Brian Dainsberg

REGRETS I DON’T WANT TO HAVE ON MY DEATHBED

God wants us to think about the shortness of our lives (Psalm 90:12; James 4:14). He wants us to ponder eternity (1 Pet. 1:3-9). Being a pastor allows me the privilege of staying close to suffering, sickness, and death. Yes, it’s a privilege. And without fail, it provides numerous opportunities for reflection. Here are a few…

Read More

BIBLE JARGON: REPENTANCE

Christians throw around Bible jargon often, but do we stop to look closely how Scripture defines those words? So far we have considered: justification, sanctification, and redemption. We’ll do one more today: repentance. As always, we must start with Scripture to construct a definition of the term. The very first person to use the term…

Read More

BIBLE JARGON: REDEMPTION

Christians throw around Bible jargon often, but I’ve often wondered a couple of things regarding that practice. First, do the Christians who use those words truly know what the words means? And second, do people who are new to Christianity or are curious about it know what those words mean? This blog series will attempt…

Read More

BIBLE JARGON: SANCTIFICATION

Christians throw around Bible jargon often, but I’ve often wondered a couple of things regarding that practice. First, do the Christians who use those words truly know what the words means? And second, do people who are new to Christianity or are curious about it know what those words mean? This blog series will attempt…

Read More

BIBLE JARGON: JUSTIFICATION

Christians throw around Bible jargon often, but I’ve often wondered a couple of things regarding that practice. First, do the Christians who use those words truly know what the words mean? And second, do people who are new to Christianity, or are curious about it, know what those words mean? This blog series will attempt…

Read More

SCIENCE ISN’T THE ONLY OPTION FOR DETERMINING WHAT’S TRUE

The scientist: Scientist: I establish what is true based on science. Science is my highest authority. Question: How do you determine science is your highest authority?Scientist: Through science. The Christian: Christian: I establish what is true based on Scripture. Scripture is my highest authority.Question: How do you determine Scripture is your highest authority?Christian: Through Scripture. Imagine a…

Read More

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’VE REALLY ENCOUNTERED GOD?

Have you ever had friend tell you about a new restaurant in town that you absolutely need to try out? And maybe the first time they told you about it, you listened as they raved about it and thought “OK, that’s nice. I’ll have to try it sometime.” A month later your friend asks you,…

Read More

HOW WERE OLD TESTAMENT BELIEVERS SAVED?

One question I’ve heard a number of times is: “How were Old Testament believers saved?” Mark Dever answers this question succinctly. To expound this a bit further, In Romans 4, Paul argues Christians are saved by grace not works. He quotes Genesis 15:6, “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.” What…

Read More

DOES SUFFERING MEAN GOD IS ANGRY WITH ME?

At Alliance Bible Church, we’ve been in a sermon series this summer called “You Asked for it.” We’ve been answering questions submitted by our wonderful people. Not all can be addressed in a sermon, so I’m taking on a few more here. And this question is an interesting one: Does suffering mean God is angry…

Read More

GENDER ROLES: WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE PASTOR/CHURCH?

I believe those who disagree on gender roles in marriage and the church can be true believers in Christ. In other words, this isn’t an issue of “cardinal doctrine.” I would hope all Christians would concur that “complementarians” and “egalitarians” are within the umbrella of orthodox Christianity.  So what are the implications of disagreeing with…

Read More