by Gil Rugh | Mar 25, 2016 | Articles
The first and most important fact of the gospel Paul preached was that “Christ died for our sins” (1 Cor. 15:3). The reality and purpose of His death are stated clearly over and over in Paul’s epistles. Christ’s death for our sins is the most basic fact of the gospel....
by Gil Rugh | Mar 4, 2016 | Articles
As we contemplate Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, it is important to remember that His sacrifice was unique. He did not carry out His sacrifice in an earthly tabernacle or in an earthly temple made with hands. Nor did He offer animals as the sacrifice for...
by Gil Rugh | Feb 26, 2016 | Articles
The Apostle Peter instructed believers to cast all their anxiety and cares on Christ, because He cares for them (see 1 Pet. 5:7). On the same theme, Paul wrote: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests...
by Gil Rugh | Feb 19, 2016 | Articles
Jesus drew illustrations from nature to show how His Father provides all our needs and that nothing is accomplished by worrying. Talking about clothing, Jesus said, And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor...
by Gil Rugh | Feb 5, 2016 | Articles
The Mosaic Law was never intended to be a means of salvation, and no one was ever saved by keeping the Mosaic Law. However, the Jews in Paul’s day saw themselves as superior to the Gentiles because of their adherence to the Law. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul...
by Gil Rugh | Jan 29, 2016 | Articles
It is always dangerous to come to the Word of God with preconceived ideas and convictions and attempt to support them with Scripture. Jesus gave a warning that is fitting for us to heed. “And he answered and said to them, ‘And why do you yourselves transgress the...
by Gil Rugh | Jan 22, 2016 | Articles
It is of utmost importance that every believer be able to clearly and concisely present the gospel to an unbeliever. I think we often assume that people who have been believers for a while can present the facts of salvation, but that is not always the case. I am...
by Gil Rugh | Dec 24, 2015 | Articles
The gifts that the magi presented to the Messiah were very significant. In addition to financing Joseph and Mary’s trip to Egypt, the gifts also had specific symbolism associated with them. The fact that Matthew specifically identified them as gold, frankincense and...
by Gil Rugh | Dec 18, 2015 | Articles
“And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your...
by Gil Rugh | Dec 11, 2015 | Articles
The virgin birth of Christ is a foundational doctrine. If Jesus Christ is not the virgin-born Son of God, then no one can gain salvation through Him. If Christ was not God, it would not matter how great a man He was or how tremendous His accomplishments were. If...
