Doctrine should be interpreted by its consistency with the totality of scripture. Knowledge of biblical languages, history, culture, science, religious traditions, and other religions are all extremely useful but must never, by themselves, determine doctrine.
3. Jesus of Nazareth was a fully human carpenter in the town of Nazareth (modern an-Nasira, Israel), with all that being fully human means. He was born of a virgin mother, Mary, who subsequently was the mother of sons and daughters by her husband, Joseph. Jesus was, and is, fully God at all times; pre-existent, omniscient, omnipotent. He lived the only sinless human life in history and died voluntarily as an innocent sacrifice to vicariously atone for the sins of each individual. His death and bodily resurrection are the defining moment of all history. At the end of history, he will return. We are specifically told that we do not know that date. Attempts to determine or to hasten the date of Jesus' return are misguided.
4. The Old Testament blood sacrifices of perfect animals were effective for the remission of the people's sins, but, because they were sacrifices of animals, they were imperfect and temporary and had to be repeatedly performed. Like the sacrificial animals, Jesus was perfect and utterly sinless; unlike the animals, he was human and was able to take upon himself the just punishment for all our sins. The Blood is the Life, so when we are covered by the sacrificial Blood of the Lamb, God sees us as holy.
5. a. Doctrine must be based on the Bible only, and not on traditions, the declarations of self-appointed "prophets" or mystics, and not on the decisions of scholars or councils. Doctrine must not be declared based on individual verses taken out of the context in which they appear. Doctrine should be interpreted by its consistency with the totality of scripture. Knowledge of biblical languages, history, culture, science, religious traditions, and other religions are all extremely useful but must never, by themselves, determine doctrine.
We must reject any doctrine derived from eisegesis (doctrine read into the scriptures) and accept any doctrines only if they are derived from exegesis (from or out of the scriptural texts). Any doctrines which we derive from the scriptural texts must be consistent with the full body of scripture to be sure that we are not misreading the intent of the texts.
We have allowed the progressives ("Progressive" is their current self identification. They have also been known as liberals and relativists) to define themselves as "mainstream" or "moderate." They insult historical Christianity by labelling it as backward, racist, reactionary, homophobic, sexist, intolerant, irrelevant to the modern world, judgmental, imperialistic, sexist, anti-intellectual, etc., etc., etc. Yada, yada, yada. Blah, blah, blah. You get the picture.
Historical Christianity is none of these things. Part of the reason that this insulting situation has arisen is that many churches have not adequately fulfilled their function to hand on the faith to the following generations. A helpful start would be a renewed emphasis on Christian education in history, doctrine, interpretation, apologetics, and application of the Christian message in day to day life. We need to be equipping modern day Christian warriors. (Ephesians 6:13-18)
(... but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15)
Historical Christianity is the "mainstream." Absolute agreement on all points of discussion among Christians is not required. There is a small remnant of true Christians in every truly Christian body. The Lord knows those who are his. Those who wish to redefine the faith are the ones who are creating another doctrine. Many have already crossed the threshold and have effectively left the mainstream historical faith.
Historical Christianity is none of these things. Part of the reason that this insulting situation has arisen is that many churches have not adequately fulfilled their function to hand on the faith to the following generations. A helpful start would be a renewed emphasis on Christian education in history, doctrine, interpretation, apologetics, and application of the Christian message in day to day life. We need to be equipping modern day Christian warriors. (Ephesians 6:13-18)
(... but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15)
Historical Christianity is the "mainstream." Absolute agreement on all points of discussion among Christians is not required. There is a small remnant of true Christians in every truly Christian body. The Lord knows those who are his. Those who wish to redefine the faith are the ones who are creating another doctrine. Many have already crossed the threshold and have effectively left the mainstream historical faith.
b. Many modern questions are not explicitly addressed by the Bible. Examples are smoking, chosen dietary restrictions, vegetarianism and veganism, clothing styles, keeping pets, charities, immigration issues, living in communes, child-raising philosophies, political parties, choices in entertainment, consumption of alcoholic beverages, governmental systems, etc.
Any of our statements about these issues must be consistent with scripture and have to be considered as opinions or convictions rather than absolute doctrines. There are three types of Christian beliefs: absolute doctrines: irreducible doctrines over which failure to agree can result in exclusion or separation; convictions/personal persuasions: strongly held beliefs which can be discussed and even argued over, and which can result in permanent friendly disagreement, but which do not merit separation; opinions: personally held beliefs which do not necessarily lead to disagreements or arguments.
6. Salvation is by grace through faith in, and a personal relationship with, Jesus Christ, and not by any works or holiness on the part of the individual. Our holiness is imputed to us by our relationship with Christ. Birth into a particular faith group confers no special status on an individual and infant baptism is of no value whatsoever. Only a fully functional, autonomous person can make a decision to follow Christ. God is a just God and knows those individuals, by name, who, because of age or mental infirmity, are incapable of making an informed decision about whether or not to accept his Lordship. God's offer of personal salvation is universal but the doctrine of universal salvation is heretical.
7. The Holy Spirit, who is fully God, indwells every believer. It is the responsibility of every believer to carefully maintain their personal health to the best of their ability because their body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The totality of all those led by the Holy Spirit constitute the Church, the Bride of Christ. The members of the Church come from all nations, races, genders, ethnicities, ages, and Christian religious denominations. Racism and bigotry are absolutely incompatible with a declaration of faith in the risen lord, Jesus Christ.
8. When you say, "You are in our thoughts and prayers," or, " I will pray for you," be sure that these statements are true. Otherwise, you are taking the Name of the Lord God in vain. Don't just blab out pious phrases: words really do have meaning.
9. For many people, going in to a new place or situation can be intimidating. Walking into a church may seem to be totally foreign to them. Our churches need to be welcoming but many churches, intentionally or unintentionally, put up obstacles to non-members. Following is a short list of attitudes and factors which may prevent people from encountering the Gospel in a church. Is your church guilty of any of them?
a. Some churches may be victims of their own "success". Their church is intimidating by being enormous with massive crowds of people. Many people are uncomfortable in large crowds.b. Some churches unfortunately have a history of hostility to people of other races or nationalities.
c. Some churches have such an emphasis on their senior pastor that they develop a "cult of personality" with a very passive congregation.
d. Some churches fall into the Prosperity Gospel heresy and dilute and trivialize the Gospel by attempting to please everyone.
e. Some churches become very insular and appear to be hostile to outsiders.
f. When someone asks a visitor to move out of "their seat" this sends a very unwelcoming message. Some churches even practice pew rental. The seats in the church belong to the Lord and not to any individual person.
g. Some churches are intentionally located on campuses far from urban population centers to reduce the numbers of undesirable people who may attempt to attend their services.
h. Intense micromanagement of the church by a pastor or the deacons and/or elders can give the church a repressive atmosphere.
i. Visitors may be officially allowed but not really noticed or actively greeted. This gives off the smell of "You can come if you want to."
j. The church wants to grow for questionable reasons such as the pastor's ego or for an ever increasing need for more revenue. These churches are impressed with themselves. Visitors are not stupid and they can feel this.
k. In some churches, visitors can feel the hidden hostilities which the church members have brewing with each other. The church members are unpleasant and phony. Hypocrisy is one of the worst smells.
l. Some churches are stuck in the past. All the members are elderly, with no young families or children. These churches are dying.
m. Some churches talk all the time but do nothing. No one wants to be associated with this.
n. People hate social cliques, and especially when they are present in a church.
o. Many people are made uncomfortable by church members who obviously use excessive "holy" terminology with no attempt to use plain language to express the same ideas. This smacks of an "insider" mentality. Even worse is the use of archaic English. God does not care which language you use, he understands them all.
p. One of the quickest turnoffs to a visitor is for them to see someone being a "respecter of persons."
The poorly dressed repentant prostitute drug-user is just as important in the eyes of God as is the rich person or a celebrity.
q. It says something extremely negative to a visitor when the church sanctuary is empty five minutes after the church service ends.
r. Weird, lustful, or disapproving glances aimed at them are noticed by visitors.
s. Many people are uncomfortable when public attention is drawn to them. "Stand up if you are a visitor." "Hold up your hand." Have someone speak to them privately.
t. Many churches expect the unchurched to act and speak like Christians. We have to speak to them as they currently are without giving the impression that we are in any way approving of their totally messed up situations. The place for the sick should be a place of healing.
u. Lack of accessible entry to the church. For a person who has difficulty walking and who needs a walker or a cane to get about, access to the worship area and classrooms needs to be made easier rather than more difficult. Wheelchair ramps and/or elevators can be very welcoming.
v. Lack of accommodation for physical limitations. One church I once attended had plug-in access to earphones for the hearing impaired. These earphones were linked to the microphones on the podium and amplified the sound of the choir and the pastor.
w. Lack of translation services. Sign-language services for the deaf and translators of the most commonly spoken languages in the area show a welcoming environment.
Our churches should be welcoming places, This does not mean we should not uphold biblical standards. There must never be any compromises of the Gospel message. It means we should be like God. God is the real point of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The story is really the Parable of the Joyous Father.
10. Keep your eyes open and do not be deceived, but also do not delude yourself into thinking that you do know. It is disobedience to Jesus to set dates and to plan out elaborate timelines of future historical events and to prematurely say names. When the Antichrist emerges it will be obvious to anyone who knows how to look. You will not have to guess.
11. Enthusiastically live each day as if it is the last day of your life. As Pastor Frances Chan has said, think of what Jesus wants you to do in the next five minutes. Remember that the thing holding back the emergence of the Antichrist is us, the Body of Christ, the Church, the ekklesia, indwelled by the Holy Spirit.
12. There is room within the Body of Christ for disagreement and discussion over some matters of doctrine. Remember the hierarchy of doctrines (convictions, persuasions, and opinions). The doctrinal beliefs listed below are, at best, highly suspect. Some are completely non-Christian even if they are declared by Christians. All of them should set off your danger alarm system immediately.
a. Any denial of the full deity of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or the Father.
b. Any denial of the full humanity of Jesus.
c. The idea that the Gospel is about making you materially rich.
d. Certain questions about sexuality.
e. Denial of any cardinal Christian doctrines.
f. Any mention of "secret teachings."
g. A focus on the leader of the group rather than on Jesus.
h. Emphasis on social justice at the expense of, or the elimination of, the Gospel.
i. Mentions of "self-actualization" and of discovery of one's "true inner self."
j. Rejection of any parts or portions of the scriptures.
k. Any idea of earning salvation by your good deeds or worthiness (works-salvation).
l. Addition of new doctrines for which no clear biblical support exists.
m.New Age ideas, reincarnation, Ascended Masters, occultism, UFOs, fairies, elves, ghosts, spiritism, channeling, automatic writing, seances.
n. Hate-based teachings such as racism, extreme nationalism, etc.
o. "Our group is the only true Christian church." A denial of the universal Church, the ekklesia.
p. Mixtures of Christianity with other religions, such as Hinduism. Numerous churches have "Christian Yoga" classes, seeing Hatha Yoga as secular. This completely misunderstands that the underlying basis of all types of yoga is Hinduism. This does not constitute hostility toward Hinduism or any other religious faith, but, instead, is an understanding that the faiths cannot be mixed without compromising the fundamental belief statements of both.
q. The identification of any modern nation or government with the Body of Christ. The doctrine of Christian Nationalism must, for this reason, be questioned as, in some of its emphases, bordering on heresy. This also means that the modern political government of Israel is not above criticism. The People of God means exactly that; Jews, the People, and not any particular political party.
r. This list could be greatly expanded.
13. This one will seem weird to many people, but I personally believe that it is correct. Time is real, but time as we experience it is just that; as we experience it. Albert Einstein's surprising theories, now largely proven, have much to say about time, including that it can speed up and slow down based on the speed at which an object is moving. God is outside of time and sees all of time as one thing. Psalm 90:4: Isaiah 46:9-10. Predestination (God's knowledge of the entirety of history, past, present, and future) and Free Will (our experience within time) are both true.
r. This list could be greatly expanded.
13. This one will seem weird to many people, but I personally believe that it is correct. Time is real, but time as we experience it is just that; as we experience it. Albert Einstein's surprising theories, now largely proven, have much to say about time, including that it can speed up and slow down based on the speed at which an object is moving. God is outside of time and sees all of time as one thing. Psalm 90:4: Isaiah 46:9-10. Predestination (God's knowledge of the entirety of history, past, present, and future) and Free Will (our experience within time) are both true.
We experience time as linear, but to God, the totality of time is NOW, a single entity. He is I AM, not I WAS or I WILL BE. He sees each of us before the creation and sees the totality of each of our personal lives. This leads to several conclusions:
a. God is totally in charge of history and rulers, even evil rulers, serve only with his permission. He can use their evil actions to further his plan for history.
b Both free will and predestination are correct beliefs. We are totally free and responsible beings and God is aware of our choices and our entire lives before the Creation.
c. Jesus (the Son) was present before the Creation and some believe that he is the God of the Old Testament, because he was seen by Moses. Remember that no one may see God (the Father) and live (Exodus 33:20). Jesus is described as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe (Colossians 1:15-17). Though the doctrine of the Trinity is not explicitly stated in the Bible it is implicit in this understanding.
14. Christians!!!! Listen to the Bible! Read Matthew 24:1-36, Mark 13:33-37, and Acts 1:7. The Rapture may occur in the next few days and it may not. We should not worry and fret about it. What we should do is always be ready, not just during worrisome times.
There are numerous Christian eschatological (End Times) positions ranging from preterism, amillenialism, premillenialism, to postmillenialism, with all sorts of gradations and combinations of the different interpretations. These various interpretations exist because the Bible does not explicitly spell out what will happen during the End Times.
Questions for which we will have to wait for answers: When will the Rapture occur? Will Jesus return during our lifetimes? Who is the Antichrist? Are any of the world's modern countries mentioned in the Bible? Is the Antichrist already alive and active? Which of the Christian eschatological interpretations is correct? Are any of them correct?
If events do not play out as you have believed that they will, do not reject the faith. Perhaps you, perhaps I, perhaps all the scholars and theologians, have misunderstood what the Bible has said. We all start with our own underlying worldviews and, inevitably, our understandings are colored and influenced by those worldviews. Justin Martyr (2nd century) expressed premillenial views but also said "...many who belong to the pure and pious faith, and who are true Christians, think otherwise."
We really do not know when the End Times will play out. We do know that to attempt to establish elaborate and highly specific future timelines is forbidden. Jesus told us that.
This section is still under construction.
Posts
