The context of the first six verses aids our understanding. 1 Peter 4:1-6 (NASB), “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in [...]
First, we ask ourselves these questions: Was I ever drawn to Christ, and then recognized Him as my redeemer? Did I ever fully consecrate myself – my life, my time, my talents, my influence, my all – to God? If we can answer yes, then we [...]
Summary: Spirit begettal is evidenced by our communion with God and a desire to do His will. Actual spirit birth occurs at our resurrection. Discussion: The term “born again” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1080) is not necessarily a correct translation in every scripture. For example, in [...]
Most Christians believe that there are works of ministry which include preaching to unbelievers (missionary movements), working on social, political, and moral reforms, and to convert the world. They believe this is the world’s only chance or hope for a happy eternity. The scriptures [...]
The phrase “divine nature” (Greek: theios physis) is used only once in the Bible. 2 Peter 1:3,4 (KJV): “His [God's] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his [...]
It sounds as if you are asking, “will Christians have a higher position in heaven than angels?” The answer is - yes and we don’t know. There are two classes of Christians during the present period. They are represented as wise virgins and foolish [...]
The major work of God’s holy spirit right now is the development of the church class (also called the bride of Christ). This is a tremendous work. God is taking natural, sinful people and through His mighty power and our obedience to His will [...]
Short answer: Communistic living is not a model for churches. The early church practiced generous sharing not communal living. Explanation: Acts 2:42-46 (NIV) reads, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…All the believers [...]
The context of John 10:16 reveals that Jesus is the shepherd of the “little flock” (Luke 12:32). These faithful followers are his chosen “sheep” who will work with him throughout all eternity upon their resurrection. This sheep class, his church, is now being called [...]
The tree of life was planted in the middle of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). It supplied what was necessary for Adam's life to continue. When Adam sinned, he lost access to the tree of life so that he would not live forever [...]
That the terms body, soul and spirit are not identical and interchangeable as many assume is shown in the use of all three terms in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I pray God [that] your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved [...]
This scripture tells us that there is only one God, the creator of the universe. He is the father of all living beings. This is well stated in 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; [...]
There are many scriptures which state the earth will be destroyed by fire. However these scriptures are symbolic. The fire and the earth are not literal. Consider Zephaniah 3:8-12 (CSB), “Therefore, wait for me —this is the LORD’s declaration —until the day I rise up for plunder. For my decision is [...]
The Roman government gave their local rulers dictatorial powers to keep the status quo. The governors could do as they pleased to maintain order and to collect taxes. For example, it was well-known that Herod killed his former wife (didn't want her around any more) and [...]
The simplest answer to this question is “to test their faith.” God had personally made a promise to Abraham that he and Sarah would have a very special son, through whom the entire world would receive blessings. Genesis 17:19, “And God said, Sarah thy wife [...]
When Jesus returns at His second advent, He returns as king. Revelation 19:16, "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Additionally, when He resurrects the saints, He makes them kings with Him. Revelation 1:5,6, "...him [...]
Revelation 22:2 describes “the tree of life” with twelve fruits yielded monthly and with healing leaves. This scene represents a future time when all mankind will be revived to life because of Jesus’ all-atoning sacrifice. People, if willing, will grow in righteousness, after they [...]
When we pray the Lord's prayer, we ask for his kingdom to come and for His will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven. This tells us that there are two salvations - one on earth and one in heaven (Matthew 6:10, [...]
In Luke 17:20-37, Jesus answers the Pharisees’ question on “when the kingdom of God should come.” Rather than addressing the time feature, Jesus chooses to focus his response on the manner of his second coming.The Scriptures seem to present the topic of the second [...]
A child of God is righteous and is part of God’s holy family. First consider different examples of sons of God. Angels are sons of God. Job 1:6, “Now there was a day when the sons of God (angels) came to present themselves before the LORD, [...]
