Posts from April 2026
Great and Getting Better!
“What must I do to be saved?” One of the things we encounter in the world around us is that almost every religious organization attempts to simplify the answer to that question. Religious groups want to make the answer quick and easy. Get that person to commit. Make that person a member of your church. That is a mistake. Conversion is not easy. When we are saved, somebody…
Baptism in the Book of Acts
1, Peter Preaching at Pentecost. Acts 2:37–39: Peter replied, “_________ and be ____________, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. “Repenting” and “being baptized” go together. Acts 8:41: Those who ______________his message were _____________, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. “Received” and…
John 5:39
John 5:39 – Here we have an example that Bible translation almost always involves interpretation. Sometimes knowing more does not help understanding. The verb “you search” in John 5:39 can be translated as either an indicative (“you search”) or an imperative (“search!”). The Greek verb ἐραυνᾶτε is grammatically ambiguous, as the present active indicative (“you all…
Only one judgment not two!
Introduction: Only one judgment In our generation, biblical teachings about judgment are often downplayed or distorted, particularly by a religious climate that is uncomfortable with the fear of God. In many churches today, doctrines of divine justice have been softened, if not entirely erased, in an effort to be more pleasant. But this avoidance does us no favors. The…
OT Allusions and Quotations in the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John is saturated with Old Testament allusions and quotations, often structured to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish scriptures. Below are unmistakable references in John, ranging from direct quotes to clear theological allusions. Direct Quotes and Explicit References…
Contrasting Martha and Mary
Martha and Mary, sisters to Lazarus and close friends of Jesus in Bethany, represent contrasting, yet complementary, approaches to discipleship. According to Luke 10:38-42, Martha actively served/distracted with preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening. Jesus affirmed Mary’s choice of devotion over frantic activity. They reappear in John 11 (Lazarus’…
A study of John 3:16
What did Jesus say in John 3:16? God’s love is depicted as immense and boundless, available to everyone, not just a select few. The core of the verse is God giving his “only begotten Son” (Jesus) to save sinful humanity, emphasizing action-oriented love. God makes a “salvation offer,” there are no guarantees. God’s offer promises eternal life to those…
On Matters of Conscience
When we consider matters of opinion, we must turn to God’s Word for guidance. Scripture presents conscience as an inner moral awareness that must be guided by God’s truth. Christians are called to treat matters of conscience with humility, love and obedience to the Lord. As with all matters in a faithful life, conscience must be informed by Scripture. Paul wrote to that…
The Battles Before Us
In 1 Samuel 17, the scene opens with two armies facing one another, yet the true battle is not merely between Israel and the Philistines—it is between fear and faith. For forty days, Goliath stands and defies the armies of the living God, and each day Israel retreats, terrified of the giant. Even Saul, the king, is dismayed. The people of God see only the size of the man…
Faith Day by Day
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews begins with a definition of the word “Faith. ” Hebrews 11:1 reads, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ” As we continue our study of the chapter, we should develop an understanding ofhow a Christian should respond week by week to God’s instruction. The definition from verse one establishes that…