All scriptures are from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation. Luke 3:14, “Likewise the soldiers asked him (Jesus), saying, ‘And what shall we do?’ So he (Jesus) said to them, ‘Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.’” Philippians [...]
Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." To paraphrase: Blessed are those whose heart motives are pure, clean, and holy. It is our sincerity of intention and will that is required. This does not mean Christians are perfect in [...]
All who would be of the “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17) – of the “Royal Priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) - must sacrifice their own will, offering themselves to God, even as our High Priest Jesus who “offered up himself to God.” (Hebrews 7:27; 9:14) [...]
No, the coronavirus is not from God.The current events in the world remind us of our Lord’s prophecy in Luke 21:26, “Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven [...]
No. Christians may not fight physically. It's devilish when people hit, beat, or rob us. But many have suffered for righteousness. Remember the great Apostle Paul’s hardships. 2 Corinthians11:24-27, “Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten [...]
No. We should not pray for our enemies to die. We are to love our enemies. Matthew 5:44-45, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully [...]
Psalms 116:12, “What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?”Rom 12:1, 2, “… by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be [...]
A person's self-discovery may be different from God's direction. We walk with God by praying for opportunities of service. If you are sincere and humble, the Lord will open your eyes to the needs of others. Daily, we will begin to see ways to aid others, both spiritually and naturally. Most [...]
First, we need to examine our hearts. Have we completely given up our wills with all of our human hopes, desires, dreams and ambitions to God? Have we consecrated our lives to do His will? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of [...]
1 Corinthians 14:34–35 is an often-misunderstood passage:The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own [...]
No one may demand a sacrifice or gift from another. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, never asked for, nor demanded, nor owned a house. Luke 9:58, “Jesus said to him, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man [...]
Many think if a person believes in Jesus and lives a righteous life, that is enough. Not so. Jesus said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34. We deny our own wills, [...]
Sadly, false accusations are part of mankind’s sin-sickness. But take heart, people also falsely accused our Lord. They said Jesus was demon-possessed. Mark 3:22 (NIV), “And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He (Jesus) is possessed by Beelzebul! By [...]
Marriage is a challenge. Two people need to become a united team. They need to learn to love each other when life is happy and difficult. After the first blush of infatuation wears off, we begin to notice our spouses’ weaknesses and faults. This [...]
Yes, we can, and the Bible tells us how. The word translated “bless” in the Old Testament is from a Hebrew word that means “to kneel”. When used with respect to God’s intelligent creation, it has the thought of giving thanks and praise. Just [...]
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) You are wise to proceed with caution when proclaiming the word of God. Many well-intended men and women have [...]
This scripture emphasizes unity among Christians: “like-minded,” “one mind,” and “one mouth”. It also gives the basis for that unity, “according to Christ Jesus.” The Weymouth translation says, “in accordance with the example of Christ Jesus.” The Bible in Basic English says, “in harmony with [...]
It would depend on the type of party. For example, if the main activity of the party is drinking and dancing, then no. These behaviors promote our fallen flesh. But a birthday party or a celebration where people can fellowship about God and His [...]
The Jews did not practice cremation. Recorded instances of cremation were live, infant sacrifices offered to idols. These practices were abominations. Jeremiah 32:35, "..high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to [...]
Communion has its origins in the Jewish Passover, which was observed yearly on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Nisan. As a Jew, Jesus celebrated the Passover throughout his life (Luke 2:41; John 2:23; 6:4). On the last day of his life, [...]
