Robert Velarde

While there are several Christian approaches to the finer details of exactly how the Atonement restores our broken relationship with God, all agree that the Atonement involves God providing us with an opportunity to restore our broken relationship with Him through Christ.

Hermeneutics. Eisogesis. Exegesis Those may sound intimidating, but they’re part of anyone’s toolbox for doing an in-depth study of the Bible for a greater knowledge of God’s Word.

Most of us have encountered problems in our prayer lives to one degree or another. Maybe God did not answer our prayer [1]. Or we encountered a moral dilemma such as should we pray for or against enemies? Perhaps we wonder whether or not prayer is worth bothering about. After all, if everything is already going to happen according to God’s will, then our prayers cannot possible change His mind, right?

Isn’t it interesting that out of all the disciples only one of them asked Jesus to teach them to pray? It sometimes seems the church is in a similar situation today regarding prayer. We talk about prayer, we study prayer, we say our prayers, but how many of us actually seek earnestly for God to teach us to pray?

As a new Christian you may find yourself unsure as to what your next steps should be.

Is hell real? Couldn’t God reform bad people or just annihilate them? After all, why punish people forever for one limited lifetime of behavior? And wouldn’t annihilation be preferable to eternal suffering?

Some people think the Bible was all written down about the same time, copied and distributed. But the Bible is not “instant” Scripture and it wasn’t all written down around the same time.

Here are ways we can become better attuned to God’s presence and calling in our lives.

Unlike some postmodern approaches to written texts that claim there really is no objective meaning to writing throughout the centuries, Christians have interpreted the Bible and continuously drawn out Christianity’s essential foundations.

Strict adherence to a list of do’s and don’ts is not what Christian salvation is about. Romans 3:20 reads, “no one will be declared righteous in his [God’s] sight by observing the law.”

As a result of the reality of God’s omnipresence, we are assured that no matter where we are, God will hear our prayers—even from the belly of a fish.

The visible and local church is, of course, the physical churches that we see around us and around the world, as well as the members of those churches. The invisible and universal church, however, refers to all believers everywhere.

If truth is relative, then no religion or idea can claim exclusivity because something could be true for one person, but not for another.

If, for instance, the Bible is full of historical and factual errors or blatantly contradicts itself, it’s hard to trust it or view it as reliable.

How could a good God allow so much evil? Why doesn’t He do something about it? Couldn’t God have created a world without evil?

One key reason to pray is because God has commanded us to pray. If we are to be obedient to His will, then prayer must be part of our life in Him.

Those who argue that all good people go to heaven then make the case that a loving God would not turn away good and sincere individuals. Instead, they reason, it’s obvious that He would allow them into heaven.

Learning how to study the Bible may seem like a daunting task. But God intends for us to study His Word, no matter where we are in our Christian walk and growth.

Throughout the Bible, believers are called to pray. But what is prayer? What does it mean to “pray without ceasing?” And does prayer really make a difference?

C.S. Lewis used several lines of reasoning to make the case for the Christian worldview. In the second part of his two-part article, Robert Velarde highlights two of Lewis’ key arguments, and explains the value of logic in defending the faith.

In part one of his two-part article, Robert Velarde describes four broad principles or laws of logic. He also explains what the Bible teaches us about logic and how C.S. Lewis used reasonable, logical arguments to defend the faith.

Unfortunately, one obstacle to the acceptance of Christianity that is often raised is provided by Christians themselves. Phrased in many ways, the core of the objection is, “If Christianity is true, why are there hypocrites in the church?”

Without Christology, there is no Christianity. Jesus is at the center of the Christian faith. Knowing about Christ is essential, as well as personal.

Every Christian needs to get to know God better and to serve Him more faithfully. Devotional Bible studies are a great way for you and your family to do so.

There are plenty of reasons to study the Bible. Here is a list of eight of the main reasons why reading and studying the Bible is not wasted time.

Theologically liberal approaches to the Bible often simply accept contradictions as part of a flawed record. But if the Bible is God’s Word, and if God is all knowing and all powerful, it stands to reason we should be able to trust the Bible.

If the truth will set us free, then it seems quite reasonable to want to determine what truth, specifically, will set us free.

This is not to say it’s not a legitimate question (it is), but the motivation is not always a sincere desire to get an answer.

Contemporary critics sometimes claim that since the Bible contains so many miracles, it just can’t be true. Either these are just made up stories, they argue, or simple people were just tricked.

In today’s technological, fast-paced culture, it’s hard to find spare time. But when it comes to spending time with your family studying the Bible, finding time is absolutely necessary.

What church should you attend? Sometimes Christians spend a lot of time trying to find just the “right” church. Unfortunately, this method is rarely successful.

Before we can begin to restore our relationship with God, we need to understand that this relationship is broken to begin with and why that is the case.

Christians are told their beliefs are matters of faith and, therefore, tolerance must override faith.

The wonder of God’s plan is that He has reached out to us in love, offering everyone an opportunity to personally respond through Christ. He offers His unmerited favor, or grace, if we will only accept it.