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Traditional Views on the Wise Men by Gil Rugh

The magi who travelled from the east to worship Jesus were respected scholars and were greatly admired in their day. As astrologers, they studied the stars and had great wisdom. The assumption that there were three wise men may have been based on the fact that they brought three kinds of gifts - gold, frankincense and myrrh. The wise men likely travelled in a large entourage because the journey from Babylon or Persia to Jerusalem would have taken many months.

Three Aspects of Perfection by Gil Rugh

There are three aspects of perfection that refer to the believer which are recorded in the New Testament.

Positional Perfection

The Wrath of God by Gil Rugh

The penalty for sin is death (see Rom. 6:23) and God demands that the penalty be paid. Those who reject Christ's sacrifice on the cross have nothing to look forward to "but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries" (Heb. 10:27). The one true, holy and righteous God demands justice. The penalty will be paid. If we reject the sacrifice which is acceptable, that leaves us bare and naked before the wrath of Almighty God. What remains for us is terrifying judgment.

The Purpose of the Local Church and Community Issues by Gil Rugh

As believers committed to Jesus Christ, our involvement in social or cultural issues is sometimes misunderstood. The desire to concentrate on what God has called the church to do - teach the word - requires us to be selective in how we spend our time. The choice to limit our involvement comes from the desire to be obedient to God.

Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit uses the word of God to change lives. When the word of God is taught and assimilated into a life, two things happen: salvation and spiritual growth.

Salvation

The Meaning of Easter by Gil Rugh

Easter is the most significant day of the year for Christians. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are privileged to celebrate His resurrection from the dead. The resurrection is God's testimony that by the death of His Son on the cross, he has secured righteousness and redemption for those who believe.

What a privilege it is to be reminded that the crucifixion of Christ and His resurrection from the dead is the culmination of God's revelation of salvation.