The apostle Paul had a most unique opportunity to teach the gospel of Christ to a king, and he did not shun to declare it. On that occasion, the governor Festus also heard Paul but accused him of being out of his mind. Now hear Paul’s question to King Agrippa and the king’s answer: “‘King … [Read more…]
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but … [Read more…]
“Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, knowing this first: … [Read more…]
Although not named so by Him, the law Jesus gave in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31 is often called the “golden rule.” “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). “And just as you want men to do to you, … [Read more…]
Edification is being built up spiritually and strengthened in the faith. By divine design, the church has been equipped to be a self-edifying body (Ephesians 4:11-12). And edification should be produced when the church assembles. We have a part in that happening. Let us consider some elements necessary to edification. First and foremost, edification has … [Read more…]
Baptism is widely practiced in religion. But is just any baptism the baptism “which now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21)? Let’s consider characteristics of the baptism that saves. Need the right action The meaning of the Greek word that is translated “baptize” in the New Testament means immersion. It is described as a burial: “Therefore … [Read more…]
Have you ever heard someone say, “we should be concerned with the spirit and not the letter of the law”? They are advocating that instead of being so concerned with carrying out the details of the law of Christ, which they would consider harshness, we ought to be more concerned with what they call the … [Read more…]
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). It is a blessing to have the assurance that God hears our prayers. But the Bible also tells us that it is possible for our prayers to be hindered. What … [Read more…]
Sometimes Christians are accused of “legalism,” and it’s not usually meant as a compliment. According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, legalism is “strict, literal adherence to the law or to a particular code, as of religion or morality.” Based on that definition, Christians should be found guilty as charged. Jesus said, … [Read more…]
When discussing some religious topic, sometimes one can be heard to say, “It’s all about the heart” in an attempt to explain who is right with the Lord. Is it “all about the heart?” Let’s explore what may be meant by that phrase. If “it’s all about the heart” means that as long as one … [Read more…]