Jesus understood that part of his ministry was to teach those around him about pleasing God. To accomplish this, Jesus often used parables as a teaching tool. Parables are stories whose characters and events convey a greater lesson to their audience. Jesus’ use of parables [...]
Jesus used the Greek word Gehenna (often translated into English as “hell”), referring to an actual location – the Valley of the Son of Hinnom. For example, he used the term when speaking to his followers in Mark 9:43,47-48 and Matthew 10:28. He used [...]
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. [...]
Titus 2:6-8 (King James Version): “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may [...]
We look to God as our perfect parent to learn the characteristics of a good father and husband. Here are just a few descriptions of such a man who:Honors God (1 Samuel 2:30, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 6:20)Provides spiritually, emotionally and materially for his family [...]
It is wonderful that you want to use your talents and energy for the Lord. This is very good, and your efforts can bring great hope and peace to many.TikTok is a tricky topic. People in the United States and Canadian governments are having [...]
The “body of Christ” refers to Jesus plus his faithful followers. We want to be integrated into the body, so that what we work on in our own individual growth experiences can positively relate to the other body members. The simple fact is we [...]
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 [...]
Ephesians 4:7: “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.”This verse, as with most, is best understood in context. Writing from prison, the Apostle Paul is exhorting his dearly beloved brethren to “walk,” that [...]
A divine encounter should not be expected or wished for, as it is never promised to the Christian. We are to follow by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).Colossians 2:18, (CEV) “Don’t be cheated by people who make a show of acting humble [...]
Why would a perfect God create the system of heaven and hell? The Christian view of an afterlife allows for some "good" people to eternally suffer while some "bad" people can live in paradise. Furthermore, how would it be moral for any person (regardless [...]
Matthew 6:3 is part of a much larger sermon, spanning Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7 that Jesus delivered to his disciples (see Matthew 5:1 for the start of the sermon). In these words, Jesus taught many lessons on the types of behaviors that are [...]
We quote from a sermon by Robert Bennett called "Seven Churches:"In the first three chapters of Revelation, there are seven churches named after seven cities in Asia Minor, “seven” being a symbol of completeness. A list of those seven churches is given in Revelation 1:11.We [...]
There are so many wonderful lessons in the account of David's entire life, including the encounter with Goliath. We invite you to listen and watch the Additional Resources below to fill in many scriptural details introduced in this answer. Consider using an easy-to-read translation and [...]
Reading 1 Peter 5:1-5 in the New Living Translation might be of help:5 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in [...]
To properly understand the book of Revelation, one must first recognize that the book largely covers the Christian dispensation. The prophecies begin shortly after the first advent of Christ and trace the history of the Christian or “Gospel Age.” From this standpoint, the sequence [...]
Matthew 10:16: "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."This statement by Jesus is in the context of sending the apostles out to preach the gospel message. He forewarned them [...]
Praying for others is important. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This means we should forgive others who sin against us personally. An example of this was when Stephen was being stoned to death. He prayed for [...]
There is a difference between "loving the world" in a positive sense and "loving the world" in a negative sense.Let's look at John 3:16 in how "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son..." Revelation 13:8 tells us Jesus was [...]
Salvation became necessary for all people because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God’s command (Genesis 3:17-19). Disobedience to God is sin, and sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). Through the sacrifice of his perfect life, Jesus provided a corresponding price for Adam’s disobedience [...]
