Biblical Times

When it comes to the Sabbath, Christians have different ideas on what it means and how to observe it. For many people, it is a day to go to church and have fellowship with other believers. What they often miss, though, is that the Sabbath is intricately tied to rest and worship―both of which ultimately point to the Lord as our creator and redeemer. In this addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Guy Prentiss Waters offers an introductory study of the Sabbath from the creation of the world to the consummation of all things when Jesus returns.

Familiarity and dishonor kill the anointing. The Jews, being the fathers and mothers of the faith, were dishonored and replaced by other church fathers that, along with Emperor Constantine, crafted a religious system that dishonors the Jews and all things Jewish. As a result, the anointing left, and miracles ceased. This distorted religious system affects many Christians until this day.

Aimed not just at pastors, but "plumbers and housewives, store clerks and carpenters," Baptism and Lord's Supper will give you a richly biblical, well-rounded understanding of the sacraments.

People with bad feelings and feeling-directed behavior - anger, fear, worry, depression - usually are given a psychiatric label. Initially, I was comfortable with that approach, but I have come to realize that people must be evaluated based on a proper understanding of the Bible. When that happens, the whole person (thinking, wanting, and doing) will be considered - not just outward behavior and feelings.

"Follow me." Jesus's clear call in the first century changed lives and impacted society. Jesus is still calling people to follow Him today. Lives and communities continue to feel this influence and benefit from the difference Jesus makes both in and through His disciples. But what does it mean to follow Jesus?

One of the most controversial statements in the New Testament concerns the virgin conception and subsequent birth of Jesus, a conception in which man had no part. It's recorded that a virgin conceived a son without the aid of man, then secretly and without effort gave birth to her conception. This is the foundation upon which all Christendom rests. The Christian world is asked to believe this story, for man must believe the unbelievable to fully express the greatness that he is.