During his ministry on earth, Jesus sought those who, like him, were prepared to completely dedicate, or consecrate, their hearts and minds to God. Jesus understood that this type of commitment, which would come at the expense of worldly goals, approvals and rewards, would [...]
Genesis chapters 1-2 outline God’s creation of the universe. As the scope of the chapters narrow, the creation of the earth takes focus, including the separation of the land from the water, the creation of plants, followed by the animal creation. Although these few [...]
The book of Job describes the experiences and trials of one of God’s followers, Job, and the faithfulness with which he clung to God, even during hardships he did not understand and despite the urgings of those closest to him. Job’s faithfulness is ultimately [...]
Joel 2:28: (KJV) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”A key indication that Joel [...]
The terrible things that happen in the world make it difficult for some to believe in God, let alone Christ. They cannot understand why God allows the things He does—how can a loving God let people suffer in illness, in political turmoil, in natural [...]
2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB1995: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”The Apostle Paul offers the words of 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 as an encouragement [...]
Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus was elevated to a new, glorified level of existence. After he had disappeared from their sight, the apostles who had witnessed Jesus’ elevation were told by two angels that Jesus was “taken up…into heaven” (Acts 1:8-11). Later, Stephen, a [...]
These were lowly shepherds being rewarded for their humility with this incredible message. The humble shepherds out tending their sheep were given the gift of being able to observe and participate in this world-changing event. Luke 2:8: (NASB) “In the same region there were some [...]
The Apostle Paul uses the illustration of an athlete’s training to illustrate the lifestyle of a faithful Christian. Several Bible commentaries make reference to the Isthmain games, named because they took place in the isthmus where Corinth stood. For example, Ellicott’s Commentary for English [...]
Genesis chapters 1 and 2 outline God’s process of creating the earth, the plants, the animals, and finally human beings. Genesis 2:1-3 state that God finished this creative work, and on the seventh “day,” God rested “from all his work which he had made.” [...]
Jesus was a masterful teacher. He often used stories, known as parables, to convey concepts and lessons in a way that his audience could relate to and apply to their lives. Some parables have multiple levels of meaning depending on the listener’s level of [...]
When thinking of the expression, "face to face," we should understand it to signify that Moses enjoyed a closeness of fellowship and favor with the Lord rather than that he really looked into the face of Jehovah. Since God is a spirit being, we don’t [...]
Sin is, by definition, something that “misses the mark” and is displeasing to God. Sin usually comes down to a choice. The first man Adam was presented with a choice. God told him he could eat from any tree in the Garden of Eden [...]
As recorded in Genesis 12:1-4, God commanded Abraham (who at that time was known by the name Abram) to move his household to a different land (Genesis 12:5). In return, God promised to give Abraham and his descendants a great blessing. During their travels, [...]
No. While Satan is powerful, described as the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:6-11), we are not given any scriptural indication he has been granted such power. We know God and Jesus can [...]
In Genesis 1:26-27, the Bible says "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...And God created man in His own image..." We know that God is a spirit being with a spirit body, so the statement that man was created in [...]
Humans have one BIG thing in common: we are all sinners. Romans 3:23 NLT: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:10 NASB: “There is none righteous, not even one" which is quoting from Psalm 14:3 and Psalm 51:3.Sin always [...]
Romans 8:6: NASB “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”A true follower of Christ is one that surrenders all the mind, heart and energy to do the will of the heavenly [...]
Jesus knew his time on earth was coming to an end. Beginning in John 13:30 one of the last conversations between Jesus and his disciples is recorded. Jesus was preparing for both his death and his resurrection that would follow. He knew that having [...]
The need for self-discipline is as old as mankind itself. God created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, with free will. Free will is the capability of choosing right or wrong. In Genesis 2:16-17, God commanded Adam not to eat the fruit [...]
