John the Baptist prophesied: “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” John had baptized in water, but Christ would baptize in or with the Holy...
Salvation cannot be earned but must be received through faith in Christ alone. Romans 4:16 and 20 says: “Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to...
Romans 5:12-14 says: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned...
In the last issue we noticed that two benefits of the believer’s trials are that they can be a defense against pride as well as a testimony to others. God’s Word also teaches that suffering: 3. Deepens Our Faith First Peter 1:6-7 says: “In this you greatly rejoice,...
The rapture has been imminent throughout church history. At any moment Christ could finish building His church and return in the air for her. When the rapture does occur, the dead in Christ will be resurrected first; then living believers will be instantly glorified...
Suffering is God’s scholarship grant endowed to the believer for the school of life. Philippians 1:29 says, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”1 The word “granted” (G5483) means to show...
The word translated “overcome” (nikao, G3528) derives from the word “victory” (nike, G3529). It means “to conquer, to get the victory, to prevail.”1 Therefore, overcomers are victorious. But how and over what? Prior to the cross, knowing He would ultimately...
Since the Bible says they came from the east (v. 1), the wise men (magi in the original; G3097) were likely from Persia or southern Arabia, both of which lay east of Israel.1 That they used the term “King of the Jews” for Jesus would suggest that they were Gentiles...
The phrase “the husband of one wife” (also in Titus 1:6) does not likely have polygamy in mind because in New Testament times it is debateable how widespread the practice was in Roman and Jewish culture. A Roman citizen by law could only have one spouse at a time....
Believers look to the Lord for wisdom and guidance because we know that His will is best, leading to a fruitful, joyful, and abundant life (John 10:10). Psalms 25:14 says “the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him.” Therefore, we must spend daily time in His...