Posts by Mike Harding
Marriage Policy for the First Baptist Church of Troy
FBCTroy, Pastor Mike Harding Pastor Mike Harding of First Baptist Church of Troy, Michigan, offers a recently approved statement on marriage which was adopted by his church. We offer it here in light of current controversies as a resource for other churches who may wish to consider adopting a similar position statement. Marriage is an…
Read MoreBiblical Sexual Ethics in Light of God’s Institution of Marriage
Mike Harding This article is featured from the current edition of FrontLine Magazine. See here for contents of the current issue and here for subscription information. Definition of Marriage Marriage is the exclusive God-ordained institution between one man (husband) and one woman (wife) in a mutually consented “one-flesh” relationship, consisting of mutually supportive companionship and…
Read MoreThe Believer’s Responsibility in Sanctification
Mike Harding Paul’s framing of the paradox regarding divine sovereignty and human responsibility takes one of its most striking forms in Philippians 2:12-13. In order to soften the apparent contradiction between Paul’s imperative in Philippians 2:12 and the doctrine of justification, interpreters have sought to understand this passage in terms of the “sociology” of the…
Read MoreAdditional Resources on Alcohol
For those looking for more information on the Christian view of alcohol, pastor Mike Harding passes on these references: R. V. Pierard, “Alcohol,” Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter Elwell (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984, pp. 28-32. F. S. Fitzsimmons, “Wine and Strong Drink,” New Bible Dictionary (2nded.), ed. J. D. Douglas (Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity) 1982,…
Read MoreA Survey of Biblical Teaching on Alcohol
compiled by Mike Harding Series: FirstPost – PreviousPost – NextPost Scriptural Warnings & Prohibitions for Wine and Strong Drink 1. The first drunkenness and the attendant improper behavior. – Gen. 9:20-26 2. Drinking results in Lot’s debauchery of his own daughters. – Gen. 19:30-38 3. Isaac was drinking when he mistakenly blessed Jacob. – Gen.…
Read MoreNot Given to Wine
by Mike Harding Series: FirstPost – PreviousPost – NextPost What does Paul mean by ‘not given to wine’? (1 Timothy 3:3) 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be … 3 Not given to wine……
Read MoreCarest Thou Not That We Perish?
by Mike Harding This is the fifth in a continuing series of articles on the issue of alcohol. In this article we offer an appeal for abstaining from alcohol. Series: FirstPost – PreviousPost – NextPost Philippians 2:4 tells us, “Do not merely look out for your own interests but also for the interests of others.”…
Read MoreWhy Believers Today Should Abstain from Alcohol (Part 3)
by Mike Harding This is the fourth in a continuing series of articles on the issue of alcohol. In this article we offer a Christian rationale for abstaining from alcohol. Series: FirstPost – PreviousPost – NextPost Bible-believing Christians have widely been known for abstaining from beverage alcohol. These attitudes are now under pressure from within…
Read MoreWhy Believers Today Should Abstain from Alcohol (Part 2)
by Mike Harding This is the Third in a continuing series of articles on the issue of alcohol. Today we offer a Christian rationale for abstaining from alcohol. Series: FirstPost – PreviousPost – NextPost Bible-believing Christians have widely been known for abstaining from beverage alcohol. These attitudes are now under pressure from within the Christian…
Read MoreWhy Believers Today Should Abstain from Alcohol (Part 1)
by Mike Harding This is the second in a continuing series of articles on the issue of alcohol. Today we begin to offer a Christian rationale for abstaining from alcohol. Series: FirstPost – NextPost Bible-believing Christians have widely been known for abstaining from beverage alcohol. These attitudes are now under pressure from within the Christian community.…
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