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Salvation

Nov 11
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Do All Roads Really Lead to Heaven?

By Cross, Eternity, Heaven, Salvation No Comments

One of the most popular religious assumptions of our day is that all roads eventually lead to heaven. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or some combination of spiritual traditions are commonly presented as equally valid paths to the same destination. As long as we are sincere, many insist, what we believe matters far less than how deeply we believe it.

But is that true? Do all religions basically make the same points in different ways? Do all of us worship the same God, no matter what we call Him or say about Him? Despite the temptation to affirm these sentiments in the name of tolerance and inclusion, doing so requires ignoring the fundamentally different claims varying religions make about God, humanity, sin, and salvation.

More importantly, these ecumenical assumptions directly contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ. On the night before His crucifixion, after informing His disciples that He would soon depart to prepare a place for them, the Savior promised that they would eventually join Him (John 14:1-3). Confused by these announcements, Thomas asked how they could possibly know the way to their heavenly destination.

Jesus responded in no uncertain terms, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Think about the audacity of these words. Jesus did not merely claim to know the way to heaven. He declared Himself to be the way. He did not simply promise to teach truth. Instead, He insisted that He is the truth. Neither did He flippantly offer to improve our lives. Jesus identified Himself as the very source of life.

Because of claims like these, C.S. Lewis famously remarked that Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. His observation underscores the unavoidable implications of Christ’s claims. Either Jesus was deliberately deceiving His disciples, or He was telling the truth. Either Jesus was tragically mistaken, or He knew exactly what He was saying. Either Jesus’ claims are false, or He really is the promised Savior of the world. A straightforward affirmation of Christ’s words leads to at least three exclusive conclusions.

First, Jesus is the only way to God. Our greatest problem is not economic inequality, political instability, or even physical suffering. The most devastating reality we face is our sinfulness, which relationally separates us from God, bringing certain death (Isa. 59:2). No one is exempt from the corruption of a wicked heart and its actions (Rom. 3:23).

Consequently, no amount of good behavior can erase our guilt. Religious ceremonies cannot remove our transgressions. Acts of kindness cannot compensate for our rebellion. Becoming a better person will never reconcile us to God (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Thus, Jesus came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves.

On the cross, He bore the judgment sinners deserve (1 Pet. 3:18). Through His resurrection, He conquered our fallen nature and the death it brings (1 Cor. 15:54-57). Stated differently, Jesus did not come to point the way home to God; He came to be our way home.

Second, Jesus is the definitive revelation of truth. When Christ claims to be the truth, He is asserting far more than personal honesty or intellectual reliability. Contextually, He is revealing Himself as the perfect revelation of God the Father (see also John 1:14, 18). Want to know what God is like? Look at Jesus. Want to understand God’s character? Study Jesus. Want to see the holiness, compassion, righteousness, and love of God? Examine Jesus (John 14:9; Col. 1:15).

Sadly, we live in a culture that increasingly treats truth as a matter of personal preference. We speak of “your truth” and “my truth” as though reality changes according to individual desires. The error of such logic is that truth does not become false because we choose to reject it, nor does falsehood become true because we elect to embrace it.

Because Jesus is truth, we must not redefine God according to our preferences, rewrite Scripture to accommodate our desires, or reinvent the Son of God with hopes of making Him more culturally acceptable (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Too many people want Christ’s compassion without His commands, His blessings without His authority, His promises without His demands, and His salvation without His lordship (Luke 6:46).

Third, Jesus is the only source of eternal life. Not surprisingly, Scripture describes those who do not know Christ as spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Jesus did not come merely to improve the life we already possess; He came to call us from death to life (Eph. 2:4-5).

Eternal life begins the moment we are born again through faith in Christ (John 5:24; 17:3). We can experience joy in our relationship with God, strength to resist temptation, hope during difficult days, and peace in the midst of trials (Rom. 5:1-2; 1 Cor. 10:13). The life Jesus offers is not merely a future promise; it is a present possession that transforms how we live today. If that weren’t enough, Jesus is also preparing a home for us in heaven, where we will live with Him forever (John 14:2-3).

Admittedly, the exclusivity of Jesus’ claims makes some uncomfortable. Yet, His words leave no room for misunderstanding (Acts 4:12). The Savior insists that He is the only way to heaven. Think about it. If we could be good enough to earn heaven, why did Jesus choose to die? If every religion can reconcile sinners to God, why was the cross necessary? If sincerity alone can save us, why would Christ sacrifice Himself?

The answer is that no other way could accomplish our redemption (1 Tim. 2:5-6). Despite the exclusivity of the cross, however, the invitation for salvation remains universal. Regardless of your past and your failures, whosoever will call on the name of the Lord can be saved (Rom. 10:13). There is only one way to God, but that way is open to anyone who will come through Jesus Christ.

Adam B. Dooley
November 11, 2026

Nov 04
Love0

Death Is Not the End—for Anyone

By Eternity, Hope, Resurrection, Salvation No Comments

Technology entrepreneur Bryan Johnson is spending millions of dollars in an ambitious effort to overcome aging and extend his life. His elaborate regimen includes strict dietary restrictions, rigorous exercise, extensive medical monitoring, and experimental treatments. His Don’t Die movement even boasts, “We might be the first generation that doesn’t die.”

Despite numerous extraordinary advances in medicine, technology, and science, however, humanity has yet to discover a way to eliminate death. We can postpone it, predict its arrival, and mourn its consequences, but we are unable to escape its inevitability. Death is the one appointment no human being can avoid.

Thankfully, Jesus came to conquer the one problem we cannot overcome. One of the Bible’s most astonishing claims is that death will not have the final word for anyone. Every person who has ever lived will one day rise from the grave. The question is not whether we will live again, but what kind of eternity awaits us.

The story of Lazarus’ resurrection after four days is breathtaking (John 11). With just a word from Jesus, the dead man, already decaying, walked out of the grave very much alive (John 11:43-44). The one death had swallowed was now standing in victory! What we sometimes miss, though, is that the miracle that brought Lazarus out of the grave sets into motion the events that will put Jesus in one (John 11:53). And that is exactly the point.

Jesus declared that He is the resurrection and the life because He intended to restore the eternal life that was lost in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1-6). And how would He do it? After His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus rose from the grave with a glorified body that, unlike Lazarus’, would never die again. Our Savior’s resurrection was not merely a temporary reversal of death, but a permanent victory that He offers to share with us.

Thus, the Apostle Paul refers to Christ as “the first fruits” of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20). In other words, because He was raised from the dead there are two resurrections that will follow in the future. First, all Christians will soon rise from the grave as well. Those who belong to Christ can rest easy knowing that we will live again even if we die (John 11:25).

Believers still get sick, grow old, and suffer. Faith in Christ does not exempt us from the painful realities of a fallen world, nor does He offer an avenue to sidestep the grim reaper. Yet, Jesus promises that through Him we can overcome death with greater profundity than even Lazarus knew. These bodies of ours, like seeds, are sown perishable but raised imperishable; sown in dishonor but raised in glory; sown in weakness but raised in power (1 Cor. 15:42-44).

Think about the glorious implications. The godly parent you long to see again will one day rise. The believer whose body deteriorated from disease will be whole again. The child of God whose life ended abruptly will gain a new lease on life. Christians who have been dead for centuries will hear the voice of Jesus and leave their burial clothes behind for good.

Whether we wait four days like Lazarus or thousands of years, the passing of time cannot weaken the promises of God or diminish the power of the ONE who is the resurrection and the life. Because Jesus lives, we will also.

Yet, the resurrection is not exclusively a promise of hope; for those who reject Christ, it is also a warning of judgment. Non-Christians will also rise from the dead to live forever somewhere. Jesus Himself explained this nuance by insisting that believers will experience a resurrection of life while unbelievers will face a resurrection of judgment (John 5:28-29). Specifically, this is a reference to the Great White Throne Judgment.

The Apostle John described the terrible scene: “I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne . . . and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. . . . And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:12-15). Those outside of Christ will answer to God for their sins.

The ramifications are sobering. You cannot escape God by dying. The grave offers no refuge from divine judgment. There will be no eternal party in hell among friends who also rejected Christ and ignored His commands. Every person will one day be raised from the dead, but not everyone will be raised to enjoy eternal life with God.

The biblical doctrine of resurrection is not only a comforting promise for grieving Christians, but it is also a solemn admonition to those who remain outside of Christ. One day, every grave will surrender its occupant. All people will stand before the God who created them. The only hope of escaping eternal judgment is the Savior who conquered death through His own resurrection. Everyone will live again. The question is where, and with whom, you will spend eternity.

Adam B. Dooley
November 4, 2026

Aug 05
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When Doubt Meets Grace

By Assurance, Doubt, Grace, Salvation No Comments

Certainty has become a rare commodity in our world. News headlines often project political views rather than reality. Our distrust for politicians, journalists, and corporations is at an all-time high. The days of taking anything at face value seem to be a distant memory that may never return.

Eventually, that same skepticism reaches the most important question of all. Can I really know that I belong to God? Am I truly born again? Is my salvation real? Was my faith genuine? Did I really mean it? What if I was mistaken?

Thankfully, the Bible offers guidance saturated with grace as we wrestle with doubts like these. The Apostle John wrote an entire epistle with the single aim of helping his readers know that they had eternal life (1 John 5:13). Such confidence may be rarer than ever, but it is essential for a thriving walk with the Lord.

A soldier who doubts his commander will hesitate in battle. A child who questions his father’s love will lack peace and security. Likewise, a Christian who constantly disputes his salvation will struggle with consistency and boldness in the faith. In fact, one of Satan’s favorite tactics is convincing genuine believers that they can never be certain that Christ has saved them (Eph. 6:11; 2 Cor. 11:3).

So, what are the unmistakable signs that a person is assuredly saved?

First, the Holy Spirit will continually point us back to Jesus. The role of the Trinity’s third member has never been about drawing attention to Himself. Instead, He constantly glorifies Christ (John 16:13-14), bearing witness that He is the Son of God (1 John 5:6-8).

At Jesus’ baptism, God the Father announced His identity (Matt. 3:16-17). At His crucifixion, the supernatural signs surrounding the cross confirmed His mission (Matt. 27:45-54). At His resurrection, Christ forever proved His victory over sin and death (Rom. 1:4). The Holy Spirt takes these historical realities and woos us with their veracity, compelling us to trust Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Too many people make the mistake of searching for peace by seeking emotional experiences or by measuring spiritual accomplishments. Sadly, efforts like these never bring the assurance that we long for. The great reformer, Martin Luther, once confessed that the harder he worked to earn God’s favor, the more uncertain he became. Every act of discipline left him wondering if it was enough.

Amidst our similar struggles, the Holy Spirit is always there to remind us that Jesus is enough. His blood cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Forgiveness comes through the gracious work of His cross, not as a result of our good works (Eph. 2:8-9). We trust His finished work, not our unfinished efforts (John 19:30). The Comforter consistently whispers, “Look upon Him and be saved (Isa. 45:22).”

Next, the Holy Spirit produces evidence of new life within us. He testifies to us internally that we are born again (Rom. 8:15-16). He transforms our desires (Phil. 2:13). He convicts us when we disobey (John 16:8). He grows our love for our Savior, the Bible, and the people of God (Rom. 5:5). Though Scripture nowhere suggests that Christians can become sinless (1 John 1:8-10), it does teach us that believers cannot feel at home in their sins (1 John 3:9). Even when we stumble, the Holy Spirit is there to draw us back to repentance and faith continually.

As we examine ourselves to test the validity of our faith (2 Cor. 13:5), numerous questions are helpful. Has my heart changed (Matt. 7:16-20)? Do I love Jesus more than I once did (Matt. 10:37)? Do I hunger for God’s Word (1 Pet. 2:2)? Do I desire holiness (Heb. 12:14)? Do I sincerely love other believers (1 John 3:14; 4:7)? While these qualities do not save us, they reveal the reality of an inward transformation that is already taking place.

Finally, the Holy Spirit leverages Scripture to confirm His work within us. The Bible is often the Spirit’s sharpest tool for conforming our lives to Christ (Heb. 4:12). Because God will never lead us to contradict His Word, we should affirm Scripture’s inspiration and sufficiency without hesitation (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21). Every chapter and verse ultimately points us to Christ (Luke 24:27), even as it becomes a manual for righteous living (2 Tim. 3:17).

Governments change. Economies fluctuate. Cultures drift. Feelings come and go. Our own hearts often deceive us (Jer. 17:9). But Christ never changes. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Build your assurance upon Him, not yourself (John 10:27-29). God does not want His children living in perpetual uncertainty. He invites us to trust His Son, believe His promises, and rest in the testimony of the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:9-13). When we do, grace will overcome every doubt.

John the apostle wrote so that you could know.
God wants you to know.
Do you know?

Adam B. Dooley
August 5, 2026

Jul 08
Love0

The Pesky Reality About Our Trials

By Christian Living, Heaven, Salvation No Comments

None of us ever ask God for trials.

We pray for healing instead of sickness, peace instead of conflict, and provision instead of uncertainty. Adversity interrupts our plans, steals our comfort, and exposes our weaknesses. Hardship arrives uninvited, overstays its welcome, and forces us to ask questions we never expected to face. These intrusions are pesky because of the havoc they wreak.

The most disconcerting reality about life’s troubles, though, is not found in the wake of its collateral damage. The greatest nuisance is not the pain our trials bring but the truth they expose. In one sense, our burdens build faith into our lives in a profound way (James 1:2-4). But, in a different sense entirely, our problems have a way of exposing genuine devotion to Christ or the lack thereof.

Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount with a familiar story about two men who built two houses on two contrasting foundations (Matt. 7:24-27). Outwardly, the homes appeared nearly identical. Their materials were the same and their design was consistent. The difference, however, remained unseen to the human eye beneath the surface. The first house enjoyed the firm foundation of a rock while the other emerged above the shifting sands.

Over the course of time, both homes encountered the same rain, floods, and winds. It was only after the storm struck that the critical distinction between the structures was clear. One house stood tall because of the security beneath it. The other had a great fall due to its faulty footing. Jesus’ parable is obviously about much more than residential construction. His lesson focuses on how we live our lives. Like these homes, we cannot fully discover what we are made of until the wind begins to blow.

The storms did not build the foundations; they exposed them. That truth should make every Christian stop and think. Adversity has its way of uncovering who we really are and what our foundation is (or is not). Even more remarkable, though, is that the fuller context of Matthew suggests these verses are not primarily about our earthly challenges and difficulties.

Christians, like all people, will face hard times. But the emphasis here points us to a greater storm that is coming. Previously, Jesus warned that not everyone who professes to know Him will be welcome in the kingdom of God (Matt. 7:21-23). The clouds of divine judgment are forming and one day every person will stand before the Lord to give an account. Justice will rain down; holiness will flood the earth; and the relentless righteousness of God will blow across our sinful lives.

No wonder our Savior issued numerous warnings about the coming judgment of God. He told us there are two gates, one that is small and the other that is wide, and two paths, one that is narrow and the other that is broad, from we must choose to enter. (Matt. 7:13-14). He warned that there are two kinds of fruit (good and bad), and that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit (Matt. 7:16-20). Two different confessions will separate the sheep from the goats (Matt. 7:21). And now, lest we miss the point, there are two differing foundations upon which we can build our lives.

This impending storm transforms the way we view our temporal problems. Trials become much more than unwelcome interruptions; they are dress rehearsals for eternity! Every burden we face exposes whether our faith rests fully on Christ or merely upon the sands of religious activity. Adversity has a pesky way of laying bare what lies beneath the surface.

The Bible consistently teaches that genuine faith perseveres. James explains that trials produce endurance (James 1:2-4). Peter says God refines our faith like gold in the fire (1 Peter 1:6-9). Paul reminds us that suffering produces perseverance, proven character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5). None of these passages indicate that our commitment through hardship earns salvation. Instead, persistence through difficulties reveals the reality of saving faith. In other words, earthly storms give us a glimpse of what will happen when we stand before God one day.

If we consistently abandon Christ due to our weariness, we should honestly examine whether we have ever built our lives upon Him. On the other hand, believers who continue trusting, obeying, and loving Christ through the hurt and pain of a fallen world gain increasing assurance that their lives rest upon the only foundation that cannot fail. Our perseverance does not determine God’s verdict. It points toward it.

One day every person will face the greatest storm of all when we stand before the Lord. Those who build their lives on Jesus Christ need not fear that day because our Savior already endured God’s judgment in our place. Until then, every earthly trial reminds us to keep trusting Him. Those who stand upon Jesus through the temporary storms of our broken existence can look toward eternity with confidence—not because of our strength—but because the Rock beneath us will never fail.

Adam B. Dooley
July 8, 2026

Jun 18
Love0

Narrow Faith in a Broad World

By Christian Living, Eternity, Evil, Heaven, Judgment, Obedience, Priorities, Repentance, Righteousness, Salvation, Sin, Surrender No Comments

Nearly every area of life depends upon narrowness and exclusivity. None of us are eager to be a surgeon’s guinea pig on an operating table, preferring instead a physician who understands the single most effective method for heart surgery. After we board a flight, we trust that the pilot understands the right and wrong way to land the plane. Need a prescription filled? You will not seek out a pharmacist who is comfortable throwing whatever pills are available into your medicine bottle. When making a deposit at our local bank we settle for nothing less than a teller who transfers our funds into a specific account, without changing even one digit in the account number.

Instances like these powerfully demonstrate that narrowness and exclusivity are not only kind, but also the keys to avoiding calamity and heartache. Yet, when it comes to spiritual matters, many strangely conclude just the opposite. Ours is a world that often views moral truth claims as harsh, and their messengers as hateful and bigoted. In this climate, insisting that Jesus is the only way to heaven is out of bounds. Articulating biblical morality falls into the category of hate speech. Speaking with confidence or certainty emboldens critics to chide your hubris and hypocrisy.

But how do we explain this?

Why do so many resist the straightforward claims of Scripture?

Simply put, the path of the majority is broad and deceiving. Jesus explained, “The gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it” (Matt. 7:13). Though we should take no pleasure in it, the popular course of the masses leads to damnation and destruction. Inclusivism and tolerance are buzz words on the broad road. With no boundaries or restrictions, those on this path are free to live however they choose.

We could rightly call it “Just Be Yourself Boulevard.” Live your truth is the theme, and following your dreams is the primary ambition. Rightly, Jesus contrasted this enticing road to hell with the narrowness of the heavenly highway. “The gate is small,” our Lord insisted, “and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:14).

The implications here are as necessary as they are sobering. First, hell is real and eternal. Gehenna (Matt. 10:28, 18:9) was the most common word Jesus used to describe a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 13:41-42). With fire that is unquenchable, the torment of hell is everlasting due to the imposing glory of God (2 Thess.1:9). Unfortunately, our discussions of these realities demonstrate that we have no idea what we are talking about. We tell people to go to hell. People talk about partying in hell. We speak so flippantly about God’s final judgment that there is little to no fear of its coming.

Yet, according to Jesus, the majority of people, those whom we know and love, are on a devastating path that secures their future condemnation. Populating the broad path are the likely suspects. The fornicator is there. The adulterer is there. The homosexual is there. The liar, thief, agnostic, atheist, and humanist are all there. But there are also scores of religious people who blindly walk along this expansive route. Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and denominations of all stripes are there, all of which have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (2 Tim. 3:5).

That preacher who reduces salvation to earthly prosperity and gain? He’s on the broad road. That minister draped in a rainbow flag as she openly celebrates sin and encourages others to do the same? She’s on the broad road. Those denominations that brazenly ordain homosexuals to lead their congregations? They are on the broad road. The networks of churches across denominational lines that jettison biblical truth for worldly wisdom and philosophy? All of them are on the broad road.

So much of what passes for Christianity here on this earth is far from it in the eyes of God. It may sound harsh to point out the obvious, but isn’t warning those in danger really the most loving thing to do? The Bible repeatedly warns us to stay alert against falsehoods like these. “Certain persons,” lamented Jude, “have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ”(Jude 4).

So, what are we to do? Walking through the narrow gate of salvation requires leaving everything behind in order to follow Jesus. None of our worldly achievement, ambition, or affluence earns our right to eternal paradise. The narrow path is a vivid picture of how we live our lives, reminding us that God’s grace saves andsanctifies (Eph. 2:8-10). The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shared these words, is a record of the life changes that accompany a genuine walk with God. Obedience to Christ does not save, but it serves as powerful evidence that we are born again.

Thus, entering the kingdom of God begins with the realization that we are sinners deserving of death (Rom. 3:23, 6:23). Next, we are to repent of our sins in order to turn toward Christ (Acts 20:21). We respond to the gospel by confessing Jesus as our Lord in light of His resurrection from the dead (Rom. 10:9). Because these steps are the beginning rather than the end of our journey on the narrow road, we should repeatedly examine ourselves, looking for the signs of internal and external change, as the markers that our faith is real (2 Cor. 13:5).

If these claims were untrue, all talk of the narrow road would indeed be an insult. But, if Jesus was telling the truth, and He was, the most loving, compassionate act is to warn people of the deception and danger along the broad path. So which road are you traveling? All who are willing are welcome on the narrow road, but it requires total surrender. Choose wisely. Your eternity depends on it.

Adam B. Dooley
June 18, 2026

Apr 01
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The Jesus No One Wanted

By Cross, Easter, Resurrection, Salvation No Comments

Seemingly contradictory qualities or phrases are what we call a paradox. These competing ideas are often as mysterious as they are antithetical. We remember the Great Depression. We crave jumbo shrimp. We talk about old news. We refer to leather as genuine imitation. We even boast that Microsoft Works. On the surface notions, like these make no sense—or at least not in the way we initially suppose.

Believe it or not, the Bible is full of paradox. Jesus teaches us that the first shall be last (Matt. 20:16). We are told that whoever saves his life will lose it (Matt. 16:25). We read that the least among us is the greatest (Luke 9:48). Truths like these give us pause, but they remain true, nonetheless. My favorite biblical paradox, though, surrounds the story of Easter. Palm Sunday, in particular, vividly reveals that the God of Scripture does not always appeal to us.

The biblical scene is familiar because we often depict it in plays and recollections of Jesus’ resurrection. Days before dying on the cross, the Lord entered Jerusalem to the welcome of an adoring crowd. On the surface, it appears that the multitudes eagerly worship Jesus as they cry out, “Hosanna!” while waving palm branches (John 12:13). Closer examination, however, reveals that self-preservation rather than worship was on the people’s minds. The word hosanna literally means “save us.” Contextually, the declaration carries a time constraint, meaning save us now!

To better understand, we must appreciate that first-century Jews believed their Messiah would be an earthly king who would immediately establish a worldly kingdom. In other words, the salvation the people sought was deliverance from the Roman Empire. The palm branches were a reminder of a previous rebellion called the Maccabean revolt. When the warrior Judas Maccabaeus drove out the Greeks around 160 B.C., the people celebrated his victory and heroic status by waving palm branches in Jerusalem. Anytime a celebrated warrior returned to the city, he received the same sign of approval. For us, the modern equivalent would be waving the American flag. The motivation behind this celebration was political, not spiritual. The Jews wanted a Messiah, but one of their own making!

The problem was not that Jesus wasn’t a king, but that He was not the kind of king the people wanted. God’s messianic king was not riding a horse (a sign of war), but a donkey (a sign of peace). Jesus did not come as a warrior to crush the Romans, but as a Savior to die on a cross for the sins of the world. What seemed like an irreversible defeat was actually the doorway to victory. Even the disciples did not understand the bitter path Jesus was walking. The Apostle Peter would later draw his sword to instigate what he thought would be the beginning of a holy war. And yet, Jesus refused to acquiesce to the shortsightedness of the crowds or His closest followers. He was, and is, determined to be the Savior we NEED, even if He isn’t the Savior we WANT.

Far too often, we are guilty of the same error. We want a God who prioritizes our comfort rather than our cleansing. Sometimes what we seek is a means to success instead of a commitment to live a crucified life. In our weakest moments Jesus can become just another good-luck charm that exists to do our bidding rather than a sacrificial lamb who takes away our sins. Need to win the big game? There’s a Jesus for that. Need a new job? He is sure to supply. Want to justify a lifestyle contrary to Scripture? Our fabricated Jesus would want us to be happy. Unfortunately, sentiments like these are a more accurate reflection of our culture than the God of the Bible.

Retired Methodist preacher and theologian William Willimon once remarked, “If you listen to much of our preaching, you get the impression that Jesus was some sort of itinerant therapist who, for free, traveled about helping people feel better.” This is the kind of God we want—because the true Messiah doesn’t appeal to us quite as much.

As we celebrate our risen Savior this Easter, let’s ask ourselves the hard questions about what motivates our faith. Are you willing to worship God more than yourself? Do you value God’s glory more than getting your own way? Will you faithfully serve God even when He tells you, “no”? Are you committed to living for what is eternal instead of what is temporal? Though we don’t always recognize it immediately, we are far better off because Jesus cannot be reduced to our categories or wishes.

Adam B. Dooley
April 1, 2026

Dec 17
Love0

The Tensions of Christmas

By Christmas, Comfort, Doubt, Murder, Obedience, Salvation, Second Coming, Waiting No Comments

For many, images of glowing lights, nostalgic carols, bountiful tables, and family gatherings are synonymous with Christmas. Jubilant declarations of peace on earth and good will toward men warm our hearts with the hope of Jesus Christ. Yet, amidst our celebrations is a dark underbelly that, though suppressed, competes for our attention every December. The tension between the nativity story’s promises and the world’s fallen realities can be jarring.

Thus, in what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, our grief feels sharper. Our burdens seem heavier. Our conflicts appear more irreparable. Our brokenness becomes impossible to mask. Loneliness chases us mercilessly at Christmas. The deafening silence of an empty chair at the family table exposes our hidden sorrow. Our anguish, doubt, and anxiety compound while the world around us makes merry. The burdens of life can easily steal our festive joy.

These tensions should not surprise us.

We quickly forget that imperial injustice forced Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem on the first Christmas, making their already impoverished lives more difficult (Luke 2:1-7). Once they arrived, there was no room nor compassion for them at the local inn. All the while, in the background, were harsh, gossipy believers who reeked of superiority as they whispered about a pregnancy mistakenly assumed to be illegitimate. Circumstances like these were hardly joyful or triumphant.

In the months following our Savior’s birth, Herod plotted Jesus’ demise even as magi from the east were anxious to celebrate His arrival (Matt. 2). Matthew’s account of Bethlehem’s welcome reception for Jesus is nothing like a sentimental postcard, but abounds with jealousy, injustice, sin, and suffering instead. The contrasting hatred of King Herod with the hopeful presence of the wisemen exposes the same tension we often feel at Christmas even today (Matt. 2:1-12).

The good guys and villains in this familiar story are easy to identify. Perceiving the Christ child as a threat to his fragile kingdom, Herod plots to kill the toddler (Matt. 2:8). Equally offensive in the narrative are the religious leaders who knew exactly where the Messiah would be born but refused to worship Him due to their own insecurities (Matt. 2:4-6). The ordeal is not without hope, though. The presence of the magi is proof that Jesus would be a Savior for Jew and Gentile alike. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were fitting for the newborn King (Matt. 2:9-11).

The point is not, however, that we should celebrate some while loathing others. Matthew wants us to stop and consider who we are more like. Do we put our hope in Jesus, or do we express hate for Jesus? Before answering, we should acknowledge that the answer may not be as simple as it seems.

Far too often we are much more like Herod than we care to admit. Without scriptural diligence, we may very well worship a god made in our own image rather than the biblical Jesus. One who exists to make us happy. One who requires nothing of us and gives everything to us. One who is anxious to build our kingdom rather than his own. Could this be why we love the festivities of the season, but scoff at the notion of God’s holiness? Or that we are willing to bellow out Christmas hymns while simultaneously enjoying our blatant disobedience to God’s Word?

We might sing O Little Town of Bethlehem without having any interest in worshipping Jesus in every place, every day. We might sing O Holy Night without the slightest intention of living a life of holiness and obedience. We might sing Away in a Manger without being anxious for God to have His way in our lives. We might even ask Mary Did You Know? while never considering what we know and how it impacts our daily lives. Like Herod, we can easily be guilty of craving our own kingdom and doing anything to get it. Like the chief priests and scribes, we might choose to ignore what we know from Scripture simply because it interferes with our lust for power or influence.

And this is precisely the problem.

Tipping our hat toward Christ is not equal to bowing to Him as our King. Our Savior requires more than our leftovers. Mere acknowledgment of Jesus for the sake of the season is not salvation. He desires to be more than a good luck charm that justifies any means we choose in pursuit of our goals and aspirations. Christ refuses to be remade in our image. Part of the tension we feel is due to our chasing dreams that are outside of His will. Herod may very well be staring back at us in the mirror.

But, even when our lives resemble the worshipful hope of the wisemen, we remain in a broken world where many of God’s promises have yet to be realized. Sinful consequences obnoxiously obscure the comforting future reserved for the saints. Thus, we find ourselves waiting for what will be even though it currently is not. The tension is real, but Christmas is an invitation to keep going when you do not understand God’s ways, do not agree with His timing, and do not feel His presence.

Adam B. Dooley
December 17, 2025

Dec 03
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The Best Christmas Article Ever

By Christmas, Grace, Salvation No Comments

If I were to ask you to name the best Christmas movies of all time, I am confident several titles would make the list: It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street,  A Christmas Carol,  A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas,  Home Alone, and Elf (no, Die Hard is NOT a Christmas movie).

No matter how many times you’ve watched these holiday films, chances are you will do it again this year, and every year, when Christmas rolls around. Box office hits like these become as much a part of our seasonal tradition as the music we listen to, the decorations we hang, or the food we enjoy.

Rarely, however, does a new movie come along that you instantly expect to enjoy from now on. Last Christmas, however, with the theatrical release of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, I knew immediately we would share it as a family every December. Based on the children’s book written by Barbara Robinson in 1972, the play tells the story of the Herdman children, the meanest kids in town, who took over the local Christmas pageant even though they had never heard the Nativity story.

Seeing the events surrounding Jesus’ birth through their inquisitive eyes offers a powerful reminder of what our favorite holiday is all about. Frankly, their fresh perspective is a needed experience for all Christians. Surprisingly, “the worst kids in the history of the world” have much to teach us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Their mere presence in the storyline reinforces the biblical truth that Christmas is a season for outcasts.

Don’t believe me? Even a cursory reading of Jesus’ genealogy reveals our categorical bias often identified as THOSE PEOPLE. I may fall short, we reason, but not like THOSE PEOPLE. I need salvation, but not as badly as THOSE PEOPLE. Church is for everybody, but THOSE PEOPLE would not be comfortable here. Yet, despite our internal prejudices, the family tree of our Lord is full of every kind of reject imaginable.

Consider the five women listed in our Savior’s lineage. For a society dominated by men, where the testimony of females was inadmissible in court, including these names was taboo. Amidst 39 recorded fathers, these five women stick out like thorns in a rose. Just as strange, though, are the female names omitted. Matriarchs like Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah are absent in exchange for Tamar (Matt. 1:3), Rahab (Matt. 1:5), Ruth (Matt. 1:5), Bathsheba (Matt. 1:6), and Mary (Matt. 1:16).

Four of these five women were Gentiles of the worst kind. Tamar and Rahab belonged to the forbidden Canaanites, a people known for their wickedness (Deut. 9:4-5). Ruth was a Moabite, a people descended from incestuous Lot (Gen. 19:30-38). Bathsheba was a Hittite by marriage to Uriah (2 Sam. 11:3). Jews viewed each of these groups as unclean by birth.

Even more remarkable is that three of these women were moral outcasts as well. Each experienced sexual liaisons that would have made Hollywood blush. Matthew hints at one such sordid affair by saying, “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar (Matt. 1:3).” The statement hearkens back to the book of Genesis, where Tamar dressed as a prostitute in order to deceive Judah into fathering her child (Gen. 38).

Next, the record reveals that “Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab (Matt. 1:5).” We tend to be more familiar with Rahab because the New Testament heralds her as a hero of the faith (Heb. 11:31; James 2:25). In light of her later praise, it is easy to forget that what Tamar pretended to be, Rahab actually was—a prostitute.

Finally, the Bible’s curious way of referring to Bathsheba should not be lost on us. Matthew says bluntly, “David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah (Matt. 1:6).” With no effort to hide the uncomfortable truth, Scripture reminds us that Bathsheba was an adulterer.

But what is the point of all this dirty laundry? Simply, the invite list for the biblical Christmas party had a lot of unexpected guests. These were not people who felt comfortable in church. They were not family members you would be eager to tell others about. They were outcasts.

By the way, the more recognizable, respectable names on Matthew’s list were not all that impressive either. They, too, were outcasts. Two times he mentions King David (Matt. 1:1, 6). Yet, in addition to being an adulterer with Bathsheba, Israel’s most famous king was also a murderer who plotted to have the husband of his mistress killed (2 Sam. 11:1-27).

When Abraham’s name appears (Matt. 1:1-2) it conjures up images of Israel’s greatest patriarch. Nonetheless, a closer examination of Old Testament history exposes his devastating flaws. Twice Abraham denied his wife, Sarah, allowing Pharaoh to violate her (Gen. 12:10-20, 20:1-18). Worse still, he repeatedly doubted God’s promises throughout his life (Gen. 12-21).

Each name surveyed bears similar outcomes. Judah, the father of the messianic tribe, sold his brother Joseph into slavery (Matt. 1:3). Solomon, the wisest king who ever lived, surrounded himself with hundreds of wives (Matt. 1:7). Despite his reforms, Hezekiah felt morally superior (Matt. 1:9). Wicked kings like Abijah, Joram, Ahaz, Manasseh, Amon, and Jeconiah presided over the decline and demise of the nation.

Some lived as social outcasts because their sins were open and bare, while others functioned as secret outcasts because their transgressions were hidden beneath the surface. And the same is true for us.

We are all outcasts by nature. Christmas is a reminder that none are so bad that they cannot be saved, but none are so good that they need not be saved either. Jesus was born through sinners, for sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). Jesus’ family tree proves that God will accept those whom the world rejects if you abandon your sin and come to the Father through the Son. The Lord is willing to meet us in our failures, because that is where we need Him most.

Adam B. Dooley
December 3, 2025

Oct 22
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Love in the First Degree

By Accountability, Christian Living, Faithfulness, Holiness, Love, Obedience, Priorities, Righteousness, Salvation No Comments

“Loving God and loving people is all that matters.”

Those were the words in an angry email I received the day after preaching a sermon about personal holiness. Intended as a less than subtle rebuke, the writer was eager to correct what he labeled as my “overemphasis on obedience.” Any directives about resisting temptation or regulating behavior were, he insisted, hateful and legalistic. Or, to put it differently, conforming to the standards of Scripture was an unnecessary distraction to the simple hermeneutic of loving God and loving others sincerely.

On the surface, the argument is convincing. After all, Jesus Himself identified the two greatest commandments as loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) while also loving your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). The problem, though, is a false dichotomy that fails to consider how we best exhibit genuine love for God.

The moment we substitute loving God for obeying God, we step outside the boundaries of our Savior’s intention for His people. Nowhere does the Bible teach that we simply love God rather than obey Him. Quite the contrary, the consistent witness of Scripture reveals that the greatest expression of our love is obedience. In fact, Jesus not only insisted that we love Him, but He also clarified how we can best do so. “If you love me,” He said, “you will keep my commandments (John 14:15).”

Concluding that since salvation is a gift of grace, we are free to live however we choose is both reckless and misleading. The Apostle John warns us that, because “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all, if we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth (1 John 1:5-6).” The analogy of darkness presents the deceptive waywardness of sin as antithetical to the light of a relationship with Jesus.

True believers refuse to misconstrue the grace of God as an excuse for remaining in their transgressions. No one was clearer on this point than the Apostle Paul, who asked rhetorically, “Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be (Rom. 6:1-2)!” Though we are born again by grace through faith apart from good works (Eph. 2:8-9), the goal of salvation is transformed lives characterized by radical change (Eph. 2:10). The seed of redemption is, without question, the grace of God revealed in the gospel of Jesus, but the fruit of salvation is obedience to and joy in the ways of God.

Perhaps an illustration will shed light on the marriage between our love for God and the actions He commands. Admittedly, no human relationship can completely mirror our connection to Christ, but let me share a story that comes close. Years ago, while dying of a crippling neurological disease, David Ireland came to grips with the reality that he would never hold, kiss, or play catch with the unborn child in his wife’s womb. In his book, Letters to an Unborn Child, Ireland desperately communicated his love for his future son or daughter.

In one of his letters to the child, David included the following description of his remarkable wife: “Your mother is very special. Few men know what it’s like to receive appreciation for taking their wives out to dinner when it entails what it does for us.”

“It means that she has to dress me, shave me, brush my teeth, comb my hair, wheel me out of the house and down the steps, open the garage and put me in the car, take the pedals off the chair, stand me up, sit me in the seat of the car, twist me around so that I’m comfortable, fold the wheelchair, put it in the car, go around to the other side of the car, start it up, back it out, get out of the car, pull the garage door down, get back into the car, and drive off to the restaurant.”

“And then, it starts all over again; she gets out of the car, unfolds the wheelchair, opens the door, spins me around, stands me up, seats me in the wheelchair, pushes the pedals out, closes and locks the car, wheels me into the restaurant, then takes the pedals off the wheelchair so I won’t be uncomfortable. We sit down to have dinner, and she feeds me throughout the entire meal. And when it’s over she pays the bill, pushes the wheelchair out to the car again, and reverses the same routine. And when it’s over—finished—with real warmth she’ll say, “Honey, thank you for taking me out to dinner.”  I never quite know how to answer.”

The point is that you will do anything for someone that you love. For Christians, that means obeying God is never a burden. Gratitude, rather than guilt, drives every believer to honor Christ in word and deed.

Good works may not be the cause of our relationship with the Almighty, but they are the consequence of it. Scripture describes faith in God that fails to produce life change as dead and worthless (James 2:14-26), even as it encourages us to look for deeds appropriate to repentance (Acts 26:20). Jesus Himself explained, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:31-32).”

Openly celebrating or continually practicing sinful behavior is entirely contrary to saving faith, no matter how passionately we insist otherwise. Frankly, doing so is the opposite of loving our Savior.

Adam B. Dooley
October 22, 2025

Oct 07
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Unexpected Birthday Blessings

By Aging, Birthdays, Christian Living, Eternity, Salvation No Comments

The older I get, the faster birthdays seem to come around. Admittedly, celebrations look much different as an adult than they did during my childhood, yet every trip around the sun is a gift worth commemorating. My life is full of people that I love, colleagues that I appreciate, a calling that invigorates me, and blessings borne out of walking with the Lord from an early age. Truly, God’s lines for me have fallen in pleasant places and His mercies overwhelm me (Ps. 16:6).

Though aging can bring with it some less appealing changes (Ecc. 12:1-8), the fruit of longevity also ushers numerous treasures that are typically foreign to youth. While I do not consider myself to be an old man, serving as a middle-aged pastor certainly feels different than when I began in my early twenties. With each passing birthday, God seems to drop new joys into my life.

For instance, the longer we live, the more wisdom we tend to acquire. Obviously, there are exceptions to this principle, but generally, the more mileage we have in the rearview mirror, the more equipped we are to judge our surroundings with insight and discernment (Job 20:29.) While young men tend to glory in their strength, and rightly so, gray hair is just as honorable later in life because of the wisdom that so frequently accompanies it (Prov. 20:29).

Biblical exhortations reinforce these expectations. God commands older men and women to model godly behavior for those who are younger precisely because aging helps Christ followers to mature (Titus 2:1-8). Good deeds, sound doctrine, reverence, dignity, and sensibility are the outcomes of Christian maturity. No wonder Scripture insists that we respect those who are older even when they stumble in the faith (1 Tim. 5:1-2). Granted, adding years does not guarantee spiritual growth (1 Cor. 3:1-3), but it should at least compel us to evaluate our progress in the Lord.

In addition, advancing in age should increase our awareness of and our need for God’s daily provisions and care (Ps. 71:9), furthering our opportunities to praise Him (Ps. 71:18). The promises surrounding eternity also become more precious as our conversation and thoughts turn toward our forever home (Phil. 3:20-21).

These contemplations are not morbid, though, because they bring with them a renewed awareness of each day’s value. By numbering our days, we learn wisdom and godliness with greater urgency (Ps. 90:12). Tucked away in the book of James we discover what I believe is the key to maximizing every day that God gives us. “You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow,” insists James. “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (James 4:14).” In other words, the only certainties in life are its unpredictability and its brevity.

The blindness of life gives us needed perspective. Living into old age helps us to realize how little we can control. Much of our daily reality is the opposite of what we anticipated in previous years. Our lives are full of many good days, for which we are thankful, but also many difficult days. We anticipate having children, but not miscarriages. We expect golden anniversaries, but not divorces. We look forward to milestones and accomplishments, but we never daydream about funerals. We hope for laughter, but we don’t foresee all the tears. But the blindness of life is valuable because it compels us to live each day to the fullest. Our ignorance about the future helps us to be more intentional about the present.

The brevity of life gives us clear priorities. Scripture compares our time on earth to a vapor that appears for just brief time. We are like the morning dew that is gone by noon. Like steam from a stove that disappears in an instant. One day you’re young; the next day you’re old. One day you start your first job; the next day you’re retiring. No matter how much we try, we cannot slow time down. If we aren’t careful, our best plans will slip away from us and never materialize.

Most of us fall victim to the lie that we have all the time in the world to turn our good intentions into reality. Thus, James 4:16 adds, “As it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.” Regarding our relationship with God, these deceptions can be devastating. We often comfort ourselves with time that we may not have.

So, what is the greatest birthday lesson of them all?

The time to know God, love God, and serve God is NOW. Any priorities we are putting off until later need to move up on our to-do list. Every single birthday is a gift that cannot be covered by wrapping paper or topped with candles. We should learn from the past without living in the past (Ecc. 7:10). We should devote each day to the Lord (James 4:15). And we should trust our unknown future to our eternal Savior (Job 23:13-14).

I am thankful for another year of life and all the lessons that arrived with it.

Adam B. Dooley
October 7, 2025l

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