Tag Archives: evangelism

White Paper: The Biblicist Mandate for Engagement — Improving the Present World in Light of the World to Come

Executive Summary This paper examines, from a biblicist standpoint, whether Christians are commanded to work toward the betterment of the present world or to abstain from such efforts in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God. A biblicist framework holds … Continue reading

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White Paper: The CGI–Medina Split: Governance Friction, Messaging Control, and Implications for the Church of God Ecosystem

Executive summary On November 1, 2025, Bill Watson—long-time CGI minister and pastor of the Medina, Ohio congregation—publicly announced that he and the Medina church would separate from the Church of God International (CGI) and operate independently under the name Church … Continue reading

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White Paper: Adoption in Roman Society and Pauline Theology: A Biblicist Analysis of Spiritual Reproduction

Executive Summary This white paper examines the concept of adoption as it existed in Roman law and society and explains why the Apostle Paul used this legal and familial metaphor to describe the believer’s relationship to God. It further integrates … Continue reading

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White Paper: Grace, Choice, and God’s Plan: Understanding the Debate Between Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Biblical View

Executive Summary For centuries, Christians have debated how salvation works—how God’s grace, human choice, and divine justice fit together. Two main viewpoints emerged: Calvinism, which emphasizes God’s control and sovereignty, and Arminianism, which emphasizes human freedom and responsibility. This white … Continue reading

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White Paper: The Importance of Teaching What the Bible Says from the Pulpit and Avoiding Personal Speculation as an Abuse of the Power of the Pulpit

Executive Summary The pulpit occupies a sacred trust within the community of faith. It is not a platform for personal speculation or philosophical display, but a solemn charge to communicate the Word of God faithfully. This white paper examines the … Continue reading

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White Paper: Levels of Development in Biblicism: Stages of Growth Toward God’s Ways

Executive Summary Biblicism, properly understood, is not merely a commitment to the authority of Scripture, but a living process of transformation through the Word of God. This white paper explores the levels of spiritual development within biblicism—how engagement with Scripture … Continue reading

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From Persecutor to Apostle — The Historical and Theological Significance of Paul’s Conversion

[Note:  This is the prepared text for a sermon delivered to the The Dalles congregation of the United Church of God on Sabbath, September 13, 2025.] Introduction: Remembering What We Wish to Forget Most of us carry memories we would … Continue reading

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What Are The Necessary Conditions For Conversion?

[Note: This is the prepared text for a sermon given to The Dalles congregation of the United Church of God on Sabbath, November 16, 2024.] As we return from the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the thoughts that we have … Continue reading

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The Harvest Truly Is Plentiful

[Note: The following is the prepared text for a sermonette given to the Portland congregation of the United Church of God on Sabbath, May 20, 2023.] As we approach the festival of Pentecost, it is worthwhile for us to ponder … Continue reading

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Faraway, So Close: Part Three

[Note: Parts one and two.] When we look outside of the Gospels, we find that there exists in some stories the same tension between those who view themselves as obedient to God and yet are hostile to the repentance of … Continue reading

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