New Creation Person

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-131183212011-04-21T16:14:32.973-07:00New Creation PersonNew Creation Person (n.) - A person who has undergone the radical spiritual phenomenon known as the New Birth in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This blog is devoted to exploring the theological and practical implications of what it means to be a new creation person. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.comBlogger1551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-23711876014832166412006-12-15T08:35:00.000-08:002006-12-15T08:46:48.833-08:00THANK YOU!!!

All things come to an end, and that is true for New Creation Person too. Effective today, December 15, 2006, New Creation Person will be shutting down this blog.However, that doesn't mean that New Creation Person will be gone for good! We will be moving to a new website!!! Effectively immediately, you can find the New Creation Person blog at:http://newcreationperson.typepad.com/newcreationperson/

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-14141199727441991242006-12-14T05:38:00.000-08:002006-12-14T05:47:23.604-08:00The Law Written On Our Hearts (Romans 2:14-15)

“For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.” (Romans 2:14-15; English Standard Version)One of the issues that plagues our

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-58525255294418257212006-12-13T08:49:00.000-08:002006-12-13T08:51:51.346-08:00Pray For Those in Authority

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV)After greeting Timothy and revealing the purpose of writing to him ("Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-7789188524597875752006-12-12T04:19:00.000-08:002006-12-12T04:20:44.363-08:00The Resurrection AND the Life (John 11:25-26)

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26; English Standard Version)There is an old saying that says the only guarantees in life are death and taxes. I don’t know about taxes, though it seems wherever there is government there

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-50293427780867279922006-12-11T04:17:00.000-08:002006-12-12T04:18:52.061-08:00Question of the Week for December 11, 2006

Question: What was the significance of the Israelites making a statue of gold and a calf?Answer: If by asking this question you are wondering if there is any “deeper” meaning regarding the golden calf of Exodus 32 other than that provided by the text itself, then my answer would be “no.” We should avoid trying to find hidden meanings in the Biblical text and let the text speak for itself. The

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1165414613417280592006-12-06T06:13:00.000-08:002006-12-06T06:16:53.680-08:00The Worst of Sinners

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:15-16, NIV)The Apostle Paul wrote three very

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1165351855795621952006-12-05T12:47:00.000-08:002006-12-05T12:50:55.816-08:00Rejoice in the LORD, Always!

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18; English Standard Version).Today we're concluding our survey of the book of Habakkuk. I have suggested

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1165245955192904882006-12-04T07:24:00.000-08:002006-12-04T07:25:55.206-08:00Question of the Week for December 4, 2006

Question: What is the origin of Yeshua (Jesus') 3 1/2 year ministry? I am only finding a 70 week ministry understanding John 6:4 being redacted to support an erroneous 3 1/2 year ministry (to support the "missing" 7 years of Daniel's prophecy). I believe John 6:4 is redacted as a few manuscripts don't have the word Passover and one manuscript has the whole verse missing. Also Irenaeus and

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1164835616264006412006-11-29T13:22:00.000-08:002006-11-29T13:26:56.286-08:00Oops, I Think I Spoke Too Soon.

"O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2; English Standard Version).Have you ever rushed to a conclusion about somebody and then later find out you were completely wrong because you didn't have all the facts at your disposal? Better yet, have

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1164734933861321362006-11-28T09:25:00.000-08:002006-11-28T09:28:53.880-08:00The Deity of Jesus Christ (John 10:30)

“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30; English Standard Version)In my last article, I mentioned how amazing it is when people take the clear meaning of Scripture and twist it to mean something completely different or to fit some preconceived personal theology. In that article, I was referencing the teaching of the atoning death of Jesus Christ. Another area where the teaching of Scripture is

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1164658564004069302006-11-27T12:15:00.000-08:002006-11-27T12:16:04.023-08:00God’s Plan of Salvation from the Very Beginning (John 10:18)

“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18; English Standard Version)It sometimes amazes me that people will take the clear teaching of Scripture and ignore it or distort it and come up with their own “pet theories” as to the meaning of Scripture.

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1164649481581588552006-11-27T09:43:00.000-08:002006-11-27T09:44:41.610-08:00Question of the Week for November 27, 2006

Question: "Above all these, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Prov. 4:23 NIV) or as another translation reads:" Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life." My question is I am still a young Christian; I make mistakes sometimes when my thoughts aren't good. I tell lies to make people think highly of me. It's very hard to tell the truth as I fear how people

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1164141971172723002006-11-21T12:44:00.000-08:002006-11-21T12:46:11.266-08:00Keep Silent Before the LORD!

"But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him." (Habakkuk 2:20, English Standard Version).We've been taking a look at the prophet Habakkuk the last few weeks, and the lessons we're learning about faith and the nature of God are good ones to keep in mind. Let's take a quick review. In chapter one, we had the Prophet looking on the landscape of his nation and

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1164054650018235572006-11-20T12:22:00.000-08:002006-11-20T12:30:50.043-08:00Question of the Week for November 20, 2006

Question: For all of the tragedies that have happened to people, is this the work of the Devil, or is it their lack of faith in God's power to help them? Some people lead very Christian lives, yet horrible things happen to them. Why does God let that happen? Does the Devil have any control as to what happens in this world? If so, is God not as powerful as we are led to believe? Does He not

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1163702085520690832006-11-16T10:31:00.000-08:002006-11-16T10:34:45.543-08:00Wait, The Righteous Live by Faith!

"And the LORD answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith'" (Habakkuk 2:2-4, English Standard

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1163456793335184522006-11-13T14:25:00.000-08:002006-11-13T14:26:33.440-08:00Question of the Week for November 13, 2006

Question: If God is universal then how can any religion explain the fact that all religions have a single point of origin? If God were truly universal and if he really did speak to men of this world then we would see accounts of the same religion in different areas of the world. For instance, the Native Americans should have known something of the teachings of the bible but they couldn't have

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1163186803014385362006-11-08T11:24:00.000-08:002006-11-10T11:26:43.016-08:00God, Why Are the Bad Guys Winning?

"You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and are silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?" (Habakkuk 1:13, English Standard Version)Have you ever asked someone to do something for you and have them do something totally unexpected? For example, let's say you tell your boss that you want new and exciting job

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1163186645347696992006-11-06T11:15:00.000-08:002006-11-10T11:24:05.363-08:00Question of the Week for November 6, 2006

Question: Greetings, dear brother! We are a married couple from the Southern part of India. We are born again with Hindu background. Our question is in the Hindu Religion a woman keeps the "temple" on her forehead. As Christians, we don't place any religious value on this, but keep it solely as part of Indian culture. Does this violate any commandment in Scripture?Answer: The wonderful

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1162486682275126712006-11-02T08:57:00.000-08:002006-11-02T08:58:02.300-08:00I AM the Door; I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:9-11)

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:9-11)Depending on which poll or survey you read, upwards of 90% of the population of the world believe in

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1162309264299730632006-10-31T07:36:00.000-08:002006-10-31T07:41:04.320-08:00A Christian's Response to Halloween

Today is Halloween, and the topic amongst Christian's always turns to "How should a Christian celebrate/participate in Halloween?" This article written by Dr. John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in California, I believe, is very helpful in clearing up the issus and giving us perspective on this "hot-button" topic.Enjoy!

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1162308910428230242006-10-31T07:31:00.000-08:002006-10-31T07:35:10.436-08:00Look, and be Astounded!

"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." (Habakkuk 1:5, English Standard Version)We left off last time talking about how God is always working even if we don't see it. Recall that the prophet Habakkuk was calling out to God regarding the unrighteousness and injustice going on in the nation of Judah. Well,

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1162308597058049492006-10-30T07:17:00.000-08:002006-10-31T07:30:36.886-08:00Question of the Week for October 30, 2006

Question: Dear Sir, I am Ankur from India. I am believer but not born again by water. There is one question which has been troubling me for some time and that is reincarnation. The question is about the person I love most in the world. She has come to believe she was someone different in a previous life. In fact, she believes that she is the long lost lover of someone else. She believes that her

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1161636063493201192006-10-23T13:38:00.000-07:002006-10-23T13:41:03.540-07:00Question of the Week for October 23, 2006

Question: Matthew 10:23 says, "Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come". Doesn't this mean that the some disciples would not die before they see the second coming of Jesus?Answer: No it does not. This verse (along with Matthew 16:28 and Matthew 24:34) is used by Preterists to support their view of the end times. Preterism believes that most, or all, of

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1161103849586504702006-10-17T09:49:00.000-07:002006-10-17T09:50:49.640-07:00The Judgment of Spiritual Blindness (John 9:39)

“Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.’” (John 9:39; English Standard Version)I’ve probably mentioned it before, but allow me to reiterate. Of the five senses—sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell—I believe that sight is the most precious, and the one I would probably most not want to lose. Our world is so

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1161035944985294182006-10-16T14:51:00.000-07:002006-10-16T14:59:05.006-07:00Question of the Week for October 16, 2006

Question: I am really struggling with the idea of faith. From what I can tell, faith is just accepting certain ideas or concepts without any evidence of those ideas or concepts. I see the path of faith being at odds with the path of reason. What are your thoughts on this subject?Answer: Let me start off by saying that the idea that faith and reason are at odds is what logicians would call a

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1160759897595055232006-10-13T10:16:00.000-07:002006-10-13T10:18:17.600-07:00God, Why Don’t You Answer?

"O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you 'Violence!' and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted." (Habakkuk 1:2-4,

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1160759667303957752006-10-09T10:12:00.000-07:002006-10-13T10:19:11.073-07:00Question of the Week for October 9, 2006

Question: I have a question regarding Mary, the Lord's mother, and the conception of the Lord Jesus. I know she was a special person chosen by the LORD God to give birth to His Son. I don't believe that she was perfect or sinless. If Jesus always has existed, and I believe He has, was He Spirit only (as God the Father is) before His advent? If the Holy Spirit "fertilized" Mary's ovum, then

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1160759571357740562006-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:002006-10-13T10:18:52.380-07:00Question of the Week for October 2, 2006

Question: Are "PRIDE, JEALOUSY, and ENVY" spirits?Answer: If by “spirits” you mean “demonic spirits,” then the answer is “no.” Pride, jealousy and envy are sins that must be repented of, not demons that must be cast out. However, there is much false teaching that suggests that people can be possessed by the “demon of pride,” or the “demon of envy,” and that those possessed must have those demons

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1159482120859913952006-09-28T15:20:00.000-07:002006-09-28T15:22:00.866-07:00Final Warnings and Benediction (Galatians 6:11-18)

“See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1159481967096633372006-09-28T15:14:00.000-07:002006-09-28T15:19:27.126-07:00Question of the Week for September 25, 2006

Question: The Jews say that the messiah is supposed to build the third temple (Ezekiel 37:26-28) and to gather all the Jews back to Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6). I know the Christian interpretations of both these verses. My question is, the way the Jews interpret these two verses today, were they interpreted the same way today that they were in Jesus' day? And if not, why do the Jews interpret these

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1158357210940538092006-09-15T14:49:00.000-07:002006-09-15T14:53:30.963-07:00Three Principles of the Spiritual Walk (Galatians 6:1-10)

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, English Standard Version)In our last look at Galatians, Paul talked about walking by the Spirit. We learned that means living our lives according to the promptings of the Spirit and according to the principles found in God’s word. One of the clearest indications of whether or not we are walking in the Spirit is how

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1158095820477272512006-09-12T14:15:00.000-07:002006-09-12T14:17:00.503-07:00Question of the Week for September 11, 2006

Question: Over the years my wife and I have attended a church that believes you can lose your salvation. My heart according to scripture is that you cannot. Occasionally we run into passages and teachings from our Pastor (whom we love and respect) that cause us to investigate this issue more. Could you give me you insight on the following questions:1. In Galatians 5:21 Paul “warns” the church

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1156858407094489972006-08-29T06:32:00.000-07:002006-08-29T06:33:27.123-07:00Displaying the Glory of God (John 9:3)

“Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.’” (John 9:3; English Standard Version)There are many things that happen in this world that cause us to question either the existence of God or the goodness of God. Take for example the devastation left behind in the wake of Hurricane Katrina: Hundreds of lives lost, millions

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1156802077583815112006-08-28T14:53:00.000-07:002006-08-28T14:54:37.610-07:00Question of the Week for August 28, 2006

Question: How can we, as Christians, defend the Biblical account of the Jewish conquest of the land of Canaan described in the book of Joshua? Could not God have come up with a more humane way of giving Israel the land of Canaan?Answer: This is an excellent question. This has been a stumbling block for many Christians because it seems to be saying that God condones genocide. Many critics

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1156254935164650282006-08-22T06:52:00.000-07:002006-08-22T06:55:35.193-07:00The Spiritual Walk (Galatians 5:16-26)

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, English Standard Version)Last time we were in Galatians, we got the exhortation from Paul to stand firm and live out our freedom in Christ. If you’re like me, you might be saying, “OK Paul, how do I live out the freedom I have in Christ?” That’s what this next section in the book of Galatians (5

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1156185571850162932006-08-21T11:37:00.000-07:002006-08-21T11:39:31.870-07:00Question of the Week for August 21, 2006

Question: can believers speed up the coming or the rapture of God's kingdom through evangelism?Answer: The short answer to your question is “no.” In Matthew 24:36 (and reiterated in Matthew 24:44), our Lord, speaking about His own return, says no one knows neither the day nor the hour. That is a Hebrew expression used to denote that no one knows the exact time of the Lord’s coming. Another

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1155850256573587412006-08-17T14:28:00.000-07:002006-08-17T14:33:41.673-07:00The Truth Will Set You Free (John 8:31-32)

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32; English Standard Version)Freedom is a wonderful thing, and it is something I believe we take for granted. We don’t realize how much we take it for granted until something happens to remove or limit some of our

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1155574184422063332006-08-14T09:44:00.000-07:002006-08-14T09:49:44.426-07:00Question of the Week for August 14, 2006

Question: Could the bible really be a fantasy book based on true events, but had been stretched to make it seem like it could have happened? Is it alright to question?Answer: I’m going to take the liberty of answering your questions in reverse order. You asked, “Is it alright to question?” By that I assume you mean to question the Bible’s claim to being inerrantly and infallibly true. The

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1155573768897899182006-08-14T09:40:00.000-07:002006-08-14T09:43:08.950-07:00For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free! (Galatians 5:1)

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, English Standard Version).We are in the home stretch of our study of Galatians. Chapters 5 and 6 comprise the practical application and exhortation section of the letter. Paul has spent four chapters expounding doctrine and theology, and now wants to draw the application to our

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1155074103461409702006-08-08T14:53:00.000-07:002006-08-08T14:55:03.480-07:00Question of the Week for August 7, 2006

Question: What was the star of Bethlehem? Was it a stellar phenomenon? How can a star lead anyone to a specific location?Answer: The Star of Bethlehem is associated with the visit of the Magi (“Wise men”) from the east as recorded in Matthew 2:1-12. From this passage we see three things of interest. First, the text implies the Star appeared only to the Magi in the east (the “east” most likely

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1154982643369571282006-08-07T13:29:00.000-07:002006-08-07T15:01:14.576-07:00The Light of the World (John 8:12)

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12; English Standard Version)I believe the ability to see is often taken for granted. But if you take a moment to think just how much of the world is geared to function by sight, it’s staggering. Obviously we could function without the ability

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1154709767096049362006-08-04T09:38:00.000-07:002006-08-04T09:42:47.120-07:00Sarah V.S. Hagar (Galatians 4:21-26)

“Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1154374674025956312006-07-31T12:35:00.000-07:002006-07-31T12:37:54.043-07:00Learning Our Lessons (Galatians 4:8-9)

“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?” (Galatians 4:8-9, English Standard Version)Some lessons in life we thankfully only have to learn once.

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1154373844121694832006-07-31T12:22:00.000-07:002006-07-31T12:24:04.163-07:00Question of the Week for July 31, 2006

Question: Why have so many Christians over the ages been persecuted? And why is Christianity the most attacked faith in the world? The bible talks about how Christians will be persecuted for their faith. If a person is not persecuted during their life for their faith, can they still be a Christian? Also, does persecution towards a Christian add to that Christian's reward in eternal life?

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1153856718050176802006-07-25T12:42:00.000-07:002006-07-25T12:45:18.073-07:00Finding Sin in the Mirror (John 8:7)

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7; English Standard Version)On any given day in the newspaper or on television, you will see a story reflecting the gross injustice in the world. It is human nature to react with righteous indignation when we see something that offends our sensibilities. Typically these stories raise our ire and get us hot

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1153834443419239802006-07-25T06:33:00.000-07:002006-07-25T06:34:03.436-07:00Question of the Week for July 24, 2006

Question: How is it possible for the Gospels to have been written by eyewitnesses say, 25 years after Christ died, when the average age people lived to in Christ's time was probably 40 - 45 at the max. Also some say that if the Gospels were embellished accounts the people written about, like Government officials, would dispute the reports. But if people only lived to 45 at the max during that

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1153331525437062912006-07-19T10:42:00.001-07:002006-07-19T10:52:05.453-07:00Rivers of Living Water (John 7:37-39)

“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (John 7

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1153168567570451972006-07-17T13:35:00.000-07:002006-07-17T13:36:07.590-07:00Question of the Week for July 17, 2006

Question: When Jesus was lead into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit after being tempted by Satan, in what way did the angels minister to Jesus seeing that He was already filled by the Holy Spirit? Also what were the angels in John 1:51 bringing to Jesus as they ascended and descended between heaven and earth? Angels are ministering spirits. How can angels minister to the incarnate Son of God?

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1153166466243040762006-07-17T12:56:00.000-07:002006-07-17T13:01:06.270-07:00Who Can Come to the Father? (John 6:37, 44)

“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out…No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:37, 44; English Standard Version)I am fully convinced that the Bible is the inerrant, infallible, divinely inspired word of God. My reasons for believing this are many, but one reason that I

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1152898571869160762006-07-14T10:30:00.000-07:002006-07-14T10:36:11.886-07:00The Bread of Life (John 6:35)

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” (John 6:35; English Standard Version)Bread is considered a staple food—i.e., a basic dietary item. A person can survive a long time eating and drinking only bread and water. Bread is such a basic food item that it becomes synonymous for food in general. We even

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1152811890566418972006-07-13T10:31:00.000-07:002006-07-13T10:42:47.336-07:00Books I'm Reading, part 2

Yes, I haven't read the Left Behind series yet. I just finished the third book, Nicolae, and I am finding the series enjoyable. The series follows what I believe to be a proper view of Biblical eschatology in a fictionalized form. The writing is above average, but not exceptional. After reading these fictional accounts, I'm glad we won't have to go through that.

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1152811839928453422006-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:002006-07-13T10:36:18.780-07:00Books I'm Reading, part 1

Here is a very interesting book regarding the study of Eschatology (the study of end times). The author, Paul Benware, is a proponent of Dispensationalism. This view takes a more literal approach toward prophetic writings and sees a clear distinction between God's plan for the nation of Israel and the church. The more I read this book, the more I am convinced that this is the proper view

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1152744208425756332006-07-12T15:40:00.000-07:002006-07-12T15:43:28.443-07:00Missing the Forest for the Trees (John 5:39-40)

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39-40; English Standard Version)I don’t wear glasses, but I know people who do, and I have heard them tell me stories about frantically trying to find their glasses, while all the time they are resting on their

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1152651108170278232006-07-11T13:48:00.000-07:002006-07-11T13:51:48.190-07:00How to Get Eternal Life (John 5:24)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24; English Standard Version)Authority is an interesting concept. It is defined as the ability “to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.” For authority to be effective it must be objectively

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1152587461508480842006-07-10T20:10:00.000-07:002006-07-10T20:11:01.523-07:00Question and Answer for July 11, 2006

Question: Lets say there are two people. One of them is a Christian but he's a hypocrite, he isn't a good Christian but he believes in Jesus. The other person is not a Christian, but he's a good person when compared to the Christian. A friend of mine had given me this scenario and said he doesn't believe that the better person (the unbeliever) would not go to heaven when compared to the

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1152539881942393362006-07-10T06:56:00.000-07:002006-07-10T06:58:01.960-07:00Sons, not Slaves (Galatians 4:4-7)

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:4-7, English

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1152189988569690062006-07-06T05:45:00.000-07:002006-07-06T05:46:28.586-07:00Question and Answer for July 6, 2006

Question: I read that following [Jesus] is a "costly venture", and that "it costs us everything." Does that mean that if I don’t give up everything that I really like I will be suffering in torments and flame forever after death?Answer: This is a very good question! It shows serious thought and consideration. As you read through the gospels, you'll notice several places where Jesus almost

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1151687526073524022006-06-30T10:09:00.000-07:002006-06-30T10:12:06.093-07:00Glorifying God with our Bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; English Standard Version)As a child, I grew up in a predominantly Roman Catholic neighborhood. All my friends went to the local parish church. Everybody I knew went to Catholic school,

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1151437848492480402006-06-27T12:48:00.000-07:002006-06-27T12:52:02.000-07:00Repentance or Judgment (Romans 2:4-5)

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.” (Romans 2:4-5; English Standard Version)It’s human nature to abuse kindness. We do it all the time;

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1151341304596963822006-06-26T09:59:00.000-07:002006-06-26T10:01:44.620-07:00Which Jesus Do You Serve? (John 5:18)

This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18; English Standard Version)Most people when asked about what they think of Jesus Christ will respond in various ways. Some will say he was a great moral teacher. There is no doubt that Jesus of Nazareth

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1151093983347749932006-06-23T13:18:00.000-07:002006-06-23T13:19:43.376-07:00Renewed in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11)

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11; English Standard Version)Question: What happens when two Christians get into a dispute? Sadly, in most cases, the answer is the same thing that happens to two non-Christians when they get into a dispute. In the passage

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1151013733648399342006-06-22T15:00:00.000-07:002006-06-22T15:02:13.700-07:00The Law V.S. The Promise, part 2 (Galatians 3:23-28)

"Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150919515808418732006-06-21T12:49:00.000-07:002006-06-21T12:51:55.826-07:00Church Discipline (1 Corinthians 5:11)

“But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” (1 Corinthians 5:11; English Standard Version)As parents, we warn our children to watch out for the company they keep. Why? Because we know the old saying that “bad company ruins

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150749936518755562006-06-19T13:42:00.000-07:002006-06-19T13:45:36.543-07:00The Law V.S. The Promise, part 1 (Galatians 3:15-18)

"To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, 'And to offsprings,' referring to many, but referring to one, 'And to your offspring,' who is Christ. This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150576346282760872006-06-17T13:23:00.000-07:002006-06-17T13:32:26.296-07:00True Worship (John 4:23-24)

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23 – 24, English Standard Version)I grew up in a church where all we sang were traditional hymns. On rare occasions, we might have someone up front

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150422311944149782006-06-15T18:40:00.000-07:002006-06-15T18:45:11.966-07:00The Rapture—A Biblical View (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150295157337406352006-06-14T07:22:00.000-07:002006-06-14T07:25:57.360-07:00The Wrath of God (Romans 1:18)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18, ESV)When non-Christians hang around Christians, inevitably the question arises “are you saved?” To which the next obvious question is “saved from what?” As Christians who claim to be saved, we need to have a clear understanding from

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150218614178233012006-06-13T10:06:00.000-07:002006-06-13T10:10:14.216-07:00Faith Has Always been God’s Plan (Galatians 3:10-14)

"For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, 'Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.' Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.' But the law is not of faith, rather 'The one who does them shall live by them.' Christ redeemed us from the curse of

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150144236832247102006-06-12T13:28:00.000-07:002006-06-12T13:30:36.846-07:00The Merciful Benevolence of God (John 3:17)

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17; English Standard Version)One of the most common criticisms of Christianity is the so-called “problem of evil.” Briefly stated, this criticism asserts that due to the existence of evil in the world, God is either benevolent but not all-powerful, or all-powerful

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149887934826811022006-06-09T14:15:00.000-07:002006-06-26T10:07:45.730-07:00The Gospel (John 3:16)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)Without question the most important thing in the Christian faith is the gospel. In Galatians 1:8, the apostle Paul wrote, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed,”

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149819550623653572006-06-08T19:18:00.000-07:002006-06-08T19:36:49.873-07:00Born Again (John 3:3)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, ESV)There’s a song that has a chorus that goes like this: “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” I don’t think, if asked, many people would say, “Nah, I really don’t want to go to heaven.” Since it’s safe to say that “everybody wants to go to heaven,” the next logical question

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149731363467309472006-06-07T18:46:00.000-07:002006-06-07T18:49:23.483-07:00Not Ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16 – 17)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17, ESV)Everyone likes to hear good news. As human beings, we seek happiness, so hearing good news promotes our

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149542365734860522006-06-05T14:18:00.000-07:002006-06-05T14:19:25.776-07:00Faith is the Key (Galatians 3:2-3)

"Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:2-3; English Standard Version)Continuing on in our look at the book of Galatians, we now begin looking at chapter 3. In the first two chapters, Paul had stated his purpose in writing this letter

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149275062084001412006-06-02T11:58:00.000-07:002006-06-02T12:04:22.093-07:00Justification By Faith Alone (Galatians 2:16)

"Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." (Galatians 2:16, English Standard Version)In our last look at the book of Galatians, we saw the Apostle Paul confronting the error

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149189768362938012006-06-01T12:20:00.000-07:002006-06-01T12:22:48.376-07:00The Nature of Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14; ESV)There seems to be a lot of discussion of Jesus in the news these days since the advent of the motion picture, The DaVinci Code. Most of the discussion is

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149106190686951292006-05-31T13:07:00.000-07:002006-05-31T13:09:50.723-07:00Don’t Back Down (Galatians 2:2)

"I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain." (Galatians 2:2, English Standard Version)As we continue our survey of the book of Galatians, we come to the part of the letter where the Apostle Paul recounts his own personal

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149103590746902912006-05-31T12:25:00.000-07:002006-05-31T12:26:30.763-07:00Children of God (John 1:12)

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12, ESV)There is a belief that is common in, what I would like to call, “spiritual” circles—i.e., people who fancy themselves as spiritually minded, yet still like to hold onto a sense of intellectualism. That belief is the “universal Fatherhood of God.” Closely coupled with that

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1149038436791166862006-05-30T18:19:00.000-07:002006-05-30T18:20:36.806-07:00The Paradox of the Christian Life: Dying to Gain (John 12:24 – 25)

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:24-25, ESV)Human beings are pleasure-seeking creatures. That’s the way we were created by God, so there is nothing inherently wrong in the

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1148997681805371262006-05-30T06:55:00.000-07:002006-05-30T07:01:21.826-07:00The Gospel of Grace, not Legalism (Galatians 1:15-16b)

"But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles." (Galatians 1:15-16b, English Standard Version)There is a school of thought that suggests in order to convincingly speak about a subject, one must experience it first. For example, in order to persuasively speak on the

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1148677930099204802006-05-26T14:10:00.002-07:002006-05-27T05:30:19.943-07:00No Other Gospel (Galatians 1:8)

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8, English Standard Version)Today, and over the next several weeks, we're going to be taking a look at the book of Galatians. Most conservative Biblical scholars agree that Paul wrote this letter shortly after the Jerusalem council (ca. 49 A.D.; cf. Acts

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1148606646804925562006-05-25T18:21:00.000-07:002006-05-25T18:24:06.820-07:00The Ministry of Apostles (1 Corinthians 4:1 – 21)

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. …

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1148576791950050262006-05-25T09:59:00.000-07:002006-05-25T10:06:31.976-07:00The Biblical Doctrine of Election

"For [God] chose us in [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." (Ephesians 1:4, NIV)One of the great truths of the Christian faith is that of election. The doctrine of election states that God predestines, or predetermines, the final state of all believers. This predestination is carried out before the creation of the world without regard to the

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1148485597220291092006-05-24T08:45:00.000-07:002006-05-24T08:54:19.890-07:00The Name of Jesus

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12, New International Version)In a world racked with relativism and pluralism, true Christianity stands as a beacon of distinctiveness and uniqueness. That's one of the things that makes Christianity the object of derision it is from just about every other belief system the

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1148485276510577362006-05-24T08:39:00.000-07:002006-05-24T08:53:25.153-07:00The Parable of the Soils

"Later that same day, Jesus left the house and went down to the shore, where an immense crowd soon gathered. He got into a boat, where he sat and taught as the people listened on the shore. He told many stories such as this one: 'A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150405561391404562006-05-15T14:06:00.000-07:002006-06-15T14:06:38.486-07:00

Me, myself and I, pt 2.

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1150404891549579772006-05-13T13:54:00.000-07:002006-06-15T13:58:52.520-07:00

Me, myself and I.

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1147533553088955292006-05-13T08:15:00.000-07:002006-05-25T10:32:19.606-07:00Divisions in the Church, part 2 (1 Corinthians 3:1-23)

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. … What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1145322144170952442006-04-17T17:57:00.000-07:002006-04-17T18:02:24.190-07:00Wisdom From the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:6 – 16)

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen,

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1145014562298737222006-04-14T04:33:00.000-07:002006-04-14T04:36:02.316-07:00Proclaiming Christ Crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1144274903979527792006-04-05T15:00:00.000-07:002006-04-06T14:53:31.623-07:00Christ the Wisdom and Power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God,

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1143857292406579492006-03-31T18:04:00.000-08:002006-03-31T18:08:12.423-08:00Divisions in the Church (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1141482885635169182006-03-04T06:33:00.000-08:002006-03-04T06:36:03.523-08:00Four Reasons to be Thankful, part 4

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1141482804108701952006-03-04T06:30:00.000-08:002006-03-04T06:33:24.153-08:00Four Reasons to be Thankful, part 3

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1137185946693527722006-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:002006-01-13T13:14:40.456-08:00Four Reasons to be Thankful, part 2

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1136944936196671442006-01-10T17:59:00.000-08:002006-01-10T18:02:16.210-08:00Four Reasons to be Thankful, part 1

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1130538522276465922005-10-28T15:27:00.000-07:002005-10-28T15:28:42.290-07:00What can we do about our sin?

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).Last time we looked at the progression of sin from a desire deep within our hearts all the way to the overt act of sin. We also concluded that sin is in the nature of humanity; we sin because we're sinners. Finally, we concluded that even though we are by nature sinners, we are still

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1130451789890265192005-10-27T15:16:00.000-07:002005-10-27T15:23:09.906-07:00Where does sin begin?

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." (James 1:14-15)As we saw last time, sin is part of our nature as fallen human beings. We sin because we're sinners; it is the natural thing to do. The obvious response to this is then, how can God find fault with me

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1129844995300323322005-10-20T14:42:00.000-07:002005-10-20T14:49:55.316-07:00Why do people sin?

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned" (Romans 5:12).Okay, we've looked at what sin is, and who, in fact, sins, the next thing to consider is how does sin come about? Is it a learned trait, or is it a flaw in human nature; is it "nature" or "nurture?" This is an important question to find the answer

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1129755367389725692005-10-19T13:54:00.000-07:002005-10-19T13:56:07.403-07:00Is Jesus REALLY the only way?

This is a question I wrestled with before coming to faith. The answer really boils down to one very important question: Is there anything I can do to earn my way into heaven? If the answer is "yes," then Christianity becomes one of many "ways" to heaven. For instance, I can have faith in Christ, or I can perform these works to earn God's favor, or I can follow the Ten Commandments, or I can

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13118321.post-1129753883173257912005-10-19T13:19:00.000-07:002005-10-19T13:31:23.180-07:00Who is a Sinner?

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)Last time I asked the question, "what is sin?" This time I want to ask the question, "who sins?" The obvious answer to this new question is "everybody sins." And of course this simplified answer is correct, but most of us (myself included) would gloss over this very important question, usually with the platitude, "oh, well

Carl Gobelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498478230438935728noreply@blogger.com0