My Journey in Christ

Few areas of life test a Christian's commitment to Romans 12:2 more than politics. The Apostle Paul writes: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Most Christians readily apply this verse to entertainment, personal morality, and spiritual growth. Yet many fail to recognize its relevance to politics. In an age when political identities often rival religious identities, Romans 12:2 serves as a timely warning that Christians are not called to conform to the world—even when that world wears the colors of their preferred political party. The problem is not political involvement. Christians should care about public policy, justice, the protection of life, religious liberty, the well-being of their communities, and the moral direction of society. Throughout history, Christians have played important roles in shaping culture and influencing governmen...

"Judge Not" Does Not Mean "Discern Nothing": Why Christians Must Test Mormonism Against Scripture One of the most common objections raised when Christians evaluate Mormonism is Luke 6:37: "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned." This verse is frequently used as a conversation stopper, as though Jesus was forbidding Christians from examining doctrine, identifying false teachings, or comparing religious claims against Scripture. Yet when we read the Bible in its full context, it becomes clear that Jesus was not condemning discernment. He was condemning hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. The modern interpretation of "judge not" often means "never criticize anything." But that interpretation would place Jesus in direct contradiction with numerous other passages of Scripture that command believers to test teachings, expose error, and defend the faith. The context of Luke 6 is crucial. J...

Pentecost is often remembered as the day the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the church, and rightly so. Acts 2 presents a powerful picture of believers gathered together, filled with the Spirit, and empowered to speak the mighty works of God in languages understood by people from many nations. Pentecost does teach that the Holy Spirit forms a unified people. The Spirit does not create isolated Christians. He gathers believers into one body, devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.¹ However, Pentecost is not mainly about unity. It is mainly about Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit was poured out because Jesus had been crucified, raised from the dead, exalted to the right hand of God, and enthroned as Lord and Christ. Peter makes this clear in his sermon. He does not begin with community. He begins with Christ. He declares, “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.”² He then explains that the outpouring of the Spirit is the result of Ch...