In 1 Samuel 8, a significant event occurred in the history of Israel—they demanded an earthly king (1 Samuel 8:4-5). Samuel was immediately offended by their request, viewing it as a rejection of him. God pointed out, however, that their request was not a rejection of Samuel but of Him (ver. 7). While God had […]
Are you in God’s favor? Are you acceptable in His sight? The fact is not everyone is acceptable to God. This has nothing to do with the love of God. God can love us and reject us at the same time. That God loves all of us is certain (John 3:16). Paul said that “God […]
The book of Revelation is difficult, mostly because of its apocalyptic language. However, the first three chapters, while they do contain some symbolic, apocalyptic language, read pretty much like the rest of the epistles of the New Testament. In those chapters, we have letters written by Christ to seven churches located in Asia Minor. These […]
Grace is one of the most misunderstood topics in the Bible. It has always been a source of false doctrine, some formed from honest hearts led astray by the man-made theology of “faith alone,” while those with sinister motives set forth others. Jude spoke of the latter group. Jude 1:4 (ESV) 4 For certain people […]
What is “the faith?” The word “faith” is used in different ways in the New Testament. Sometimes it is used subjectively, referring to one’s personal faith. This kind of faith is of the utmost importance, seeing that it is necessary for salvation. Jesus said, “I told you that you would die in your sins, for […]
The most important decision a person can ever make is obeying the gospel of Christ. When individuals do that, they become citizens in the kingdom of heaven (Philippians 3:20), and establish fellowship with God (1 John 1:7). Their souls are saved, and they now have the hope of everlasting life. After obeying the gospel, it […]
For nearly 40 years, ABC aired a show called the Wide World of Sports. It always began with Jim McKay referring to “the thrill of victory…and the agony of defeat… “ It is true that defeat can be agonizing, while victory is almost always thrilling. The good news for Christians is that while life can […]
Sometimes biblical writers like Paul will take a statement from the scriptures and use the words to make a point without worrying about the context of the original statement. For example, in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul is teaching the Corinthians about tongue speaking. The saints at Corinth were abusing their gift of speaking in tongues […]
God is demanding. He demands that we live, talk, and even think right. He has given us instructions to follow and commandments to keep, and unless we do so we will not make it to heaven. The day of judgment will be a day of accountability. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV) 10 For we must all […]
After a fast start and a relatively peaceful beginning, the early church began to experience the persecution that Jesus warned them about in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV) 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile […]