Exploring the Word
Truth was never meant to be a mystery. In fact, it can be found, felt, understood and applied to life in ways that will change everything. This column is dedicated to presenting a clear and correct understanding of the Bible — and the critical truths about divine and human life it contains.
Is the Bible all "Greek to you"? Check out The Greek Geek.
Bearing Burdens | Jul 26, 2016 Galatians 6:2 says that we are to bear one another's burdens. We have pictures of carrying backpacks for fallen hikers. But that's not quite what it means. Read more... | William Stewart |
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Laser-Beam Literalism | Jul 25, 2017 The Bible should be read as literal as is reasonable. What does that mean? Can snakes talk? Is Peter a rock? Interpreting the Bible sometimes requires common sense. Read more... | Jeff Laird |
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The Olivet Discourse | Jul 20, 2017 The timing of Jesus' prophecies in the "Olivet Discourse" is confusing. Some seemed to be fulfilled by the fall of Jerusalem, but not the abomination of desolation. Read more... | Adam Davis |
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Interpreting the Bible | Jun 17, 2016 Sixty-six books, two thousand years, dozens of authors, an ancient civilization — how does God expect us to understand the Bible? With a little help, of course. Read more... | William Stewart |
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As the Deer Pants for Water | Jun 10, 2016 A deer pants for water — it's the perfect metaphor for how our souls long for the living water of the Holy God. Our souls are thirsty, and there is only One Who can quench us. Read more... | William Stewart |
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Honoring and Obeying | Jul 3, 2017 The Bible tells us to both honor and obey our parents. These commands shift depending on age and living situation. Learning to honor and obey throughout the stages of life. Read more... | Beth Hyduke |
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To Be (Married) or Not To Be, That is the Question! | Jul 3, 2017 Does God call Christians to marry and have kids? Or to remain single and have more time to serve Him? Apologies to Hamlet, but it's not a yes-or-no question. Read more... | Rhonda Maydwell |
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Blameless and Spotless | Jun 26, 2017 Second Peter 3:14 calls us to be spotless, blameless, and at peace with God. How can we do this if we're still stuck in our sinful lives? Read more... | Fredric Carlson |
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Psalm 7: God, our Rescue | Jun 26, 2016 Psalm 7 is David's beautiful cry for God's rescue. It reaches deeper, however, past the hardship and into the root of their relationship. Read more... | William Stewart |
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Calling on the Name of the Lord | Jun 12, 2016 Romans 10 says that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." What does it mean to call on Jesus' name? And how does it save us? Read more... | William Stewart |
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Disqualified for the Prize | May 30, 2016 In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul warns against being "disqualified for the prize." Does he mean a believer can lose salvation? What prize is he talking about? Read more... | William Stewart |
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The Wedding at Cana | May 30, 2017 Jesus' first miracle honored His mother, rescued His host, and provided for His co-celebrators. But most importantly, it started the disciples on their journey to belief. Read more... | Denise M. Kohlmeyer |
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Another Time and Place | May 22, 2016 The Bible was written thousands of years ago, thousands of miles from most of us, in a completely different culture. We have to understand that if we're going to understand what it's saying. Read more... | Christy Krenek |
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James 5:13-16: Anointing with Oil | May 8, 2016 James 5 says if a believer is prayed over and anointed with oil, he will be healed. But many believers aren't healed. What does James 5:13-16 really mean? Read more... | William Stewart |
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What does the Bible say about giving and saving? | Apr 24, 2017 Jesus said we can't be His disciple unless we forsake all else. Does that mean we need to give away everything we own? Is it wrong to save for the future? Read more... | Richard Martin |
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"This is like that..." | Apr 18, 2017 The Bible should be taken literally as much as is reasonable. Yes, the Israelites walked across the Red Sea on dry land. But just because the Bible's a sword, it doesn't mean we need to get out the whetstone. Read more... | Jeff Laird |
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Jesus, God, and Revelation 1:1 | Apr 13, 2017 There are many Bible passages that are cryptic in light of Jesus' deity, like Revelation 1:1. How can Jesus be God if God gave Jesus the revelation? Read more... | Dr. Christopher Plumberg |
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Psalm 22: Prophecies of Jesus' Crucifixion | Apr 10, 2017 Many of the psalms in the Old Testament include prophecies of Jesus' crucifixion. Psalm 22 particularly predicts the suffering and anguish He would go through. Read more... | Lea Sylvester |
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A Bruised Reed and a Smoldering Wick | Mar 6, 2017 Matthew 12:20 says Jesus will not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. Such a gentle savior; we can surely trust Him with our hearts. Read more... | Rhonda Maydwell |
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"You are not abused" | Mar 20, 2017 Proverbs 31 begins with advice to Solomon from his mother. Despite her involvement in David's sin, Bathsheba had wise advice for a wayward king. Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Dashed on the Rocks | Mar 6, 2017 In Psalm 137, the psalmist looks forward to the day on which his captors' children will be dashed on rocks. Does this mean God condones violence against children? Read more... | Matt Long |
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The Fullness of Time | Feb 14, 2017 How many years passed between Adam and Jesus? Does the Bible really support that the earth is only 6000 years old? Read more... | Burt Lockwood |
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Ephesians 6:12 | Feb 14, 2017 Ephesians 6:12 says our battle is not against flesh and blood. Who, then is our enemy? And how do we fight? Read more... | Dennis Cooper |
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Does the Bible endorse the use of concubines? | Feb 6, 2017 David, Saul, Jacob, Abraham — many Old Testament figures had concubines. What does the Bible say about the use of concubines? Is it that important to God that a man have an heir? Read more... | Fredric Carlson |
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God's Invitation | Feb 6, 2017 The invitation which God extended ceturies ago to the Jews remains open today. Everyone is welcome, but they must be dressed in Christ's righteousness. Read more... | Denise M. Kohlmeyer |
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Unforgiving but Forgiven | Jan 31, 2017 The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant says that if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us. Does this mean if we don't forgive, we're not saved? Read more... | Beth Hyduke |
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Wholly Healed | Jan 23, 2017 The man waited at the one place he thought would heal him, but it was the one place he couldn't reach. When you can't reach the healing waters, sometimes they come to you. Read more... | Denise M. Kohlmeyer |
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Old Testament Childbirth Laws | Jan 18, 2017 Leviticus has some odd and very specific laws regarding a woman's recovery from childbirth. Some say they're strictly ceremonial. But the might be actual, medical support. Read more... | Stacy Mouat |
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2017 and Psalm 146 | Jan 17, 2017 2017 will bring a lot of changes to our country. Psalm 146 teaches us not to trust in human effort but to keep faith in God. Read more... | Mark King |
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Loving God, Hating Others | Jan 2, 2017 Luke 14:26 tells us to hate our family in our love for God. What does that mean? How does it fit with 1 John's call to love others? Read more... | Don Strand |
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Women's Place in Creation | Dec 19, 2016 God created men and women with equal values but different roles in the family and church. What is women's place in God's creation? Read more... | Denise Baum |
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Jesus and the Sea of Galilee | Dec 12, 2013 The Sea of Galilee was the scene of many of Jesus' miracles. It's where He walked on water, calmed the storm, and fed the people. And it's where He reconciled with one of His best friends. Read more... | MeLissa LeFleur |
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Credit Where it's Due | Dec 12, 2016 Before King David was king, he was an incredible military leader and gathered around him a fierce army. But he never neglected to give credit where it was due. Read more... | Anthony Barbato |
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Completely Forgotten, Entirely Forgiven | Nov 21, 2016 Peter stood on the sea shore with the man he had betrayed and abandoned. But his sins were completely forgotten and entirely forgiven. Ours can be, too. Read more... | Denise M. Kohlmeyer |
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Heart, Soul, Mind | Nov 21, 2016 We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. If we do so, God's love will keep us content with Him and loving toward others. Read more... | Bill Brenner |
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Swallowing a Camel: Legalism and Thermostats | Nov 16, 2016 Why did Jesus have such harsh words for the Pharisees? What does it mean to strain out a gnat but swallow a camel? Read more... | S. Michael Houdmann |
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Two Masters | Nov 14, 2016 Jesus said we cannot serve two masters. We usually apply this to money, but there are far more worldly things that take our interest from God. Read more... | Allen Skipper |
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The Lord's Prayer | Nov 7, 2016 The Lord's Prayer has been used for centuries as a mantra — something to be repeated weekly or daily or several times in a row. But Jesus designed it to teach us how to pray. Read more... | Denise M. Kohlmeyer |
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Jesus, Peter, and the Sword | Nov 1, 2016 In Luke 22:36, Jesus tells the disciples to carry a sword. A few hours later, Jesus rebukes Peter when he actually uses the sword. What did Jesus mean by carrying a sword? Read more... | Anthony Barbato |
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John the Baptist: The Greatest | Sep 26, 2016 Jesus said of John the Baptist, "among those born of women there has arisen no one greater." How was John the Baptist the "greatest"? Read more... | Fredric Carlson |
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The Greek Geek: Μαμμωνάς — Mammon | Sep 19, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles mammonas — What is mammon? How is it different from money? And what's so dangerous about it? Read more... | Bill Brenner |
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Where your treasure is... | Aug 30, 2016 For where your treasure is, your heart will be also. Is it really necessary to seek God with all of your heart? Read more... | Jim Allen |
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Roman Catholicism and the Rapture | Aug 29, 2016 The Roman Catholic teaching of the Rapture is very different than that of fundamentalist evangelicals. How false theologies inform the Catholic end times views. Read more... | Sally Plemons |
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The Gnarled Family Tree of Jesus | Aug 16, 2016 Family — where we come from — is important to our sense of identity. But it isn't paramount. Our family tree doesn't have to define us any more than Jesus' defined His. Read more... | Denise M. Kohlmeyer |
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The Woman at the Well | Jul 18, 2016 A shamed woman, trying to hide. A moral teacher, trying to rest. The day the woman at the well asked where to worship and instead found the heart of the one she was to worship. Read more... | Denise M. Kohlmeyer |
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John 6:44 and the Fairness of God | Jul 4, 2016 John 6:44 says that no one can come to Jesus unless God calls them. If God chooses some and not others, how is that fair? Read more... | Beth Hyduke |
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Daniel's Seventy Weeks | Jun 27, 2016 Sometimes biblical prophecy is only understood in hindsight. With Daniel's seventy weeks, we can see how it pointed to Jesus' crucifixion, but also our own future. Read more... | Bob Lowry |
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Bravery in the Face of Adversity | Jun 6, 2016 Shiphrah and Puah are two of the bravest, most influential characters in the Bible. Their bravery in the face of adversity is inspirational. But very few know who they are. Read more... | Denise M. Kohlmeyer |
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Elisha and God's Angel Army | May 31, 2016 Elisha and God's angel army had the army of Aram surrounded. There was no escape. Defeat was certain. But Elisha didn't just want victory — he wanted peace. Read more... | Denise Baum |
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"His mercies are new every morning" | May 23, 2016 The Lord's lovingkindness never ceases, His compassions never fail, His mercies are new every morning. Read more... | Adam Davis |
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How does God judge the nations? | May 23, 2016 God will judge the nations. Just as He judged nations that threatened Israel in the Old Testament, He will judge all nations in the End Times. Read more... | Barbara Reynolds |
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The Seven Churches of Revelation | May 16, 2016 Today, seeker-friendly mega-churches seem to be the goal. But Jesus had very different standards for the seven churches of Revelation — and for the modern church. Read more... | Bill Brenner |
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Christians and Metaphors | May 9, 2016 With the wrong application, metaphors can be dangerous. But, as Jesus proved, they're still useful for explaining spiritual truths. Some ideas Christians reject are just metaphors that need a little explaining. Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Unruly or ruling? Hosea 11:12 | Apr 25, 2016 The King James Version of Hosea 11:12 reads "But Judah yet ruleth with God." The New American Standard translates the same line as "Judah is also unruly against God." Which is right? Read more... | Fredric Carlson |
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The Bible and the Transgender Restroom Issue | Apr 25, 2016 It's easy for believers to get caught up in political arguments and personal stories. But what does the Bible say about gender? What should Christians think of the transgender restroom issue? Read more... | Adam Davis |
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Jesus' Darkness | Apr 11, 2016 How do we deal with darkness when the Light has won but not yet claimed His prize? How did Jesus respond to the darkness in His life? Read more... | KJM |
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Praying Enough | Apr 4, 2016 It seems nearly everyone feels guilty for not 'praying enough.' What does it mean to pray enough? Is it even possible? Read more... | Denise Baum |
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Crucified with Christ | Apr 4, 2016 What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? How can we be dead to sin when we still sin? Read more... | Beth Hyduke |
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Does Satan possess people? | Apr 4, 2016 The Bible says that Judas was possessed. Does Satan possess people? What does he do to us? Read more... | William Stewart |
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The Invitation | Mar 31, 2016 Do you ever wonder about the Millennium and what you will be doing there? Have you received the invitation to attend? Read more... | Jim Allen |
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Jesus and Emotions | Mar 29, 2016 Jesus knew the outcome of the crucifixion — that He would rise again in victory. But He still mourned, deeply, the night before. He gave Himself permission to grieve. Read more... | Gwen Sellers |
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The Greek Geek: Ανομíα — Lawlessness | Mar 29, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles "lawlessness" — What does it mean to be lawless, and why is it such a big deal? Read more... |
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The Greek Geek: Παραωπτωμα — Trespass | Mar 21, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles "trespass" — What should we think of the "little" sins we accidentally fall into? Read more... |
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"Better never to have known..." | Mar 21, 2016 The Bible says it's better to have never known the gospel than to know and then reject it. Does this mean sinning can make you lose your salvation? Read more... | Tim White |
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The Greek Geek: Ακαθαρσια — Impurity | Mar 17, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles "impurity" — How does the Old Testament concept of uncleanness apply to the New Testament church? Read more... |
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Adam and Eve: A Love Story | Mar 1, 2016 Adam and Eve knew the command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Is the story of Adam and Eve a love story relived when we give our heart to Jesus? Read more... | Jim Allen |
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Fear | Jan/Feb, 2016 Joshua 1:9: God told Joshua to reject fear and that He'd be with him. Does Joshua 1:9 apply to us? Isaiah 41:10 and Jeremiah 29:11: Of enemies, fear, and deliverance. Matthew 6:34: Does God promise to always protect us and provide for us? Philippians 4:6-8: How does God turn fear into peace? Romans 8:28 and 1 Corinthians 10:13: What do these verses really mean? Start Here... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit | Jan/Feb, 2016 Part 1: How Confusion Thwarts Holiness Part 2: Interpreting Context Part 3: Significance without Fear Part 4: Identifying a Hard Heart Part 5: Hope in the Journey to Freedom Part 6: Resolving Fear by Understanding Grace Start Here | Christopher Schwinger |
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The Armor of God | Feb 22, 2016 The Bible says strength is found in weakness when we stand in the strength of the Lord. How does putting on the armor of God help believers during spiritual battles? Read more... | Jim Allen |
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Jonathan and Saul | Feb 16, 2016 Saul tried to earn God's favor through discipline; Jonathan praised Him for the gift of honey. How can we learn to live like Jonathan — in God's abundance? Read more... | Gwen Sellers |
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The Greek Geek: Πραΰτης — Gentleness | Feb 4, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles "gentleness" — What does it mean to be gentle? Why is gentleness something we're called to pursue? Read more... | Chris Conner |
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"Who do you say that I am?" | Feb 3, 2016 Jesus said if we deny Him, He will deny us to the Father. What does that mean for Peter, who denied Him three times? Read more... | Laurel J. Davis |
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Loving the Lord | Feb 3, 2016 God calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. How can we, who are fallen, ever hope to do this? Read more... | Mark Kraus |
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The Greek Geek: ἀπολύω — Divorce | Jan 28, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles apolyo — What does it mean that God hates divorce? What does the Christian culture get right — and wrong — about divorce? Read more... | Chris Conner |
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The Greek Geek: Εὐχαριστία — Thanksgiving | Jan 20, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles eucharistia — What does it mean to be thankful? What do Americans have to be thankful for? Read more... | Chris Conner |
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The Greek Geek: Aπόστολος — Apostle | Jan 11, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles apostolos — What does it mean to be an apostle of Christ? Do we still have apostles today? Read more... | Chris Conner |
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The Greek Geek: Mathétés — Disciple | Jan 5, 2016 The Greek Geek tackles mathétés — What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? Read more... | Chris Conner |
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The Greek Geek: Agrammatos and Idiótés — Unschooled and Ordinary | Dec 29, 2015 The Greek Geek tackles agrammatos and idiotis — What does it mean that John and Peter were "unschooled and ordinary"? Read more... | Chris Conner |
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Doing Good Works | Dec 29, 2015 Matthew 5 says we should let others know of our good works. Matthew 6 says we should hide our acts of righteousness. Which is it? Read more... | Beth Hyduke |
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Our Living Sacrifice — Romans 12:1-2 | Dec 29, 2015 What does Romans 12:1-2 mean by a "living sacrifice"? How can we be transformed instead of conformed to the world? Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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The Greek Geek: Christian — Christianos | Dec 22, 2015 The Greek Geek tackles Christianos — What does it mean to be a Christian? Read more... | Chris Conner |
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The Greek Geek: Holy and Righteous | Nov 30, 2015 To be holy and righteous are both noble things, but they are not the same. Discovering the difference between holiness and righteousness. Read more... | Laurel J. Davis |
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Content, Single or Married | Nov 30, 2015 An old adage says you won't be content married if you're not content single. Is it true? And if so, how do we find contentment while single? Read more... | Tim White |
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Heresy, Sacrilege, Blasphemy, Apostasy | Nov 23, 2015 Heresy, sacrilege, blasphemy, apostasy: we use these words casually and accuse others freely. But what do they really mean? And what do they mean for our salvation? Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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God in the Old Testament | Nov 2, 2015 Paul warned Titus against foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law. How can such inconsequentials cause lasting damage to the church? Read more... | Denise Baum |
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The Foolish Controversies of Titus 3 | Nov 2, 2015 Paul warned Titus against foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law. How can such inconsequentials cause lasting damage to the church? Read more... | Fredric Carlson |
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Bible Errors and Losing Faith: Young Earth Creationism | Oct 20, 2015 Does the Bible have errors? If young earth creationism is wrong, should we dismiss the whole Bible? Can our faith stand if the Bible is not inerrant? Read more... | Dr. Christopher Plumberg |
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Trials and Temptations | Aug 24, 2015 Does God tempt us? What is the difference between trials and temptations? And what do the tea-totalling Rechabites have to do with it? Read more... | Stacy Mouat |
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Why does God ask for a confession when He already knows our sin? | Aug 18, 2015 God is omniscient — Why did He ask Adam and Eve where they were? Why did He ask Cain where Abel was? Why does He want us to confess our sins? Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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What does the Bible mean by gender-based clothing? | Aug 18, 2015 What does the Bible mean by dressing according to one's gender? Does culture influence how a Christian should dress? Read more... | Evan Plante |
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Sin and Pain and a Thorn in the Flesh | Jul 27, 2015 Paul said he had a "thorn in the flesh." Did he mean a chronic ailment or a sinful addiction? Either way, the application is the same. Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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The Greek Geek: Greek Verb Tenses | Jul 6, 2015 Imperfect? Aorist? Pluperfect? Either Chrome's automatic translator isn't working or we're talking about Greek verb tenses. Read more... | Kevin Stone |
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Psalm 37:4 and the Desires of our Heart | Jul 6, 2015 Psalm 37:4: If God promised to give us the desires of our heart, why don't we have what we want? Read more... | Lesley Mitchell |
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On Repentance and Asking for Forgiveness | Jul 6, 2015 What is the difference between repentance and asking God for forgiveness from our sins? If we are forgiven when we are saved, why do we have to repent? Read more... | Tim White |
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Jesus and the Word | Jun 22, 2015 The Bible talks about the word, the Gospel, Scripture, and logos. What is the relationship between these and Jesus? Read more... | Bill Brenner |
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Of 2 Chronicles, 1 Kings, Stalls, and Horses | Jun 22, 2015 If the Bible is inerrant, why does 2 Chronicles 9:25 contradict 1 Kings 4:26? Is it 4000 horse stalls or 40,000? Read more... | Donald O'Brien |
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Living by the Word and Not the World | Jun 15, 2015 The world tells us to feed the flesh and follow the immoral majority. The Word tells us to be transformed. Only one choice leads to life. Read more... | Laurel J. Davis |
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Taking the Lord's Name in Vain | Jun 9, 2015 What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain? Is the third commandment in the New Testament? Read more... | Wendyl Leslie |
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The Greatest Love | Jun 8, 2015 What does it mean that the greatest love is to lay down your life for your friends? How do we do that? Read more... | Jesse McPhaill |
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The Greek Geek: Epithumia — Desire | May 22, 2015 The Greek Geek The Greek Geek tackles epithumia. What is desire? Is desire always bad? Read more... | Kevin Stone |
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Jesus Wept: What's behind our emotions? | May 23, 2011; Revised May 11, 2015 Does it seem strange to you that Jesus wept? Why would the God of the universe allow Himself to feel pain? How should we look at our own emotions, knowing that Jesus, who was sinless, shed tears? Read more... | Stephanie Ismer |
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The Greek Geek: Phroneo — Affection | May 4, 2015 What does the KJV mean by 'affection'? How can we set our 'affections' on things above? Read more... | Gordon Dooley |
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The Fear of Daniel | Apr 20, 2015 The prophet Daniel served under several kings in high-ranking positions and feared none of them. That doesn't mean he lived completely without fear. Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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How does obeying God make us His friend? | Apr 13, 2015 Friendship with God isn't based on equality or mutual admiration, but on His willingness to sacrifice His Son for us. Read more... | Lesley Mitchell |
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The Bible and Being Gay | Jan 24, 2012; Revised Apr 13, 2015 What does God really say about homosexuality? This controversial issue offends unbelievers and confuses Christians. But what is the truth? Is being gay a sin according to the Bible? What does the Bible say about being gay? Read more... | Stephanie Ismer |
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Right Side — Strong Side | Apr 6, 2015 Why does the Bible emphasize the right side? Why were the priests' right ear, thumb, and toe anointed with blood? Read more... | Rabbi Robert |
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The Greek Geek: Doxa — Glory | Mar 25, 2015 The Greek Geek tackles doxa — what is the glory of God? Read more... | Kevin Stone |
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The Old Testament Story | Mar 12, 2015 The Old Testament is law, poetry, story, and prophecy all mixed up. But if you take it in sections, the story clearly shows God's patience and grace. Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Free Will and God's Sovereignty | Mar 5, 2015 Do we have free will? Do we have the capability to derail God's plan? Read more... | Mark King |
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The Narrow (Minded) Way of Biblical Christianity | Mar 3, 2015 Critics say biblical Christianity is narrow-minded. It too specifically defines good and evil, right and wrong. Jesus says they're right — Christianity is a narrow road. Read more... | Laurel Davis |
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Was Jesus Tempted the Way We Are Tempted? | Feb 25, 2015 What does it mean that Jesus was tempted in the same way that we are tempted? Jesus was sinless, so how could He feel temptation to sin? Was temptation just not painful for Jesus? Was it not as hard for Him to resist? Read more... | Stephanie Ismer |
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What does it mean to be consecrated? | Feb 16, 2015 How are believers consecrated? What does it mean to be consecrated in modern-day life? Read more... | Beth Hyduke |
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The Greek Geek: Makarios — Blessed | Feb 10, 2015 The Greek Geek tackles makarios — what does it mean to be "blessed"? Read more... | Kevin Stone |
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Gleanings from Genesis: The Faithfulness of God in the Life of Abraham | Feb 4, 2015 We often read Genesis as a history book. Looking deeper, we see it's a history of God's faithfulness to Abraham and his family. Read more... | Gwen Sellers |
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Hyssop, Cedar, and Scarlet: Symbolism in the Mosaic Law | Jan 28, 2015 How did God use symbolism in the Old Testament Law? What is the significance of hyssop, cedar, and scarlet in cleansing ceremonies? Read more... | Glenn Pierce |
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How do Jesus' two genealogies show He is the Messiah? | Jan 6, 2015 Jesus' genealogies in Matthew and Luke split at King David. How do the two different lines give evidence that He is, in fact the Messiah? Read more... | Rabbi Robert |
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Does God regret His actions? | Dec 29, 2014 Does God regret? Does He ever repent of His actions? Read more... | Joshua Claxton |
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When was Jesus born? | Dec 22, 2014 What year was Jesus born? Was Jesus really born on 1 A.D.? Or was He born earlier? Read more... | Stephanie Ismer |
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Are You Listening? | Dec 16, 2014 Christ's words to the seven churches in Revelation are just as applicable to us as they were to them. Are you listening to those words? Read more... | Laurel Davis |
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Presence for Christmas: That Baby in a Manger Grew Up! | Dec 9, 2014 Christmas presents are great! But even better is the presence of Jesus who grew up from that baby and died on the cross for our sins. Read more... | Laurel Davis |
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Did Jesus turn water into alcoholic wine? | Dec 8, 2014 Did Jesus turn water into real, alcoholic wine? What is the difference between wine now and wine in Jesus' day? Read more... | Izaak Noel |
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The End is Better than the Beginning | Nov 6, 2014 "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride" — Ecclesiastes 7:8. How thinking about the end can control our words in the beginning. Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Blessings from the Genealogy of Jesus | Oct 29, 2014 Jesus' genealogy reveals two things to us: Who He is to us and who we are to Him. The broken branches in His family tree show He can accept the brokenness in us. Read more... | Laurel Davis |
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The Haman Factor | Oct 8, 2014 "The Haman Factor": when the noose you wickely devise for someone else's neck ends up around your own. How the gentle humility of Esther saved herself and her people. Read more... | Laurel Davis |
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No Excuse | Jul-Sep, 2014 No matter what our circumstances, and no matter what our relationship is with others, we have no excuse: the wide-open, spacious life reflects the Holy Spirit inside us. 2 Corinthians 6 and the Wide-Open, Spacious Life Responsibilities and Circumstances The Character of Freedom Freedom in Relationships Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Was the story of Jesus written to seemingly fulfill Old Testament prophecies? | Aug 27, 2014 Was the New Testament written to make Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecy? What literary criticism tells us about Jesus. Read more... | Maggie Peil |
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Is Christianity about freedom or slavery? | Aug 1, 2014 Is Christianity about freedom? Or about being a slave to Christ? Read more... | Gwen Sellers |
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The Meaning of Outrageous | Jul 18, 2014 Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength doesn't mean we can't love others. It shows us how to love others better. Read more... | John Myer |
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Things I Didn't Know were in 1 Corinthians | Jul 17, 2014 So, I've been slowly reading through the New Testament. It's interesting how you can discover things you read over 18 times before. It seems like every chapter in 1 Corinthians has at least one little slap across the face. Here are a few. Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Origin of the Book of Job | Jun 18, 2014 Job's faith is inspiring, but his account is puzzling. When was the Book of Job written? When did he live? Christopher Schwinger explores why there seem to be such disparity between the descriptions of Job's life and the writing style of his story. Read more... | Christopher Schwinger |
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Why You Can Love 1 John without Being a Heretic | Jun 18, 2014 Some passages in 1 John seem to preach a gospel of works instead of grace. Does the book contradict the rest of Scripture? Or is it a response to the gnostic culture of the day? Read more... | KJM |
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From Blind Beggar to Anointed Eyes | Apr 15, 2014 In John 9, Jesus not only healed the blind beggar's eyes, He anointed them. What does it mean to have anointed eyes? Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Discontentment | Mar 3, 2014 Does God hold out on us? Or do we suffer from the sin of discontentment? What a bunch of whiners wandering through the desert for forty years can teach us about ourselves. Read more... | Alice Trebus |
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Is the Bible trustworthy? | Feb 18, 2014 Is the Bible worthy of my trust? Can I trust the Bible on non-spiritual topics? If the Bible has errors in science and history, should I trust what it says about God, Jesus, salvation, etc.? Read more... | S. Michael Houdmann |
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Nineveh | Feb 11, 2014 We know we're to forgive our enemies. But do we have the faith to rescue the authors of our future destruction? Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Yes, I dare say it | Feb 11, 2014 Many claim that we should stand on the stages and boldly preach how wrong it is for homosexual couples to marry because it is going against God, against the covenant of marriage, and ultimately against the way we were created. We do not however, plan on waging war against pride, fornication, adultery, lying, and idolatry in the same manner. Read more... | Lauren Birago |
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Is the King James Version of the Bible accurate? | Jan 28, 2014 Why is the King James Version different from other translations of the Bible? What is the advantage of the KJV being a 'literal' translation? Read more... | Darrell Shortt |
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Weighing the Worth of the Written Word | Jan 21, 2014 Human beings learn through many different methods, but some things are best learned, or can only be learned, through one particular method. Among the most powerful learning schemes is reading. Written words are by far the most effective way to communicate higher, more sophisticated concepts. Read more... | Jeff Laird |
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Why bawl at Paul? | Jan 15, 2014 Many believe that Paul's theology contradicted Jesus'. Is this true? What does the Bible say? Read more... | Jeff Laird |
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What is the role of a godly husband? | Jan 9, 2014 What is the role of a godly husband? What does it mean to lead a family? Does the Bible tell men to be controlling despots or gentle care-takers? Read more... | Steve Webb |
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The Shelter of His Wings | Nov 25, 2013 We know that God longs to shelter us under His wings, but have we ever really thought about what that means? Read more... | Gwen Sellers |
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Armor | Nov 11, 2013 We know we are to take up the armor of God, but what are we supposed to do with it? Read more... | Lauren Birago |
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Keeping the Faith | Oct 16, 2013 Salvation is through faith, not works. So why is it sometimes such hard work to keep the faith? Read more... | Gwen Sellers |
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The Gospels and Modern News | Sep 26, 2013 Why do we have four Gospel accounts? How are the Gospels similar to the modern news we read today? Read more... | Kersley Fitzgerald |
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Sing your Battle Cry | Sep 26, 2013 The armor of God is the Holy Spirit's way to protect and defend us against spiritual warfare. One way we can join in His work--sing your battle cry. Read more... | Catiana Nak Kheiyn |
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We Didn't Start the Fire, But God will see us through it | Sep 19, 2013 When faced with unanswered prayer, we can throw a tantrum and take back control of our lives or we can trust in God. But do we trust that God's sustaining love is enough? Read more... | Dev Bradley |
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Missing God | Aug 26, 2013 Being knowledgeable about God is good. It is good to engage with God on an intellectual level. But what do these pursuits mean if we don't actually know God? Read more... | Gwen Sellers |
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The Greek Geek: Meno | Aug 20, 2013 The Greek Geek tackles 'meno'--what does it mean to abide in Christ? Read more... | S. Edgar |
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The Good Fight | Aug 8, 2013 The Bible tells us to fight the good fight. The best and most effective way to start is to reject the lies that keep you out of the battle. Read more... | Dev Bradley |
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The Greek Geek: Agape vs. Phileo | Jul 31, 2013 Introducing: the Greek Geek. How is Greek love different from English? And how does that affect our relationship with Christ? Read more... | S. Edgar |
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Small Acts of Service | Jun 21, 2013 Sometimes we get so caught up in the big picture that we don't look around us. But small acts of service can be a big blessing. Read more... | MeLissa LeFleur |
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The Gift of Tongues Part 1: Tongues in the Bible | May 22, 2013 The Gift of Tongues Part 2: The Gift and Fact of Tongues Today | May 30, 2013 There is a great deal of confusion in the Christian community regarding the spiritual gift of tongues. To understand its role today, we must first understand it's role in the Bible. Start here... | Robin Schumacher |
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Who are the nations of Ezekiel 38? | May 14, 2013 Gog, Magog, Meshek, Tubal, Tarshish: What are the nations of Ezekiel 38 and where do they fit in the End Times? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Was Jesus homeless? | May 2, 2013 Was Jesus homeless? If our Savior had no home, how should that affect our view of home? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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What Does the Bible Say about "Soul Sleep"? | Apr 24, 2013 Some religious traditions believe in a view called soul sleep which teaches that the believer in Jesus who dies will have his or her soul "rest" until Christ's future coming. This view has also been called Christian mortalism or psychopannychism. What does the Bible teach about soul sleep? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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The Resurrection of Jesus: A Miracle in One of Three Ways | Mar 28, 2013 The resurrection of Jesus Christ was a miracle. No matter if you believe in God or not, or if you're a philosophical naturalist or a Christian, the account and effects of Jesus' resurrection are truly miraculous. Non-Christians may scoff at this claim, but the resurrection can only be explained in one of three ways: biological, psychological, or theological. Which is correct? Read more... | Robin Schumacher |
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Are people really without excuse? | Mar 6, 2013 Romans 1:20 teaches, "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." What does it mean that people are without excuse? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Should Christians Be Vegetarians? | Feb 14, 2013 As the trend of vegetarian dieting and lifestyle grows, some Christians have wondered whether Christians should be vegetarians or not. What does the Bible say? Do we have freedom to eat whatever we want or are there restrictions for the believer? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Are the Teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses “Christian”? | Feb 4, 2013 According to the Watchtower’s website, "Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians, but they are not Protestants for the same reason that they are not Catholics—they recognize certain teachings of those religions as unscriptural." Is this claim made based on a biblical definition of a Christian or something else? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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What Does the Bible Say about Reincarnation? | Jan 23, 2013 Reincarnation has become an increasingly popular spiritual idea in contemporary society. With far more than a billion adherents of eastern religions that embrace spiritual systems that teach reincarnation and numerous Western spiritual practices that include the belief, many Christians are asking, "What does the Bible teach about this issue?" Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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The King Makers: A Look at the Magi | Dec 27, 2012 The magi are often represented as three men who quietly appear on the night of Jesus' birth, then disappear with no real significance being tied to their visit other than to provide Jesus with a few birthday gifts. But that's not even close to the truth! Read more... | Robin Schumacher |
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What can we learn from the life of Hannah? | Dec 18, 2012 First Samuel 1–2 shares the account of Hannah, an extraordinary woman who endured many difficulties in life. Hannah’s situation would have been overwhelmingly sad, but she overcame her sorrows by praying to the Lord. Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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What can we learn from the life of Deborah? | Dec 7, 2012 Deborah is mentioned as the only female leader in the book of Judges, a woman who followed the Lord and was greatly used by Him to provide direction and encouragement to Israel. What kind of woman was she and what does the story of her life teach us today? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Uncensored Prayer | Oct 30, 2012 Prayer isn't a formula. It's not about saying the right thing or not saying the wrong thing. Prayer is about spending time with our Daddy. Tell Him about your day, ask questions, express the desires of your heart—completely uncensored. Prayer is not about performance; it's about relationship. Read more... | Gwen Sellers |
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Was the word "homosexuality" wrongly interpreted? | Oct 8, 2012 The Bible certainly appears to condemn homosexual practice, so how can Matthew Vines and other homosexual apologists claim that it doesn't actually mean homosexual sex? The key, they say, lies within the Apostle Paul's word usage. But does the original Greek text support their arguments? Read more... | Robin Schumacher |
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Will I See My Pet in Heaven? | Sep 24, 2012 Heaven is supposed to be a perfect existence that brings the greatest joy to God's people. But does the Bible teach where a pet will spend eternity? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Talking Snakes, Donkeys, and Believing the Bible | Sep 20, 2012 Once a Christian affirms a literal interpretation of Scripture, immediately skeptics pounce. Can you believe what the Bible says about history, Jesus, and more when it has narratives that describe animals speaking like human beings? I think you can; let me explain why. Read more... | Robin Schumacher |
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Do People in Heaven Pray for Those on Earth? | Sep 18, 2012 What does the Bible say about people in Heaven and their prayer life? Can they pray for their loved ones on Earth? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Will Animals Be in Heaven? | Sep 5, 2012 Will animals exist in Heaven? Will we recognize them or will there be new creatures too? Does the Bible give us a glimpse of the possibilities that lie ahead? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Does Romans 1 condemn homosexuality? | Aug 2, 2012 Romans 1 and Homosexuality — Does Romans 1 really condemn homosexuality? What are the unnatural relationships that are so strongly condemned in Romans chapter 1? Read more... | Robin Schumacher |
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Jesus Calms the Storm | Jun 28, 2012 What does it mean when Jesus calms the storm? Is the typical application of this familiar story correct? Is Jesus calming the storm a morality story about faith, or is it something else? Read more... | CG |
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Are the Four Gospels Based on Eyewitness Testimony? | Jun 28, 2012 Are the four gospels based on credible eyewitness testimony? This is a question on which modern scholars line up on both sides of the divide. Read more... | Jonathan McLatchie |
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Our God Jesus Christ: Testimonies from Early Church Fathers | Jun 7, 2012 Writing in about 180 A.D., Irenaeus, the bishop of Lyons in France, wrote concerning Jesus, "…and to raise up anew all flesh of the whole human race, in order that to Jesus Christ, our Lord, and God, and Saviour, and King…" Read more... | Dan Barkman |
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How Do We Know the Bible is Not Just a Myth? | May 9, 2012 Is the Bible a myth? The Bible is written as a factual, historical account rather than a legend. God left absolutely no room for doubt as to whether or not this is His written Word. When the facts are shown, it is clear that the Bible is not a myth. Read more... | Originally posted on: GotQuestions.org |
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The Bible vs. Temptation | Apr 11, 2012 There's power in God's Word. Jesus used it to turn the devil away when facing temptation. We can use the Bible in the same way today – in fact, we're supposed to. What is it about the Word of God that is so powerful? Read more... | CG |
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The Deity of Jesus | Apr, 2012 What is the proof for the divinity of Jesus? How could Jesus be a created being and also the Creator? What does the Bible say about Jesus' divinity? Part 1: The Testimony of Jesus Part 2: The Account of the Synoptic Gospels Part 3: The Claims of the Gospel of John Part 4: The Assertions of the Apostles Start Here | Dan Barkman |
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Do Mormons Believe in the Trinity? | Mar 6, 2012 Mormons do not believe in the trinity. Why? And what is it about the trinity that makes believing it so essential to Christianity? If Jesus is not God, doesn't that make Him a created being? And if He's a created being, what happens to our salvation? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Bible Translations | Feb 28, 2012 Part 1: The Issues Part 2: A Comparison of Translation Methods Part 3: What is the Best Study Bible? Start here... | Robin Schumacher |
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Are the Books of the New Testament Accurate? | Feb 21, 2012 While we do not have the original copies of the books of the New Testament today, we do have ample evidence that today's New Testament is a faithful copy of what was originally written. Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Is The Old Testament Bible Accurate? | Feb 7, 2012 Is the Old Testament part of the Bible accurate? We do have ample evidence that today's Old Testament is a faithful copy of what was established during the earliest times. Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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What Does it Mean to be Blessed? | Jan 31, 2012 So, what does it mean to be blessed? Does the Bible tell us the way to have true blessing? Yes, and blessing might not be what you always thought. It might be better. Read more... | CG |
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What is the Amillennial View of the End Times? | Jan 7, 2012 Does an amillennialist worldview have basis in Scripture? What is amillennialism, anyway? Does the Bible really say Christ will rule the earth for a thousand years? Read more... | Dillon Burroughs |
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Divine Sovereignty and The Faithfulness of God | Nov 9, 2011 The impact of divine sovereignty on our lives is determined, in part, by our understanding of God's other attributes, especially the faithfulness of God. It's one thing to know what the Bible says about God's faithfulness; it's another to live according to that knowledge. Read more... | Dolores Kimball |
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The Doctrines of Grace — TULIP | Originally Posted Aug 4, 2011 Introduction: What are the Doctrines of Grace and what is their historic importance? Total Depravity: Are we all as evil as we can be? What about the good that people do? Unconditional Election: Does God choose those who are going to be saved ahead of time? Limited Atonement: Did Jesus die for the sins of the whole world or only for the elect? irresistible Grace: How does God draw people to himself? Can we resist? Perseverance of the Saints: What does it mean to persevere in faith? What about apostasy? Start here... | CG |
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Covenant Theology | Originally posted May 31, 2011 Covenant Theology: What is a covenant and why is this concept important? Covenant of Works: The promise of obedience any why it didn't work. Covenant of Grace: The promise of the grace of God. Covenant of Redemption: The promise between God and Jesus and what it means to us. Start Here... | CG |
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The Sovereignty of God and His Unchanging Nature | May 16, 2011 A completely sovereign God who was also changeable or unpredictable would be impossible to please or obey. But our God is immutable—He does not change His mind, renege on His promises, or break His covenants with His people. Read more... | Dolores Kimball |
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God's Sovereignty and His True Word – The Bible | May 10, 2011 The Bible is not only true, but it is the actual words of God with which He inspired each of the authors of the 66 books to write exactly what He intended. Read more... | Dolores Kimball |
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The Five Solas | Originally posted: Apr 22, 2011 Faith Alone (Sola Fide): Rome calls "faith alone" a legal fiction; is it something more? Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura): Is Scripture really the sole source of inspired authority? Grace Alone (Sola Gratia): What does God do and what does man do in salvation? Christ Alone (Solus Christus): Is Christ or the church mediator between God and man? The Glory of God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria): Does man do nothing to merit his salvation? Start here... | CG |
Image: Foto-Rabe; Untitled; Creative Commons