What Is Christology & Why Should We Care?

By Christopher Kou

We call ourselves Christians. This name was first given to us in the city of Antioch. It distinguished the disciples of Jesus—those who professed him to be the Messiah or the Christ—from other Jews of the day. Christians continue to be identified by the one they follow, Jesus Christ. It's a badge that followers of Jesus have worn proudly for two thousand years, even if wearing it means poverty, social ostracization, political oppression, or even the death of martyrdom. Christology lies at the very heart of our faith because it defines for us who we are speaking of when we speak of Jesus Christ. And so it quite literally defines us when we say we are Christians!

Baptist Bible Study: History, Beliefs, Major Figures, and Resources

By Kirk Miller

What comes to mind when you hear the word Baptist? I asked this question online, and to no great surprise I received an array of answers. Some think of an energetic church choir with colorful robes. Others think of solemn, even stuffy Sunday services where expressions of emotion are frowned upon. Some think of fiery, revivalistic preaching complete with weekly altar calls. Others think of detailed doctrinal expositions. One friend remarked that, in his experience, when some folks try to describe Baptists, they have an easier time listing things some Baptists don't believe in (alcohol, dancing) than providing what Baptists do believe! In this article, we seek to answer theses question, giving the reader a basic primer on the Baptist tradition—with a view to using its resources for one's study of Scripture.

50 Christian Christmas Songs (Contemporary, Traditional & Blended)

By Kyle Beutler

From Thanksgiving to Christmas Day, you won't need to look—or listen?—far to run into a Christmas song or two. They're playing in the background of grocery stores and coffee shops aplenty. But when we let Christmas songs sit in the background they lose their ultimate purpose—worship. No, I'm not suggesting you break out Jingle Bell (Christian) Rock at your next party or Christmas service. But there's a beautiful thing that happens when we recover the joy and purpose in Christmas songs.

Lecture Hall

The Spirit of the Lord Is upon Me: How This Prophecy Applies to Jesus

By Daniel Stevens

Jesus chose to make Nazareth the site of one of the most significant and enigmatic declarations of his early ministry. As the community was gathered in the synagogue for Sabbath, he said: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. What did Jesus mean? Why did Jesus, the Son of God, need the Spirit of the Lord to be upon him? Is it even possible to imagine that the Spirit might not accompany Jesus? How do these words from an Old Testament prophecy relate to the life and ministry of Christ?

How Is Jesus the Light of the World? A Study Starting in John

By Seana Scott

I drove past the Christmas light display in the center of town and my preschooler gazed at the glistening colors and yelled, "Jesus is the light of the world!" She no doubt learned this in Sunday school, but is Jesus a string of red and green lights? Uh, no. So, how is Jesus the light of the world?

Ever Traced the Links between Jesus & Moses? 5 Surprising Commonalities

By Kat Armstrong

I came to faith in Christ at the age of sixteen because two church ladies shared the gospel with me. The year I became a Christian, the Holy Spirit ignited curiosity within me, especially regarding the characters in the Bible. Thankfully, I now recognize the main characters in Scripture and have discovered fascinating connections between figures from the Old and New Testaments. One connection in particular that captures my attention is the link between Jesus and Moses. Both Jesus and Moses have miraculous birth stories and deliverance ministries, and both arbitrate God's laws through covenants.