From the Director’s Desk
Eastern Orthodoxy has recently attracted a growing number of people in the USA. While some are leaving man-made denominations, there are examples of Christians (even among our own alumni) who have abandoned the once-for-all delivered faith for the so-called Orthodox religion. While those individuals will have their own reasons and will stand accountable to God for those decisions, I do notice a pattern among converts to Eastern Orthodoxy: a displeasure with the casualness of American churches. Eastern Orthodoxy often misplaces…
The Traditions of Men
Recently, Eastern Orthodox theology has attracted renewed attention in modern religious discussions. Many people are drawn to a religion like this because of its age, its traditions, and its historical emphasis, yet when examining a religious order like this we must ask: Are religious practices authoritative because they are ancient or because they are authorized by the Word of God? And should tradition establish religious doctrine alongside of Scripture? The Greek Orthodox Church openly recognizes both the Bible and “Sacred…
Icons and Relics
One of the strongest appeals of Eastern Orthodoxy is its sense of antiquity. The icons, candles, incense, relics, chanting, and elaborate worship can give the impression that one has stepped directly into ancient Christianity. For those dissatisfied with shallow or casual religion, that sense of reverence can be powerful. Yet the fundamental question is not whether a practice feels ancient, beautiful, or spiritual. The question is whether it is apostolic. Scripture commands us to “test all things; hold fast what…
Infant Baptism
Baptism now saves us. The language of 1 Peter 3:21, though often misinterpreted, could not be clearer about God’s teaching on New Testament water baptism. If you want salvation from sin, you must be immersed in water. Our Eastern Orthodox friends agree, only they say we don’t go far enough in our defense of baptism. They would argue that baptism is not simply for those who can respond, but for those who cannot. The argument often is posed this way:…
Qualifications of Bishops
Over the past year, I have engaged in several public discussions concerning whether the Eastern Orthodox Church is the true church established by Jesus Christ. While we share many beliefs in common with Eastern Orthodoxy, we also have disagreements on important doctrinal topics. One of those is the organization and qualifications of church leadership. The New Testament identifies church leaders using three main terms: presbyteros (elder), episkopos (bishop/overseer), and poimēn (shepherd/pastor). These terms do not describe different offices, but different…
The Eucharist
Family meals are important. Holidays, reunions, and family gatherings often center around food and the traditions associated with it. These meals strengthen family bonds and remind us of our shared history. In a similar way, the Lord’s Supper is a special meal instituted by Jesus Christ to unite His followers and remind them of His sacrifice. However, Eastern Orthodox churches and churches of Christ understand and practice this meal differently. By examining the New Testament, we can better understand these…
The Question of Authenticity
One of the central claims of Eastern Orthodoxy is that it represents original or authentic Christianity, in harmony with the faith taught by Jesus and the apostles. Many groups make such claims, but to evaluate this assertion requires us to identify the continuity, or lack of, with the faith in its nascent stage as described in the Scriptures. Even any claims to legitimate doctrinal developments would need to align with the teachings of the Bible in a way permitting such…
Pocket Evangelism: How to Share Your Faith from Your Phone – Colossians 4:5
Today, it is estimated that 5.8 billion people own a smartphone. That is roughly 70% of the world’s population. 91% of adults here in America own and use smart phones regularly. Of that number, roughly 70% of them are on at least one social media platform. It is evident that almost every adult is online in some way. As Christians, should we be taking more advantage of our online presence to reach lost souls? The apostle Paul would say in…
Possessed
Demon possession is a Bible topic long misunderstood. Skeptics deny it, believers are curious about it, and Hollywood is obsessed with it. The truth is the Bible says it happened (2 Tim. 3:16). Those who choose to ignore the Bible’s claims that demon possession legitimately happened have several explanations for their skepticism. They say the word “demon” was used figuratively to personify moral evil or that the term was used by Christ accommodatively because of the superstitions of the day.…
Having Courage to Correct (Proverbs 27:5-6)
Nobody likes to be told they are wrong. It is not pleasant to reflect on our actions and then have to humbly admit a shortcoming. However, consider the other side of the coin. Receiving correction is difficult, but offering it (correctly) can be a challenge as well. It takes courage to correct our brothers and sisters in Christ or to address sin in a Bible Study with someone who is lost. By the very nature of correction, conflict usually follows.…
Matthew, Christopher Columbus, and the Christian
In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. You likely did not need that sentence finished for you. Christopher Columbus played an important role in the discovery of the American continents. Though looking for a more convenient route to Asia, he discovered a new land that would dramatically change the history of the world. Life’s journey sometimes takes us to unexpected places. Unexpected Change Consider the life of Matthew. He was one of the twelve listed in Matthew 10:3. However, it…
3 Things Being a False Witness Can Do
“The ends justify the means” and “A little white lie never hurt anyone”—these two cliches miss the obvious and contradict Almighty God. Proverbs 6:16-19 reveals seven things that the Lord hates. These abominations do not belong in the realm of moral ambiguity, yet man will run to defend them to some degree or another. James warns us about the tongue’s great potential to destroy, and John was told that “all liars” will have their part in the lake of fire,…