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 [...]
Naaman was a pagan army captain. 2 Kings 5:1: "Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man with his master, and highly respected, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man was also [...]
16 Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell among them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be [...]
To set the context, on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, he prophetically explained what God’s spirit would do when it came to the disciples: John 16:7–11: "...it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the advocate ("comforter" in [...]
The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the early Christian church of Rome. Paul referred to his intended audience as “saints” (Romans 1:7). Although the term “saint” has taken on multiple meanings over the years, the term as used by [...]
As recorded in the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, sinned by disobeying God’s commandments (Genesis 3). Since that time, generations of mankind have continued to sin, and sin brings death, as the Apostle Paul states in Romans 6:23. [...]
Here is a foundation principle in receiving divine favor from God: It begins with an active faith that believes in the existence of God, and also believes in His active love to reward those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:6: “Now without faith it is [...]
