Resources by Topic: Doctrine and Theology

God’s character is not a menu where you choose the attributes you like and forget the other ones. To worship the true God of Scripture, we must see Him as all that He is, not just part of who He is.

If your grumpy neighbor asks, “What are you up to?” you’ll see it as a suspicious, condemning question. But if your cheerful neighbor asks the same thing, you’ll smile and talk about your plans. We interpret people’s words according to how we perceive their character and outlook. So it is with our view of God.

God is good. But until we understand the truth that He is not safe, that He is not under our control, until we come to grips with His holy majesty, transcendence, and utter independence, we will never begin to appreciate His fascinating and awe-inspiring character. 

Ollie is the viewpoint character, so he speaks from his perspective: “Why would anyone want to go to heaven? When my grandmother spoke about heaven, it was the last place I wanted to go. Who wants to be a ghost anyway?"

Question from a reader: How do Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) beliefs differ from evangelical Christian beliefs?

In my opinion some of the most judgmental thinking surfaces when someone makes the accusation of being judgmental—as if that accusation is the only one immune to being made with a judgmental spirit. 

I think the very fact that He’s unhappy with sin is an indicator that sin is what robs people of happiness. So He’s happy with that which is not only in conformity to His holy standards, but also that which is in conformity to His happiness and delight.

In her latest video, [former] EPM staffer Julia (Stager) Mayo gives some very helpful guidelines for interpreting the Bible. I think you’ll really enjoy her insights.

The biggest mistake in studying this issue is selecting those passages that most fit with what a person already believes. We should study the “whole counsel of God,” not ignoring or twisting or interpreting away those passages that challenge our position. 

Do you know the differences between the Jewish Bible, the Roman Catholic Bible, the Eastern Orthodox Bible and the Protestant Bible? 

In his book Delighting in the Trinity, Michael Reeves writes, “The Trinity is the cockpit of all Christian thinking.” As such, it’s a doctrine well worth contemplating, even if we can’t fully understand it. 

God is the Great Storyteller. With grand artistry, He brings forth a beautiful world in a spectacular universe. As the culmination of His creativity, He fashions Adam and Eve. He could have shielded them from Satan’s temptations, warding off evil, suffering and humanity’s curse. But He didn’t. So the man and woman rebel against God, and evil enters the world.

This video is a clear, concise and engaging explanation of the Gospel in less than 3 minutes—don't miss it! You may want to pass it on to others.

In part one of this thoughtful two part video series on the atonement, [former] EPM staffer Julia (Stager) Mayo talks about why the cross was necessary.