The Bible is clear—Satan is real, and he is always on the attack (1 Peter 5:8). Fortunately, we do not have to defend ourselves against him by ourselves. We have God’s help. 1 John 4:4 (ESV) 4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater […]
The Word of God is so effortlessly accessed in our society that it is easy to take it for granted. We should be thankful that we can read and study God’s Word daily, and appreciate the real power that it possesses. God’s Word has the power to transform the lives of those who are willing […]
In Romans 3, Paul anticipated a question that his Jewish audience might ask him because of the gospel that he was preaching. The gospel makes salvation equally accessible for all, both Jew and Gentile. The Jews, of course, were God’s original chosen people, and they thought that if Gentiles could be saved on the same […]
We have all been lost while driving, haven’t we? Sometimes when you are not sure where you are going, it is hard to know just when to stop and turn around. When I have been on my way to an unknown location, and found myself wondering if I have missed my turn, there is always […]
When someone denies the necessity of baptism, I often point out that it is baptism that puts one into Christ. Paul wrote: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Since baptism is the final step of God’s plan that puts one into Christ, those who […]
Matthew 7:15 (ESV) 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. False prophets are everywhere. The world is filled with men and women who claim to be teaching God’s Word, but who, in reality, are teaching the doctrines of men. The word prophet refers to someone […]
Matthew 6:1 (ESV) 1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Righteousness is not just a state of being, it is something that must be practiced. When the word is used to denote […]
When most Bible students think of Ecclesiastes 12, verse 13 comes to mind. Solomon began the closing of the book with the memorable words, “13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). However, the verses before those […]
To whom do we give credit for the blessings in our lives? I hope the answer is God. I also hope that we can acknowledge how easy it is to give credit to someone else, especially to ourselves, for the things with which we have been blessed. The Bible warns us to beware of this. […]
The Word of God is the most inspiring book that has ever been written. It guides and directs us into profitable living (Titus 2:11-12). The Bible, however, includes more than words of exhortation. It also includes sober warnings about behavior that is displeasing to God. This week, let us consider some of the warnings that […]