These are links or articles which were posted in recent months which you may have missed and are of interest to you.

Was Jesus a Christian?  by Bernie Gillespie (posted 5-31-06) Many of us were brought up to believe that being a Christian means to imitate all the things that Jesus did. That's behind the WWJD thing. But is the real message of Christ about doing what he did? If so, how much? Or, is being Christian about something deeper? I try to answer this question by asking another question to get us thinking about the real work of Jesus and what it really means to be a Christian.

Surgery: I (Bernie Gillespie) will have surgery for a spinal cord injury on Sept. 12th at the Cleveland Clinic. I appreciate your prayers for my recovery. During recovery I will be limited in responding to calls and email. But, I still appreciate receiving them and will try to catch up after recovery. Thank you for your support.

Update 10-16-07: Many have asked about the lack of activity on my web site over the past months. Also, I have been asked about my health. To update everyone, my rehab from spinal surgery has been good. Nearly all the pain I previously had is gone. I am steadily progressing in developing the range of motion. Thank you for your concern, prayers and support. Consider the possible disability I was facing without surgery, I am more than blessed to have regained such good health. It many ways it is a miracle.

Since my spinal surgery, I found that I had additional problems with my right shoulder. The short version is that we found that my bicep was detached and my rotator cuff was 90% gone. I had surgery for this on May 9. The recovery has been slow but sure. It has been painful, and takes about a year for full recovery. But I am now clear to return to the activities I enjoyed before surgery. These two surgeries severely limited the amount of time I could dedicate to my web site. The other areas of my ministry to my church and family took first place. God determined to take me aside for the past months to teach me a number of very special and precious things. I desire to share much of it in the future. We plan to  make changes in the appearance of our web site in the future. We will be adding a number of new features. We want to offer podcasts and MP3 downloads of teaching and sermons. Most of all I am very excited about many of the new areas of teaching that we will be sharing in the near future. Please stay tuned.

ICA! Bernie Gillespie

Update 11-03-06: As planned I had spine surgery on Sept. 12. My doctor, Dr. Benzel of the Cleveland Clinic, performed a five hour, successful, spinal cord surgery. I have increasingly suffered for about six years with spinal stenosis due to several injuries (two car accidents and one athletic collision). This caused a chronic pain in my neck, shoulders, and down my right arm. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I had pain in my joints and legs, which caused a number of ill side-effects. I received care from my family doctors, two orthopedic surgeons, several chiropractors and physical therapist. I am thankful for all their help, but my condition failed to improve. Increased debilitation forced me, over the last two years, to seek the advice of several neurosurgeons.

My final choice was Dr. Benzel who is the head of the Spine center at the Cleveland Clinic. He is considered one of the best spine doctors in the country. He recommended that I have a laminectomy with fusion of my 4th-6th cervical vertebrae. If I decided to forgo the surgery I was at risk of increased debilitation and even paralysis. After seeking the counsel of many people, my family and ultimately through prayer, I agreed to have the surgery. The results are all positive and very hopeful for full recovery. I want to thank God for His using this whole experience to teach me more deeply His wonderful grace. I know now that this was God's will for my life, that I might know Him in ways that would not have been possible any other way.

Dr. Benzel told my wife after the surgery that everything went perfectly. I had substantial relief of pain right after the surgery. Those who cared for me at the Cleveland Clinic were excellent and I thank them for their wonderful care. After three days in the hospital I returned home, in a cervical collar and, of course, in pain. The surgery required the trapezius muscles in the neck to be cut. As they healed there was a great amount of muscle spasms.

During the next seven weeks, with much of my life greatly slowed down, I have taken long walks (doctors orders), and been more dependent on my family (and friends) for many things (I could not drive). God has talked to my life in many deep, firm and wonderful ways. Gradually, I have been healing and getting better day by day. I would have much rather had an instant miraculous healing, but I have found that this slow paced, and even painful, healing was just as supernatural and better for me in God's plan.

I just had my post-surgical follow up and my progress is excellent. I can begin physical therapy, drive and return to most of my activities. I have lost no range of motion in my neck. Many of the symptoms of osteoarthritis are gone. The last few days I have felt physically better than I have in years. I know that I need to pace myself. If I will listen to Him, God has shown me a lot about how my lifestyle needs to conform to a rhythm that reflects the Gospel.

They tell me it takes about a year to recover in most cases. But, I am eager to put my recovered health to the work of Gospel and many exciting possibilities for the ministry of my local church, and In Christ Alone! ministries in the months ahead. God has encouraged me that  most of the benefits and work of ICA! is yet in the future. By the grace of God, I have so much more to share. I desire to use the future life and energy God gives me in helping others to know the sovereign glory beauty of God, the matchless wisdom of His plan, and the infinite, fathomless love of my Father given to us through our precious Lord Jesus Christ.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers, understanding and support during this season of my life. Many of you have written me and I have been unable to reply. I trust that you will understand my heart. I truly, deeply care about what God is doing in your life. I am genuinely interested in your questions (and arguments) and the crisis that some of you are facing. My physical inability to respond has not hindered my prayer for you. You are close to my heart and ever in my thoughts as I speak with the Lord.

I have a good deal to share in the months to come from all God has been teaching me through this experience. Please keep tuned in to this site as I share many of these insights which have opened up to me more of the richness of God's goodness in times of struggle and suffering. Thank you for your interest, care and support of this ministry.

ICA! Bernie Gillespie

Update 1-3-07: Since the update on my surgery, my wife, Cheryl, also had major surgery. On December 7 Cheryl has a cholecystectomy. She has had a lot of pain for the last year. But, her doctor had misread a test, causing us to undergo other unnecessary tests. Finally, a specialist reread her medical report and found that she needed surgery. She is doing well after surgery and is recovering. We appreciate your prayers for both of us as we recover and return to good health. It is our desire to give many more years of service to the Gospel.

Check out one of my two Blogs.

This eJournal will be a place to share various and sometimes random thoughts, insights (or the lack of them), ideas, and questions about a diversity of topics. Here I will write short 'blogs' on salvation, grace, God, theology, Christian holiness, culture, legalism, Church issues, education, cross-cultural missions, everyday Christian living, Church history, freedom in Christ, et. al.

You can go to the current post "Is God Our Security Blanket?" . You are also welcome to post your comments to any of my posts.

The second Blog is my eMail web log.

Since blogging is becoming more popular, I thought that I would try to use a web log as a way to share my answers to "composite" emails. That is, I can take the common questions that many people ask and then answer them, on this web log, as though I am speaking to one person. (In reality, the "one person" is many people represented by their emails). Through this ICA! eMail web log I can talk with you about various and random subjects related to the Gospel, theology, culture, Biblical studies, church life, grace & legalism, or important issues in living the Christian life.

Recent Blog: Is Repentance an Act that Saves?

Bernie Gillespie Doctoral Candidate: Bernie is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry program at Reformed Theological Seminary and is currently taking courses at the Orlando, FL campus.

Bernie Gillespie was on the "Tim & Al Show," in St. Louis, MO, Station KJSL, (630 on the AM dial), April 14, 2003. You can listen to thisprogram here Tim & Al Show 1

He was on again June 4, 2003 8:00 A.M. (CST) 9:00 A.M. (EST). The program was for one hour and included call-in. You can link to KJSL: http://www.ladesign.net/kjsl/  A digital download of the June 4th program will be available soon.

Bernie Gillespie - Gospel or Religion Audio

Findlay Spring '03 "Grace Conference" Report:(4-14-03)

Sandusky "Grace Conference" Report:(10-15-02)

Atlanta "Grace Seminar" Report: (9-17-02)

Ministry Reports: (5-17-02) Go here to find frequent updates of pertinent news about In Christ Alone! Ministries.

Sovereign Grace Conferences: For those of you desiring to hear great Gospel preaching and dynamic, Christ-centered worship, check out the schedule for a number of tremendous Sovereign Grace Ministries conferences in your area. I highly recommend them.

"SONSHIP" & "GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION"

Please Check Out this Material. Very Important.

One of the greatest Gospel ministry resources, which I've learned about recently, is World Harvest Mission. Their web site and the materials available through them are tremendous! They offer several of the best discipleship courses I have seen. The first is "SONSHIP." It is a 16 week course designed to teach a Christian how to live out of the Gospel everyday. The second course is "GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION." It is a 6 Unit, 36 Lesson comprehensive course "that centers on the transformation of Christians by the power of the Gospel." This could be used as a nine-month Sunday School curriculum, or a small-group study for youth, prison ministry, regular discipleship, even as a seminary-level training for personal formation. You can look at a sample of these materials at SONSHIP and at GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION.

I would give not only a high recommendation to their materials. I would go further and say, if you are searching for the best thing to study to learn how to live a life of grace, and to apply the truths of the Gospel, this is it. For those who have come to know, or are on the way, to the Gospel, the doctrines of grace, and the importance of justification by faith, you NEED these study courses.

IN ADDITION: There are a number of seminars conducted around the country based on the Sonship course content.  There are:

• Sonship seminars

• Marriage by Grace

• Parenting by Grace

• Gospel Transformation weekends.

You can check out a calendar of upcoming seminars at this link http://www.whm.org/seminars.shtml

Human Effort Cannot Produce God's Promise (5-30-06)

Repentance is a Gift (3-15-06)

Trust God to Handled Your Sins (3-15-06)

Call to Allegiance (2-10-06)

Unfathomable Love (2-10-06)

Essentials of the Bible (10-29-05)

Cheap Grace or Free Grace? (10-08-05)

Religion is a Hard Taskmaster (9-30-05)

Praying the Supremacy of Christ (9-22-05)

The Only God-Glorifying Life (8-06-05)

Boasting in the Cross Alone (7-02-05)

Without the Lord (6-18-05)

The "Christ and ..." Syndrome (6-11-05)

Christ is All! (5-06-05)

A Heart to Treasure God (5-01-05)

The Cross & Christ's Supremacy (4-24-05)

There is Jesus (2-05-05)

Respond with Gentleness (2-05-05)

What it Means to Believe (2-05-05)

No Other Way (2-05-05)

Christ is Born for You (1-03-05)

The Glory of the Lord (1-03-05)

Faith Comes First (1-03-05)

God's Justice on the Cross (5-06-04)

Radically Insecure (5-05-04)

Self-Righteousness is Prejudice (3-20-04)

Jesus Became 'Wrong' (3-20-04)

Jesus Died In History  (3-05-04)

For the Sake of Others  (3-05-04)

The Gospel Changes Everything (2-19-04)

Ravished by God's Love (2-19-04)

Christians Make Idols Too (1-24-04)

Good News for the Lost & Found (1-17-04)

God Says "I Love You" (12-13-03)

Chosen For Praise (10-17-03)

The Way to Freedom (9-29-03)

We Love to be Right (9-19-03)

True Identity (9-19-03)

Beware Bewitching Legalism (8-25-03)

Best Kept Secret (8-09-03)

Reason for a Ministry of Mercy (7-26-03)

Meaning of the Good Samaritan Parable (7-26-03)

The Power of the Cross (7-26-03)

Let Evening Come (7-09-03)

The Basic Nature of the Church (7-08-03)

Healthy Faith Embraces Reality (6-21-03)

Poor Man's Gospel (5-22-03)

The Simple Gospel (5-22-03)

The "Good" Christian (5-13-03)

Spiritual Resource (5-02-03)

Alive In Christ (4-19-03)

Ponder the Achievement (4-19-03)

Why We Gather to Worship (4-04-03)

Justification and Prodigals (3-28-03)

Slave or Forgiven? (3-18-03) Are you listening to your accuser? Has anyone made a slave out of you?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ (3-16-03) "The main message of the Bible about Jesus Christ can easily become mixed with all sorts of things that are related to it."

'Justification by Faith' Excerpt (3-09-03) I have excerpted this section from a recent Handbook of the Christian faith to show the usual way that justification by faith is express in Evangelical resources. I agree with this statement.

Immersed in Grace (2-08-03)

Free From Guilt (1-21-03)

Christ-Centered Living (10-10-02)

Clothe Yourself with Patience (10-10-02)

Christ the Summation (10-8-02)

He Died For Me (8-28-04)

Only One God of Grace (1-23-04) Buddy Greene is one of those genuine people who loves the Gospel, and loves to the worship the Christ of that Gospel. I have enjoyed several conferences where he has led in worship. His style is a unique blend of bluegrass, Gospel, and C&W. Through his ministry I have been drawn closer to God and deepened in my faith in Jesus. I recommend any music that he offers as edifying and encouraging. This song is one example of the rich message of Buddy's ministry.

Let us Love & Sing & Wonder (1-23-04) Buddy Greene has revived this wonderful old Gospel hymn of John Newton. It would be well spent time to memorize this song and recite it to yourself and others, often.

Only Hope (12-17-03) I want to thank Cliff and the guys in Caedmon's Call for giving us this super song about the great hope found only in Jesus. I would encourage you to look into their music and ministries. I believe they are helping a lot of people by spreading the Gospel through their music. Pray for these folks and their families as they travel around the country ministering to people.

Amazing Grace (12-17-03) This is not the old familiar song, but a new composition sung and performed by Jars of Clay. I really enjoy hearing them perform this live recently. This is a group, like Caedmon's Call, who have a real message of the Gospel and God's grace. They also demonstrate the Gospel by their personal commitment to world missions and help people all around the world who need Christ's love. I encourage you to give them your prayers and support.

What a Savior! (10-14-03) This marvelous hymns never grows old as it profoundly trumpets out the Gospel of Jesus!

The Touch of the Master's Hand (9-25-03) A rich illustration of how God's grace brings purpose and meaning to our lives.

Famous One (6-21-03) The whole spirit behind In Christ Alone! Ministries is to inspire hearts to worship and glorify God more deeply. This song exalts the Lord as the only truly famous One. He is the One who gives us the Gospel -- who gives us Jesus. He is truly glorious, glorious!

I'm Justified (5-13-03) It is tremendous that Steve and Vikki would give us a song that gives voice to our assurance. Everyone who trusts in Christ can sing and declare that they are indeed justified by God because of Jesus.

In The Presence (5-13-03) Worship is acknowledging the immense greatness of God, while humbly confessing our smallness. In the presence of a holy God we, like Isaiah can only cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy God, how awesome is Your name!" God grant that we would be changed in the Presence of a Holy God.

Alive In Christ (4-19-03) Celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior! You are alive in Christ.

Unconditional (4-15-03) By Sonic Flood is a tremendous song about the love of God for all of us. His love and the peace it gives are SUPERNATURAL. Get the sound track (unless you don't like CCM).

Before the Throne of God Above (3-05-03) This is a marvelous hymn of the Gospel. Thank you Steve and Vikki Cook for refreshing this song to the memory of the Church. It would be great to memorize this or keep it in your Bible so that you can tell yourself the Gospel everyday. It would also be great to sing in your congregation to exalt the Christ that gives us Good News!

What Love is This? (2-17-03) A beautiful song of the Gospel that reminds us that God loved us from all eternity and that the power of Christ's blood will never fail.

As Long As I Have Breath (2-13-03) This song expresses my personal gratitude and love for God for what Christ has done for me and what the Gospel means to me. It is a personal commitment: because of who He is and what He has done for me, I will praise His name . . . as long as I have breath.

"Not what my hands have done ..." (11-25-02)

Jehovah Our Righteousness (10-9-02)

Does David K. Bernard Buy Into the “New Perspective on Paul”?  by Bernie L. Gillespie (8-29-03) At the recent Urshan Graduate School of Theology Symposium in St. Louis, MO, David K. Bernard presented a paper on "The Role of the Spirit in Justification." I believe that his paper is very revealing of the theology that supports UPCI doctrine. It is more Roman Catholic and less Protestant. I present this article to show that Bernard's position is neither biblical nor orthodox. Instead, his teaching on justification undercuts the very heart of the Gospel itself.

The Enigma of God's Righteousness  by Jeff Harkin (8-15-03) Do you think you understand the righteousness of God? We doubt it. God's righteousness is not expressed primarily in the Ten Commandments. Nor is His righteousness expressed fundamentally in a list of His attributes. This article will blow your mind.

Updated: Are You Roman Catholic or Protestant? (2-15-05) Many Protestants are often amazed to find that their theology is more Roman Catholic than it is Protestant. Take this little evaluation to see if your theology is as Protestant as you think. It might help you to discern the fundamental differences between these two views of salvation.

Will the Real Justification by Faith, Please Stand Up Part Three (5-18-03) What does it mean to "obey" the Gospel? This part addresses the incorrect teaching of the UPCI. The idea of "obey" the Gospel does not mean to follow their interpretation of the steps of Acts 2:38. It means that we are to believe the Gospel. To disobey the Gospel is to disbelieve it. This is a chapter of the whole book which can be ordered through our Online Bookstore.

Paul's Great Summary of the Gospel (5-11-03)

Resurrection Bodies (4-26-03) by Martin Luther

Will the Real Justification by Faith, Please Stand Up Part Two (4-15-03) (PDF format) Second article in the series addresses the problem of redefining the Gospel by redefining faith as obedience. "Here is a crucial mistake made by Bernard. In his definition of justification he equates faith with obedience in order to make faith into faithfulness. This has serious implications for the rest of his theology of salvation. If faith is misunderstood, so then is grace. If grace is misunderstood, then the work of Christ in the Atonement is misapprehended. This way of defining justifying faith places one on a slippery slope that continues downward." This is a chapter of the whole book which can be ordered through our Online Bookstore.

The chart outlining the comparisons of this whole series can be viewed at Comparison of Views on Justification by Faith: David K. Bernard versus Classic Orthodox View

What Does It Mean to be 'Born Again'? Part Seven (4-02-03) (PDF format) This begins the second half of the study on the New Birth that we began some time ago. The first half addressed what "born of the water" means. These articles can be found at  "What Does It Mean To Be 'Born Again'? This second half of approximately 18 sections will address what Jesus meant by "born of the Spirit." This is a chapter of the whole book which can be ordered through our Online Bookstore.

Faith is the Essential Response to Acts 2:38 Part Six (3-09-03) Is Acts 2:38 the Gospel? In this sixth and last part of the series, I address this question. Read why Acts 2:38 is a picture of justification by faith. The essential element of Acts 2:38 is faith alone, rather than obedience to a set of things we have to do to be saved. Acts 2:38 tells us what we are to do in response to God's Gospel message in Christ: believe-repent. It tells us what the Church does to welcome us into the Body of Christ: water-baptize us. It tells us what God does to place us in Christ: Spirit-baptize us. This is a chapter of the whole book which can be ordered through our Online Bookstore.

Can the Gospel Be Fractured? A Response to the "Full Gospel" Theology (2-19-03) This is one of the most important subjects that I have written about. I have not finished the book as of yet. But, I have presented this subject several times. I have created a link to a PowerPoint presentation that you can view in your web browser. Be advised that it is graphic intensive and may be slow to load by dial-up connections. I feel is it worth the effort to view this material. I believe it is a significant response to the view that Christians need a "second blessing" beyond that which comes through faith in the Gospel. The "full gospel" concept has seriously weakened the power of the Gospel in many Christians' lives. Only when we realize that the full blessing of salvation comes to us in an unbroken Gospel, can we truly know all the riches of salvation that God has for us.

An Explanation of the Focus of My Writings (1-02-03) (PDF format) A good amount of my writings have focused on water baptism. There is a good reason for this. I believe it is the focal point for those who follow what I used to teach while in the UPCI - that water baptism is the only means of sins remission. The result is that justification by faith is lost or greatly distorted by being replaced. Because God has opened my heart to understand the Gospel; and because He has done that through opening my understanding to the biblical meaning of justification by faith: I desire to tell everyone about the Gospel and the vital meaning of justification, especially those from my previous background. I find that this truth is very difficult, if not impossible for most in the UPCI to come to grips with, because of their inordinate focus on water baptism. There are many other very serious and equally important topics and doctrines to write about. Our plans include many of these subjects. This paper explains in more detail why I have focused so much on water baptism.

When is the Blood Applied? Part One  [This is the first of four parts] (12-10-02) (PDF format) While many believe that Jesus shed His blood to take away their sins, they don’t agree about how we may obtain, appropriate or apply that blood personally. Different groups within Christianity have their distinctive expectations of how the recipients of salvation should appropriate it. A group’s requirements for appropriating Christ’s blood becomes their most distinguishing theological mark. The issue of the blood leads to a more fundamental question: “What does the Bible say is necessary for a person to obtain salvation?” This is the test of all groups, and determines whether they are “honoring the blood” or are preaching “another gospel.” This is a chapter of the whole book which can be ordered through our Online Bookstore.

Who Carried Out the Plan of Salvation? (PDF format) (12-10-02) The teaching that we must follow the plan of salvation are mistaken. Those who teach this make the serious mistake of thinking that we carry out the plan of salvation. It is not the believer who follows or carries out the plan of salvation. It is Christ Himself.

Do We Reenact Christ’s Work or Do We Rehearse It? (PDF format) (12-10-02) Some groups teach that salvation is applied when the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus are reenacted by obeying Acts 2:38. The Bible does not teach us to reenact Christ's work. It teaches us to rehearse it. Read this article to see the difference between Reenacting and Rehearsing the Gospel.

What is "Justification by Faith"? (PDF format) (11-25-02) Many of you have written about how much ICA! writings on justification have helped you. I am thrilled! At the same time, there are those who find the subject of justification foreign or hard to incorporate into their thinking. Many from a Pentecostal background find this subject hard to relate to because of their upbringing. I offer this brief overview of justification by faith to help. If you have someone asking "What is justification by faith" you may want to offer this article as a starter.

Meaning & Method of Justification (8-24-02) Incredibly, there are a great many readers of the Bible who neither understand the meaning of justification, nor know how it works. How can such a vital truth be so foreign to Bible believing Christians? It happens because it is not studied, taught and believed by enough Christian leaders. We at ICA! pray that more ministers will take this truth more seriously. It is our desire that leaders of churches will study in-depth, teach and preach the great, essential truth of justification by faith to their congregations. This short piece, along with the others on this page, are offered to this end.

What God Has Already Done (8-15-02) Salvation is not about what we "must do," but about what God has already done in Jesus Christ on our behalf.

Outside the Believer (8-07-02) One of difficulties people have understanding justification by faith is they do not grasp the significance of Christ's work outside the believer. Faith in the work done outside of us is the heart of the Gospel.

What Does it Mean to be a Holy Person? (8-07-02) In J. C. Ryle's classic work Holiness he gives one of the best descriptions of what it means to be a holy person. Notice that Ryle does not teach that personal holiness obtains salvation but is the result of it. In addition, holiness does not preclude the battle the believer has with the sin nature. Also, notice that none of the descriptions speak of any of the eccentric "house rules" or extra-biblical "holiness codes" that many groups force on their members today. It is the character of Christ and not the "commandments of men" that describes or defines true Biblical holiness.

Zeal Without Knowledge (8-07-02) R. C. Sproul is one of the most prolific and respected Christian writers today. He has published a tremendous amount books and articles on the nature and importance of the Gospel. Many do not know that R. C. was once a part of the Charismatic renewal early in his ministry. I believe his personal reflections on that experience is very important for Pentecostals and Charismatics today. While they may not agree with R.C.'s conclusions, his challenges to the theology behind their positions calls for serious reevaluation.

Two Problems in Trusting Experience Over the Gospel (7-26-02) I receive many questions in which people resort to their personal experience to challenge my view of the Gospel. Rather than discuss the passages of Scripture about the Gospel, they say they know the truth by what they have experienced. Others believe that I have "denied" my experience because of what I teach. This article addresses some of those comments and issues. This article is part of a larger paper called Truth and Experience coming out shortly. (The  same article is in PDF format)

Something Other Than the Gospel (7-26-02) As Robert Brinsmead has well stated, "When a fellowship is based on something other than the gospel, that 'something' is in serious danger of becoming another gospel." The sectarian spirit places something over the gospel and works to divide the church.

The Difference Between Religion and Christianity (7-18-02) A simple way of describing the difference is found in the difference between two words: DO and DONE.

Why Good Works Cannot Save Us (7-18-02) Here are five reason why we cannot trust in our own works to be saved. The only way we can be saved is to trust in the work of Jesus Christ. He alone has accomplished what God requires for our salvation.

Quotes and Selections (7-8-02)This page features occasional quotations and selections from sources I am reading. They are short but poignant statements of insight which may help you to better understand or appreciate the meaning of God's love, mercy and grace given to us through Jesus Christ.

Newsletter Archives

The Proper View of Grace: Is Grace a "Substance" or a Relationship with God? Part One  (4-23-02) Saying that we believe in grace does not mean we believe in the grace of Scripture. There is a significant difference between grace as a substance working in us and a relationship with God which is provided by Christ who is "outside" of us. This is a chapter of the whole book which can be ordered through our Online Bookstore.

Questions About Grace (3-4-02) Along with this page I include another containing my response to a letter from someone asking whether we are saved by "grace alone." Does "Grace Alone" Save Us?

The Book of Romans and the UPCI (2-20-02)

What Happened in Acts? (2-20-02) This page begins a four-part series from the Book of Acts. The others will be on Jerusalem, Samaria, and Ephesus. The purpose of this series is to examine the chief passages which I believe are misunderstood as to their meaning for us today. If we do not properly understand what God was doing at Caesarea, we may place our faith in a whole set of doctrines which are alien to what the apostles and the earliest Church believed. Since coming to the knowledge of the truth of justification by faith in Christ alone, I have spent a great amount of time reexamining my understanding of the Book of Acts. I honestly admit that I used to read the story of Caesarea through Pentecostal eyes rather than through the Gospel.  What I share in this series may unsettle (and even anger) many of those who are Pentecostal. Please, hear me out. My motive is not to destroy what you believe, but, instead, to encourage you in being true to Scripture and Christ. I am deeply convinced that we must strive to accurately grasp the meaning of Acts, and be willing to change our convictions no matter how much they conflict with our traditions and upbringing. If we are not courageous to face the truth, we will risk suppressing or losing the Gospel itself.

The Plan of Salvation as an 'Accordion' Phrase (12-15-01) This paper is excerpted from the larger "The True 'Plan of Salvation'" I have excerpted these to make them more readable for many visitors. However, for those who wish to read the paper in its entirety (and who are really determined and patient people) I have posted the full text (as below).

Christian Foreign Missions (9-25-01) 

In Christ Alone! Ministries' mission is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. We would like to recognize and promote a special missions ministry called Advancing Native Missions. If you are interested in the spread of the Gospel world-wide please follow the link above. We strongly commend this work to pastors who desire to more effectively utilize missions funds and resources in their local churches.

The Empty Hand of Faith (4-15-01) This is link to a brief explanation, by Dr. James R. White, of the nature of faith. It is brief, simple and yet profound. I believe that the disputes over the nature of the Gospel are perpetuated by disagreements over the nature of faith. Those who see faith as obedience - whatever the form or degree - must have, by necessity, significantly different views the nature of the Gospel. Those who see faith as utter dependence on the work of Christ believe in a Gospel which is all of Grace.

"Born of Water" as Figurative (Part One) (4-09-01) This is the fourth part of the series posted below entitled:  "What Does It Mean To Be 'Born Again'?

• PDF Format

• Word Document

• WordPerfect Document

Coming!   (3-02-01) This page is to announce new items coming to the ICA! web site. 

So Great Salvation (3-02-01) - Here is an excellent Bible study series that leads one into the basics of the Gospel. I would encourage you to use this to lead a study to help others understand the fundamentals of salvation. This would be excellent for a church Bible study, Sunday School series, or a home evangelistic Bible study. It was recommended by our good friend Gary Conwell. It is freeware and can be reproduced free as long as it is not sold for profit. If you use it please consider sending a gift to the authors. This file is PDF format and will require Acrobat Reader to open it. Download the Reader free from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

The Gospel from God's Perspective  (3-02-01) Matthew Boedy - Excellent article on understanding the Gospel from God's perspective.  This link will take you out of ICA! web site. Press your back button to return.

Conversions in the Book of Acts (2-24-01) What is the most common concept or term associated with conversion in the Book of Acts? Check out this chart and do you own comparison of terms.

Does "Birth of Water" Refer to Water Baptism? (2-18-01) This is the third part of the series posted below entitled: "What Does It Mean To Be 'Born Again'?

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Next Issue (Fifth) in this series: "Born of Water" As Figurative (Part Two)

Memorandum: (2-11-01) This page is for brief notices or important summary of information we wish to share with our visitors to In Christ Alone! web sit. As various concerns arise we will post our position or opinion.

"What Does It Mean To Be 'Born Again'?" (2-5-01) 

• Many of you have inquired about when this material would be posted. Here are the first two installments. This is a very important subject. 

• What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus, "You must be born again?" Why do we need to be "born again"? Does the phrase "born of water and Spirit" refer to either water baptism or the Baptism of the Spirit? How have the different denominations and Church traditions answered this question? Who is right?

• Is "born again" the same as regeneration? Is it necessary for salvation? Is it a plan of salvation for us to obey in order to be saved?

• If you are interested the history of the New Birth doctrine in Church history in general, you will find this very helpful. What did the Pietists, Anabaptist, Holiness Movement, Keswick or early Pentecostals believe about the New Birth? What about the mainline denominations: Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptists and Methodists teach? How about Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, George Whitefield, Charles Finney, Edward Irving, Asa Mahan, Phoebe Palmer, A. B. Simpson, A. J. Gordon, E. W. Kenyon, Charles Parham, or William Durham claim for the meaning of the New Birth?

• If you are either a former or present member of the United Pentecostal Church, this information will be even more enlightening. You might be surprised about the origin of the  New Birth doctrine. Was it a fresh biblical revelation returning us to the apostles' doctrine, or was it the result of the convergence of several theological streams of thought? In this section I will look closely at three of the most influential teachers of the New Birth: Frank J. Ewart, G. T. Haywood, and A. D. Urshan.

• I also will address a number of issues relative to salvation, regeneration, justification, water baptism, baptismal remission, baptismal regeneration, Spirit Baptism, Pentecostalism. Is the "water" Jesus spoke of literal, was it water baptism, or was it figurative? How did Jesus use the word "water" in the Book of John? You will find  I address specific issues pertaining to Spirit Baptism, such as subsequence and speaking with tongues as the evidence of Spirit Baptism, with some answers to the question: "What was the Book of Acts all about?"

• What must we do to be born again? What does it mean to be "born again by the Word of God"? 

"What is the Problem with 'Faith Alone'?" (1-06-01) People say to me that simply having faith is not enough to be saved. I believe this reveals a fatal misunderstanding of the Gospel. Check out this article if you have problems with "Faith Alone."

The Blueprint for the Gospel? by author and radio host Todd Wilken (1-07-01) On October 31, 1999 The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification was signed. It is considered an agreement by Lutherans and Catholics on the Doctrine of Salvation. But is it? Todd Wilken give solids answers to this questions. He says succinctly, "If you get Justification wrong, you get the Gospel wrong. When we are talking about the doctrine of Justification, we are talking about the Gospel itself. We're talking about the saving work of Jesus on the cross."

Season's Blessings to all of you!! (12-23-00)

"Falling Through the Porch" (12-23-00) How my grandfather taught me the meaning of Christmas.

Uniqueness of Christianity (11-30-00) What is the one thing about the Christian faith that is different from all other religions? Read this piece by Philip Yancy.

Jesus Is Free (11-30-00)  Too many Christians are being "charged" for the Gospel, How expensive should Christianity be? What should the sinner pay for the mercy of the Savior?

The Greatest of These (11-30-00 ) Wouldn't it be great to love God and others without pretension and ulterior motives? Don't you long to stop the game-playing in your relationships and just serve people selflessly with out fear or worry of what might happen? You can!

How Many Stages? (11-12-00)This is one of the most important pieces posted on this site. It directly addresses the issue of whether one must have saving works of grace subsequent to and beyond that of justification by faith. My hope is that all of you will read this and the linked book by H. A. Ironside. It is a classic!

Our Righteousness Can't Do It (11-11-00) This is another wonderful chapter from Jeff Harkin's books (Celebration of Grace or Grace Plus Nothing). Jeff has given us permission to post more of these chapters. I believe the truth of this chapter is absolutely essential to understanding the truth of the Gospel.

In Christ Alone! Ministries Questions an Answers (10-25-00) We have received a great many questions. We are excited about the possibilities a Q&A page creates. This  page provides brief answers to a variety of your questions. This is only a sample. If you have any questions for this page go to the Feedback page or call us toll-free (877) 386-5619

"How To Find a Gospel Preaching Church" (10-25-00) A number of people ask us how to find a good church. While this page does not pretend to address all the issues, we hope that it can provide a good start. Or, it may be helpful to pastors and ministers in evaluating their own ministry.

"Celebration of Grace"  (10-25-00) For those who are trying to obtain Jeff Harkin's book, "Grace Plus Nothing," we have information for you.