Spiritual inertia is a universal Christian experience. We all get “stuck” from time to time. When we do, the standard advice is always the same: read more, pray more, attend more… We are conditioned to treat every spiritual slump like an empty gas tank, assuming that a lack of spiritual “fuel” is the root ofContinue reading “The Law of Spiritual Inertia: Why More “Fuel” Won’t Solve the Problem”
Author Archives: Shawn Stamp
The Discipline of Thankfulness
Thanksgiving prompts reflection on gratitude, emphasizing the biblical call to be thankful in all circumstances. Despite life’s frustrations, choosing thankfulness fosters joy and peace, as illustrated by Paul’s letters. By focusing on the good, even during hardships, we enhance our relationship with God and cultivate a habit of gratitude that transforms our lives.
Is Salvation a Free Gift?
The notion that “salvation is a free gift” is a truth that gives hope to every believer, but this affirmation has become something of a half-truth that can lead to spiritual complacency. The New Testament is clear that the real “gift” is eternal life through Christ, and it begins now, not at some point in the future. True discipleship involves living out one’s faith and embracing a relationship with God as new creations.
Can Salvation be lost? (part 2)
In Part 1 of this series on Assurance, we considered what Scripture has to say about whether someone can “lose their salvation”, and the clear message is that Christ’s disciples cannot be “snatched away” from Him. Moreover, since we know that Jesus’ work of atonement cannot be reversed or nullified, it is indeed true thatContinue reading “Can Salvation be lost? (part 2)”
“Got Faith?”
If someone asked you to define faith, how would you reply? According to the dictionary, faith is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something” or “strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof”. Indeed, many people instinctively equate faith with religious conviction per theContinue reading ““Got Faith?””
Can salvation be lost? (part 1)
When it comes to the subject of the security of the believer, there are almost as many viewpoints as there are denominations: You’d think that Scripture would be crystal clear on something so important, but what makes this question of “losing your salvation” so tricky is that adherents of every position can readily point toContinue reading “Can salvation be lost? (part 1)”
Merry Christmas!
If you’re looking for some new arrangements to add to your playlist for Christmas, these may fit the bill… God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen O Come, O Come Emmanuel Hark, the Herald Angels Sing Silent Night
Answers to Prayer
If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, chances are pretty good that you’ve run across the idea that God answers our prayers in one of three ways: “Yes”, “No”, and “Not yet…” This can be very encouraging when it seems like God is silent, because it gives us reason to hope thatContinue reading “Answers to Prayer”
The Essence of Prayer
How should we pray? What should we pray about? How do we know if God hears us when we pray?
No Strings Attached…
I’m happy to announce that you can now read Testing the Trinity on-line, without investing anything but your time. It traces the origins of this enigmatic doctrine as it attempts to distill a coherent view of “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” that actually aligns with Scripture, because more often than not, the historic doctrine ofContinue reading “No Strings Attached…”