At the time that Jesus made this statement (Luke 18:25) the city of Jerusalem had many gates, all of which were closed at sundown. It is said that one small gate was accessible to late-arriving merchants. (While there is no archeological evidence that such a gate [...]
James 1:27 “religion pure and undefiled with the God and Father is this, to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation.” To “look after” could mean helping in a variety of ways besides adoption. God originally instructed Adam and Eve to “be fruitful [...]
Tattling or reporting a wrong is a serious issue. We are all sinners and are thankful no one is reporting all of our errors to others. If a sin is very serious, however, then you need to weigh the matter in your mind and [...]
Spiritual growth and peoples’ welfare are not mutually exclusive issues. When the spiritually strong try to bless others, they themselves are blessed. The Bible is many things: It is a historical record of how the Israelites lived, biographies of various individuals, the laws and [...]
In reading the context of this passage, we see in the 11th verse, that Paul is speaking to Gentiles who have converted to Christianity. It is by God's gift of grace and not through our personal merit that salvation is offered to us (verse [...]
It is well proven that alcohol impacts the judgment and executive functions of the brain. When drinking, the emotional centers of the brain begin to control that person's actions. Therefore, it would be that person's emotions (perhaps a guilty conscience) that may drive him to [...]
Jesus cared for his own mother. (Since there is no mention of his stepfather Joseph in the Gospels, it is thought that he had already died.) The Bible records that even while he was hanging upon the cross, Jesus provided for Mary’s needs. “When [...]
What God wants us to be in this world is loving, merciful, compassionate, obedient, and righteous people (Micah 6:8). He has given us free will to make our choices and that is His design. Genesis 1 & 2 record how God created mankind as [...]
The loss of a loved one is a difficult and heart rending experience. Such loss began with the choice of Adam. He chose to disobey God and the result has been an inherited reign of sin and death. Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as through [...]
Deliverance is a process, whether it is situational or ultimate. There were numerous times that God “delivered” Israel from their enemies (situational). See Joshua 6-Jericho, Judges 6 & 7-Gideon, 1 Samuel 17-David & Goliath. Deliverance, as a Christian, from sin and from this life [...]
Perhaps you have heard the saying, “No God, no peace, know God, know peace.” This is a profound truth. True peace can ONLY be had by understanding, believing and fully loving God.Texts are taken from NIV (New International Version):Job 22:21-22, “Submit to God and be at [...]
While it is true that many people have said many things over the years on this subject, we would do well to go to God's own book and read His own instructions: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the [...]
This is a great question, and in Scripture the answer is different depending on your relationship with God. Ancient Israel was given many laws by God, and it was clearly stated what constitutes murder and what would be an accidental death. Murder was punishable [...]
This is a continuous struggle for the Christian. Jesus knew our position and prayed for us. “I pray not that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even [...]
God is the one who calls a person to be a disciple of Jesus. Our natural, sinful self cannot comprehend God’s calling. 1 Corinthians 1:21, “…the world by wisdom knew not God…” Jesus asked Peter, “…who do you say that I am? And Simon [...]
The answer may differ depending on the individual, local situation for each group of believers. However, what our focus should be and the remedy for every issue facing us is the same for all.If we:Love God with all of our being (Mark 12:30),Love other [...]
God’s plan for us and ALL of his creation is grander and more wonderful than anything we could ever imagine! Our heavenly Father’s original design for a perfect universe filled with perfect beings has been in the process of fulfilment from before the creation [...]
You have identified one important step in walking in the will of God: to become aware of the Scriptures which provide the light to see life and its decisions properly. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” [...]
1 John 3:9-13 (NET) “Everyone who has been fathered by God does not practice sin,…by this the children of God and the children of the devil are revealed…you have heard from the beginning: that we should love one another, not like Cain who was [...]
Perhaps the Parable of the Prodigal Son gives us some insight into this question. The younger son asked his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ And he divided his wealth between them. “The younger son gathered everything [...]
