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Church of God (Seventh Day) & The Calvinist’s TULIP – Part 1

Brian Franks2022-08-03T16:02:54-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz Since Artios Christian College and Lead Up are ministries of the Church of God (Seventh Day), it is worthwhile to examine our denomination’s Statement of Faith. In doing so, we consider profound questions related to the relationship between God and humanity. Central to such discussions is the Calvinist vs. Arminian debate, which raises questions regarding God’s will, human freedom, and grace. To engage this debate, we consider the five points of Calvinism, summarized in the acronym TULIP. TULIP: Total Depravity – the human inability to desire or do good to merit salvation without God’s intervening grace. Unconditional Election – the election of some humans [...]

Church of God (Seventh Day) & The Calvinist’s TULIP – Part 1Brian Franks2022-08-03T16:02:54-06:00

Why be a Leader in the Church?

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:57:34-06:00

By Daniel Aleman When you answer the call to be a leader in your church denomination, you will find your place among others who serve Christ. This article is focused on the denomination of the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) or COG7, but the points of the article that focus on serving in your church and the challenges Christian churches face today may be applied to all Christian denominations. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,”[1] are words many Christians have heard throughout their years attending worship services. Most could even recite the words of Jesus [...]

Why be a Leader in the Church?Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:57:34-06:00

It’s Not Okay for Kids to be Bored in Church

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:52:44-06:00

By Israel Steinmetz I baptized my three oldest kids in 2015. It’s incredible to watch them worship together with the local body of Christ they’ve become a part of. I love worshipping with my kids. Whether at home or with our church, there’s something awesome about joining them in song to our Creator and Redeemer. Last week in service I held my four year old’s hand as we sang together. I looked across the aisle at three of my other children as they praised alongside their friends. My middle school daughter stays through the entire service, taking copious sermon notes and [...]

It’s Not Okay for Kids to be Bored in ChurchBrian Franks2022-08-03T15:52:44-06:00

Acts of Service Aren’t Enough, Thankfully

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:51:08-06:00

By Caitlin Meadows Growing up, my elementary school implemented a merit system. Every staff member carried around little yellow pieces of paper called “bobcat awards” that motivated students to voluntarily complete acts of service. When a student had collected enough, he or she earned a lunch period spent in the “bobcat room” (the band room) complete with a special dessert treat and rated G music playing from a boombox. The best part about earning this reward? The status. Since the bobcat room was right off of the cafeteria, these well-behaved, honored students got to walk right on past all of their [...]

Acts of Service Aren’t Enough, ThankfullyBrian Franks2022-08-03T15:51:08-06:00

Is Salvation Free?

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:47:17-06:00

By Daniel Aleman Is salvation free? This was completely unimaginable to the first century AD world. It is in this backdrop that the apostle Paul wrote his letters. He preaches the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the fruit of salvation and a new life for believers. Salvation and the new life in Christ can be confusing when people try to reason this free gift from God as something requiring an exchange of goods. Unlike buying groceries in a supermarket, salvation and a new life in Christ cannot be purchased. Instead, these are freely given to those who believe that Jesus [...]

Is Salvation Free?Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:47:17-06:00

What Redemption Means for Followers of Christ

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:45:20-06:00

By Jason Overman We say it as often as we can: Jesus-followers have been re-created by Christ to lead on His behalf in our everyday lives and circles. But why? Because of His redemption. With an accurate understanding of this common Christian word, we come to a greater personal appreciation of the gospel. And with that greater appreciation comes a deeper desire to live surrendered to His leading which enables us to influence others for Him. Redeemed — how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed thro’ His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am.” Perhaps [...]

What Redemption Means for Followers of ChristBrian Franks2022-08-03T15:45:20-06:00

Understanding Gospel Indicatives and Imperatives

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:42:46-06:00

By Caitlin Meadows “I’d like to be baptized someday but I don’t think I’m ready yet. I need more time.” I’ve heard statements along these lines several times. Those making this sort of statement wrongly believe that they must first be good enough before receiving the salvation that Christ offers them. Some have parents enforcing this false belief. Others grew up in congregations that focused more on how the Bible commands Jesus-followers to live and less (or not at all) on what Jesus Christ has already accomplished on their behalf. In effect, these individuals believe they have to fulfill gospel imperatives without first [...]

Understanding Gospel Indicatives and ImperativesBrian Franks2022-08-03T15:42:46-06:00

Justified by the Law or Saved by Grace?

Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:39:38-06:00

By Mike Wallace “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). (All Scripture quotations are NKJV unless otherwise noted.) I tried. I tried very hard to get all 1,100 points. I failed. Forty years ago, in college I was a mediocre B- to C+ college student. I never got below a “C” in any class but getting an “A” was a very difficult goal for me to reach, except for history or physical education. Now, 40 years later I am in college again. Time value of growth and [...]

Justified by the Law or Saved by Grace?Brian Franks2022-08-03T15:39:38-06:00

It’s All About Equipping

Brian Franks2022-07-20T13:36:26-06:00

By Whaid Rose God designed the Church to remain alive and vibrant despite the passing of time and amidst our rapidly changing culture. Here’s how: The British Monarch and the Christian Church have more in common than we often recognize. Both are age-old institutions struggling to survive in a rapidly changing culture; both struggle to retain and empower its next generation. This welcome perspective comes from Krish Kandiah, a UK-based author; he writes in response to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s unprecedented move away from the Royal family. (See Megxit and the Church: Harry and Meghan Reflect Our Lost Youth; Christianity [...]

It’s All About EquippingBrian Franks2022-07-20T13:36:26-06:00

Church Administration: From Fluff to Function

Brian Franks2022-07-20T13:31:14-06:00

By Andrea Slawson Administration. The sight of that word either makes you cringe or giddy with anticipation to get stuff done. Me? I cringe a little. Over the past few years I have begun to realize that “church” is not just a place where people come to meet once or twice a week and then go home. It is so much more. The body, the believers of Jesus Christ, are the church – yes. But the administration within the body are the gears that make the body operate with efficiency toward God’s mission of all being saved. Yet knowing this, I still think, “I [...]

Church Administration: From Fluff to FunctionBrian Franks2022-07-20T13:31:14-06:00

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