Jim Novell

The New Testament book of Romans is considered by many Christians and Christian theologians to be the most important book of the Bible.  In it the Apostle Paul sets forth the clearest explanation of the Gospel, the good news of what God has done in and through the person and work of God the Son, […]

It is an extremely dangerous world you and I live in.  However, this extreme danger is ultimately not the present COVID virus with its new, more deadly strains popping up throughout the world, nor is it the increasing threat of domestic or international terrorism.  It is not the increasing political strife and conflict in this

The fundament and foundational revelation in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is that God is, and that He is good; that it is His essential and unchangeable nature to be gracious and kind – compassionate and caring – generous and patient – merciful and just (Exodus 34:5-7). And thus, all of His actions, all

I would like to address in this post what is probably one of the most popular, beloved and welcomed doctrines/teachings in the Bible, namely that of the wrath of God (I jest of course). In reality, the wrath of God, along with the doctrine of sin, is one of the most despised, disputed, denied and

In the title to this post, we have two commandments from the word of God (Ephesians 4:26), two expressions of the will of God, one related to our emotions, “Be angry”, the other to our moral behavior “sin not”. Now the command to Be angry would appear contrary to what I wrote in a previous

What is the greatest thing that ever happened to you in your life, that which caused the greatest rejoicing in your heart and celebration in your soul; that which was so wonderful that others rejoiced in rejoicing with you? Was it your wedding day or the birth of your first child? Was it your graduation

I received salvation a good number of years ago while living in the Reformed Theology capitol of our nation, Grand Rapids Michigan.  Reformed Churches were on every corner and Calvin College still represented the truth of the Bible. Unfortunately, those who discipled me were not of the Reformed persuasion, but Pentecostal.  And they were themselves

I begin this post with a lyrical question (and with apologies to the Beatles), All the angry people, where do they all come from? All the angry people, where do they all belong? After watching the assault on the U.S. Capitol by so called “Trump Supporters” and the violent riots in Seattle, Portland and Minneapolis

We begin the New Year 2021, one year closer to Jesus’s return.  In the interim we look to the coming year with great hope and expectation, particularly after enduring the trials and tribulations of 2020.  The hope of a more fulfilling life and desirable future is what ultimately motivates each of us to get up

In my previous post I looked at the identity of the wise men from the East in Matthew 2:1-2, who come to Jerusalem, following a star that was to lead them to the one who was born “King of the Jews”.  These men of exceedingly great wealth, wisdom, political power and influence, were not on