Calvinism: Unconditional Election?

The most well-known feature of Calvinism is its famous five points, often referred to by Calvinists as “the doctrines of grace” and represented by the acronym TULIP.[1] There is much […]
Disciple Making, Matthew Bates, and 5-Point Calvinism: Q&A with Bill Hull

*Editor’s Note: Our mission at RENEW.org is to “renew the teachings of Jesus to Fuel Disciple Making,” so we want to take note of an important debate that is currently […]
Good News for the City

We know that gospel means good news, but what does that mean? The gospel has too often been reduced, personalized, and spiritualized so that it’s merely about acknowledging sin, accepting Christ, and […]
What Is the Gospel?

Let me start by stating the simplified answer to the question, “What is the gospel?” The “gospel” is an expression in Scripture that simply means “good news.” It is best […]
Encountering God’s Amazing Grace

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV) Literary editors claim that the phrase […]
‘Why the Gospel’ by Matthew Bates Book Review

As disciples of Jesus, we believe, obey, and share the gospel. But what is the point of the gospel? Author, theologian, and educator Matthew Bates’s newest book is Why the […]
Miracles, Tragedy, and Hope: The Testimony of Faith in the Midst of Suffering

I remember as a young missionary kid reading a gripping book called For This Cross I’ll Kill You, by Bruce Olson, which left me absolutely devastated. It tells the story […]
What Is the Gospel? A Q&A with Matthew Bates about the Gospel’s What & Why

What is the gospel, and why does it matter? In this interview, Matthew Bates, author of multiple books on the gospel, takes us on a tour into the center of […]