• Posted by Peter Smythe
  • On 22 August 2007

  • Filed under Miscellaneous

Best of Smythe

While we publish our essays as stand-alone articles, they all possess a common thread or line of thinking with our other pieces (it is just one Gospel). We’ve put together this Top Pick list of some of our best work and our take on the subject matter. For a comprehensive list on all topics, including these, please go to our Index of Essays page.

The “Sinner Saved By Grace” Series

In thousands of churches each Sunday Christians are characterized as being “sinners saved by grace” although that phrase is not to be found anywhere in the New Testament. While those adopting the moniker might have the best of intentions, the question is whether it is scripturally accurate. In a series of essays we demonstrate that Christians are not sinners, but saints.

Jesus Prays the Psalms

While the ordinary Sunday sermon may use the psalms as a modern self-help pick-me-up, the New Testament demonstrates that many, if not most, of the psalms speak of Jesus and His work of redemption. These essays delve into how many of the psalms are actually the first-person prayers of Jesus Himself.

Jesus’s Descent Into Hell

While modern theology has more or less decried the notion that Jesus descended into hell as part of His work of redemption, we are not in that group. These essays speak to the New Testament’s revelation of the depth of His sacrifice.

The Redemptive Voice Over

In today’s preaching, while there is much use of the Old Testament for sermon material, there is a paucity of teaching of just what relevance the Old Testament has for Christians today. These essays demonstrate the proper “figural” meaning of the Old Testament passages.

Healing

These essays establish the redemptive fact that divine healing is part and parcel of the New Covenant.

View From the Pew

In practically every profession, there is a continual need for honest feedback and criticism. The ministry appears to be the lone exception. These essays are written to ministers from “a view from the pew,” the perspective of an educated believer who is concerned about the viability of real ministry and the ministry gifts.