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Episode notes, devotionals, and Bible study writing — 288 posts and counting.
288 posts · page 12 of 12
Unpacking the Biblical Definition of a Saint: What It Means to Be Called a Saint Col 1:2
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colossae: (Col 1:2)
Beyond the Title: Exploring the True Nature of Apostleship -Col 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy, our brother. Col. 1:1
Examining the Evidence: Is the New Testament a Reliable Source?
In my opinion, the Bible stands apart from all other religious books. There would be a stark contrast if one placed the Bible on one end of a table and all other religious texts on the other. My conviction stems from the fact that many of the events recorded in the Old and New Testaments have a solid historical basis. I want to concentrate on why I consider the New Testament a trustworthy account of Jesus' resurrection and the early church's life. Although it's accurate to say that affirming Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior requires faith, it's not solely founded on personal interpretation, subjective reasoning, or individual experience. Faith is essential, but it's not irrational or blind faith. My conviction that Jesus Christ is both Lord and Savior is not solely based on my own viewpoint but on the historical account presented in the New Testament. The New Testament is a collection of 27 books that form the second part of the Christian Bible. These books were written in the first century AD and included the Gospels, which narrate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as letters and other writings that guide Christian living. Despite being written over 2000 years ago, the New Testament has profoundly influenced Western civilization. It continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of people around the world. In this article, we will explore why I have confidence in the records of the New Testament from a scholarly perspective.
Ep. Discovering the Historical Context of the Epistle to the Colossians
Welcome to this Bible study on the book of Colossians! Before diving into the text, let us first explore the historical context surrounding this letter.
Dead Works vs. Good Works: Understanding the Difference Titus 3:8
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Good Works or Faith Alone? The Role of Grace in Our Salvation and Sanctification -Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that,
Freedom from Sin: Embracing the Grace of God Titus 2:11-15
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the weight of sin in your life? Have you ever felt like you are living in a hostile world to God and His ways? The good news is that the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. In the letter to Titus, Paul teaches us how to live in the grace of God, with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.
The Importance of Sound Doctrine: Lessons from Titus 1:10-16
10 For many rebellious people engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. 11 They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. 12 Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.”* 13 This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. 14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth. 15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.
Breaking the Chains of Legalism: How Christians Can Embrace the Sabbath in Freedom
For many years now, I have encountered people who believe that the Sabbath was God's unchanging law for all of humanity and that only the Jewish people correctly observed it. Despite the fulfillment of the Old Testament through Jesus, some argue that Christians today must still follow certain aspects of the Levitical or Mosaic law. However, I aim to demonstrate in this article that this belief is biblically unfounded.
Manifesting God's Word: The Power of Preaching and Living Out the Message - Titus 1:1-3
Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; - The New King James Version (Tt 1:1–3). (1982). Thomas Nelson.
Loving God, Loving Others: A Call to Obedience - 1 John 5
In the writings of John, the apostle, there is a clear message that the proof of our love for God is in our obedience to His commandments. This theme is especially evident in 1 John 5:1-5, which reads:
Discerning Truth: Testing the Spirits in a World of Falsehood -1 John 4
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and he spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit
Why the World Isn't Getting Worse: Debunking the Myth of the Utopian Past
In a world where bad news seems to be constantly streaming in, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that things are worsening. However, this view is incomplete. The world is improving in many ways, and as Christians, we can hold a hopeful perspective that sees a bright future for humanity.
Knowing Jesus: A Devotional on Obedience and Love in 1 John 2
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. - 1 John 2:9-10
The Historical Context of The Book of Daniel -A Study in Daniel Part 1
The book of Daniel is a prophetic text set in this tumultuous period in Jewish history. Daniel was among the captives taken to Babylon in 597 BCE. The book describes the experiences of Daniel and his friends as they navigate the challenges of living in a foreign land while remaining faithful to their God.
1 John 1:6-10 Walking in the Light
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin,
10 Steps to Transform Your Bible Study
The Bible teaches us that studying God's word is integral to our spiritual growth. In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul writes to Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." This verse encourages us to study the Bible to understand and apply its teachings diligently. Through studying the Bible, we can gain a deeper understanding of who God is, how he has worked throughout history, and what he desires for our lives. By doing so, we can become more like Christ and better equipped to live out our faith in the world.
The Nature of Prophecy: Examining Whether a Biblical Prophecy Can Have Multiple Fulfillments?
The concept of prophecy is essential to the Judeo-Christian tradition, and it plays a significant role in shaping the beliefs and practices of many people of faith. One question that often arises is whether a biblical prophecy can have multiple fulfillments. In this blog post, I'll explore this question and examine some of its issues.
Unmasking the Secrets of Nebuchadnezzar's Dream: What the Bible Says
The second chapter of the book of Daniel in the Bible contains a prophetic account of a dream that King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon had. According to the account, the king's dream was so profound that it left him in a state of great anxiety, and he was determined to find its meaning. However, he could not remember the details of the dream, which created a significant problem for the king and his wise men, who were summoned to interpret the dream but could not do so because they needed to know it. The situation resulted in the king ordering the execution of all his wise men, including Daniel and his friends.
Apocalyptic Adventures: Navigating the World of Eschatology
Eschatology, as a field of study, seeks to understand the final events of history and the ultimate destiny of humanity. While this subject has been a focus of interest for Christians for centuries, it is also an area of significant debate and disagreement among scholars and theologians.
Cracking the Code: Understanding the Consistent Symbols in Prophetic Language
Prophetic language is a common feature in the Bible, and it is important to understand its use and meaning in order to fully appreciate the message being conveyed. One aspect of prophetic language is the use of symbols, which are not arbitrarily picked but are consistent throughout scripture. Symbols are a powerful way to communicate deeper meanings and convey complex ideas.
The End of the End Times: Why Dispensationalism is Crumbling
Dispensationalism, a theological view prevalent in many evangelical circles for over a century, is losing ground. As someone observing and studying this movement, I have concluded that it is crumbling before our very eyes. There are several reasons for this.
What the Heck is Preterism?
Preterism is a school of thought within Christian eschatology, which deals with the study of end times and final events in the history of humanity. Preterism is characterized by the belief that many or most of the biblical prophecies about the end of the world and the Second Coming of Christ have already been fulfilled in the past, specifically in the first century A.D. during the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.