Paul Ellis's Blog, page 16

What is the Modern Grace Message?

A man once asked me a question: “I want to show my friends that the gospel of grace is not the latest fad. Can you direct me to some early church teachings on grace?”

I replied, “How about the New Testament? Much of what I know about grace comes straight from the life of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles.”

Those opposed to the gospel of grace often dismiss it as the modern grace message. They say it is a passing fad.

It is anything but.

A modern grace message?

What is th...

Last chance to get “The Happy, Wondrous, Divine Exchange”

Just a gentle reminder that you have about 24 hours to take advantage of our special offer.

“What special offer?”

Sign up as a patron by Saturday and you will receive my latest ebook, The Happy, Wondrous, Divine Exchange. My book tells the story of the world’s most popular sermon, as told by everyone from the Church Fathers down to the present day.

My new ebook is a timeless portrayal of the Easter message and it is free for patrons and supporters.

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The World’s Most Popular Sermon

Many years ago I heard a sermon that radically changed my understanding of the cross. The sermon was recorded on a cassette tape in 1987, and it is no exaggeration to say that this was one of the most influential sermons in my journey to grace.

And it is this year’s Classic Sermon!

Every couple of years or so I release a classic sermon, and this year’s sermon is off the charts. In fact, it may the most popular sermon in the world.

No, I am not referring to the Sermon on the Mount wh...

Is God’s Love Unconditional?

“Is God’s love really unconditional? The phrase unconditional love is not even in the Bible!”

Ever heard that one? How about this one:

“God’s love is unconditional, but…”

Statements like these make me shake my head in wonder.

What do you think the word love means?

Is God’s love unconditional? It must be, otherwise it is not love. There are no ifs, buts, and maybes when it comes to love.

“But ‘unconditional love’ is not in the Bible.”

Sure it is. It’s in plenty of place...

What is the Hour of Testing Coming on the Whole World?

Once again, the world seems on the brink of destruction. Pandemics, terrorism, nuclear threats. Could this be the end?

It probably isn’t, but it is an excellent time to discuss “the hour of testing” that Jesus mentioned in his letter to the church in Philadelphia:

Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:10)

What is the ...

What does the Bible Say About the Flesh?

The flesh is one of the most confusing words in the Bible. What does it mean? And is the flesh good or bad?

Why did Paul say he was alive in the flesh but then say he had crucified the flesh? Why does he say the body of the flesh has been circumcised (so it’s gone, right), then say he served sin with his flesh (no wait, it’s back!).

It doesn’t make sense.

Nor does it help when some Bibles mistranslate the original word for flesh (sarx) as sinful nature. (I’m looking at you New ...

Are Women Weaker Vessels?

Running through the tapestry of human history is a sexist thread that says women are weaker and inferior to men. They are second-born and second-best.

This is what the philosophers and rabbis taught, as did the Church Fathers and theologians. John Chrysostom said the women in the Bible were occasionally admirable, “yet did they in no case outstrip the men, but occupied the second rank.”

John Calvin, the so-called reformer, said:

Let the woman be satisfied with her state of subjecti...

Did Paul Preach a Different Gospel?

Read the New Testament and you might come away with the idea that there is more than one gospel.

The very first words of the New Testament in the King James Bible are, “The Gospel According to Matthew.” Read on and you will also find the gospels according to Mark, Luke, and John.

In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, we find Jesus preaching the gospel of the kingdom, while Mark refers to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the gospel of God.

The word gospel does not appear in John’s Gospel...

All Your Questions Answered

Do you have questions about God, the Bible, the church, money, parenting, sin, and life in general?

Over the past few weeks I have revamped E2R’s questions page. More than 400 questions are now organized by topic to make it easier for you to find the answers you are looking for.

Check it out: https://escapetoreality.org/faqs/

If you find this page useful, tell your friends.

Grace and peace,

Paul

What is a Biblical Definition of Faith?

What is faith?

We talk about faith all the time, but what is it? Do you know what faith is? Of course you do, right?

Are you sure?

Maybe a better question to ask is, “Do I have a Biblical definition of faith?”

Contrary to what you may have heard, faith is not wishful thinking or some sort of spiritual currency that you trade for heavenly favors. Nor is faith something you manufacture through sheer determination.

So what is faith?

Here’s my definition: Faith is knowing and t...