One of the most mysterious statements by our Lord came on the first evening following His resurrection. Meeting privately with His disciples, He commissioned them for the task of world evangelization (v.21). Having breathed on them, He stated, “Receive the Holy...
Isaiah 9:6-7 says: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and...
In truth, every scripturally gathered assembly does indeed have a Pastor. The important distinction is that the Pastor of each local assembly is the Lord Jesus Christ, and not a full-time paid person as the word “pastor” is often understood to be. Our first...
First, we must have an appreciation for who the Holy Spirit is and how He functions within the Godhead. In the Great Commission, Christ affirms the deity of the Person of the Holy Spirit by stating the one singular Name of the triune God: “…baptizing them in the name...
The Bible speaks about both the “gifts” and “fruit” of the Holy Spirit. It is essential for believers to be aware of the differences between them. Both the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit are manifestations or expressions of the Holy Spirit and come to us through...
Various “pseudo-Christian” groups, cults, and religions question the truth that Christ is God and seem to be adept at stating their case. While we may admire their zeal, their belief systems are not founded on biblical truth. Anticipating such opposition, the Gospel...
The so called “Gap Theory” attempts to accommodate and explain what popular geology has proposed as the age of our planet. Having read arguments from both sides by several dozen adherents and opponents of the Gap Theory, and having conversed with a number more, I am...
An Old Testament event may help us better understand the truth of the sealing of the Holy Spirit (Jer. 32:6-15). Jeremiah was in prison for his faithfulness to the Lord in prophesying that Jerusalem would be besieged and taken captive by Babylon. At this hopeless time...
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...
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...
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...
One of Christ’s seven sayings from the cross, this sentence is one word in the original Greek (tetelestai) meaning “to complete, it is done.” So, the question is, “what was completed?” In those days, the word was stamped on tax receipts to indicate “paid in full.” The...
Throughout history people have searched for truth: about heaven; hell; and eternal life. Be encouraged that the Lord wants everyone to know the truth. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” It is...
Verses 26-31 reads: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has...
Melchizedek is a unique Old Testament dignitary who suddenly appears on the scene: greeting, blessing, and fellowshipping with Abraham after the patriarch rescued his nephew Lot. The Bible introduces him as the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, meaning he...