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In this Ten Commandments Series, we are looking at each commandment individually to see how they all apply to our present day personal Christian lives. In our systematic examination of each of the first five commandments, we have seen a powerful interconnectedness that deepens their meaning to us. The first three focus on God as our sole object of ultimate worship and loyalty. The Fourth Commandment to remember the Sabbath teaches us as Christians to rest in God through Jesus, making sure our motivations in life are continually spiritually focused. The Fifth Commandment to honor our father and mother was the first one to fully focus on our interpersonal human relationships. This respect and honor towards parents are the clear foundation for the rest of the commandments, which set rigid guidelines for the mutual respect we should have for all of humanity.

Murder, according to Jesus, begins long before any physical act. Christians become guilty of murder—”spiritual murder”—when anger, contempt and destructive words diminish another person’s God‑given worth. The Sixth Commandment calls us to protect the sanctity of life by practicing humility, reconciliation and honoring the image of God in everyone.

There’s a progressionThis teaching shows a metaphorical progression: anger places us in danger of judgment in court, contempt places us in danger of the high court, and calling someone a fool places us in danger of losing everything through God’s righteous judgment. Jesus is revealing that for Christians, murder begins long before any physical act. It starts in the heart, where anger, contempt and destructive words diminish another person’s God-given worth.

For Christians today, modern expressions of this potential spiritual murder includes dehumanization, online hostility and the quiet killing of hope through criticism or belittling. Scripture consistently teaches that our words carry power to bless or curse, to build or destroy. When we diminish someone’s identity, worth or potential, we violate the spirit of the Sixth Commandment.

Fortunately, Jesus offers a clear remedy for this sometimes subtle but massive challenge. It begins with humility, reconciliation and intentional care for our brothers and sisters. As light bearers, Christians are called to protect life in every form—physical, emotional and spiritual. Jesus’ application of this sixth Commandment to his followers challenges us to look honestly at how we react, how we speak, and how we form judgments, so that our conduct reflects the value God places on every single human being.

Key Takeaways• Murder begins in the heart long before any physical act.
• Anger, contempt and degrading speech place believers in spiritual danger.
• Jesus raises the Sixth Commandment to a higher, inward standard.
• Dehumanization and slander are modern forms of “spiritual murder.”
• Protecting the sanctity of life includes guarding others’ hope and potential.
• Christians must practice humility, reconciliation and intentional respect.

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The Fifth Commandment God gave to Israel after He freed them from slavery was a simple statement of respect. God instructed each and every individual to honor their parents. To really understand the import of this command from God to His people of Israel and to us, it is important to do two things. First, recognize that appropriate “honor” for one’s parents really has its foundation in the previous four Commandments. Second, be aware that while honoring our parents does have its basis in honoring God, we must recognize that any and all honor we give them reflects how and why we honor God. So, how and why do we as Christians honor our parents?

To honor your parents means giving weight, respect and value to their role in our lives. Biblically, honor is an external action rooted in reverence for God, expressed through respect, care, listening and godly obedience. Jesus modeled this honor both in his youth and at the cross.

It’s all connectedIn this episode, we explore how to honor your father and mother goes beyond a cultural expectation to a spiritual discipline. Scripture shows that honoring parents is woven into the very fabric of a God-reverencing life. The Law connects honoring parents with holiness, avoiding idolatry, Sabbath rest and the sanctity of God’s name. In other words, how we treat our parents reflects how seriously we take God Himself.

What if they just aren’t good parents?As reverential and respectful as all of this is, what happens when parents are not honorable? The Bible never asks us to blindly follow destructive behavior. To honor your parents must always be filtered through honoring God first. Sometimes honor looks like setting boundaries, seeking help or breaking cycles of harm. Other times, honor means patience, forgiveness and choosing respect even when circumstances are challenging.

Ultimately, honoring parents is a heart-driven choice. It is an act of worship, a reflection of God’s character and a pathway to significantly healthier families and communities.

Key Takeaways• Honor is an external action rooted in reverence for God.
• The Fifth Commandment builds on the first four, linking family respect to spiritual devotion.
• Jesus modeled parental honor from childhood through his final moments on the cross.
• Honoring destructive behavior is not biblical; boundaries might be necessary.
• True honor comes from the heart and reflects God’s holiness in everyday relationships.

The post What Does Honoring Our Parents Really Mean? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Although the Ten Commandments are well known, the sad reality is they certainly are not well practiced. In our current Ten Commandment series we are examining each one and how it relates to our Christian lives here and now. So far, we’ve covered the first three and have found them to be deeply connected and incredibly relevant for our everyday lives. We now look at the fourth, the command to remember the sabbath day and to keep it holy. As Christians, the issue here should be obvious. The Jewish sabbath is Saturday and we have our day of worship and rest on Sunday. Are we wrong in this approach, or is our remembering the sabbath supposed to be expressed in entirely different terms?

The Fourth Commandment—remembering the Sabbath and keeping it holy—was central to Israel’s covenant life. It provided a weekly pause from physical labor so the people could refocus on God, examine their hearts and correct any possible drift toward idolatry and hypocrisy. But for Christians, the meaning of Sabbath rest shifts dramatically. Instead of a literal day of ceasing from physical work, the New Testament reveals a deeper, spiritual rest rooted in Christ himself.

God rested on the seventh day not because He was tired, but because His physical creative work was complete. From that point forward, His work became spiritual—preparing the world for Messiah and unfolding His plan through Jesus. Hebrews 4 explains that Israel failed to enter God’s rest because of disobedience, while believers now enter that rest through faith in Christ. This rest is not inactivity; it is the peace and strength that come from aligning our lives with God’s ongoing spiritual work.

Jesus reinforces this truth when he invites the weary to take his yoke and learn from him. His rest is the relief from worldly burdens, anxieties and self‑driven striving. The Greek words used—katapauo (to cease) and anapauo (to refresh)—show that Christian rest involves both putting down earthly concerns and taking up the spiritually refreshing work of discipleship.

The early church modeled this beautifully.They gathered on the first day of the week—Resurrection Day—to teach, pray, give and serve. This was not a pause from spiritual labor but a celebration of Christ’s victory and a recommitment to the work God prepared for them.

For Christians today, Sabbath rest is a daily posture. We still handle our responsibilities, but our true labor is in Christ. We rest by living as “new creatures,” empowered by God’s spirit, focused on His plan, and engaged in His work every day.

Key Takeaways* The Jewish Sabbath focused on ceasing physical labor; Christian Sabbath focuses on spiritual rest in Christ. * God’s rest began after creation and continues through His spiritual work in Messiah. * Believers enter God’s rest through faith, obedience and alignment with Christ’s work. * Jesus’ yoke brings refreshment, not exhaustion—spiritual work is restful when done in him. * The early church gathered on Resurrection Day to teach, serve and worship, modeling Christian Sabbath principles. * Christian rest is daily: putting aside earthly anxieties and engaging in God’s spiritual work with renewed focus.

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As we continue our Ten Commandments series, we are focusing on how each and every Commandment given by God to Israel after their being freed from slavery has direct and profound meaning for us as Christians. While we live in a VERY different world, the principles of each of those Commandments are powerfully important for us to follow in our walk as disciples of Jesus. The Third Commandment tells us to not take God’s name in vain. For the most part, we look at that and we might think, I don’t use God’s name in any inappropriate way, so I’m fine! Well, the reality is taking God’s name in vain is far deeper, far more subtle and far more destructive than the words we use. We need to pay close attention!

Beyond OMG!The Third Commandment, “Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain,” reaches far deeper than avoiding careless speech. In this episode, we explore how “taking God’s name” is about carrying His name, bearing it as a representative of His character. The commandment warns against taking God’s name in vain — living in a way that makes God’s name appear empty, false, or inconsistent with the life of a disciple. It is not merely about words; it is about the integrity of our walk.

Connecting CommandmentsThe discussion begins by connecting the Third Commandment to the first two. When we allow doubt, divided loyalty or idolatry to take root, hypocrisy naturally follows. We may outwardly claim God’s name while inwardly relying on our own desires, worldly influences or the persuasive voices of others. We discuss how this progression leads to a “forged signature,” a life that bears God’s name but does not reflect His holiness.

Jonah’s story becomes a vivid example. As a prophet, he carried God’s name, yet his refusal to obey revealed an idol of self‑will. Only in distress did Jonah recognize the emptiness of his own vanity and return to faithfulness. The Apostle Paul’s transformation provides another powerful illustration. His impressive credentials once masked spiritual emptiness, but in Christ he learned to count all things as loss so he could bear God’s name with sincerity.

Practically speaking, how do we avoid becoming a “shell” of a Christian? By guarding our priorities, resisting worldly influences and rejecting leaders who twist Scripture for personal gain. Ultimately, Jesus’ words in the Lord’s Prayer, “Hallowed be Thy name,” show the positive side of the Third Commandment. To carry God’s name is to treat it as sacred, letting it shape our character, our choices and our daily walk.

Key Takeaways

• We are supposed to represent God with integrity at all times, not merely avoiding careless speech.
• Hypocrisy begins when doubt, idolatry or worldly influences distort our loyalty.
• Jonah and Paul illustrate how personal desires can forge a false spiritual identity.
• The antidote is returning to the first two commandments: no other gods, no idols.
• “Hallowed be Thy name” is the positive fulfillment of the Third Commandment—living in a way that honors God’s holiness.

The post Do I Ever Take God’s Name in Vain? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In our last episode, we unfolded the revealing of the Ten Commandments to the nation of Israel after they were miraculously freed from Egyptian slavery. We observed how God powerfully reminded them that their deliverance came from Him, and how their loyalty to Him was to be reflected by the First Commandment’s instruction of having no other gods before Him. As Christians, we were also rescued from the “slavery” of sin and death by God through the sacrifice of Jesus. We are therefore required to follow this Commandment and have our loyalty solely focused on God through Christ. The Second Commandment instructs us to have NO idols in our lives and builds squarely upon the First. Practically speaking, what does being idol-free look like? What are the dangers of not living up to this standard?

Reject idolatryIn this episode we see that the Second Commandment’s call is to reject idolatry in every form. Idolatry begins internally, in the direction of the heart, and then becomes visible through what we “make,” “bow to” and “serve.” Idolatry can be described as a root sin that misdirects loyalty before any outward wrongdoing appears, creating patterns that can affect generations.

Modern idolsGod warned Israel not to create images of anything in heaven, on earth, or in the sea, because they never saw God’s form and were instead meant to be His living image. Idolatry is shown to be a shortcut, like the golden calf, offering quick reassurance instead of the slow, transformative work of trusting God. Modern idols may not be carved statues; they are often subtle, sophisticated and deeply embedded in daily life: ego, success, comfort, possessions, technology and even AI when used as a spiritual shortcut rather than a tool.

The New Testament approach to idolatry can be summed up in Paul’s approach in Acts 17, where he confronted a city full of idols with gentleness and respect. His method becomes a model for addressing idolatry both around us and within us, recognizing it, isolating it, repenting and returning to God’s sovereignty. Idolatry appears repeatedly in New Testament “danger lists,” emphasizing its destructive power and its ability to quietly replace God as the source of validation and security.

Ultimately, this Commandment calls Christians to spiritual awareness, honest self-examination and wholehearted loyalty to the God who cannot be contained, controlled or replaced.

Key Takeaways* Idolatry is a root sin: it misdirects the heart before any outward sin appears. * The Second Commandment is an external action command, building on the internal loyalty of the First. * Israel never saw God’s form, so any image replaces His true nature with something man made. * Modern idols are subtle: ego, success, comfort, possessions, technology, and even AI when used as a shortcut. * Idols promise control and immediacy, but they shape us in their image rather than God’s. * Paul’s approach in Acts 17 is a model: meet people where they are, speak gently and point them toward the true God. * Self-examination is essential: identify what you “bow to” or “serve” emotionally or habitually. Keep idols out of your life. * Repentance restores direction, bringing us back into the light and away from destructive patterns. * Christians are God’s temple, so idols have no rightful place in our lives.

The post How Do I Keep Idols Out of My Life? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The giving of the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel after their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt was part of one of the most memorable series of events in the entire Old Testament. Here were these millions of people who were now free from bondage but as yet with no home, and no way to take care of themselves other than trusting in Moses who was following God’s instructions. The giving of these ten foundational laws would set them up to understand who God was and what He would expect from them regarding their honoring Him and their respecting one another. These Ten Commandments were God’s directive to His people after He delivered them. They would stand the test of time. So, what do they mean to us as Christians? Are we bound by these Laws in our deliverance from sin and death?

First CommandmentIn this episode, we take a deep look at the First Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” and discover why this ancient instruction remains foundational for every Christian today. We walk through the dramatic setting of Exodus 19 and 20, where God prepared Israel to receive His Law by reminding them of His deliverance, His protection and His covenant love. Before giving a single command, God established relationship: “I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” That same pattern carries into Christianity, where we are called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light through Christ.

Our conversation highlights how the Ten Commandments were not merely rules for Israel, but timeless principles that reveal God’s character. Jesus and the apostles built their teachings on these same moral foundations, showing that while Christians are not under the Law of Moses, we are absolutely called to live out the righteousness those commandments point to. The First Commandment in particular is an “internal instruction”—a matter of the heart that shapes every outward action. It calls us to give God our instinctive loyalty, our first trust and our deepest devotion.

Other godsFurther, we explore what “other gods” look like today. They may not be carved idols, but they show up in subtle forms like fear, control, comfort, self-reliance, approval or anything that quietly becomes our first “go to” instead of God.

Ultimately, the First Commandment invites us to know who God is, absorb what He does and live in a way that reflects His sovereignty. When God truly comes first, everything else in life finds its rightful place.

Key Takeaways• The First Commandment is an internal instruction that begins in the heart.
• God established relationship before giving the Law—He first delivered Israel.
• Christians are called out of darkness just as Israel was called out of Egypt.
• “Other gods” today often appear as subtle loyalties like fear, control, comfort or self-image.
• Jesus and the apostles built their teachings on the same principles found in the Ten Commandments.
• True worship means giving God our instinctive trust, loyalty and direction.
• Knowing who God is must lead to living according to His sovereignty.
• Violating the First Commandment is always the beginning of spiritual downfall.

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If we are not careful, it can be easy to misrepresent God. So often we hear people proclaim that God is a God of anger and wrath, a God who demands that we fear Him. While God does absolutely and ultimately demand that all will eventually honor and reverence Him, we need to be able to grasp what He requires of humanity now. The Bible, if carefully understood, supplies these answers. By examining what “fear of the Lord” looks like first in the Old Testament and then in the New, we can receive a clear picture of what He demands. What does this picture show us? It reveals His power, His authority and His overwhelming benevolence.

The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the fear of the Lord. The Hebrew words for fear carry both negative and positive meanings ranging from terror to deep reverence. Israel’s experience was often physical and immediate, while Christians today apply these principles spiritually. This distinction helps us to appreciate why “fear” in Scripture can sometimes sound intimidating yet ultimately points toward a relationship grounded in respect and devotion.

Reverence for God brings blessing.Passages from Psalms and Proverbs show that fearing the Lord leads to confidence, instruction, protection and even joy. For example, Proverbs describes the fear of the Lord as “a fountain of life,” offering refuge and strength. This kind of fear is not about shrinking back, but about recognizing God’s greatness and drawing closer to Him because of it.

Reverence for God brings guidance.A deeply personal example of this is Rick’s experience of how reverence for God sustained him through the trauma of his daughter’s assault. He describes relying on prayer and scriptural principles when he didn’t know what to do, illustrating how reverence can anchor believers during life’s most overwhelming moments.

The New Testament verifies that reverence remains essential for Christians. While the Greek word phobéō can mean fright, it also carries the meaning of awe and respect. The apostles encourage believers to perfect holiness in the fear of God, to honor all people and to avoid any ungodly spirit of cowardice.

The picture is clear: ‘Fearing the Lord’ means placing Him in His rightful position—above all things—and allowing that reverence to shape our confidence, choices and character.

Key Takeaways

• The ‘fear of the Lord’ in Scripture primarily means reverence, awe and deep respect, not terror.
• Old Testament examples show that reverence brings instruction, protection, confidence and blessing.
• True ‘fear’ of God draws us toward Him, not away from Him.
• The New Testament continues this theme, urging Christians to perfect holiness in reverence.
• God has not given Christians a spirit of fearfulness or cowardice.
• Reverence becomes especially powerful during personal trials, grounding us in God’s presence and guidance.

The post What Is the ‘Fear of the Lord’? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Temptation is everywhere. In fact, it may be lurking in places that we are not even aware of. Let’s put this in perspective: Who do you claim to be? If you answered that you claim to be a Christian, then the next question is, who do you serve and in whose footsteps are you therefore to walk? Our answers should be that we serve God and are walking in the footsteps of Jesus our Lord! Now here’s the test: Let’s think about our associations, our work or school environments, our friends, the shows we watch, the influencers we follow, the music we listen to and the posts we make and read. Where are all these things drawing our minds to? What percentage of all these things are in exact alignment with God our Father and Jesus our Lord? Think! Be honest! You see, temptation IS everywhere!

How to identify temptation? It doesn’t always arrive with flashing lights or obvious danger. More often, it begins quietly—like a seed dropped into the “soil” of our hearts. What matters most is what we do with those seeds. Left unattended, they can take root and pull us off course. But when recognized early, they can be uprooted before they grow into something that harms our spiritual life.

The New Testament describes temptation as a proving ground—a pressure that reveals what is already inside us. That pressure can either weaken us or build us, depending on the desires we allow to take root. Even Jesus faced temptation, showing us that the battle itself is not sin. The danger comes when desire is fed, entertained, or justified. Whether it’s the “lust of the flesh,” the “lust of the eyes,” or the “pride of life,” temptation always begins with something that looks appealing and promises more than it can deliver.

Because temptation is subtle, how to identify temptation becomes our first line of defense. We’re called to examine our thoughts, emotions and habits with honesty. Are they drawing us closer to God or quietly nudging us away? Scripture encourages us to “submit to God,” “resist the devil,” and “draw near” to the One who provides strength and clarity. When we recognize the early signs, remove ourselves from compromising environments and reassess our emotional state, we create space for God to reshape our responses and strengthen our character.

Temptation is universal—but so is God’s faithfulness. With humility, vigilance, and a willingness to grow, we can face temptation with confidence and shut it down before it takes root.

Key Takeaways• Temptation begins as a seed—often subtle and easily overlooked.
• Desire is the catalyst. Temptation gains power only when it connects with something inside us.
• Awareness, honesty and early action are essential to stopping temptation before it grows.
• Scripture provides a clear process: submit to God, resist the devil, draw near and reshape our responses.
• God always provides strength, clarity and a way of escape for those who seek Him.

The post How Do I Identify Temptation and Shut It Down? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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We all sin. We all make mistakes and sometimes they are just plain embarrassing. As Christians, we know that forgiveness for our sins can be readily available as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice. The question is, what do I have to do to access that availability? Is it automatic? Am I forgiven just because I have claimed the name of Jesus? The answer to that question is an emphatic NO! While being a disciple of Christ grants us access to forgiveness from God, it does not automatically apply that forgiveness to our ongoing sins. So, what do we have to do? Do we actually have to confess our sins in detail to God? What does confessing our sins actually mean? Are there rituals that we should be following? Should we confess them to others? Is there a right way and a wrong way to do this?

Confession is not a ritual or a formula.Scripture presents it as something far more meaningful: a relational step that brings us back into alignment with God. The Apostle John uses the Greek word homologeō—to “say the same thing”—meaning confession is agreeing with God’s assessment of our actions rather than defending, minimizing or hiding them. It is the moment we stop managing our image and start embracing honesty before the One who already knows every detail.

King David’s experience in Psalm 32 gives us a vivid picture of this process. Before he confessed, he described his inner life as wasting away under the weight of guilt. But once he acknowledged his sin without excuses, he found relief, clarity and restored fellowship with God—even though the severe consequences of his actions remained. Confession didn’t erase the earthly fallout, but it reopened the door to God’s mercy and peace.

The New Testament builds on this foundation by reminding us that we confess not to inform God, but to align ourselves with Him. Hebrews shows that Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest, opens the way to the throne of grace so we can approach God with confidence. Confession becomes the pathway out of darkness and into light, where cleansing and transformation can actually happen. It is how we keep our hearts soft, our conscience clear, and our relationship with God vibrant and honest.

Key Takeaways• Confession is relational, not ritualistic—it restores alignment with God.
• The biblical meaning of confession is to agree with God’s truth about our actions.
• God already knows our sins; confession helps us see ourselves clearly.
• David’s example shows that confession brings relief, honesty and renewed fellowship, even when consequences remain.
• Confession is part of walking in the light, keeping us spiritually awake and accountable.
• Through Jesus, we can approach God with confidence, knowing forgiveness and cleansing are available.
• True confession leads to transformation—allowing God’s grace to work in us and through us.

The post Is It Necessary to Confess My Sins? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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There are two fundamental lessons we can learn about God from having a general knowledge of the true message of the Bible. First, we know that God is love, as He created humanity for the sake of having an eternal human family. Second, God is just. His love for humanity is not weak and unreliable; it is based on a solid foundation of justice. When Adam sinned, this justice aspect of His character was plain to see as Adam would no longer have eternal life. He would now be destined to live out his life outside of the Garden of Eden, in a different environment than he had originally been given. Adam, Eve and the generations they would produce would now make their living off of a cursed earth. What would this mean for them? Did their disobedience doom to whole world to a cursed life of hopelessness? Did God curse the world?

Two targeted cursesWhen we look closely at the Genesis account, we discover that God’s actions in Eden were far more purposeful and hopeful than many assume. Rather than cursing humanity, God issued two targeted curses: one on the serpent and one on the ground. The serpent’s curse carried both humiliation and prophecy, pointing forward to the eventual destruction of Satan by the promised seed. The curse on the ground introduced toil, resistance and frustration into human labor—not as an act of divine spite, but as a teacher. Life outside the Garden would now reveal the true cost of sin and humanity’s deep need for redemption.

Throughout Scripture, this theme continues. Cain’s judgment, Lamech’s longing for relief and Noah’s partial mitigation of the ground’s difficulty all show that God’s curse on the soil shaped human experience but never represented a curse on humanity itself. Even after the Flood, God reaffirmed stability and seasons, signaling mercy within the struggle. The ground remained cursed, but the world was not abandoned.

Romans 8The Apostle Paul picks up this thread in Romans 8, explaining that creation was “subjected to futility”—not cursed—and that this condition is temporary. Paul uses the imagery of childbirth to show that the world’s present suffering is leading toward something new. The groaning of creation is in anticipation. God’s plan has always been restoration.

This is where Jesus enters the picture with breathtaking clarity. By taking Adam’s death penalty and stepping into the Law’s covenant curse—symbolized by being “hung on a tree”—Jesus opened the way for both Jews and Gentiles to become part of Abraham’s promised seed. His sacrifice ensures that the curse on the ground, the futility of creation and the burden of sin will all be resolved in God’s appointed time. The story that begins with a curse ends with healing and restoration, and the promise of a world made new.

Key Takeaways• God cursed the serpent and the ground in Genesis 3. He did not curse humanity.
• The curse on the ground served a purpose, shaping human experience and pointing to the need for redemption.
• Creation’s “futility” in Romans 8 is temporary and filled with hope.
• Jesus fulfilled the Law’s curse symbol by being publicly displayed on the cross.
• Through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles become Abraham’s seed and heirs of the promise.
• God’s plan moves from curse to consequence to redemption and finally, to restoration.

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In Part I of this 2-part series, we introduced several reasons why many Christians believe women should be able to serve as pastors. Our scriptural considerations began with understanding what the “equality in Christ” in our theme text means. We found that it is pointing to an immovable foundation for people of differing ethnicities, different social standings and both genders to stand firmly upon. While Christ does not change our heritage, social standing or gender privileges, he equally welcomes all of us. We also briefly examined the roles of a few prominent Old Testament women. Here we discovered that even though they were wise and chosen prophets of God, that did not open the door for them to be in any way related to the priesthood of Israel.

In Part II of our series, we continue examining the question of whether women should serve as pastors or elders by looking closely at New Testament women in ministry by including examples often raised in support of egalitarian views. We explore the lives of Priscilla, Phoebe and Junia—women of remarkable faith and influence—and consider how their contributions fit within the structure God designed for the early church. These women served powerfully and sacrificially, yet Scripture never presents them as holding the governing or teaching offices reserved for elders.

Gift vs. officeA major theme of this episode is the difference between gifts and offices. God gives spiritual gifts broadly to both men and women, enabling all believers to teach, encourage, counsel and serve. But the New Testament consistently assigns the formal teaching and governing roles of the church to qualified men. This distinction becomes especially important when we look at Pentecost. Peter quotes a prophecy from Joel to show that God’s spirit was being poured out on both sons and daughters, but his purpose was to highlight the arrival of miraculous gifts—not to redefine church leadership. Pentecost was a preview of God’s power, not a restructuring of the elder role.

The Competency ArgumentWe also address the modern argument of competency. Many women today are highly educated, capable leaders in every sphere of society. Scripture never denies their ability. Instead, it provokes us to consider how God arranges His body according to His design, not human preference. The pattern of male eldership is rooted not in culture, but in creation, headship and the consistent teaching of both Paul and Peter.

This episode encourages all Christians—men and women—to embrace their God given roles with humility, gratitude and purpose, recognizing that leadership in the body of Christ begins and ends with faithful service.

Key Takeaways• New Testament women served powerfully, but none are shown holding the office of elder.
• Gifts and offices are different: gifts show ability; offices show responsibility.
• Pentecost demonstrated God’s power, not a change in church leadership structure.
• Competency is not the issue—God’s design and order are.
• Headship is rooted in creation, not culture.
• Every Christian can lead by example, regardless of role.

The post Should Women Be Pastors? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The world has changed dramatically over the last 2,000 years. If you are accessing this podcast information, then the world you live in has gone from a very localized environment where the fastest news traveled was by horseback or boat, to a society of instant access for all news and information. Your world has transformed from a patriarchal society where men represented the vast majority of power and influence in life, to a society that continues to make all roles equally available for both men and women. So, has Christianity kept up with the times? Have we made all roles, specifically the role of pastor and teacher in the church equally available to both men and women? If your church has, should they have? If they have not, then why not? Should women be pastors? There is a clear scriptural answer to this!

Egalitarian and complementarian viewsIn Part I of this important two-part series, we take a careful, respectful look at one of the most debated questions in modern Christianity: Should women serve as pastors or elders in the church? Rather than beginning with our own conclusion that women should not serve in this way, we start by laying out the pro-woman pastor egalitarian viewpoint, exactly as its supporters understand it. We walk through the strongest egalitarian arguments, including equality in Christ, women in biblical leadership, the distribution of spiritual gifts and the practical reality that women already serve in many ministry roles today.

Once this perspective is clearly understood, the episode turns to Scripture to examine the foundation beneath the complementarian view we hold. What does “equality in Christ” actually mean? Does it erase distinctions God built into creation, or does it elevate men and women equally while preserving different roles? The conversation explores the Old Testament pattern of spiritual leadership, the significance of the priesthood, and the creation order established before sin entered the world. It also looks honestly at how sin distorted God’s design, leading to centuries of misuse, imbalance and cultural extremes Scripture never endorsed.

Throughout the discussion, the goal is not to diminish women’s value or gifting, but to understand how God arranged roles for the protection, order and flourishing of the church. This episode invites our listeners to consider the question not through the lens of culture or tradition, but through the lens of God’s revealed design.

Key Takeaways• Equality in Christ elevates men and women without erasing God-given distinctions.
• Women in Scripture held significant leadership roles, yet not the highest spiritual offices.
• Spiritual gifts are given broadly, but spiritual offices are assigned purposefully.
• The creation order—not culture—forms the foundation for church structure.
• Sin distorted headship into domination, but Scripture restores balance and dignity.
• Clearly understanding both viewpoints clearly helps us approach this topic with grace and truth.

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In our last episode, we laid out a scriptural foundation for how human free will works by considering two Old Testament accounts. First, we looked at Joshua and how he was called upon by God to lead Israel after the death of Moses. His choosing to closely follow God’s direction in this task made him a great leader. This showed us the profound value of always using God’s word and His will to guide us. Second, we looked at the account of Adam and Eve and their sin. Their poor choices showed us how easy it is for us to apply our free will in self-destructive ways by listening to other voices that oppose godliness. Now we get practical and examine free will in relation to our Christianity, as well as free will in relation to the rest of the world.

As Christians, our free will is meant to be shaped and elevated by the teachings of Jesus. Scripture calls us to “continue in his word,” reminding us that discipleship requires direction, discipline and a conscience trained by truth. Understanding how God guides our free will helps us see that He does not override our choices; instead, He surrounds our path with the “guardrails” of providence—Scripture, conscience, correction and the influence of His spirit. These guardrails don’t force us to stay on the road, but they can lovingly prevent us from drifting into danger.

Ephesians 4Ephesians 4 gives us a practical picture of how God guides our free will by showing what a renewed mind and transformed character look like in action. This chapter becomes a roadmap for what a transformed free will looks like in daily life. As we “put off” the old self and “put on” the new, our choices begin to reflect Christlike qualities: truthful communication, forbearance, godly morality, upbuilding words, diligent actions, purified emotions and a tender, forgiving heart. This transformation is gradual, intentional and deeply connected to our willingness to align our intellect and character with God’s word.

This is good for Christians, but what about the free will of the world at large? While humanity’s choices now often lead to suffering and injustice, the Bible assures us that God has fixed a future “day of judgment”—a thousand-year period of restoration, clarity and righteous instruction. In that kingdom, every person will finally have the opportunity to choose God with full understanding. Free will, once confused and wounded, will be healed and guided toward life.

Key Takeaways• Free will becomes powerful and safe only when it is aligned with Jesus’ teachings.
• Ephesians 4 shows how a transformed free will produces Christlike behavior.
• Christian growth requires “putting off” the old self and “putting on” the new.
• The world’s uneven free will experiences will be addressed in the future kingdom.
• The “day of judgment” is a restorative, thousand-year period of learning righteousness.
• Ultimately, God’s plan leads every human being toward clarity, accountability and the opportunity to choose life.

The post How Does Our Free Will Work in God’s Plan? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The Bible plainly teaches us that God in His unfathomable wisdom and power has a clear plan for the destiny of ALL humanity. We also know according to 1 Peter 1:20 that His plan for the sacrifice of Jesus was clearly in place even before the earth was created. Now, if God’s plan was clear to Him even before humanity existed, how does that fit into our understanding that each and every one of us has free will? Wouldn’t His foreknowledge by its very existence make us all puppets in His hands? If He knows how it will all turn out, then aren’t we just playing a predetermined role? Actually, nothing could be further from the truth! As we dig into these questions, we will see that God’s plans and purposes are firmly built around the free will of all of His intelligent creation. Understanding this is life changing!

JoshuaAs we explored this question in Part I, we began with Joshua—one of Scripture’s clearest examples of how human free will operates within God’s will. Joshua was given a divine assignment and the assurance that God would be with him, yet he still had to actively choose obedience, courage and faith. God laid out the road, but Joshua had to walk it. His free will didn’t create God’s plan, but it determined how faithfully he would travel upon it. This powerful picture shows us that God’s foreknowledge does not eliminate our choices; instead, it provides the framework in which our choices gain meaning.

Adam & EveWe also examined the first human exercise of free will in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were created perfect, placed in an environment designed for success and given clear boundaries. Their free will was real, and so were the consequences of their decisions. When Eve listened to another voice and Adam followed her lead, they stepped outside of God’s protective boundaries. God didn’t force the outcome, but free will must be tested, proven and ultimately aligned with God’s character.

Throughout the episode, we saw that God’s will is

• perfect
• committed
• time-tested and
• harmonious.

Human free will, by contrast, is developing. It must learn strength, courage, character and intellectual alignment with God’s truth. Rather than making us puppets, God invites us into a lifelong process of choosing His way—again and again—until our will becomes anchored in His.

Understanding this relationship between God’s sovereignty and our freedom is deeply practical. It shapes how we face decisions, how we interpret trials, and how we grow into Christlike maturity.

Key Takeaways• God’s foreknowledge frames human free will. It does not cancel it.
• Joshua shows that God provides the road, but we choose how faithfully we walk it.
• Strength and courage are active choices, not automatic feelings.
• Adam and Eve’s test reveals that free will must be proven and aligned with God’s character.
• God’s will is perfect and unchanging. Our will is being shaped to match His.
• Every decision becomes an opportunity to choose trust, obedience and spiritual growth.

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Are Christians who claim to heal and who claim to speak in tongues operating within the scriptural guidelines of Christianity today, or have they taken a giant step over the line of appropriate Christian behavior? In our last episode, we observed how the Old Testament established healing as an occasional gift and was not necessarily granted based on faith. We also observed that Jesus healed the masses and generally did not require faith and following to give that gift. We also saw that Old Testament speaking in tongues was absolutely speaking in foreign languages. It was a sign of God’s disapproval when foreign languages were introduced. The Apostle Paul verified that speaking in tongues – in foreign languages – was STILL a sign, but now it was a sign of approval to UNBELIEVERS. In this episode, we examine healing and speaking in tongues in the New Testament to understand how these gifts functioned in the early church.

The New Testament patternAs we turn to the New Testament, Jesus sets the pattern. He healed out of compassion, not as a reward for personal faith. In fact, out of the hundreds he healed, only four individuals are specifically commended for their faith. Healing was never meant to be a spiritual performance or a measure of someone’s worthiness. It was a sign that the Messiah had arrived and the call to the kingdom was open.

After Pentecost, the pattern remained narrowOnly two non-apostles—Philip and Ananias—are specifically recorded as performing healings. Both did so under circumstances that were tied to the spread of the gospel. The Apostle Paul later explained that healing was one of the lesser gifts and would eventually fade as the church matured and the written word took center stage. Scripture, not miracles, would become the enduring tool for building faith.

The same is true for speaking in tongues. The New Testament records only three instances of this occurring. In every case, tongues were real human languages used to communicate the gospel to foreigners. Tongues were never intended to be a private prayer language or a display of spiritual superiority. Paul repeatedly corrected the misuse of this gift, reminding believers that prophecy and teaching were far more valuable because they edified the entire church. Once the gospel was firmly established and the Scriptures completed, the purpose of tongues was fulfilled, and the gift ceased—just as Paul said it would.

Key Takeaways* Healing in the New Testament was a sign of the Messiah and the arrival of the kingdom. * Jesus healed out of compassion, not as a response to personal faith. * After Pentecost, only two non-apostles are recorded as performing healings, both for specific gospel purposes. * Speaking in tongues was always the miraculous ability to speak real foreign languages. * Tongues served as a sign to unbelievers and a tool for spreading the gospel. * Paul identified healing and tongues as lesser gifts that would eventually cease. * The completed Scriptures replaced the need for miraculous signs.

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Christianity today is diverse. When you think about it, there should only be one version of the Gospel, and it should be entirely based upon the Bible as a whole, specifically the words and actions of Jesus as well as the words and actions of his apostles and disciples in the New Testament. In many cases, the Gospel has unfortunately been reduced to a wide variety of denominations and beliefs that often contradict one another. One area of this divergence has to do with the gift of healing and speaking in tongues in the Bible. Many Christians today believe these two spiritual gifts continue today, and many Christians believe they ceased a long time ago. Who’s right, and how do we know?

In this first part of a two‑episode series, we take a thoughtful journey through Scripture to understand whether Christians today can genuinely heal or speak in tongues. We begin our conversation by stepping back into the Old Testament to uncover the foundation God laid long before Jesus’ ministry began. What emerges is a clear pattern: biblical healing and the use of foreign languages were never random miracles. They were purposeful signs—each revealing something about God’s sovereignty, His plan and His chosen messengers.

Old Testament: HealingsBy exploring several Old Testament healings, from Abimelech’s household to the Shunammite woman, Naaman, and King Hezekiah, we find that account highlights that healing was rare, deeply intentional, and always tied to God’s authority or the advancement of His plan. These moments set the stage for the dramatic shift that occurs when Jesus arrives, bringing healing on a scale never before seen. His compassion, power and fulfillment of prophecy reveal healing as a sign pointing unmistakably to the Messiah.

Old Testament: Speaking in TonguesThe conversation then turns to the surprising Old Testament roots of speaking in tongues. Through the Tower of Babel, Deuteronomy and Isaiah, we see how foreign languages originally signaled God’s disfavor and judgment. But at Pentecost, everything changes. The same sign that once scattered now gathers. The same confusion that once divided now draws people toward the gospel. Speaking in tongues becomes a powerful, unmistakable sign for unbelievers that God’s favor has arrived through Jesus and the outpouring of the holy spirit.

This episode lays the essential groundwork for Part II, where the New Testament gifts will be examined in greater detail.

Key Takeaways

• Old Testament healings were rare and always served a larger divine purpose.
• Jesus’ healing ministry fulfilled prophecy and revealed God’s sovereignty in a new way.
• In the Old Testament, foreign tongues were a sign of God’s disapproval and judgment.
• At Pentecost, tongues became a sign of God’s favor, enabling the gospel to reach all nations.
• Understanding the Old Testament foundation is essential for interpreting New Testament gifts today.

The post Are Christians Today Really Capable of Healing People or Speaking in Tongues? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In our last episode, we examined the deep lessons Jesus was teaching his apostles when he appeared to seven of them after his resurrection while they were fishing. His miracle of orchestrating the massive catch of fish was a direct throwback to his fishing miracle three years before, when Simon Peter finally gave up fishing to exclusively follow Jesus. The first fishing miracle was a message about giving up all else to follow Jesus and to learn to be fishers of men. The second fishing miracle was a message to now become those fishers of men and step up to lead and preach. Jesus’ next direct conversation with Peter in that context was his questioning the depth of Peter’s love for him. Why would Jesus ask such questions right after showing such confidence in Peter and the other disciples?

Do you love me?In this episode, we dive more deeply into that shoreline moment, uncovering how intentionally Jesus shaped Peter’s restoration and future calling. Jesus was purposefully reconstructing his memories. The miraculous catch mirrored Peter’s first call to discipleship, and now it marked the beginning of his call to preach and lead. From this setting, Jesus began reshaping Peter’s identity. Jesus asked three questions about love, but they were not repetitive. When Jesus asked, “Do you love me?” using the Greek word agapao, he was calling Peter to the self‑giving love that reflects God’s own character. Peter’s reply, using the Greek phileo, revealed great humility, as he no longer claimed more than he could live up to. Jesus accepted that sincerity and immediately entrusted Peter with responsibility: “Feed my lambs.”

The mission expandsEach question from Jesus expanded Peter’s mission. First, he was to feed the lambs—the youngest and most vulnerable followers of Jesus. Then he was to tend the sheep—guiding, guarding and keeping the maturing flock together. Finally, he was to feed the sheep—nourishing the entire community. These layers show Jesus moving Peter from follower to shepherd, from affection to sacrificial responsibility, resulting in a lifetime of powerful spiritual leadership.

Key Takeaways Jesus intentionally recreated Peter’s past to prepare him for future leadership. * Peter’s honest phileo* response became the foundation Jesus built upon. * Jesus gave three escalating responsibilities: “Feed my lambs”—care for the vulnerable. “Tend my sheep” — guide and protect the maturing. “Feed my sheep” — nourish the whole flock. * This moment was about healing shame, but it was also about commissioning leadership. * Being given the holy spirit at Pentecost would empower Peter to fulfill this calling.

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The crucifixion of Jesus was an event that absolutely overwhelmed his apostles and disciples. Even though Jesus had forewarned them of what was coming, they were still taken by complete surprise. In his great wisdom, Jesus arranged his post-resurrection appearances in such a way as to them to show them not only who he was, but what was to come. It is fascinating to see how he revealed more and more about their future with each appearance. When we get to his third appearance to a group of his apostles, Jesus came to them as they were fishing. What he did and what he taught related to fishing gave them a pointed and powerful lesson regarding their future!

In this episode, we slow down and walk through John 21 step‑by‑step, noticing how Jesus masterfully uses a familiar setting—the Sea of Galilee—to reshape the apostles’ understanding of their calling. These men were back on their home turf, doing the work they knew best, yet they were also in a season of uncertainty. Jesus had risen, but he was no longer walking with them daily. They were waiting, wondering and trying to make sense of what came next. Into that moment of confusion and routine, Jesus stepped with purpose.

What unfolds is far more than a miraculous catch of fish.It is a deliberate echo of an earlier moment—another empty night, another unexpected instruction, another overwhelming catch. By placing these two fishing events side‑by‑side, we can see how Jesus revealed how far the apostles had come and how much further they were about to go. The first miracle had been a call to follow. This one was a call to lead.

Through this encounter, Jesus showed them that their future work would require obedience even when the instructions seemed unusual, trust even when the results were unseen, and courage even when the task felt too large to carry. He reminded them that success in their new mission would never come from their own expertise, but from listening to his voice—even when they didn’t immediately recognize it.

This appearance at the Sea of Galilee becomes a living illustration about discipleship, leadership and the kind of faith required to become true “fishers of men.” It is a story of preparation and commissioning, and it still speaks powerfully to anyone seeking direction in seasons of waiting or uncertainty.

Key Takeaways Jesus meets his followers where they are, often in the ordinary rhythms of life, to reveal extraordinary truth. * The two fishing miracles act as bookends – one calling the apostles to follow, the other preparing them to lead. * Obedience precedes understanding – the apostles cast the net before they knew it was Jesus speaking. * The “right side” symbolizes divine authority, reminding us that true success comes from God’s direction, not human expertise. * Seasons of waiting are not wasted – Jesus uses them to prepare us for the next stage of our calling. * Leadership in Christ’s service requires humility*, dependence on his guidance and willingness to act even when the outcome is unclear.

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There are many Bible accounts that have gathered a lot of attention over centuries because of their dramatic content. Cain and Abel, Noah and the Ark and David and Goliath are all powerful and dramatic Old Testament accounts filled with action. Two New Testament are Jesus in the manger and Jesus on the cross. All of these named stories show us a hero and their experiences. Then we have “Doubting Thomas.” Here was an apostle who did not betray Jesus and who was ultimately faithful to his calling, and yet we know him as the doubter. Is this a fair and unbiased way to be remembering one of Jesus’ closest followers? Was Thomas that far off from faithfulness so as to be labeled as a doubter?

Not a lot of informationThomas’ specific actions or words appear only three times in Scripture. The first two instances in John 11 and John 14 reveal a disciple who has courage, loyalty and a deep desire to stay close to Jesus. It is the third instance that causes so many to see him as a doubter.

Thomas was absent during Jesus’ first resurrection appearance to the other ten apostles. The disciples joyfully reported, “We have seen the Lord,” but Thomas—traumatized, grieving and left out of that experience—could not process their claim. His statement, “I will not believe,” is a Greek conditional phrase meaning, “I am not able to believe unless…”—a cry of emotional impossibility, not rebellion.

A personal demonstrationEight days later, Jesus appeared again and immediately addressed Thomas with compassion, not rebuke. He invited Thomas to examine his wounds, offering the same evidence the others received. Jesus gently dismantled Thomas’ doubt step by step, showing that honest struggle is always met with personalized grace. Thomas responded with one of the strongest declarations of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and my God.”

Thomas’ story teaches five belief lessons about how Jesus builds faith, not by shaming doubt but by meeting it with truth and patience. Ultimately, Thomas became a model of how doubt, when brought to Jesus, can lead to deeper conviction and a more resilient faith.

Key Takeaways* Thomas’ doubt was rooted in trauma, not rebellion. * Jesus treats honest doubt differently from hard‑hearted resistance. * Thomas asked only for the same evidence the other disciples received. * Jesus responds with compassion, personalization and invitation. * Thomas’ final confession is one of the strongest expressions of faith in Scripture. * We believe he should be called ‘Discerning Thomas’ or ‘Faithful Thomas”!

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God is watching over me. God’s got this. The Lord will take care of it. These are all expressions of faith in God’s overruling care for us. While this kind of faith is something we should all strive for, the question remains as to what makes these statements true. Just because I say, “God will take care of it,” does that mean it is absolutely going to happen? Are there things that I personally need to have in place for God’s providence to be reality, or does saying this with conviction qualify as having enough faith? Is there a difference between our believing in God’s attentive care and His actual giving of His attentive care?

The quiet way God leads usThe episode explores these questions by reminding us that God’s providence (His holy and wise supervision of all things) is not something we activate with confident phrases. His care unfolds within His character, His timing and His purposes—not our expectations. Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness becomes a vivid example. God fed them, sustained them and disciplined them, but none of it happened on their preferred schedule. Much of His care was quiet, even unnoticed, until they looked back and realized how thoroughly He had carried them. Providence, in other words, often feels ordinary while it is happening and only becomes obvious in hindsight.

When God’s providence arrives as hardshipJesus’ preparation follows the same pattern. Before his ministry began, he faced hunger, misapplied Scripture and the lure of an easier path. None of these experiences looked like “providence” in the moment, yet each one shaped him for the work ahead. The episode emphasizes that God’s providence sometimes arrives as difficulty rather than relief—not because God is distant, but because He is forming something deeper in us than comfort. Jesus refused shortcuts, refused to manipulate God’s promises and refused to step outside his Father’s will. Only after the testing did the angels come to minister to him. That order matters.

Christians do not command providence; we receive it. We don’t decree outcomes or speak miracles into existence. Instead, we place ourselves where God’s guidance can reach us—by obeying what we already know, by waiting when the way is unclear and by trusting that God’s care is active even when it feels hidden.

Key Takeaways* God’s providence follows His timing and purposes, not our declarations. * Israel’s wilderness years show that God’s care is often quiet and recognized later. * Jesus’ temptations reveal that hardship can be part of God’s preparing grace. * We receive providence through obedience and patience, not by forcing outcomes. * True providence shapes us to follow God’s will, even when the path is difficult.

The post How Does God’s Providence Work in Our Lives? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Let’s get practical. For most of us, the largest portion of our waking hours is spent working in one way or another to support ourselves and our household. Whether we are in a trade or at a desk, whether we are engaged in a service or retail or farming, building, manufacturing or raising children or going to school or freelancing, most of us are tied to the responsibility of investing time into our physical care. Now, if we are truly dedicated Christians, we know our primary responsibility is to God through Christ. How do we make these seemingly contradictory investments of our time work in perfect harmony? How do we fully live our Christianity while involved in spiritually mundane activities? What does my Christianity look and sound like when I am simply taking care of business?

One way to best frame the answer to these questions is to lay out what it looks like for a Christian to be an ideal employer or employee. By using the word “IDEAL” as an acronym, we can appreciate the guidelines we should strive for.

I.D.E.A.L.Integrity, Diligence, Excellence, Attitude, Leadership—These attributes are a framework for living out faith at work.

Integrity is described as wholeness and consistency. Integrity is not an idea; it is a decision.

Diligence builds on integrity by turning conviction into sustained action. It is “urgent devotion,” not passive effort. Christian workplace diligence comes from seeking God’s will first!

Excellence is not just an ideal; it is an attainable reality and can be achieved even when the conditions of our work environment are lacking. Jesus is our example of excellence, and he should be ever present in our minds while we work.

Attitude is not just an emotional state; it is a driving force. The prophet Daniel is a powerful example of a godly attitude while he positively served the kingdom he was a captive of for his entire life.

Leadership is not just for those in front; it can be a privilege for all! When we work with Integrity, Diligence, Excellence and Attitude, we ARE leading by example!

Faith at work is revealed not primarily through words but through character—how we show up, how we treat others, how we handle pressure, and how we honor God in the mundane.

Key Takeaways:

• Integrity is being the same person in every setting.
• Diligence is action, not emotion
• Excellence comes from always truly applying our best efforts
• Attitude is a powerful force that can change an environment
• Leadership is a result of all these things in action
• Faith at work begins internally, with Scripture, discipline and purpose.

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At the beginning of his second letter, the Apostle Peter reminded us that God, in His power and love, has graciously given us everything we need to be faithful to the calling of discipleship. This walk of sacrifice is supported by the overwhelming gift of God’s precious and magnificent promises. Peter then tells us that because we have such privilege and grace before us to build on our faith. He tells us that as a result of having this gift of faith, it should help us fully develop moral excellence. That moral excellence should in turn drive us towards spiritual knowledge, which feeds our ability to have self-control. Our outward manifestation of self-control should trigger powerful perseverance which in turn nourishes a godly and reverent character. This godly character produces an all-encompassing brotherly kindness which in turn develops the kind of selfless love that our Lord Jesus and our heavenly Father both have.

Useless or unfruitfulWhen these qualities are present and increasing, they keep us from becoming “useless or unfruitful” in our knowledge of Christ, but when they are absent, we become spiritually short‑sighted, forgetting the cleansing and new life Jesus provided. Complacency is a danger, and we as believers can drift into blindness or relapse into old habits when we stop climbing the ladder.

Peter then re‑energizes us with a call to diligence—bookending the entire process with earnest effort in verses 5 and 10. This diligence is not frantic activity but a sincere, steady commitment to practicing these virtues so that we can keep moving forward even when we stumble. Through vivid examples, warnings and encouragements, the episode emphasizes that spiritual growth is intentional, not automatic, and that God’s providence works with our effort to shape a character that reflects Christ. Ultimately, Peter assures us that if we continue developing these qualities, we will walk securely, avoid spiritual collapse and receive an abundant entrance into the eternal kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• Peter’s “virtue ladder” outlines a clear, ordered path for Christian growth.
• These qualities must be increasing to keep us from becoming spiritually unfruitful.
• Forgetting our cleansing leads to spiritual blindness and drift.
• Peter uses diligence as bookends (verses 5 and 10) to show that growth requires intentional effort.
• Practicing these virtues helps us recover quickly when we stumble.
• God’s promises supply the power; our diligence supplies the response.

The post What Does a Fully Supplied Christian Character Look Like? (Christian Character Series Part X) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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We have arrived! This episode explores the final and highest rung of the Apostle Peter’s “virtue ladder”- agape, the selfless, God‑shaped love that defines the true purpose of Christian character. We walk through how each previous rung—faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self‑control, perseverance, godliness and brotherly kindness—builds the capacity to reach this culminating form of love. While Strong’s Concordance’s Greek definition of agape may sound simple or even underwhelming, Scripture masterfully fills the word with depth, weight and divine intention. This eight and final rung powerfully reveals the height what our Christian characters aspire to!

The love of God HimselfAgape is the love God demonstrates in giving His only begotten son. It is the love Jesus lived by laying down his life, and the love the apostles taught as the unmistakable evidence of spiritual maturity. This love is “disinterested” in the classical sense—free from selfish motive, seeking no advantage and offered even when it is not reciprocated.

It is critical to remember that while this kind of love grows out of brotherly kindness, it surpasses it by embracing even the hardest expressions of love: loving enemies, blessing those who persecute us and caring for those we don’t naturally like. A powerful illustration of this is the story of Maximilian Kolbe, who voluntarily took another man’s place in a starvation bunker at Auschwitz—an act that embodied Christlike, sacrificial agape.

The first few verses of 1 Corinthians 13, show us how this kind of love must shape what we as Christians say, know and do; without it, eloquence becomes noise, knowledge becomes pride, and even great acts of sacrifice lose their spiritual value. Finally, we observe how the Scriptures remind us that perfect love casts out fear, and that agape matures in us as we continually practice the earlier virtues. When brotherly love is strong and relationships are aligned with God’s will, agape becomes the defining purpose of a disciple’s life, shining as the highest expression of Christlikeness.

Key Takeaways Agape is the highest rung of Christian character, built on the foundation of the previous seven virtues. * Strong’s definition is insufficient—Scripture reveals agape as God’s own selfless, sacrificial love. * Jesus models agape through his willingness to lay down his life. * Agape includes loving enemies and those we don’t naturally like. * Without agape, words, knowledge and actions lose spiritual value (1 Corinthians 13). * Perfect love casts out fear*, revealing maturity and alignment with God’s purpose.

The post What Does Christian Love Really Look Like? (Christian Character Series Part IX) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The blueprint for Christian character development the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 lays out for us a “ladder” that we as disciples of Christ are to climb. Each rung of this ladder is vital to our ability to be able to progress up to the next rung. As we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time in this extended series, we have worked on making the connections between our foundation and how each step makes us more like Jesus. Now comes the seventh rung, and this one really begins to reveal what a truly developed Christian character should look like.

The seventh rung is brotherly kindness—philadelphia in Greek and also translated as “brotherly love.” We must realize that faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self‑control, perseverance and godliness form the necessary foundation for this deeply relational virtue. In ancient Greek, this kind of love referred to the instinctive loyalty shared by blood relatives—a devotion that is both expected and not optional. Peter places this rung after godliness because only a character shaped by reverence for God can sustain the sacrificial, loyal, family‑level commitment required to love fellow believers as true siblings.

Lots of loveTo broaden our understanding, it is helpful to compare three Greek categories of love: natural family affection, brotherly love and philanthropia—a benevolent love for all humanity. Brotherly kindness sits at the center of these circles, bridging instinctive affection and universal goodwill. Jesus himself established this family identity when he taught his disciples to pray, “Our Father…,” making all disciples brothers and sisters.

Questions to ask ourselvesPractical self‑examination is needed to see how well we are living this brotherly kindness: Do we protect others’ reputations? Do we step in quietly when someone is overwhelmed? Do we welcome those who sit alone? Brotherly love is not convenient. It is costly, time‑consuming and emotionally demanding.

Ultimately, brotherly kindness is the training ground for the final rung—agape love. If Christians can’t love the family of faith with loyalty and tenderness, they cannot hope to love the world with Christlike sacrifice.

Key Takeaways

• Brotherly kindness is loyal, family‑level devotion rooted in godliness.
• It bridges natural affection and universal benevolence.
• Jesus established Christians as a true spiritual family.
• Brotherly love requires patience, protection, presence and emotional investment.
• It is inconvenient but essential for mature Christian character.
• Practicing philadelphia prepares us for agape—the highest form of Christlike love.

The post What Does Brotherly Kindness Mean for a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part VIII) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The blueprint for Christian character development the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. With this blueprint, Peter lays out for us a ladder of Christian character development. As we examine it, we find that each rung of this ladder is vital to our success in climbing up onto the next rung. In the last five parts of this series, we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time and worked on making the connections between what our foundation is and how each step makes us more like Jesus. Now comes the sixth step, and this one really begins to shape what our outward Christian character should look like!

In this episode, we continue our Christian Character Series by examining the sixth rung of Peter’s “virtue ladder” in 2 Peter 1:5‑7: godliness. Godliness is not “looking religious,” but a whole‑life orientation toward God, expressed through reverence, devotion, humility and a character that consistently seeks God’s will. It is the “allegiance of our character,” the natural outgrowth of perseverance and self‑control working together.

Fake godlinessGodliness is not something humans possess naturally; it must be developed intentionally through discipline, sound doctrine and a continual turning away from worldly distractions (1 Timothy 4:6‑8). True godliness grows from the inside out and can’t be faked, even though many in the “last days” may display only an appearance of it (2 Timothy 3:1‑5). Real godliness is rooted in Christ’s teachings, not tradition, and must never be used as a means of earthly gain (1 Timothy 6:3‑10). Instead, godliness produces contentment, freeing believers from the traps of wealth, status and self‑promotion.

Misplaced prioritiesWe also highlight the dangers of misplaced priorities through Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:22) and the encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16‑22). Can we truly be called “men or women of God” (1 Timothy 6:11)? Are we pursuing transformation through the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2‑3)? Ultimately, godliness must be visible, shining as a testimony that glorifies God (Matthew 5:16). It is the payoff of perseverance and a foundational step toward authentic discipleship.

Key Takeaways Godliness is the allegiance of our character, formed by the previous five virtues. * True godliness is internal, genuine and rooted in Scripture, not outward performance. * It can’t be used for earthly gain; its true gain is contentment. * Godliness requires discipline, perseverance and continual renewal of the mind. * It must be visible*, shining in a way that glorifies God, not us. The post How Do I Grow in Godliness as a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part VII) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The blueprint for Christian Character development that the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter chapter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. Based upon God’s power and promises, Peter lays out for us the blueprint for a ladder of Christian character development. Peter has taught us that each rung of this ladder is very important to our success in climbing onto the next rung up. In the last four parts of this series, we have focused on one rung of this ladder at a time. We worked on making the connections between what our foundation is and how each step makes us more like Jesus.

Step 5 on the ladderChristian perseverance is the fifth step following faith, moral excellence, knowledge and self‑control. Perseverance means “cheerful, hopeful endurance”—an active, conscious decision to “stay under” the weight of trials with constancy. It is not drudgery. It is a spiritually energized commitment to keep moving forward.

Perseverance is essential because self‑control can’t survive without it. Scripture shows that perseverance grows out of justification, peace with God, and His grace (Romans 5), and is modeled perfectly by Jesus in his endurance of the torturous cross experience (Hebrews 12).

Developing enduranceChristians develop perseverance through three major arenas: trials, persecution and loyalty testing. Trials cultivate endurance that leads to maturity, as seen in James’ teaching and in real-life examples of believers who endure suffering with faith. Persecution requires principled perseverance, following Jesus’ example of non-retaliation and trusting God’s power when feeling afflicted or targeted. Loyalty testing cultivates perseverance that glorifies God in every circumstance, choosing prayer, spiritual perspective, and Christlike responses over fleshly reactions.

Perseverance strengthens what has already been built—faith, moral excellence, knowledge and self‑control—while enabling continued spiritual growth. Ultimately, perseverance is the allegiance of our energy to God’s will, empowered by His spirit, inspired by Jesus’ sacrifice, and necessary to receive the promised reward. It keeps us from giving up, restores our confidence and helps us “run and not grow weary” as we walk in Christ’s footsteps.

Key Takeaways

• Perseverance = cheerful, hopeful endurance, not mere survival.
• Self‑control collapses without perseverance; endurance keeps spiritual progress intact.
• Jesus is the model of joyful endurance, inspiring us not to lose heart.
• Trials develop maturity, producing endurance that leads to completeness.
• Persecution requires principled perseverance, following Jesus’ example of never retaliating.
• Loyalty to God is proven through endurance, glorifying Him in every circumstance.

The post How Do I Grow in Christian Perseverance? (Christian Character Series Part VI) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The blueprint for Christian character development that the Apostle Peter gives us in 2 Peter 1 focuses us on a profound series of steps we need to take in order to be more Christlike. As a basis for this needed growth, we have seen how God’s promises help us to be ready to systematically take the next step up Peter’s “ladder” of Christian character development. So far in our series, we have begun to see how each step up this ladder needs the step before in order to actually bring us towards true daily discipleship. We now continue this character development process by looking into the fourth step up towards Christlikeness.

This fourth rung in Peter’s “virtue ladder” from 2 Peter 1:5‑7 is self‑control, the “allegiance of our passions.” The first three rungs—faith, moral excellence and knowledge, deal primarily with internal transformation. Self‑control is the pivot point where that inner work begins to show up in real‑world choices. The Greek word for this conveys mastery, inner power and dominion over oneself.

For Christians, this begins with preventing harmful or unproductive thoughts from becoming actions, and culminates in actively choosing what is spiritual, wholesome and Christlike. Our discipline requires self‑examination: identifying what naturally pulls us off course so we can learn to make adjustments.

The self-control of an athlete running a racePaul’s athletic metaphors in 1 Corinthians 9 highlight three components of self-control: intentional focus on the goal, embracing necessary limitations and wholehearted perseverance. Like a trained athlete, we as Christians must make many daily small, disciplined choices that strengthen spiritual “muscle memory.” Self-control also shapes how we view and treat others, enabling us to respond with grace rather than instinctive frustration.

It’s important to recognize that self-control is not a standalone virtue, and it stabilizes the entire structure of our Christian characters. Without knowledge, self-control becomes directionless; without self-control, perseverance becomes impossible. When rooted in faith, moral excellence, and knowledge, self-control opens the door to genuine spiritual growth and Christlike living.

Key Takeaways* Self-control is the “allegiance of our passions,” the disciplined governing of our impulses and desires. * It is the pivot point where inner transformation becomes outward behavior. * True self-control begins with restraint and culminates in choosing what is spiritually beneficial. * The Apostle Paul’s athletic imagery teaches focus, limitation and perseverance as essential components. * Self-control shapes how we respond to others, reflecting Christ rather than our impulses. * It stabilizes the entire virtue ladder and enables the next step: perseverance.

The post What Kind of Self-Control Is Really Required of a Christian? (Christian Character Series Part V) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In 2 Peter 1, the Apostle Peter laid out a phenomenal blueprint for us to follow regarding the how and why of developing a focused and loyal character that is modeled after Christ. After reminding us of the incomprehensible promises that God brings us through His power and Jesus’ sacrifice, he then focuses us on doing our part. Peter gives us a blueprint for building a virtue “ladder” of Christian character development, of which the first rung is our faith. Because we have the firm footing of Christian faith in place, we can then develop “moral excellence,” which in turn gives us the stability to next develop knowledge. As we will continue to see, when followed, the order of developing these attributes of our Christian characters will yield an unbreakable allegiance to daily, living God’s will through Christ!

Peter’s ladder sequence is intentional: faith establishes our direction, moral excellence aligns our heart with God’s highest standards, and only then can knowledge become a stable, Christlike attribute rather than a source of pride or harm. By contrasting godly vs. misapplied knowledge, we can see that without moral excellence, it can inflate ego and harm others. Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 8 shows that even correct knowledge can become destructive if it emboldens weaker Christians to violate their conscience. True Christian knowledge must therefore be governed by love, humility and responsibility.

How much of the Bible do I have to know?This is not about mastering every prophecy or detail, but about understanding Christlikeness and allowing God’s light to shape our intellect. All Scripture – both in the Old and New Testaments – is the essential source of this knowledge, forming a lifelong journey of discernment, filtering out worldly influences, and taking every thought captive to Christ.

God’s plan is expansive, merciful and awe‑inspiring.Recognizing its depth should cultivate gratitude rather than arrogance. Paul’s example in Philippians 3 shows the surpassing value of knowing Christ, which makes all previous accomplishments seem like “rubbish” in comparison. Ultimately, knowledge becomes transformative when it flows from faith, is shaped by moral excellence, and leads us toward deeper loyalty to God’s will.

Key Takeaways* Knowledge must be built on faith and moral excellence to avoid arrogance. * Misapplied knowledge can harm others while godly knowledge is always governed by love. * All Scripture is the authoritative source of Christian understanding. * True knowledge produces humility, responsibility and awe at God’s plan.

The post How Does Knowledge as a Christian Change My Worldly Life? (Christian Character Series Part IV) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In 2 Peter chapter 1, the Apostle Peter is laying out a phenomenal blueprint for us to follow regarding the how and why of developing a focused and loyal character modeled after Christ. He begins by reminding us of the majesty and power of God, along with the loyalty and sacrifice of Jesus. He tells us that because God is as lofty as He is, we are given incomprehensible promises that can bring us to God’s own divine nature. He then tells us what’s required on our part. Peter explains that because of these promises, we need to apply all diligence, and in our faith, we need to supply – to develop and live – a character that will nurture and grow specific virtues of Christlikeness.

As we continue our Christian Character Series, the second “Allegiance Attribute” in Peter’s spiritual blueprint is moral excellence. Building on the foundation of faith, we find that that moral excellence is not merely good behavior but wholehearted allegiance of the heart—a life shaped by God’s purpose and modeled after His own character. This excellence evokes the idea of something fulfilling its highest purpose, like a horse that runs fast, or land that produces abundantly. For Christians, this moral excellence means living in a way that reflects God’s excellence and demonstrates that His purpose truly matters to us.

Inward excellence and outward goodnessThis inward excellence naturally produces outward goodness, the visible conduct others can observe. Drawing from several scriptures, we can observe how moral excellence expresses itself through humility, patience, forgiveness, perseverance, gratitude and Spirit‑led transformation. True Christian virtue is not simply avoiding wrongdoing but actively embodying Christlike character in everyday interactions.

The challenge is that God’s standard is high, and we will fail repeatedly. Yet Peter reassures us that God has already provided “everything pertaining to life and godliness,” equipping us through His promises to grow into His divine likeness. Moral excellence becomes possible, not because we are strong, but because God is faithful.

Ask yourself: Is my moral excellence stronger today than yesterday? Am I becoming the person God intends me to be?

Key Takeaways* Moral excellence is the allegiance of the heart, reflecting God’s character and purpose. * Inner excellence produces visible goodness. * True virtue requires intentional growth, not just avoiding sin but embodying Christlike qualities. * God equips believers with everything needed to develop moral excellence through His promises. * Spiritual progress requires perseverance, humility and daily habits that nurture transformation.

The post What Does True Christian Moral Excellence Look Like? (Christian Character Part III) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The Apostle Peter began his second letter to all Christians by addressing the very formation of our Christian lives. He proceeded to lay out a deep and profound series of character development steps to show us how to completely and wholly grow into mature disciples of Christ. In Part I of this series, we covered the first four verses of 2 Peter chapter 1. These verses laid out a broad foundation for the development of our Christian character that is based on who God is, what He promises us and what Jesus has done. The next part of the blueprint for our character development is to not only show us traits we need to have included in our Christlikeness, but HOW we are to include them. This episode reveals how Peter unfolds his spirit-driven, exciting and practical approach to building a true Christlike character.

Peter’s blueprint continues with a command: “…applying all diligence.” The Greek terms reveal a vivid picture—bringing our effort alongside what God has already supplied, and doing so with eagerness, earnestness and speed. Diligence is the opposite of sluggishness; it reflects a focused loyalty to God’s will. As we receive God’s promises, we are to simultaneously apply this diligence.

The first area where diligence must operate is our faith.Faith is not a wish; rather, it is a conviction grounded in God’s reality. It is a gift, and though not earned, it must be tested, strengthened and lived. Trials develop endurance, and endurance matures character. Faith becomes what we call an “Allegiance Attribute”—a foundational internal quality that shapes all the other traits Peter will list.

Faith must be active, single‑minded and visible through works.Just as Christ fully supplies the body and Christians supply one another, we are called to fully supply our own character with what it needs to grow. Ultimately, God abundantly supplies entrance into the eternal kingdom, far beyond mere adequacy. Our role is to respond to His overwhelming provision with the diligent and eager faith that fuels the lifelong process of Christlike transformation.

Key Takeaways

• God’s promises form the foundation for Christian character development.
• “Applying all diligence” means bringing earnest effort alongside God’s provision.
• Faith is the first and foundational Allegiance Attribute.
• Faith must be active, tested, single‑minded and visible through works.
• Growth is mutual: God supplies us, we supply our character, and we in turn support others.
• God’s supply is abundant and our response to it must be diligent and wholehearted.

The post What Steps Help Me Build a Permanent Christlike Character? (Christian Character Series Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The Apostle Peter began his second letter to all Christians by addressing the very formation of our Christian lives. He proceeded to lay out a deep and profound series of character development steps to show us how to completely and wholly grow into mature disciples of Christ. To begin this process, his clear message in the first four verses of Chapter 1 verifies that we have been given EVERYTHING we need to be faithful to our call. Peter directly connects God’s promises to our faithfulness. What is it about His promises that has such a powerful influence on the everyday lives of those who are “called according to His purpose”? How can we clearly and definitively apply these promises to each and every day of our lives?

This episode explores how God’s promises transform the life of a Christian, using 2 Peter 1:1–4 as the foundation. Peter opens his letter by reminding Christians that they have received a “like precious faith”—a faith equal in value to that of the apostles. This faith requires a life of non‑conformity to the world, inner transformation and continual renewal through God’s spirit. Such faith is rooted in the righteous acts of Jesus, whose obedience satisfied divine justice and opened the way for believers to become “new creations.”

Grace and peacePeter then highlights that God multiplies grace and peace in the lives of those who grow in true knowledge of Him. This knowledge (Greek: epignosis) is not superficial; it is a deep, ever‑advancing understanding gained through study, prayer, discipline and perseverance. God’s divine power has already provided everything necessary for life and godliness, regardless of one’s circumstances. Christians are fully integrated into God’s plan—granted access, citizenship, a spiritual foundation and a place in His household.

Only after establishing this foundation does Peter introduce God’s “precious and magnificent promises.” These promises are trustworthy because they come from God’s unchanging character. They include peace, strength in temptation, instruction, protection, courage, assurance, hope and an ultimate reward of immortality. Importantly, these promises do not remove trials but walk Christians through them, shaping Christlike character.

The purpose of these promises is transformative. Through them, we may become “partakers of the divine nature,” escaping the corruption of the world. This extraordinary privilege is granted only to faithful followers of Christ who live in alignment with God’s will. Peter’s introduction sets the stage for the “ladder of virtues” in 2 Peter 1:5–7, which outlines the step‑by‑step development of Christian character. The promises are tools that empower us to grow into mature disciples whose allegiance is fully centered on God.

Key Takeaways God’s promises are powerful because of who God is—unchanging, truthful and sovereign. * These promises equip, not escape; they strengthen Christians to endure trials. * True transformation requires knowledge, discipline and alignment with God’s will. * The promises ultimately enable faithful followers of Jesus to become partakers of the divine nature.* The post How Do God’s Promises Change Your Life? (Christian Character Series Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In Part I of this two-part series, we focused on the magnificent gift that we as Christians are given when we accept the redemption for our sins available through Jesus’ sacrifice. We talked about the magnitude of this gift and how true disciples of Jesus are also required to give back as a result of receiving this gift. According to Scripture, the action of “giving back” is accomplished through our responsibility to reverently care for it. This care is clearly identified by how we choose to live our lives as genuine followers of Christ. Fortunately, we have clear and concise instructions waiting for us in the Scriptures!

Part I established the “required care focuses” from Romans 12:1—recognition, awe, gratitude, humility, intentional self‑denial, adopting a new mindset and full engagement. These attitudes prepare believers for the deeper work of transformation highlighted in the next verse.

Romans 12:2 introduces two essential components of discipleship:

1. NOT conforming to the world
2. Being transformed by the renewing of the mind.

Additionally, we suggest Christian non‑conformity has two “levels:”

1. We must be OUT of alignment with the world’s values
2. We must walk away from our own internal habits, desires and emotional patterns.

Jesus modeled this non‑conformity through his kingdom‑focused life, and his disciples were called to leave behind their former identities and occupations to follow him.The result: a “new creation”Transformation in Christ cannot begin until non‑conformity has intentionally been chosen. 2 Corinthians 5:14–17 and Philippians 3:13–15 reveal that transformation involves seeing others—and even Christ himself—from a spiritual perspective rather than a fleshly one. The Greek word for “transform” (metamorphoō) indicates a complete change of form, illustrated by the transfiguration of Jesus and the believer’s gradual change “from glory to glory” through the spirit. This transformation results in becoming a “new creation,” something entirely fresh and never before existing.

This process is lifelong, requiring perseverance, repeated decisions and reliance on God’s strength. Ultimately, transformation leads to receiving a “new name” and full acceptance by God, symbolized in Revelation 2:17. True discipleship is radical, intentional, and deeply rewarding, culminating in participation in God’s future work of blessing all humanity.

A Few Key Takeaways

• True transformation begins only after intentional non‑conformity to the world.
• Discipleship requires daily self‑denial, a renewed mindset and full engagement.
• Transformation is a gradual, spirit‑driven process that reshapes identity and purpose.
• True believers become a “new creation,” ultimately receiving God’s full approval and a symbolic “new name.”

The post How Do I Know if I Am REALLY Following Jesus? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians, we love Jesus. All who claim that Jesus is their Lord and Savior do so because they have acknowledged their own sinful state and have realized the power of forgiveness that comes from Jesus’ sacrifice. It is easy for us to fellowship regarding what we have been freely given. What may not be as easy for us to define is what we are giving. A true disciple of Jesus receives redemption. That same true disciple is also required to give back as a result of that gift. Wait a minute! Isn’t Jesus’ gift freely given with no strings attached? Yes, it is free with no strings attached, and because we receive that gift, we are required to care for it. As we shall soon see, this required care thought is the very essence of being a true and genuine follower of Christ.

DiscipleshipDiscipleship is far more than loving Jesus—it requires intentional action, sacrifice and transformation. The “therefore” in Romans 12:1, which is the theme verse for this episode, points back to Romans 11, where Paul explains how Israel’s temporary casting off opened the door of mercy to Gentiles. This undeserved privilege should fill believers with awe, gratitude and humility. True discipleship begins with recognizing the magnitude of God’s gift and responding appropriately.

A living sacrificePaul’s instruction to “present your bodies a living sacrifice” introduces the core requirement of intentional self‑denial. Jesus modeled this throughout his earthly life, denying his own will in favor of the Father’s—even when it meant suffering. Followers of Christ must likewise abstain from sinful desires, count the cost of discipleship, and embrace the hardships, contradictions and separations that come with walking in his footsteps. These challenges are not meaningless; they produce spiritual growth and prepare believers for eternal glory.

Holy and acceptableThe call to be “holy and acceptable to God” requires adopting a new mindset shaped by the holy spirit. This new mindset involves continual learning, accurate handling of Scripture, humility and a commitment to godliness. Jesus’ own mindset—self‑emptying, obedient and focused on serving God—becomes the pattern for Christian transformation.

Finally, Paul describes this sacrificial life as “your reasonable service,” meaning it is the logical response to God’s mercy. Full engagement in discipleship includes prioritizing spiritual goals, supporting fellow believers as members of one body, and pressing forward toward the upward call of God. To truly follow Jesus is to live with recognition, awe, gratitude, humility, intentional self‑denial, a renewed mindset, and wholehearted commitment to God’s will.

The post How Do I Know if I Am REALLY Following Jesus? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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We all love to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. We love the vulnerability behind God’s choice of Mary, the young woman who was engaged to Joseph to be Jesus’ mother. We love the humility of his being born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. We love the magnificence of the angel announcing his birth to shepherds and then having the heavenly host of angels praising and glorifying God. We love the reverential sobriety of the wise men coming with gifts for the small child, Jesus. Some of the things we don’t focus as much attention on are how God used specific individuals surrounding all of these events to speak in a prophetic way and outline in great detail what this series of incredible experiences would mean. Today we pause and consider the words of Zacharias and Elizabeth who were the parents of John the Baptist, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess.

ZachariasLet’s begin with Zacharias, the Jewish priest who, because of his initial doubt, was struck mute by the angel Gabriel until the birth of his son John. This silence became a period of reflection, enabling him to connect Old Testament prophecies with Gabriel’s announcement. At John’s circumcision, Zacharias was again able to speak. He prophesied about both John’s role as forerunner and Jesus as the “horn of salvation.” His prophecy was powerfully based upon the words and promises of the Old Testament.

Elizabeth and MaryHis middle aged and childless wife, Elizabeth, rejoiced at God’s mercy in giving her a son. Filled with the spirit, she recognized Mary’s child as her Lord and humbly celebrated Mary’s blessing. Mary herself responded with faith and praise, further echoing Old Testament themes of God’s mercy, strength and justice.

SimeonAfter Jesus’ birth, Simeon, an aged and devout man who had been promised he would see the Messiah before death, prophesied about Jesus as salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles. Again, Old Testament prophecies were clearly linked to the work that Jesus would later accomplish.

AnnaAnna, an elderly prophetess, added her testimony, giving thanks and speaking of redemption to those awaiting Jerusalem’s deliverance.

Together, these accounts show God’s spirit orchestrating events and inspiring faithful individuals to proclaim truths that connected Old Testament promises with New Testament fulfillment. Their obedience, humility and prophetic insight highlight the broader plan of redemption for all, unfolding through Jesus’ birth.

The post How Did God’s Spirit Inspire Those Surrounding Jesus’ Birth? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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So, what is the real mission of Christianity? Are we tasked with converting the world? Are we responsible to preach the good news of the gospel wherever we go, to anyone and everyone? Is the eternal destiny of those we come in contact with heavily dependent upon our delivering the message of salvation? All Christians would agree that at his ascension, Jesus commanded us to be part of preaching the gospel throughout the world. Where we differ is in the outcome of this preaching. The bottom-line question: Do we as Christians bear the responsibility of saving sinners from the wrath of God right here and right now in this age, or do we preach for another reason?

Worldwide conversion now?While Jesus commanded his followers to spread the gospel worldwide (Matthew 28:19–20, Acts 1:6–9), the purpose is not immediate worldwide conversion but rather the calling of disciples from all nations. Preaching plants seeds of truth, but only God causes growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–9).

The key to understanding the apparent contradiction of Jesus dying for all and yet not all following him now is that salvation unfolds in stages. First, a small group of disciples is called to walk the narrow way, living sacrificially as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Their faithfulness benefits the rest of humanity later, during the “day of visitation” and ultimate restoration (Romans 8:19–21, Acts 3:20–21). The rest of humanity will eventually be taught, tested and brought to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4–6). Preaching today serves to identify disciples and to give glimpses of God’s kingdom, even if most people dismiss or misunderstand it.

Seeds of hopeUltimately, preaching is about sowing seeds of hope, pointing to God’s plan of universal restoration, peace and harmony. Scriptures like Micah 4:3–4 and Revelation 21:3–4 promise a future without war, pain or death, where God dwells with humanity. Preaching does not save directly but prepares the way for Christ’s mediation and the eventual salvation of all.

Preaching’s purpose: Not immediate conversion but calling disciples and offering hope.

Stages of salvation: First disciples, then the world in God’s kingdom.

Role of disciples: A “royal priesthood” whose faithfulness benefits all humanity.

Future promise: Universal restoration, peace and God having a restored relationship with mankind.

Preaching today plants seeds and reveals hope. Salvation itself is God’s work to be fully realized in His kingdom.

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As Christians, we deeply appreciate the price Jesus paid for us to be released from the grip of the sin of Adam. To say that this has given us a new opportunity for life is a dramatic understatement. All we can really do is be profoundly thankful as we diligently follow in his footsteps. One question many Christians find uncomfortable to face is the question of the “everybody else.” According to the Bible, what really happens to them? What effect did Jesus’ life, death and resurrection have on those who are atheist, Muslim or Hindu? If we say they are essentially doomed, the question of true justice needs to be addressed. How fair would it be to condemn people to eternal death who in many cases never, ever really knew the name of Jesus? Precisely what effect does Jesus’ sacrifice have on these people? Is salvation for all?

At the beginning of the human experience in Genesis, we all inherited of death through Adam’s sin. This teaches us that all of humanity is subject to mortality. Yet from the earliest Scriptures, God provided hope by proclaiming the promise of a “seed” who would ultimately defeat Satan and bring deliverance. This hope is fulfilled in Christ, whose death and resurrection counteract Adam’s transgression.

Romans 6:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 highlight that while we all die in Adam, all will be made alive in Christ. The promises to Abraham further confirm that “all nations” will be blessed through his seed, identified as Christ in Galatians 3:16.

Scriptures soundly proclaim that God’s will is for ALL to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Colossians 1:20 affirms the reconciliation of “all things” through Christ’s blood. This means Jesus’ sacrifice fully satisfied divine justice, making peace for all humanity.

It’s important to recognize that salvation in Jesus unfolds in stages:1. Jesus’ faithful followers are delivered now, 2. while the rest of humanity will be given opportunity in God’s future kingdom.

This two‑part plan ensures fairness and justice, as all will eventually come to full knowledge of the truth.

Balancing the scalesRomans 5 explains that just as condemnation came through Adam, justification comes through Christ, balancing the scales of divine justice. Several Old Testament prophecies reveal the vision of all nations worshiping God, showing the ultimate outcome of Jesus’ suffering. The power of the Bible’s message is evident: Jesus died for every single human being, ensuring both justice and hope for all creation.

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Reading the Bible can be confusing. After all, it is an ancient book of a collection of writings by about 40 people over a 1500-year span that details the plan of God through history, prophecy, parables, laws, observations and life guidance teachings. Some of the accounts of specific individuals featured in the Bible can come across as shrouded in mystery. Such is the case with the ending of the lives of Enoch, Moses and Elijah. The accounts of the deaths of these three faithful men can bring more questions than answers. What really happened to them? Was Enoch taken up to be with God? Why was the body of Moses hidden, and why did Satan seem to want it? Did Elijah really go to heaven in a fiery chariot?

Moses and SatanMoses’ death is recorded in Deuteronomy 34, where God Himself buried him in an unknown location. While this seems to be a very clearly stated end of his life, Jude 1:9 adds the unusual detail of Michael the archangel disputing with Satan over Moses’ body, possibly to prevent the people of Israel from idolizing it.

Elijah the prophetElijah’s departure in 2 Kings 2 is often misunderstood. Though taken up by a whirlwind with fiery chariots present, the Hebrew word for “heaven” often refers to the sky rather than God’s dwelling place. Jesus’ statement in John 3:13 confirms that no one ascended to God’s heaven before him. Elijah may have been removed from prophetic service or died, but he was not taken to God’s abode.

Both Moses and Elijah appeared in The Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9) vision. This vision was NOT a literal resurrection of Moses and Elijah, as the Bible clearly defines death as the absence of life on any level. Jesus alone was transfigured, while Moses and Elijah symbolically represented the Law and the Prophets, pointing to Christ as the centerpiece of God’s plan.

Enoch “translated”Finally, in relation to Enoch, “God took him” (or “translated” him according to the King James Version). While many notions exist about Enoch never dying, careful reading of the scripture texts in question reveal that he did die and likely didn’t know his death was coming.

Examining these fascinating narratives reveals the allure of creating drama where there is none, as well as the dangers of scriptural misinterpretation. Instead of being imaginative, let’s rely on the fact that God is in complete control of everything we simply don’t know!

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If you haven’t noticed, our world in a very big way has lost its grip on the value of gratitude. Instead of having a thankful heart for whatever our opportunities we may have and what we may receive, we seem to double down on living with a sense of entitlement. We can look at this and wonder where we went wrong! The fact is this issue is the result of human imperfection and has been around for a very long time. The story of the Ten Lepers in Luke 17 reminds us of this. Leprosy—once a living death—left its victims isolated, disfigured and desperate. Yet when Jesus healed ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks. Why does thankfulness matter so deeply to God? And what does this ancient disease reveal about the spiritual condition of humanity today?

This whole healing account offers a profound spiritual metaphor for sin and redemption, emphasizing the transformative power of gratitude and faith. Leprosy, a devastating disease in biblical times, aptly pictures the isolating, disfiguring and numbing effects of sin. Victims were socially ostracized, legally declared unclean and forced to live apart from society. When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one—a Samaritan—returned to express gratitude, highlighting the rarity and depth of true thankfulness.

One uniqueness regarding this particular account is that the healing was not immediate; Jesus instructed the lepers to go show themselves to the priests, requiring faith before any visible change occurred. Their obedience mirrors the future resurrection, where humanity will walk toward complete healing through faith, not instant transformation.

Key spiritual parallels between leprosy and sin include:Progressive decay: Leprosy worsens over time, just as sin deepens without divine intervention.

Numbness: Leprosy dulls pain, leading to self-harm; sin desensitizes conscience, causing spiritual damage.

Isolation: Lepers were cut off from community; sin separates us from God and others.

The Samaritan’s gratitude was immediate and passionate, even before being officially declared clean. His response exemplifies the kind of faith that transforms—not just heals. Jesus’ phrase “your faith has made you well” implies both physical and spiritual restoration. This phrase appears only three times in the New Testament, each time marking a deeper healing tied to faith and gratitude.

While God’s mercy is freely given, gratitude is the evidence of transformative faith. The Samaritan’s return to glorify God reveals the heart posture God desires—faith expressed through gratitude, even in adversity.

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It is said that when Benjamin Franklin was an American Minister in Paris, he spent an evening with a group of intellectuals at a time when literary circles were known for being agnostic or even atheistic. He was called on to contribute to the entertainment and read from what he called a “charming bit of literature.” He proceeded to read the entire Book of Ruth. The normally skeptical audience was delighted and wanted to know where in ancient history such a beautiful and idealistic story could be found. They were shocked to find out it had been copied from the Bible. The story of Ruth is indeed beautiful as an endearing account of loyalty, faith and divine providence.

The account explores how Ruth’s faithful decisions amid hardship reflect profound spiritual lessons. After the deaths of her husband and two sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, chose loyalty over comfort and insisted on going with her into a land of a diversly different culture. Ruth’s declaration, “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” marks a pivotal moment of voluntary discipleship, echoing the call to follow Christ.

Naomi’s selflessness and Ruth’s humility set the stage for divine providence to unfold. Ruth’s decision to glean in Boaz’s field, seemingly by chance, revealed God’s guiding hand. Boaz, a wealthy and godly man, noticed Ruth’s integrity and ensured her safety and provision. His actions mirrored Christ’s care for his followers, offering not just sustenance but honor and protection.

Key takeaways from this amazing account include strong insights into the three main people in the account:

• Ruth’s loyalty and humility positioned her to receive God’s abundant blessings.
• Naomi’s wise and selfless guidance allowed Ruth to make a free, faith-driven choice.
• Boaz’s integrity and generosity reflect Christlike leadership and compassion.

The story further emphasizes that:

• God can work through imperfect decisions to bring about redemption.
• Humble service and steadfast commitment open the door to spiritual abundance.
• Providential “happenings” often disguise divine orchestration.

Ultimately, Ruth’s story illustrates how one person’s faithful choice can ripple across generations, shaping legacy and revealing God’s character. Her journey from foreign widow to honored matriarch in Israel’s lineage of Jesus himself reminds believers that dedication, humility and trust in God’s timing yield lasting impact.

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From what the Bible tells us about Enoch, he was an amazingly holy man who lived long before the Flood. To be described as one who “walked with God” is a true testimony of a life well lived. Further, a few lines of the Book of Enoch are actually quoted in the New Testament. With such credentials, we would have to wonder why the Book of Enoch is not a part of the Bible itself. Why wouldn’t you include the writings of a man who walked with God for 300 years? Could this be an oversight…or a conspiracy? Fortunately, a clear understanding of history and the Bible gives us thorough and conclusive answers to all of these questions.

What do we really know about Enoch? Even though he is rarely mentioned in the Bible, every reference to him shows his faith in and reverence for God. He lived before the Flood and was the seventh generation from Adam. He is referenced in the book of Hebrews as a righteous man, and his prophetic words are quoted in Jude.

With all of these positives in place, we need to review the reasons the Book of Enoch is NOT in the Bible. There are actually three Books of Enoch: 1 Enoch, 2 Enoch and 3 Enoch. We only focus on the first, as the other two books have never been considered for biblical inclusion.

There are at least five key criteria that explain its exclusion:1. 1 Enoch was never part of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), which formed the foundation of the Christian Old Testament. 2. It is pseudepigraphal, meaning it was written centuries after Enoch’s life by unknown authors, likely during the Second Temple Period (300–100 BCE), and preserved only in Ge’ez, a classical Ethiopian language. 3. Its speculative theology includes fantastical angelology, apocalyptic visions and cosmology inconsistent with biblical truth and scientific understanding. 4. Its transmission history is very weak, lacking widespread manuscript preservation compared to canonical texts. 5. It was not used consistently across early Christian communities, with only the Ethiopian Orthodox Church recognizing it as scripture.

While 1 Enoch offers historical insight into Second Temple Judaism and reflects themes like judgment and the “Son of Man,” its theological inconsistencies and limited acceptance disqualify it from canon. Our focus should be on God-inspired Scripture, and we need to beware of being misled by writings that mimic biblical style but lack divine authority.

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“People should get what they deserve.” I’m guessing that most of us would see this as a general statement of fairness and equity. Of course, for this statement to ring true, we need to agree on who or what ultimately determines what people deserve. On a very basic level, this may sound like karma. So, what is karma? Basically, karma is the idea that what you do, especially your choices and intentions, shapes what happens to you later. If you act kindly and do good, good things are more likely to come your way. If you act selfishly or harm others, you may face negative consequences. In many Indian traditions, this isn’t just about this life, it can affect what kind of life you’re born into next. So, do Bible teachings supports the idea of karma? Are the two in harmony?

Similar principles?While both Karma and the gospel emphasize consequences for actions— “you reap what you sow”— they do diverge significantly in their foundations. Karma, rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, is a complex, often impersonal law of cause and effect, sometimes spanning multiple lifetimes through reincarnation. In contrast, the Bible teaches a single human life followed by judgment in accordance with divine grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.

One may present three biblical arguments that resemble karmic principles: sowing and reaping (Galatians 6), reciprocity in judgment (Matthew 7), and narrative examples of moral consequences (e.g., David and Bathsheba, Achan’s disobedience). However, the gospel introduces the key distinction that God’s grace is not earned but freely given, and forgiveness is central to Christian life. Karma lacks a personal deity who intervenes with mercy; instead, it operates as a mechanical system of moral accounting.

Christianity offers clarity, direction and divine support, while karmic systems often leave individuals to navigate consequences without memory of past lives or a defined path to enlightenment. Ultimately, the gospel is a more compassionate and purposeful framework, culminating in eternal life through Christ, rather than endless cycles of rebirth.

Key Takeaways:* Karma and the Bible both teach consequences, but differ in origin, scope and divine involvement. * Karma is impersonal and often tied to reincarnation; the gospel centers on grace, forgiveness and a single human life. * Biblical justice is relational and redemptive, guided by God’s mercy and Jesus’ advocacy. * The gospel provides a clear, loving plan for humanity’s restoration, surpassing karma’s uncertainty.

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In our last episode, we spent some time defining exactly what Christian liberty is and what it is not. What we found is that Christian liberty has little to do with the kinds of freedoms that are reflected in a social status kind of way and everything to do with being given spiritual freedom that is to be exercised with great humility and responsibility. We also uncovered how the gift of Christian liberty can be easily misrepresented and therefore misused. This is troubling, as the results of these misapplications add up to decisions and conclusions that are NOT Christ-based. How can we avoid these pitfalls?

Because our freedom in Christ is a sacred privilege and not a license for self-indulgence, it comes with “guardrails,” moral boundaries that guide us toward righteousness and away from licentiousness.

Three key areas in our lives where our liberty can easily be misapplied:1. How we act: True liberty leads to loving service, not fleshly indulgence. Paul warned that irresponsible behavior can harm others and dishonor Christ. We must walk by the spirit and consider how our actions affect weaker consciences (Galatians 5, 1 Corinthians 8). 2. What we say: The distinction between “my truth” and “THE truth” is critical. Christian liberty does not grant freedom to redefine doctrine based on personal feelings, experiences or preference. Instead, we are called to speak and live according to Scripture, becoming “doers of the Word and not merely hearers” (James 1). 3. How we pursue peace and joy: Our liberty includes the freedom to surrender fully to God. On this episode, we read a personal testimony from a brother in Christ which illustrates how withholding repentance and vulnerability can block spiritual peace. Our true liberty requires humility, confession and submission to God’s will.

The bottom line is, our Christian liberty is designed for transformation, not convenience. It equips all believers to make God-honoring choices, serve others and reflect Christ’s character in a broken world. The freedom we have is not FROM responsibility, but FOR righteousness.

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The freedom, the liberty we obtain when we have been called to be disciples of Jesus is so much more than just a feeling of relief and joy. The fact is, having liberty in Christ actually defines a state of being, as it describes our freedom from whatever previously held us captive in our lives. It’s no wonder we feel the thrill of liberation! Here are the practical questions: What does it mean on a practical daily level to have this freedom so firmly set in our lives? What freedom of choice does it give? What freedom of choice does liberty in Christ take away? How are we supposed to know the difference?

What is liberty? What isn’t liberty?To begin with, we need to understand what Christian liberty is and is not. Upon examining several scriptures, it becomes obvious that Christian liberty is not unrestricted autonomy. It is not a free pass to do as we please. Rather, it is a divinely granted freedom from sin and spiritual bondage, which is only possible through Jesus’ sacrifice.

To truly understand this, it’s important to define liberty through both secular and biblical lenses. While secular definitions include “freedom from restraint” and “the power to act as one pleases,” biblical liberty, as defined in the New Testament refers to moral and spiritual freedom, and not license for indulgence. The Greek words for “liberty” show how freedom in Christ involves being freed from the law of sin and death, and not from moral responsibility.

What about licentiousness?Though “licentiousness” is a biblical form of liberty, it is directly opposed to Christian liberty. Licentiousness is derived from the same root word as our English “license.” It is described as a counterfeit freedom, an unrestrained indulgence that leads to spiritual corruption. False teachers, as warned by Peter and Jude, distort grace into permission for immoral behavior, undermining the transformative power of Christian freedom.

While liberty in Christ brings privilege it also comes with responsibility:

• It requires being a “doer” of the Word, not just a hearer (James 1:22–25).
• It involves the personal cost of sacrifice, transformation and application (Romans 12:1–5).
• It is not social liberation but spiritual elevation, lifting believers above worldly constraints.

Ultimately, our Christian liberty is framed as a gift from God, granted through His spirit and meant to guide us into holiness. It is a freedom with guardrails, designed not for self-indulgence but for loving service and spiritual growth.

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The Apostle Paul wrote a significant portion of the New Testament. There are 27 different books in the New Testament, and Paul is credited with writing about half of them. For the vast majority of Christians, his writings provide extremely practical teachings and examples for us to build upon the single and solid foundation of Jesus Christ. That being said, there are some Christians who believe Paul was an imposter, a self-appointed apostle who was actually diminishing the power of the Gospel of Jesus. What would make someone question the validity of Pauls’ writings? It turns out there are several varied reasons for this perspective. The question is, are they legitimate and what do they imply?

A major challengeOne of several major challenges to Paul’s apostleship we confront in this episode is that Paul never listed the Ten Commandments in full. While true, this actually mirrors Jesus’ own approach. Neither quoted them entirely but both emphasized their moral essence. Paul affirmed many commandments individually: he quoted the Fifth in Ephesians 6:1–3 and referenced the Sixth, Seventh, Eight and Tenth in Romans 13:9. He also implied the First and Second in Acts 17 and taught truthfulness in Ephesians 4:25, echoing the Ninth. Though he never explicitly cited the Third (against taking God’s name in vain), neither did Jesus, although reverence for God’s name was clearly implied.

Another objectionAnother objection claims Paul’s stance on circumcision contradicts Jesus. A key point about Paul’s teaching in Galatians 5 is that he opposed legalism, not circumcision itself. He warned against using rituals for justification, emphasizing that salvation comes through Christ alone. Paul even had Timothy circumcised—not for salvation, but to aid in the ministry work among Jews.

Further objections—such as the claim that all churches in the Roman province of Asia rejected Paul (2 Timothy 1:15) or that Revelation 2:2 denounces him can easily be answered by contextual study. Such study reveals that Paul’s abandonment was due to shame over his imprisonment, not doctrinal rejection. The denouncing of false apostles in Revelation clearly refers to later imposters, and not Paul himself.

Ultimately, Paul’s gospel is given to complement Jesus’ message, as it is tailored for Gentile audiences unfamiliar with Jewish law. His teachings emphasized love, transformation and Christ-centered righteousness, not ritual observance. Scriptural evidence clearly points to Paul as a faithful apostle, not an imposter.

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If we are serious about our Christianity, then we know that the bottom line of everything in our lives is to be more like Jesus. If we call ourselves disciples of Christ, if we call ourselves his footstep followers, then any and every other objective in life must by definition become secondary. Our last seven episodes have been examining several of Paul’s pointed statements regarding our separateness from the world in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. Having God “sanctify us entirely” is the dramatic conclusion of this powerful set of teachings. So, how does it work? What are the secrets of Jesus’ true followers living their daily lives in a truly holy fashion? Does God just set us apart? What are the standards we must adhere to? How do we know if we are on the right track?

The call for Christians to live sanctified lives is truly profound.To be “sanctified” is to be set apart from worldly influences and wholly devoted to God’s purpose. Sanctification is not only an individual journey but a collective responsibility of the entire church. It’s both a divine gift and a developmental process requiring intentional effort. God initiates sanctification, but we must sanctify ourselves by actively pursuing holiness.

Paul taught the Thessalonian Christians that they had a threefold unity: spirit, soul and body, representing the spiritual harmony, shared mission and coordinated action of the church community as a whole. God helps us rise to these challenges by giving us His sanctifying spirit and His undefiled words in Scripture as instructions. We are given everything we need; now we need to do our part!

When reviewing the previous seven lessons of our Christian Conduct Series, we need to keep Paul’s conclusion in mind: 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”

God’s faithfulness in proven by His care in:• giving us diligent, spirit-driven and humble shepherds to guide and teach us.
• setting up His church in a mutually upbuilding way.
• providing a spirit-driven environment that invites a thriving state of being.
• setting up his church with a continuous line of communication through prayer.
• providing us with abundant reasons for daily gratitude.
• giving us His spirit and giving us ways to feed its influence.
• setting up His church in a mutually upbuilding way.

Ultimately, Paul’s message is that God is faithful—He provides the tools, the spirit, and the community for us to grow in holiness and preserve spiritual integrity!

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All upbuilding and spiritually mature Christian thought and action inevitably have their foundation in Scripture. The Bible gives us clear truth. Just as importantly, it gives us clear direction as to how to apply those clear truths to our lives in practical ways. In 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul teaches us to NOT despise “prophetic utterances.” Why would we make light of any teachings given for our benefit? As we shall see, Paul’s teaching here is showing us to be open and accepting towards what our brotherhood is proclaiming to us, but not without caution. Next, he warns us to examine everything! Is this a contradiction? Are we supposed to embrace what we hear, or are we supposed to be skeptical?

The key to answering this question lies in understanding how Christians can discern which teachings and prophesyings are trustworthy, especially in a world filled with conflicting spiritual claims. Biblical truth must be rooted in Scripture, not personal feelings, traditions or charismatic personalities. It is vital to not accept teachings simply because they sound good or align with popular opinion. Instead, the Apostle Paul urged us to test all spiritual claims against the Bible’s consistent message, historical context and prophetic accuracy.

In this journey, it’s important to highlight humility, study and spiritual maturity in evaluating doctrine. We also need to address the danger of false prophets and misinterpreted signs, remembering that genuine prophesying aligns with God’s character and long-term plan of redemption.

A few key takeaways• Scripture is the ultimate authority: All teachings and prophesying must be measured against the Bible’s consistent message.
• Emotions and tradition can mislead: Just because something feels right or is widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s biblically sound.
• False prophets and teachers are real and can be persuasive: The Bible warns repeatedly about deception, especially in the End Times.
• Prophesying must align with God’s character: True informative and enlightening teaching reflects God’s justice, mercy and long-term purpose.
• Spiritual maturity is essential: Discernment grows through study, prayer and humility—not through quick conclusions or viral teachings.

Our bottom line is the importance of examining the Scriptures carefully as a testing ground for what we hear. God’s word is sufficient and trustworthy, even when cultural voices or influencers claim new revelations. Ultimately, the path to truth is paved with careful study, accountability and a deep reverence for God’s Word.

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God’s spirit—His power and influence—is a power we can’t even begin to comprehend. His spirit was introduced to us as the mighty power of His will in Genesis 1:1-3 as His creative process began with “Let there be light.” This same power and influence is described as taking root in us in Ephesians 1:13 where it says we were sealed with God’s spirit through the salvation of Jesus. With all of the marvel of this mighty power of God working in us, how is it that we can “quench” it? Why would we ever even think of doing such a thing and most importantly, what do the Scriptures tell us about handling this awesome privilege with reverence and humility?

The biblical warning from 1 Thessalonians 5:19 to “not quench the spirit” has important meaning in regard to Christian conduct in our day. Quenching the powerful and transformative force of God’s spirit means stifling or extinguishing that divine influence through neglect, disobedience or self-deception.

Critical elements for avoiding this spiritually destructive behavior were laid out by the Apostle Paul in his previous teachings about rejoicing, prayer and gratitude, as these behaviors “fuel” the spirit.

Conversely, bitterness, distraction and indifference can suppress it. The Bible provides vivid metaphors—like hiding a lamp under a basket or forgetting one’s reflection in a mirror—to illustrate how spiritual neglect can lead to eventual quenching of the spirit.

While there is a difference between grieving the spirit (through harmful attitudes or behaviors) and quenching it (cutting off its influence entirely) we as disciples are urged to remain attentive and disciplined, feeding the spirit through active faith and humility.

Key Takeaways:• To “quench the spirit” means extinguishing God’s influence through neglect or resistance.
• Joy, prayer and gratitude are essential “spiritual fuels” that keep the spirit alive.
• “Grieving the spirit” through such things as bitterness or gossip can lead to quenching if left unchecked.
• Distraction and indifference are common modern threats to spiritual attentiveness.
• Active faith involves doing, not just hearing—responding to conviction, not suppressing it.
• The armor of God, especially the shield of faith, helps extinguish Satan’s attacks. In this context, “quenching” is a good thing!
• God’s mercy ensures even a flickering ember of faith is precious and worth fanning into flame.

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One of the hallmark attitudes of a focused Christian life is being thankful. The very foundation of our Christian beliefs is the fact that being redeemed from sin and death by the love and sacrifice of Jesus is a gift that is in every case beyond our ability to earn or deserve. We are freely given life in Christ, and therefore we have great motivation to live in a state of gratefulness. That being said, how far should this grateful attitude go? Is it really supposed to encompass each and every experience we have? Does being thankful in everything mean we should never be sad or anxious?

There is a profound challenge requiring a necessary spiritual discipline before us if we are attempting to live with gratitude in all circumstances. We base this on 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This teaching builds on two prior principles— “Rejoice always” and “Pray without ceasing”—to form a triad of Christian conduct that fosters spiritual resilience and peace.

To meet this challenge, we must accept that true thankfulness is not a fleeting emotion but is instead a cultivated state of perception. It means viewing life’s hardships—grief, loss, uncertainty—through the lens of trust in God’s providence. The Apostle Paul models this in 2 Corinthians 12, where he expresses gratitude for unanswered prayers, recognizing that weakness becomes strength when Christ is present.

True thankfulness in everything can be described as being:• A spiritual lens that reshapes how we interpret suffering.
• A gateway to peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6–7).
• An active expression, not just a feeling—meant to be lived and shared.

Paul’s Epistles demonstrate that thankfulness should be expressed both to God and to others. His joy over the Thessalonians’ faith despite their persecution illustrates how mutual encouragement strengthens the body of Christ.

There are MANY reasons for us to be thankful daily.

Here are just three core reasons daily gratitude is in order:1. For our calling to follow Jesus (Colossians 2:6–7) 2. For Jesus’ sacrifice which is described as an indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15) 3. For God’s enduring faithfulness and creative power (Psalm 92)

Ultimately, thankfulness is a spiritual discipline that equips Christian believers to endure trials, uplift others, and align with God’s will. It’s not about denying pain. It’s about trusting that even in pain, God is present and purposeful.

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To live a truly dedicated Christian life is to live a life that has a firm grasp on prayer. It is a life that strongly and regularly seeks out God’s will and blessing in all that we do. It also seeks to regularly ask for blessings and providence over the lives of our fellow disciples. There are many scriptures that teach us about how to pray and how not to pray. So, how does all of this fit into the life of a Christian living in the 21st century? Does the fact that our life experiences are so vastly different than the times of the apostles change or alter anything? We are taught to “pray without ceasing.” How can we practically accomplish this on top of managing all of the other responsibilities of life?

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to pray without ceasing, he was not suggesting nonstop verbal prayer. The phrase refers to cultivating a continual attitude of prayerfulness—a spiritual reflex that keeps communication with God open throughout daily life. This mindset is closely tied to the practice of rejoicing always and giving thanks in everything. Together, these habits create a kind of spiritual resilience that keeps us grounded and connected to God.

Paul’s letters offer examples of this ceaseless prayer: he regularly remembered the faith and love of the Thessalonians, expressed gratitude for their reception of the gospel, and interceded for the broader Christian community. His prayers were not limited to urgent needs but included repeated thanksgiving for past blessings, showing that prayer is both reflective and forward-looking.

There are several practical labels for this ongoing prayerful state, including:• Micro prayers—brief, breath-length expressions of thanks or need
• Flare prayers—urgent cries for help in moments of distress
• Echo prayers—reciting Scripture back to God
• Inner dialogue—maintaining a mental conversation with God throughout the day

What does supplication mean?When it comes to deeper and more intense prayers, “supplication” is an essential and distinct form of prayer. It involves earnest requests regarding specific challenges. Supplication should be paired with thanksgiving to avoid demanding to God what we want. Even Jesus modeled this in Gethsemane, praying intensely yet always submitting to God’s will.

Ultimately, to pray without ceasing means living in constant spiritual awareness by bringing every joy, struggle and decision before God. It’s not about thoughtless repetition but sincerity, gratitude and trust. Our privilege is to embrace this privilege and deepen our connection to God through consistent, heartfelt prayer.

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A Christian life is supposed to be an energized and fulfilled life. It is supposed to be this way because we have been called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. This means our lives are to be centered around following God’s word and will, regardless of what our circumstances may lay before us. So, when things are going smoothly and difficulties seem to be at a minimum, we can rejoice and thank God for His providence. By the same reasoning, when things are unstable, disastrous and traumatic, we can rejoice and thank God for His providence. Wait, what? How do we do that? How do we find and embrace true rejoicing in our lives when our external circumstances and our internal emotional state are breaking down?

Rejoice always?In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Paul gives a deceptively simple command: “Rejoice always.” As we look more deeply into the meaning of this teaching, we begin to see that rejoicing is not about emotional highs. Rather, it is about cultivating a calm, thriving state of being rooted in trust and purpose. Jesus modeled this state of being perfectly. Hebrews 12:2 says he endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” This joy was a joy that was grounded in fulfilling God’s will without trying to escape pain and suffering.

The apostles followed suit. In Acts 5 after being flogged for preaching, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Their joy wasn’t a euphoric feeling. It was focused, resilient and a mission-driven mindset.

Key lessons about rejoicing• Rejoicing is calm and centered: It means thriving in God’s will, even amid grief or hardship.
• Rejoicing is not the same as being glad: “Be glad” (Matthew 5:12) refers to emotional exaltation, which comes in moments of spiritual triumph.
• Rejoicing is shareable: Paul urges believers to “rejoice and share your joy” (Philippians 2:17–18), showing that shared joy strengthens community.
• Rejoicing is rooted in selfless love: 1 Corinthians 13 teaches that love “rejoices with the truth,” not with unrighteousness.
• Rejoicing reaches beyond circumstances: Even in sorrow, believers are called to rejoice—not by denying pain, but by being anchored in God’s promises.

Ultimately, rejoicing always is about living with spiritual clarity and purpose. It’s a quiet strength that fuels endurance, uplifts others and reflects the joy of being held in God’s care. Whether we’re weeping or celebrating, this kind of joy is our daily invitation to thrive!

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According to the New Testament, Christians are instructed to work together as a community. Even more than that, we are instructed to care for one another as a family, humbly serve one another and protect one another as soldiers in battle – even to the point of being willing to sacrifice ourselves. All of this is to be put in place while we each are dedicated to following the clear and godly teachings of Jesus in Scripture. So, how do we go about making all of this happen? In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he gives us a list of practical ways we should take care of one another. While this list is not comprehensive, it alerts us to several of the foundational principles of sound Christian conduct.

This episode of our Christian Conduct Series focuses on how each believer can actively contribute to the health of their church community. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15, we can see the Apostle Paul lays out a blueprint for mutual care, beginning with honoring spiritual leaders and extending to everyday interactions within the body of Christ.

These instructions aren’t just ideals—they’re actionable steps rooted in humility, empathy and discipleship.

Paul’s list includes five key responsibilities that shape a spiritually vibrant church. Each of these reflects the character of Christ and reinforces the interdependence of believers. A major foundational point here is that these contributions are not optional niceties but essential disciplines for anyone seeking to live out their faith within the Christian community.

Key Contributions to a Healthy Church• Admonish the unruly: Gently correct those who are out of step with Christian principles, aiming for restoration—not shame.

• Encourage the fainthearted: Comfort those who are timid, anxious, or overwhelmed with emotional and spiritual support.

• Help the weak: Cling to and support those who lack strength—physically, morally, or spiritually—through loyal, spiritually based companionship.

• Be patient with everyone: Practice forbearance by restraining reactive impulses and allowing space for small steps of growth.

• Seek good for all: Reject retaliation and pursue what benefits others, modeling the selfless love of Jesus.

By living these principles, we can create a healthy church with a culture of compassion, accountability and spiritual resilience. The message is clear: mutual contribution isn’t just about helping others—it’s about embodying Christ in every relationship.

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Christians are supposed to live lives that reflect godliness every day and in every way. This is not only difficult but frankly looked down upon. Because our world is driven by technology and social media, we are saturated daily with images, commentary, suggestions and pressure to stand for ourselves with pride and conviction. To stand as one subservient to God through Christ and to be guided by the Bible (which to many is misguided, ancient and outdated) is seen as a useless and even dangerous way of life. So, what do we do? How do we stand firmly and confidently as disciples of Christ? It all begins with the biblical principles we claim to hold as sound and true.

What should a Christian leader look like?The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 that striving to genuinely appreciate those who are tasked with shepherding Jesus’ flock is one of those biblical principles that should guide our behavior. In this epistle, Paul highlighted many of the character traits, responsibilities and sacrifices of true Christian leaders. We should follow and appreciate our shepherds only as they follow Christ.

Interestingly, Paul’s personal model of leadership is a strong guide for us to grasp what shepherding really looks like. His example is rooted in humility, integrity and spiritual maturity. He emphasizes that shepherds must serve willingly, not for personal gain, and must be examples of Christlike living. Paul’s personal interactions with the Thessalonian church showed how he prayed for them, recognized their growth and endured persecution while supporting their faith.

Key takeaway points regarding our appreciation of our spiritual shepherds include:• Christian leadership is defined by humility and service (John 13:14).
• Leaders must be above reproach, spiritually mature and doctrinally sound (Titus 1:5–9).
• Terms like “elder,” “overseer,” and “shepherd” describe different aspects of care—not hierarchical roles.
• Paul’s example shows leaders should be prayerful, observant, selfless and fearless in adversity.
• Appreciation begins with recognizing the sacrifices and spiritual investment of leaders.
• True appreciation involves reciprocating, imitating and elevating our own spiritual conduct.
• Jesus’ followers are urged to internalize what they’ve received and transform it into service for others.
• Applying appreciation includes standing firm in faith, resisting worldly desires and proving truth through Scripture.

Ultimately, what’s the best what to appreciate our spiritual leaders? The Apostle Paul taught it is to: follow their Christlike example, grow in faith, and then pass on what we’ve received.

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As Christians who are to walk by faith and not by sight, the statements Jesus made about having faith as a mustard seed are sure appealing. In Luke, Jesus says faith like a mustard seed can uproot a tree and toss it into the sea. In Matthew, he said mustard-seed faith can move a mountain and make nothing impossible for us! So, what did Jesus mean? Obviously, he was using picture language, but he was still showing us that mustard-seed faith can dramatically change our lives. Why a mustard seed and how does this work? What do we need to do to have such a strong and foundational faith that the obstacles of our lives will be diminished before us?

The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith after hearing difficult teachings about forgiveness and accountability. Jesus’ response to their request was the mustard seed analogy. His purpose was not to highlight minimal faith, but rather to illustrate faith’s capacity to grow and overcome great obstacles.

You of little faithIn related teachings, Jesus used the phrase “you of little faith” on four separate occasions. Applying these lessons in the order they were given reveals a progressive development of our mustard seed faith:

Magnitude: In calming the storm (Matthew 8), Jesus showed that mustard seed faith must recognize the vast power of God. The disciples had faith but lacked confidence.

Practicality: In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6), Jesus taught that this kind of faith should relieve anxiety by trusting in God’s provision.

Deliverance: Peter walking on water (Matthew 14) demonstrated that mustard seed faith enables us to step out in trust, even if we falter. Jesus’ rescue of Peter showed compassionate support for growing faith.

Guidance: When the disciples misunderstood Jesus’ warning about leaven (Matthew 16), he corrected them, urging spiritual discernment over physical concerns.

This kind of faith must be nurtured, tested and matured. It begins small but is rooted in the right foundation: God’s truth and Christ’s example. Mustard seed faith is all about transformation, starting small but growing strong through life’s trials and divine guidance.

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As Christians, we all draw great comfort from the promise of Jesus’ return. Just as in his first advent, his presence in his second advent proclaims that God’s plan is not only underway but unbreakable as well. The challenge comes when we as Christians try and comprehend the mechanics and timing of his return. There are many prophecies, many hints and many seemingly confusing statements about his return. So, what are we supposed to do with all of this? In this episode, we are suggesting we look at an overview of several aspects of his return and then settle in on one aspect that describes a specific sign of his return that is plain and simple, and yet somewhat hidden from many who watch.

The Greek word ParousiaTo understand the many and varied signs of Jesus’ return, we need to grasp the biblical distinction between the New Testament Greek word translated “coming” and its true meaning being “presence.” This simple and appropriate correction helps us see Jesus’ return not as an abrupt arrival, but rather as a gradual, multi-phase process beginning quietly, like a “thief in the night,” and culminating in visible glory and restoration.

This understanding is verified in the many descriptions of Jesus’ return.

His return includes:* Power and glory in symbolic “clouds” * A trumpet and shout announcing resurrection * Participation with his “mighty angels” (faithful followers) * A dismantling of worldly systems before the restoration of all things

Rather than predicting future events, we live at a time when looking backward at fulfilled prophecies can provide overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ presence. The regathering of Israel to their homeland is just one key sign of his return. Jesus linked the fig tree as a symbol of Israel to his presence. Israel’s restoration—starting with the settlement of Petah Tikva in 1878, and then nationhood in 1948—is a visible fulfillment. These historical facts and the way Jesus linked them in prophecy should not be taken lightly.

Revelation’s depiction of the church’s historical timeline (Revelation 2–3) serves to verify the fig tree prophecies. In Revelation, seven churches depict seven phases of Christian history. In the final stage, Jesus is “standing at the door,” meaning he has arrived, exactly as he said he would when Israel was to be restored. This exact language contained in both prophecies is a strong verification of where we stand regarding prophecies fulfilled in God’s plan today.

The return of Jesus is a multi-faceted process for the ultimate purpose of the restoration of the earth and humanity into harmony with our Creator. Though the completion of this restoration passes through trouble and strife, the results will be the establishment of God’s glorious kingdom on earth!

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The man Christ Jesus stands at the center of the faith of hundreds of millions of people. His very existence, along with the words and actions of his life, creates a remarkable tapestry that truly provides a strong foundation for believers. Sometimes questions arise about how and why Jesus did all that he did. Was his life scripted? This question can have several layers. First, did Jesus do the things he did in a mechanical way, solely for the purpose of fulfilling Old Testament prophecies? Second, and on a much deeper level of skepticism, could Jesus have fulfilled the prophecies he fulfilled just as a show, to gain followers and notoriety? Could his life have been a collection of events designed to merely draw attention to himself and create a movement?

To emphatically answer these questions, we will just examine 14 of the hundreds of prophecies that Jesus actually fulfilled in his life. We will find they were all fulfilled in ways that were far beyond human orchestration.

Was Jesus just “checking boxes”?First, it is important to establish that Jesus absolutely desired to do the will of his Father in heaven. One could argue that such a desire might lead to mechanically “checking boxes” to show his compliance. As we review these prophecies, we will see this objection become irrelevant.

Here is a small sampling of prophecies that Jesus was part of but could not control. First, we begin with his birth and childhood:

• He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), obviously not a self-directed event.
• He was born in Bethlehem Ephrathah, not Bethlehem of Galilee (Micah 5:2). This was fulfilled by way of Roman census laws.
• He was raised in Nazareth, fulfilling the theme of a humble Messiah (Isaiah 11:1–2).

As an adult, Jesus knew the Scriptures, but he still could not force their fulfillment.

• John the Baptist prepared the way for him (Isaiah 40:3–5). Jesus could not control John’s ministry.
• He entered Jerusalem triumphantly on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). While Jesus could request the colt, he could not force the crowd’s reaction.
• He was betrayed by a friend and for 30 silver pieces (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12–13).
• He was mocked at the crucifixion (Psalms 22:7–8).
• He was buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9), and Joseph of Arimathea unknowingly fulfilled this prophecy.

Was Jesus’ life scripted to fulfill prophecy?The only logical conclusion to all of this is that Jesus’ life wasn’t scripted by manipulation, but rather fulfilled divine foresight through personal submission, love for the Father, and the actions of others guided by God’s plan.

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The teaching Jesus gave to his apostles the night before his crucifixion about him being ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ was a profound foundation that described the path of every true Christian. Jesus as ‘the way’ opened up the opportunity for average, sinful individuals to become acceptable to God through the merit of Jesus’ sacrifice. He was and is the path we are to follow. As we walk this path, we can recognize Jesus as ‘the truth’ by accepting that his actions, teachings and example were always a direct reflection of the ultimate and pure truth that comes directly from the Father. Being on the path, following Jesus’ example and absorbing the truth of God’s words spoken through Jesus, we now can begin to open ourselves to understanding Jesus as ‘the life.’

At the beginning of John 15, Jesus taught us about how he is ‘the life’ in a rich metaphor of spiritual vitality. He called himself ‘the true vine,’ labeled God as the “Vinedresser” and his disciples as “branches.” These relationships highlight spiritual nourishment and fruitful discipleship rooted in obedience and love.

Here are just a few takeaways from this vital teaching:• Jesus as the ‘true vine’ shows us that his disciples must remain connected to him in order to bear fruit. God nurtures and prunes these branches to increase spiritual growth.

• Any and all fruitfulness comes as a result of his disciples abiding in Christ, receiving cleansing through his words as well as yielding to the loving discipline of God.

• Selfless love is central to bearing fruit, and Jesus openly modeled this specific kind of love through crystal clear obedience to his Father’s will. His disciples were commanded to love one another sacrificially by following his example. His sacrifice IS life to us!

Lazarus, come forth!As we look beyond this beautiful vine and branches teaching for just one other example of Jesus being ‘the life,’ the resurrection of Lazarus comes to mind. Lazarus had been dead for four days. As Jesus proclaimed himself to be ‘the resurrection and the life,’ he demonstrated God’s power through him to miraculously reverse death and even decay. This incredible event foreshadowed the final resurrection and restoration of all humanity.

Ultimately, Jesus is ‘the life’ because through him, death is overturned and eternal connection with the Father becomes possible. His life defines our purpose and our spiritual fruitfulness. Marked by love, it proves we truly “abide” in him.

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It seems odd that in our present day of technology and knowledge, it is very difficult to determine the difference between truth and opinion. You’d think it would be just the opposite. Yet here we are, in an environment where we can’t even trust news reports to reveal the whole story. Two-thousand years ago, Jesus proclaimed he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” By being ‘the way,’ he was telling us that finding a path towards God would come through knowing him. But what about Jesus being ‘the truth’? In a practical sense, how do we begin to understand Jesus as not only teaching us truth but actually being it?

Jesus as the path, the way to God, opens up the realization that he is the complete embodiment of divine truth. He doesn’t merely teach truth—he IS truth, the full representation of God’s will and character. John 14 shows us how Jesus relayed God’s words accurately and acted in perfect alignment with the Father’s intent, similar to how an ambassador speaks only on behalf of their government.

Jesus being ‘the truth’* This was continually reflected by his relationship with the Father, which was always one of unity and submission. * He always said what the Father instructed, did what pleased God, and reflected His care for humanity. * Because of all these things, he was able to assure his disciples of ongoing peace and spiritual support, even amidst the confusion and grief before and after his crucifixion.

The spirit of truthJesus introduced the holy spirit as the “spirit of truth,” as it would be God’s direct influence sent to them after his departure. Through it, the disciples would remain anchored in truth and be set apart by it.

Speaking to the Pharisees in John 8, Jesus affirmed that true freedom could only come through knowing and continuing in his word because his words were God’s truth. Though he faced opposition and death, he boldly spoke truth, fulfilled prophecy and established the groundwork for God’s coming kingdom.

Ultimately, Jesus as ‘the truth’ means he is the revealed reality of God’s redemptive plan—faithful, clear and unwavering. His mission wasn’t to challenge earthly authority but to eventually establish divine order and justice. This truth sets his disciples free and invites them to reflect it in love, obedience and spiritual transformation.

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On the night before his crucifixion—and just hours before he would begin a night of unjust treatment that would lead to humiliation, beatings and an eventual crucifixion—Jesus invested unhurried and precious hours with his disciples. His aim was to comfort them, as what they were about to witness would shake them all to their very core. Jesus was assuring them of his care for them and his profound loyalty to his Father, as this loyalty would ultimately bring redemption to them and to the whole world. Jesus’ simple statement of his being “the way, the truth, and the life” would be a key to open up their understanding of what their lives would need to look like.

To focus on the meaning of Jesus being ‘the way,’ we want to draw from Jesus’ final hours with the disciples the night before his crucifixion. This is not merely a directional statement; it’s a profound invitation to walk the path he walked.

Highlights ‘The way’ means more than a path. It reflects Jesus as the journey, the method AND the destination. The Greek word hodos implies a road, a manner of life and a progress toward purpose. * Jesus’ way is sacrificial. Even in betrayal and suffering, he continually framed his mission as glorifying the Father. * Jesus’ followers were not yet ready to follow him. Jesus introduced his commandment for them to love one another as he loved them. This command would become a foundational requirement before facing the weightier trials of faith. * ‘*The way’ would be through a narrow gate and on a difficult road: Matthew 7:13-14 illustrates that following Jesus requires purposeful sacrifice and perseverance. All who follow would need to develop spiritual surefootedness to walk this path. * Jesus protects us and guides us, much like a shepherd guarding his sheep (John 10:7–9)

Exclusive access pointBecause he is ‘the way,’ Jesus is not one of many options; rather, he is the exclusive access point to the Father. While not all follow this path now, his role as ‘the way’ extends ultimately to all creation (1 Corinthians 15:22). Those called now walk the narrow road, preparing to one day bless the rest.

It’s personal!Describing Jesus with this metaphor makes it personal. We are called not to merely admire the path Jesus walked, but to walk it ourselves, trusting that every step brings glory to the Father.

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Jesus said, “Many are called but few are chosen” in Matthew 22:14. For many Christians, these words of Jesus should bring a pause and consider moment. What was Jesus saying here? If we believe “God is love,” and we believe Jesus came as our Savior, do we also believe that everyone outside of Christianity, outside of this call, is lost and gone forever? Is this what Jesus was saying? If so, then how does that square with God being love? Is Jesus saying God is love, but only for the few whom He chooses, and the rest of His human creation are essentially garbage? Isn’t that a massive contradiction? If we are willing to examine this statement by Jesus in the light of Scripture, we will find a completely different answer. What we will find is a logic and a harmony founded upon God’s love AND His justice.

This statement of Jesus appears at the end of the Parable of the Wedding Feast. To properly understand its meaning, we need to connect it with God’s character of love and justice.

Reviewing the Abrahamic Covenant is a good place to start.Initially, Israel was called to be the sole source of the “stars of heaven”—a spiritual seed that would bless the world. However, national rejection of Jesus meant they forfeited this opportunity. Still, they weren’t permanently cast off; they remain essential to God’s plan as the “sand of the seashore,” the natural seed who will bless the world on earth.

The parable illustrates God’s persistent calling to those who could become true disciples of Jesus:

• First invitation: Offered through Jesus’ ministry to Israel.
• Second: Extended at Pentecost by the apostles.
• Third: Went out to the Gentiles, beginning with Cornelius.

This teaches us that discipleship is not based on heritage but on being drawn by God. The “many” called spans time, culture and background, but the chosen are those who respond fully to the invitation.

This call involves great responsibility.Discipleship requires self-denial, daily sacrifice, transformation and leaving behind worldly attachments. Like wedding guests required to wear the provided garment, those called must be “clothed” in Christ’s righteousness. Failing to do so leads to exclusion—not eternal torment, but the sorrow of lost opportunity.

Those who are chosen become part of a “royal priesthood” and “holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9), called to reflect God’s character and ultimately bless all mankind.

Importantly, the rest of humanity is not abandoned. Many scriptures point to a future restoration when all people will have opportunity for salvation. The current calling is simply the first phase of a broader redemptive plan that will ultimately fulfill God’s promise to bless all the families of the earth.

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Depression can be overwhelming. Even though many people suffer from it, and even though there are treatments and medications that can help it, depression can still be an insurmountable life obstacle for every individual who faces it. There is no easy answer and no miracle cure, so those of us who experience it are left with the sober reality of its potential lurking influence in our daily lives. So, what do we do? As Christians we are taught to have faith and rely on God’s peace. While this is sound and powerful advice, we need to find ways to deeply rely on our faith and to transform God’s peace into a tool of growth and healing. One way to work on this is to observe the struggles of a biblical hero of faith and step-by-step identify with their struggle and their journey towards a more God-driven life.

High highs and really low lowsAfter Elijah’s stunning victory over the prophets of Baal, he fell into despair. He was depressed. He had successfully demonstrated the supremacy of God as THE God, and yet Queen Jezebel promised to have him killed.

These events show us that even God’s mightiest servants can struggle deeply. As he ran and hid from Jezebel, he felt completely alone, ineffective and broken. His next journey showed us how feeling depressed can be overwhelming and lead us to

1. internalization,
2. isolation and
3. insulation.

Rather than rebuke him, God gently met Elijah with rest, food and a repeated touch through an angel.

• What a reminder that divine care often comes in quiet, steady steps!
• Even though Elijah couldn’t immediately respond with renewed confidence, God remained present and patient.

To counter the internalization, isolation and insulation that depression can bring to us, Elijah’s experiences introduced three small steps toward godly peace:

1. Acknowledge: Recognize that God’s presence—whether through Scripture, people or providence—is near, even if we don’t feel it.
2. Apply: Take steps, however small, to act on that external input. Elijah walked 40 days to Mount Horeb, still burdened, but at least moving.
3. Allow: Permit God’s truth and love to take root, even while feeling numb, broken or depressed.

Once Elijah arrived at Mount Horeb, God’s question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” invited introspection, not condemnation. This question would open the door to Elijah being able to realize that he wasn’t alone. As a matter of fact, there were 7,000 others in Israel who were faithful to God!

The lesson for Elijah and for us is that depression doesn’t disqualify faith! On the other hand, God often calls those who struggle so His strength can shine through them.

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Many Christians have had the disheartening experience of feeling like they have lost their connection with God. There you were, going along through life’s experiences, and something happens. Whether it is one big change or many little things over time, you wake up one day and realize God seems far away. Now what? Is it over? How do you find your way back to that precious connection that you lost? A good way to understand what to do to reconnect is to observe some of the experiences of the Apostle Peter. We all know how he denied Jesus on the day of his crucifixion. What we don’t often think about is how he got to that point and what it took to draw him back into God’s favor.

• The third and final time Jesus called Peter to follow him Peter openly and fearfully admitted that he was a sinful man. Jesus called him anyway.
• Peter’s journey following Jesus would show him just how little he knew about his own faults and how little he knew about what discipleship required.

The night before Jesus’ crucifixion…Peter confidently claimed he would never forsake Jesus. In spite of that bold proclamation of loyalty, Peter would deny Jesus three times early the very next morning. His denials escalated from simple avoidance to emphatic rejection.

If we have ever alienated ourselves from God…we have likely gone down a similar road to Peter’s. The good news is we can now learn how to bring ourselves back to God by following the pattern that Peter himself followed. So, what happened? How was Peter’s alienation slowly dissolved and he was able to reconnect?

Peter’s experience shows us there are three key steps to reconnecting with God:

1. Prepare Your Mind for Action: Peter running to the empty tomb on the morning of Jesus’ resurrection was taking the first step. Even though he still didn’t understand what was happening, he showed that he wanted to. This was crucial.
2. Be Serious and Reverent: Peter likely wrestled with self-doubt, but God’s grace persisted. Jesus would reaffirm Peter’s efforts through two miraculous personal appearances to him and others on that resurrection day.
3. Embrace Forgiveness & Change: Weeks later, Jesus restored Peter by asking if he loved him. This restoration would come with the profound responsibility of being a shepherd to Jesus’ flock after his ascension up to heaven.

For each of us, to spiritually reconnect requires small, intentional steps which include prayer, scripture study and humility. The beautiful message here is that God’s faithfulness ensures that even in failure, restoration is possible!

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Forty days after his resurrection, when Jesus was about to ascend up to the Father, he gave his disciples their great commission in Matthew 28. He told them to go and “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and the holy spirit.” He told them to teach others to observe all that he commanded and that he would be with them always, even to the end of the age. The message here was simple and yet daunting: preach the gospel everywhere. Find disciples throughout the world and then teach them how to truly follow Christ. To accomplish this massive task, we need God’s spirit and biblical examples of how to present ourselves. So, what are the foundational principles of effectively sharing the gospel?

The Apostle Paul helps us identify the key biblical principles of witnessing in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. He began by saying his own mission was to work at identifying with all people to better enable him to witness.

Three broad categories of witness opportunitiesHe then pointed out three broad categories of people he was attuned to, and these apply to us as well:

1. To Jews, meaning to those who identified with Jewish customs. For us this would include those who are familiar with Christianity as well.
2. To those with no Christian or Jewish faith who in many cases live very worldly lives.
3. To the weak: those in any category who struggle with many forms of hardship or difficulty.

In three specific examples of sharing the gospel with others, both Jesus and the Apostle Paul demonstrated a powerful ability to capture the hearts of those they were speaking with. Their examples demonstrated five basic principles to help us be effective spokespeople for Christ.

• Recognize: Understand who your audience is, including their values, backgrounds, and beliefs.
• Respect: Establish common ground through relatable language and genuine respect.
• Listen: Engage attentively, inviting others to share their perspectives.
• Awaken: Spark curiosity by presenting unexpected, thought-provoking points that break routine thinking.
• Teach, Preach, Reason, and Encourage: Present the gospel witness with heartfelt clarity and a focus on God’s redemptive plan.

We saw how this all played out in the accounts of Paul before King Agrippa, and then again at Mars Hill in Athens speaking to a pagan audience. We also looked at Jesus encouraging two disciples on the road to Emmaus using these same basic principles. The power of the gospel message combined with these five communication principles reveals a recipe for great opportunity!

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We all know God IS love, and that because He loves His human creation, He sent Jesus to redeem us all from sin and death. We also know Jesus taught us to love our enemies and to pray for those people who despitefully take advantage of us. So, according to the gospel, love is a clear centerpiece of how God’s plan works and how we are to emulate Jesus in relation to our enemies. But what about those people we just may not like? You know, those individuals who are just irritating, who might see the world differently than we do and who always seem to be on the other side of issues. Can we just tolerate them – just “go along to get along” – or do we have to “love” them? If we do have to love them, what does that even look like?

The first step towards understanding and applying this concept is recognizing that love is absolutely central to God’s plan. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as “the love chapter,” as it gives several pointed descriptions of how the benevolent and selfless kind of agape love behaves. The fact that most of us don’t have what we would consider to be mortal enemies doesn’t mean we don’t struggle with loving individuals who irritate us or hold opposing views.

Positive traits and negative traitsThis chapter on selfless love distinguishes between positive traits (patience, kindness, rejoicing in truth) and negative traits (jealousy, arrogance, selfishness and keeping score of wrongs). It highlights that patience involves self-restraint and forbearance, allowing us to respect others even when differences arise. Kindness, beyond simple niceness, is described as “active” generosity, encouraging us to be useful to those we struggle with. We need to think about the challenges we may have applying these very positive traits to those we may not really like.

What selfless love is NOTIt does NOT express jealousy, which can manifest as resentment or unhealthy competition. Love does NOT boast, which elevates oneself at the expense of others. It is NOT arrogant, having an internal sense of self-centered superiority. Selfless love does NOT provoke, keep score, or act in any inappropriate way.

As Christians, we really need to rethink how we view difficult people, recognizing that every life matters. Since Jesus died for all, we are called to reflect his love – even toward those we find difficult. Our practical challenge is to actively demonstrate patience, kindness and humility every day with everyone.

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We have all experienced or heard the conversational question that sometimes gets asked when one person is getting to know another. “So, are you religious?” The response can be a myriad of differing replies, one of which is, “Yeah, I’m a Christian.” That answer usually puts the respondent into the broad and vague category of Christianity in the 21st century. The real question is, what does it mean to be a true Christian according to the original biblical meaning? If we put aside all of the tradition, all of the preconceived notions, and all of the countless denominations, what does the Bible say it means to be a genuine and sincere disciple of Jesus?

Christianity is the world’s largest religion with over 2.4 billion followers, but the key question is: how many are true followers of Christ versus simply identifying as Christians? The Bible explains that genuine Christianity revolves around complete reliance on and the complete following of Jesus. It acknowledges God’s plan for salvation through His son. Scriptural passages like John 3:16-17 and 1 Peter 1:18-21 highlight Jesus’ role as the Redeemer who saved humanity through his sacrifice.

We are “new creatures”2 Corinthians 5:17 emphasizes that being “in Christ” makes a person a “new creature,” representing transformation and renewal. This is a much bigger deal than most of us think, as it has everything to do with being guided by God’s spirit for the sake of personal growth in Christ and the sacrificing of our own will and desires. True discipleship requires self-denial and cross-bearing (Luke 9:23), which demonstrates commitment beyond passive belief. This commitment was foreshadowed in predestination found in Ephesians 1:3-6, which describes how faithful Christians as a class (not predestined as individuals) were chosen before the world’s foundation for a holy calling.

What about our own identity as Christians?Are our thoughts, words, actions and beliefs reflecting a deep and consistent engagement with God’s plan? Many may admire Jesus, yet few fully follow him in action. Galatians 3:16, 26-29 ties Christian discipleship to the Abrahamic Covenant, illustrating how a true Christian inherits the spiritual promises given to Abraham to bless all the families of the earth.

Christians are also likened to a “royal priesthood” and the “bride of Christ” (1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 5:22-27). Both descriptions highlight our responsibility to serve God. Practical applications include self-sacrificing love (John 15:12-14) and mutual support within the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). The bottom line is that Christianity is a life of progression, sacrifice and commitment—not mere admiration.

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Deborah stands out as one of the inspiring figures in biblical history. As a prophetess, a judge and courageous leader, she rose above all expectations in a society driven by patriarchal influence. Her story, recorded in Judges 4 and 5, recounts her reliance on divine wisdom, as well as her decisive leadership and unwavering faith in God’s promises, as she rallied Israel to victory against their oppressors.

Superior military technologyAt the time Deborah served as a judge, Israel as a nation was subjugated by King Jabin of Hazor whose general, Sisera, commanded an army equipped with 900 iron chariots. These chariots were intimidating because they were markedly superior to any of the weapons of warfare Israel possessed. For 20 years, King Jabin and Sisera ruthlessly oppressed Israel until the people finally cried out to God for deliverance. God would answer their cry through the faithfulness of Deborah.

Deborah received divine instruction to summon Barak, a military commander, and told him to gather 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun. She assured him that God would orchestrate the battle against Sisera at the Kishon River, ensuring victory. However, Barak hesitated and insisted that Deborah accompany him into battle. Deborah agreed but foretold that the ultimate victory—defeating Sisera—would be accomplished by a woman.

The battle unfolded dramaticallyBarak led his forces to Mount Tabor, and Sisera responded by mobilizing his army with their superior military technology. God intervened by sending a sudden, torrential rainstorm, causing the battlefield to flood. Sisera’s iron chariots, once a formidable advantage, become useless in the mud. His army was thrown into panic, and Barak pursued them, wiping out all of Sisera’s forces.

Prophecy fulfilledThough Sisera escaped the actual battle, he was killed by a woman who was not even from Israel. This small but important detail reinforces the sovereignty of God, as His word is always fulfilled, even if it is accomplished in unexpected ways.

Deborah’s leadership was marked by wisdom, humility and courage. She positioned herself to be used by God, patiently serving in her role as a judge until the time came for decisive action. Her ability to inspire faith and confidence in others played a crucial role in Israel’s victory! Her story clearly reflects the importance of relying on God’s guidance, acting with faith and recognizing godly leadership in unexpected places.

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Anxiety is an enemy of the heart. When left unchecked, it can take a normally functioning human being and turn them into a second guessing, insecure and trembling mess. In Part I, we talked about how Jesus showed us the depths of damage that anxiety can bring. He also taught us how to process the solutions for this challenge. As we continue this conversation, we look at Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. We then concentrate on how and when being anxious can be a good thing!

Four steps for managing our obsessive anxiety challenges:1. Recognize – Becoming aware of anxiety and acknowledging its presence.
2. Refrain – Interrupting the cycle of anxious thoughts.
3. Reframe – Shifting perspective to see circumstances through faith.
4. Restart – Intentionally refocusing on God’s care and guidance.

In the four examples of anxiety Jesus pointed to in Matthew 6, he emphasized that they all stem from human insecurity and self-perception. But these can be mitigated by viewing life through God’s perspective. This understanding is verified in the Apostle Paul’s teachings, illustrating that God’s providence sustains believers even in the face of overwhelming worry.

Productive AnxietyThe next perspective on anxiousness the Bible teaches is the critical concept of “productive anxiety.” This is the process of training our anxious thoughts and energy towards mutual strengthening and passionate caring for others. Understanding and applying this concept is foundational. The Apostle Paul and Timothy serve as examples of believers who transformed their concerns into a deep commitment to helping others. Unlike obsessive anxiety which is self-focused and paralyzing, productive anxiety is motivated by genuine concern and action for our fellow Christians.

The New Testament broadly encourages believers to redirect their energy toward faith-building and community support. Biblical examples showcase individuals who successfully transformed their worries into motivation to strengthen and encourage others. Paul, despite experiencing hardship and persecution, dedicated himself to the spiritual well-being of fellow believers. He demonstrated that channeling anxiety into service is a powerful way to overcome its negative effects.

Ultimately, Christian management of anxiety focuses us on managing our natural anxieties by reframing our perspective to a godly view of our experiences. We are then urged to shift our perspective from personal worry towards actively contributing to the encouragement and growth of others. By focusing on faith, purpose and contribution we can not only find balance when overwhelmed by anxiety we can also profoundly build others up and glorify God in the process!

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Anxiety seems to be everywhere, and everyone seems to have it! The good news is it can be a very normal and sometimes healthy part of life. The bad news is more often than not it grows into an oversized burden that can be difficult and even debilitating. When we as Christians have anxiety that needs to be managed, we know the Bible has the answers. The good news is we know we need to trust in the Lord, to pray continually and to live in faith. The challenging news is many times our anxiety is so powerful that hearing these biblical answers hurts and doesn’t help. Why? Because we have already worked at applying these things, and we’re still stuck! Our objective today is to slow the whole process down and work on suggesting ways to cope with anxiety’s overwhelming grip.

Four stepsWhile we always encourage anyone who suffers from high levels of anxiety to seek professional help when appropriate, we also encourage focusing on what we personally can do to cope with our anxiety. Along with prayer, faith and trust, we suggest facing and challenging our anxieties with a four-step approach:

1. Recognize: Observe when anxiety is overtaking our minds.
2. Refrain: Pause the cycle of anxious thinking.
3. Reframe and Rebuild: Approach the problem positively and take action.
4. Restart: Intentionally reboot our life perspective to see our experiences from God’s perspective.

Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount highlight the anxiety-inducing dangers of earthly treasures and what to do about them. Jesus shows us how being anxious warps our perception, and he emphasizes the importance of God-centered reframing. While not necessarily a sign of weak faith, it is a challenge that requires intentional coping strategies. Psalms 88 and 139 encourage us to recognize anxiety and rely on God’s care.

Social anxietyAnother point in Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6 reveals how social comparisons intensify the problem. Jesus warns us of the challenge believers face to focus on spiritual priorities rather than worldly appearances. Philippians 4 promotes prayer and gratitude to combat anxiety and bring God’s peace in its place.

Ultimately, we understand this mental struggle as an adversary to a believer’s faith that requires continuous efforts to manage. Through prayer, biblical teachings, and reframing anxious thoughts, we can all work towards peace and balance as we continue to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

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What does it mean to be “immortal? In Greek mythology, Zeus, Athena and Apollo were among their immortal gods, those who lived forever and had powerful influence over the mortal world. When someone achieves extraordinary levels of greatness in their field, they are often spoken of as being immortal. In American baseball, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays are “immortalized” by the way they played the game. These examples show us that immortality can be applied to mean someone or something as never dying, be it in a physical or an intellectual sense. So, how does the Bible define immortality? As we explore this question, we will see a clear and focused reasoning emerge that elevates what immortality is and who will have it.

Immortality: Inherent or a gift?Exploring the biblical concept of immortality requires focusing on its New Testament definition and implications. The Bible defines immortality as the inability to die or decay. This meaning is derived from two Greek words: athanasia (deathlessness) and aphthartos (incorruptibility). The Apostle Paul’s writings, especially 1 Corinthians 15, describe how humanity must transform from mortal (liable to die) and corruptible (subject to decay) to immortal and incorruptible in order to inherit the heavenly kingdom of God.

These findings clearly indicate that immortality is not an inherent human trait. Rather, it is a rare gift from God. It is given only to faithful followers of Christ who demonstrate self-sacrifice, discipline and obedience to God’s truth. Therefore, achieving immortality requires a life dedicated to spiritual growth and living by God’s will.

So, what about everyone else who has ever lived?These masses of people are offered eternal life—a perpetual existence reliant on God’s sustenance. Eternal life allows for the possibility of death if one strays, whereas immortality ensures complete deathlessness. The resurrection and Day of Judgment play crucial roles in offering eternal life to humanity.

God’s ultimate plan ensures eternal harmony between spiritual and earthly creations, with immortality reserved for a select few who serve as reconcilers. Understanding these levels of existence helps us appreciate God’s power, love, justice and wisdom in a deeper way.

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When examining God’s word as a whole, it quickly becomes evident that Jesus’ resurrection was the most awe-inspiring marker in the entire Bible. This recognition entices us to search out the specific leading Jesus gave to his followers on his first resurrected day. What did our Lord say and do to build a foundation for God’s plan to continue developing?

There were several unique and inspiring messages that Jesus relayed to his followers on that first day of his resurrection.

Here are a few:* Jesus began by echoing the angel at the empty tomb, instructing the women to “fear not” and to share the news of his resurrection with his disciples. This phrase, “fear not,” became a foundational theme, reassuring his followers and preparing them for the upcoming monumental shift in their faith. * Jesus directly addressed his disciples as “brethren” for the first time after his resurrection, signifying an elevation in their relationship—from servants to friends and finally, to family in the kingdom of God. This reflected the broader message of redemption and reconciliation with God. * When Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene who initially struggled with grief and disbelief, she experienced a profound transformation upon recognizing him. Her mission shifted from tending to his body to sharing the message of his resurrection, symbolizing the prioritization of spiritual devotion over earthly concerns. * Later that same day, Jesus encountered two of his disciples walking on the road to Emmaus. Consumed by grief and confusion, these two unknowingly engaged with Jesus. By reframing their understanding of the Scriptures, Jesus illuminated the fulfillment of prophecies and strengthened their faith before revealing his identity.

His method of teachingJesus’ first resurrection day messages focused on prophetic fulfillment as he encouraged His followers to overcome fear, embrace their mission and recognize their role in God’s plan. His method of teaching—through empathy, scriptural clarity and patient revelation—transformed grief into joy and doubt into conviction.

Jesus’ resurrection was not just a miraculous event but a turning point that redefined his followers’ faith, understanding and purpose. This encourages us to embrace faith, trust in God’s plan and courageously share his message.

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Of the many experiences Jesus had the night before his crucifixion, his time in the Garden of Gethsemane stands out as a place of contrast and transition. When Jesus and his eleven apostles entered the garden, it was a welcoming place of peace and solitude. He told eight of them to stay together and to watch and pray. He took Peter, James and John further into the garden. It was there Jesus additionally asked these three friends to watch and pray, for he was experiencing grief, distress and sorrow. Jesus’ visit to this beautiful garden would now become the place of a pleading prayer to his Father.

Jesus’ emotional and spiritual challengesJesus’ reliance on prayer as he prepared for the trials ahead was profound. His prayers revealed his desire to avoid separation from God, as well as the silence required during accusations of blasphemy. In the distress of praying over these things three times, he demonstrated faith, discipline, obedience and resilience, modeling a path for Christians to follow. Meanwhile, his closest friends failed to provide the support Jesus sought, which highlights our human frailty.

The betrayal and arrestWhen Judas arrived to betray him, Jesus calmly embraced his destiny, showing dignity and control even as betrayal unfolds. Jesus responded to Judas’ kiss of friendship as the sign of betrayal – not with anger and emotion – but with a clear and undaunted focus. He essentially told Judas to finish what he had started.

It was only a short time later that upon observing what was happening, Peter leaped into action. He grabbed a sword and wounded the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus again stepped up and stopped the violence. His message was again clear and simple as he emphasized peace over violence. He them healed the injured man.

Reflections for all of usThe entire Garden of Gethsemane experience reveals Jesus’ willing sacrifice, his steadfastness in the face of betrayal and suffering, and his unwavering commitment to God’s will. It invites observers to ponder how they might face challenges with the same godly grace and discipline. The Garden of Gethsemane serves as a powerful testament to Jesus’ humanity, faith and submission, offering profound lessons on resilience, prayer and trust in divine purpose.

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In our last episode, we examined how the Old Testament defines the human soul. In that discussion, we saw clear scriptural evidence defining the soul as life on a mortal level. The same Hebrew word for “soul” or “life” was consistently used to describe both animals and humans. Here we will focus on the New Testament. The big questions are simple: Did Jesus teach us that human souls are mortal in the same way we concluded the Old Testament taught? Did he in some way elevate and change that conclusion?

Key New Testament points regarding the nature of the human soul The Hebrew word nephesh (Old Testament) and the Greek word psuchē* (New Testament) both translate to “soul,” meaning a living being or sentient creature. * It is mortal and closely tied to life and physical existence.

This definition bridge between the Hebrew and Greek languages gives us a basis on which we can now observe practical New Testament teachings.

New Testament insights* Jesus and Paul both reaffirmed the mortal nature of the soul, emphasizing the physical and finite aspects of life. * Passages such as Romans 6:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 highlight that death is the result of sin, while eternal life is a gift from God through resurrection.

While these insights give us clear direction regarding our scriptural interpretation, there are still other questions that need consideration. The first is understanding the relationship between soul and spirit.

Distinction between “soul” and “spirit” The soul (psuchē) refers to a living being, while the spirit (pneuma*) denotes unseen power or influence. * Hebrews 4:12 distinguishes the two, showing that God’s word can reveal who we are and what influences guide us.

If the soul is not immortal, then where did the concept come from? Greek ideas, particularly from Plato and Pythagoras, introduced this concept, which later influenced Christian doctrine.

Our conclusion is that the Bible from beginning to end teaches that humanity is mortal, created as physical beings with finite lives. The concept of an immortal soul simply has no place in Scripture. The New Testament emphasizes the hope of resurrection through Christ, who offered his mortal life as a sacrifice for humanity. This teaching underscores the profound value of Jesus’ gift and God’s plan for eternal life in His kingdom.

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Are we as humans innately physical beings or spiritual beings? If physical, then our lives would by definition begin and end based upon their physical, tangible aspects. We would “come to life” when we are biologically alive, and we would cease to exist when our biology ceases to support life. If we are spiritual beings, then the biological part of the human equation would simply house the essence of that intangible spiritual existence.

The scriptural definition of the soulThe answer to this question rightfully begins by focusing on Old Testament teachings. Genesis 2:7, explains that humans became living beings through the combination of breath and body. This clearly indicates a physical nature rather than a spiritual one. The term “soul” (Hebrew: nephesh) is used to describe both humans and animals as breathing creatures.

Humanity’s superiority to animalsWhile this similarity may be surprising, Genesis gives us two strong distinctions between humans and animals. First, human beings were specifically created in God’s image and the animals were not. Second, humanity was given dominion over all other creatures and over the earth. In spite of these privileges, we all know Adam sinned by disobeying God. The consequence of his disobedience was death, as outlined in Genesis 2:16-17. God explained that death meant man would return to nonexistence, dust to dust. This same death is a universal experience for all living creatures, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes 3:19-20.

Death equals an absence of activityMan does not have an immortal soul. While this conclusion of death as a universal experience for all earthly creatures may be surprising, it does have a solid foundation. The fact is many scriptures emphasize a complete absence of activity in death. Ecclesiastes 9:10 describes the grave as devoid of work, knowledge or wisdom. Psalm 115:17 notes the silence of the dead, reinforcing that death is the absence of life rather than a continuation of existence. Ezekiel 18:4 emphatically states, “The soul who sins will die.”

ConclusionAs Bible-believing Christinas, we must be careful to affirm the Old Testament’s clear teaching that humans are mortal beings created to live on earth with the requirement of obedience. We do not possess an immortal soul. Without obedience, life is removed, and the soul becomes nonexistent. This examination provides a foundation for understanding life, death, and God’s sovereignty, paving the way for Part II, which explores the New Testament teachings on this important subject.

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Jesus plainly tells us in Matthew 7:1 that we are not to judge others. Ah, if only it were that easy! The fact of the matter is, the New Testament gives us many examples of things we are to make judgments about. At first glance, this can sound like a massive contradiction. Don’t judge! Wait; DO judge, and here is your list! As with any apparent Bible contradiction, all we need to do is understand the two apparently differing views in their appropriate context and we will end up with a harmonious and powerful lesson. The reason our Christian responsibility towards judgment comes across this way is to remind us of the importance of how we do things. Standing as a representative of Jesus means working to respond to all things the way Jesus did.

On this episode, we explore Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 7:1-2: “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” While this statement seems straightforward, the New Testament provides instances where judgment is necessary, creating an apparent contradiction. However, this paradox is resolved when judgment is understood within its proper context, as actions guided by humility, self-awareness and Christlike love.

Warnings Against JudgmentJesus cautions against judgment with wrong motives, such as jealousy, self-righteousness or revenge. The “speck and log” analogy (Matthew 7:3-5) highlights the need for self-examination before addressing others’ flaws. Without addressing personal faults, one’s judgment becomes hypocritical and destructive.

Proper Judgment as a ResponsibilityRighteous judgment is required in certain circumstances:

1. Disputes within the Christian community: 1 Corinthians 6 advises resolving conflicts among Christians rather than relying on secular courts.
2. Identifying false prophets: Matthew 7:15-20 calls for discerning false teachers through their actions and “fruits,” ensuring biblical integrity.
3. Addressing moral issues: 1 Corinthians 5 stresses confronting immoral behavior within the church with humility and firmness.
4. Selecting church leaders: 1 Timothy 3 outlines qualifications for overseers, emphasizing Christlike character. Acts 14 describes congregations independently electing their leaders.
5. Defending the gospel: Christians are tasked with guarding the gospel’s purity (Galatians 1:6-8) and refuting distorted teachings.

Guidelines for Righteous JudgmentTo judge righteously, Christians must align their actions with scriptural principles and examine their motivations. They must avoid presuming others’ motives and practice empathy to soften judgment. The ultimate goal is to glorify God through humility and love.

Jesus exemplified righteous judgment and humility, choosing not to retaliate against his persecutors. His teachings emphasize focusing on personal growth, achieving “sanctified eyesight” by fixing one’s eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2). This clear, single-minded focus enables Christians to judge with compassion and wisdom.

Romans 14 reminds believers to respect differences in faith practices, refraining from judging others in matters of conscience and personal convictions.

Practical ApplicationsJudgment should never be arbitrary or lead with ego. Instead, Christians are to approach situations with humility, scriptural insight and a genuine desire to uplift others. By prioritizing empathy and understanding, they can avoid toxic, superficial judgments.

While Christians are called to judge in specific circumstances, they must approach judgment with humility and godliness, ensuring their actions mirror Christ. The focus remains on fostering love, good deeds and mutual encouragement within the faith community. Ultimately, righteous judgment glorifies God and strengthens Christlike character!The post Do Christians Get to Judge Others? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Loving the people we know and appreciate can be hard work in general, never mind loving our enemies. There is so much emotion involved in loving others, and let’s face it, sometimes even those we appreciate can act in ways that cause us aggravation! When it comes to how we are to treat ALL of those around us – whether we like them or not – Jesus taught us a very high standard to live by. Luke’s account of Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount clearly lays out the way we should be striving to live, especially in relation to those who stand against us. If we give it a chance, focusing on what Jesus said and working at practically, applying it to our everyday lives, can fundamentally change the way we see and treat everyone around us.

Jesus plainly said, “Love your enemies.”If I’m a Christian and I proclaim to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, then there is no way I can take that teaching and somehow twist it around so as not to apply to me. He said it, he did it and I need to follow. Ok, so how do I do that? What does loving my enemies even mean? Am I supposed to cozy up to them and try to be their best friend? What if they have hurt me or my family? What if they do evil things to others? Does loving them mean that I overlook these things? Does it mean that there are no consequences for the wrongs and hurt they have done?

The short answer to all of this is no.However, that “no” comes with an important list of things that need to be understood. The fundamental truth we need to grasp is what it actually means to “love” an enemy. Jesus was not only specific in how he described what this love is, he was also specific in showing us how to live it. We have his words and his actions to examine and learn from.

By the way, Jesus didn’t just tell us to “love your enemies” as a stand-alone statement. Right after saying this, he expanded his teaching by adding several applications including, “Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you,” and then he added, “pray for those who mistreat you.” So, now we have a list of specific responses we are given to apply to those who stand against us. Once again, the question arises – how do we do that?

Check out our March 10, 2025 podcast, “Do I Really Have to Love My Enemies?” for more. We open up the meaning of Jesus words by clearly tracking how he himself fulfilled them in the treatment of Judas his betrayer. By detailing what Jesus did and how he did it, we open the door to understanding what loving our enemies truly means. Join us for this challenging and important discussion as we learn to apply what every Christian should know.

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Human beings are different from all the rest of God’s creation. Of all the creatures on this earth, we were the only ones created “in God’s image.” God was intentional with this, as the human race was meant to be an extension of God’s family here on this planet. He created us as social and relationship-oriented beings. We were created to be connected – not just with our Creator, but with each other. In many spiritually based groups, this connectivity is defined by the phrase “soul ties.” These are often described as the most intense connections people can have between them. They are credited with having their basis on a mystical level. Do these soul ties accurately represent what God intended humanity’s connections to look like, or are they way off base?

How are soul ties formed?Those who believe in soul ties claim these ties can be created by physical intimacy or other shared experiences that form an emotional bond. They also claim ties can be created by making vows or promises to someone out loud. The thought is that those words remain in existence somewhere in the universe as binding. Essentially, these claims point to a mystical kind of connection that in many cases is not only beyond our ability to choose; it is completely beyond our control. When such connections become damaging, the only way to break them is through spiritual rituals.

Taking this one step further, it is claimed by some that these soul ties have a basis in the Bible. One example cited as proof is Adam and Eve being “joined” together. Another is the deep friendship between Jonathan and David. These two examples, among others, are pointed to as evidence of this connectivity that goes beyond our human choices.

Is it possible that soul ties are a biblically based truth?Did God create us to have these mystical connections with others that endure through eternity? Check out our March 3, 2025 podcast, “Are Soul Ties Biblical?” for more. Answering these questions comes through several steps:

1. We need to carefully examine the several scriptures some use to verify the existence of soul ties.
2. We need to understand what the implications of soul ties are. If such connections are real, how do they fit in relation to the free will that God so plainly gave to humanity when He created us?
3. We need to check the proposed methods of enhancing and removing these ties against what the Bible tells us is acceptable.

This is an important conversation. We live in a world where things mystical and unexplainable are fascinating and attractive. As Christians, our stance must always be to compare whatever is drawing the masses, against the ageless principles of biblical truth. Join us for this important conversation as we uncover the truth of the matter and where to draw the lines of our Christian faith

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The biblical definition for sin is “to miss the mark.” To illustrate the point, let’s think about shooting an arrow at a target. As you aim for the bullseye, you shoot. You hit the target but missed the bullseye. Because your shot did not hit the mark, it fits the definition of sin. You can say, “But wait a minute! I hit the target,” and you did, but you were aiming for the bullseye. Seeing sin through this “all or nothing” lens can be frustrating and even scary. What does God do with all of our “just missed” sins? How about those bigger sins, where at times we may not even aim the arrow? Are we simply lost causes? Fortunately, the Bible explains all of this to us in great detail. The conclusions the Scriptures draw us to are both dramatic and inspiring!

Forgiveness #1 and Forgiveness #2There are actually two kinds of forgiveness that God can give us. The biggest and most comprehensive forgiveness has to do with sin’s earthly origin. We know Adam’s original sin led to all of humanity to be born with that defect. This means we are all destined for death, as that was the consequence for his disobedience. When Jesus died on the cross, he canceled out Adam’s sin by sacrificing his own perfect human life in place of Adam’s. This brings salvation from the death sentence to all of humanity either now (for Jesus’ faithful followers) or in the future (for the “everybody else”).

There’s good news!There can be no greater news to anyone than the opportunity to have Adam’s death sentence removed at God’s appointed time. As good as this is, we still have a problem…we still sin! We still do and say things that are just not right. That’s okay, because there is more good news: God can and will forgive those sins as well, however, here it’s a little different. Because these sins happen as a result of our own choices, we do have a responsibility to bring them before God and seek His forgiveness. Okay, that sounds easy enough. I sin, I feel bad, I ask God for his forgiveness – and then I’m good! Right? Not quite, but we’re on the right track.

Check out our February 24, 2025 podcast, “Will God Forgive Me?” for details. First, we clarify the differences between these two types of forgiveness. We then explore how forgiveness for our present-day sins works. This process really does begin with us, as we need to want God’s forgiveness. We begin with the role regret plays in the forgiveness process. What we find is that regret, while important, is only a beginning step. The next step of repentance is where being forgiven really has traction. Join us as we take what looks like a lot of confusing details and put them together into straightforward and understandable steps. To live a forgiven life is fundamental for any Christian! Doesn’t it make sense to be clear on what it means and how we can get there?

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In the book of Proverbs, it says a friend loves at all times. So, what does that really mean? Jesus called his followers “friends.” This should give us a sense of its importance. Marriage can and should be between friends. Brotherhood in Christ should be fertile ground for forging deep and powerful friendships. It turns out, there is a lot to this friendship thing. Fortunately, we have many biblical examples of what true friendship looks like and what principles need to be present to build a friendship that will not only flourish but become a vital contributor to faithfully following Jesus. As we will see, God created the concept of friendship for our happiness, wellbeing and fulfillment!

God and AbrahamOne of the most significant friendships in all of the Bible was also the most unique as well. Abraham, known as the father of the faithful, was referred to as a “friend” of God. How could this be? How could the God who is ruler over all of the vastness of time and space be a friend to this one teeny, tiny human being who was born into the broken world that Adam’s sin unleashed? The answer not only shows God’s greatness but also exemplifies the fundamentals of friendship. It is all about mutual respect. God saw and respected Abraham’s love and loyalty to Him, and He chose to work with Abraham in the development of His eternal plan for humanity. This unique friendship had love and loyalty working both ways for the good of all.

John the Baptist and JesusAnother not often talked about friendship in the Bible was between John the Baptist and Jesus. When John’s influence with the people was beginning to wane, he explained to some of his concerned followers that he saw himself as a bridegroom’s friend. He knew Jesus as the bridegroom was destined to receive the bride as his own. John expressed his great joy that his friend would be the one to be so honored. John was happy to decrease as Jesus would increase. Again, we have the deep loyalty of true friendship expressed in a truly powerful and proactive relationship.

Check out our February 17, 2025 podcast, “What Is True Friendship According to the Bible?” for more. We look at many of the building blocks true friendship needs to thrive. Then we address the perils of deep friendships that can destroy our lives instead of enhancing them. We also delve into the way Jesus described friendship. Interestingly, he did not address his disciples as “friends” until the end of his ministry. When he did, he lifted the meaning of friendship up to a whole new level. While we all have friends, we likely don’t have many friendships that live up to what Jesus taught. Join us as we learn how the give and take of true friendship really works so we can ultimately be better friends!

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What is the status of promises these days? Has the making of a promise become a simple figure of speech? When we say, “I promise,” are we really saying, “I’m going to try,” or “I really do intend to accomplish what I said I would do”? Have we lost our connection between our promises and our integrity? It seems as though the power of a promise has gone from being a guarantee of what will happen to a way of showing effort in getting things done. So, what does God see in us when we make a half-hearted promise to someone else? Does this kindle His wrath, or does it just disappoint Him? What should we know and do when it comes to making and keeping our promises?

God’s promisesIf we want to truly understand what keeping promises is really supposed to be all about, we need look no further than to God himself. When we begin to get to know who He is by understanding the Bible, a few things become plain. First and foremost, God’s word is truth. This means that whenever He says anything regarding the future, He is stating a future fact that has simply not yet been revealed. Second, God is the very definition of integrity. All of His actions and plans fit together in a completely harmonious fashion. God’s promises will always be just, loving and merciful realities. He does not break a promise.

Human promisesWith such a lofty standard for promises in place, we now need to look into the role our human promises play. What may come as a surprise is that the New Testament says very little to encourage us to make promises, with two main exceptions. First, there is the godly promise of forsaking all to become a disciple of Jesus. This promise is made to God and absolutely needs to be kept. Second is the promise of marriage. This solemn promise is made during a wedding ceremony with God as a witness and also requires lifelong fidelity.

Outside of these two promises, Jesus himself had very little to say regarding promise making and promise keeping. Now the big question is why. Why aren’t we encouraged to be people whose promises are widely heralded as sound and dependable? The answer is simple. God designed Christian integrity to work in a very different way.

Check out our February 10, 2025 podcast, “Does God Punish Us When We Break a Promise?” for more. We break down the biblical approach for living a Christian life according to Scripture. We address what the consequences might look like for those Christians whose promises are questionable. Most importantly, we follow the powerful guidelines Jesus gave us regarding living a reverent and promise- keeping life. Join us as we uncover many surprising and revealing aspects of being human and making promises. There is so much to learn!

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In our last episode about God’s vengeance bringing the end of the world as we know it, we examined several Old Testament prophecies that pointed to how God’s vengeance works in the dismantling of all vestiges of our present and sin-ridden world. When these dramatic prophecies are focused on without the context of the rest of God’s character, they are often understood to paint a bleak and harsh picture of who God is. In this episode, we will again focus on Old Testament prophecies. However, this time we will be looking at what happens AFTER the vengeance of God is exercised. What we will find is a breathtaking view of not only who God is, but what His plan REALLY has in store for ALL of humanity. If you truly want to know who God is, then follow along as we unfold the rest of the story!

OT and NTIt’s easy for Christians to forget or discount the Old Testament. Afterall, it’s all about the Law, the Jewish nation, and all of their history and experiences. What can we possibly gain from all of that except learning what not to do? Unfortunately, when we take this approach, we set ourselves up to miss some of the most spectacular parts of the whole Bible. Ignoring the Old Testament means we miss its prophecies. When we miss God speaking to us through those ancient prophets, we miss His detailed explanations of what the future will bring, including, yes, peace on earth.

What about end time prophecies?There are two major things that Old Testament prophecies reveal regarding the end times. First, they explain the “time of trouble” and God’s wrath. Of all the Old Testament prophecies, these matters gather the most attention. as they can be dramatic and scary. It is here that the missed opportunity begins for so many Christians. They settle into the trouble and for some reason don’t search out the MANY prophecies that lay out what happens on planet Earth after all of that is over. Not only do these prophecies reveal what follows, they also give amazing amounts of detail in the process.

It’s one thing to have a single prophecy that shows you the amazing condition the earth will be in after all of the unrest and trouble. It’s another thing altogether to have several prophecies from different prophets all repeat similar aspects of these same post-end times descriptions. Check out our February 3, 2025 podcast, “Will There Ever Be Peace on Earth?” for details. We pick up the prophetic process as the trouble and destruction of the end times finishes. What lies before us are many vivid and descriptive prophecies that actually detail what will happen to the physical world. Still other prophecies detail what will happen to the billions of people who did not go to heaven. What do they say about these people? Let’s just say that Jesus taught us to pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth for a reason. Join us for this thrilling look into God’s word and the future!

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If we take a look around us, what we see can be confusing. On the one hand, we live in a time where science, technology and medicine are incredibly advanced. Billions of people throughout the world hold the world in their hands with their smart phones. That’s amazing! We are creating artificial intelligence that can solve problems and do research. That’s unbelievable! A doctor in one location can do surgery on a patient in another location through technology. That’s breathtaking! On the other hand, we have depths of unrest, partisanship, dissatisfaction and egotism that are striking and disturbing. We have so much, and yet we wallow in our discontentment. All in all, what’s lacking is a foundational respect for and loyalty to our Creator. God is the one who gave us minds capable of such amazing things, and yet we disdain His presence in our society. No wonder He is unhappy!

There are several Old Testament prophecies that talk about the wrath and vengeance of God, and to be honest, they aren’t pretty. We have prophecies that talk about mountains quaking and falling into the sea. We have prophecies about hills melting like wax and the fire of God’s anger consuming the earth. Then there are the problems of the sea drying up, the kingdoms of man tottering and there being nothing left but desolation. What does all of this really mean? Is God so mad at us that there will be nothing left of the earth but burnt and desolate ruins? Is it the end of the world?

The answer to this is a resounding NO!It’s easy to say “God is love” and it will all work out in the end, but how do we explain all of the death and destruction in those prophecies? Understanding can only come if we are willing to back away from our preconceived conclusions and view the big picture. The fact is, God is bigger than the ruthless, thoughtless and furious vengeance that some attribute to him. Putting these numerous prophecies into their proper context by applying biblical symbolism to them helps us see more clearly.

What was I thinking?Imagine you need major surgery because you live with severe daily pain and suffering. You consent to the surgery and your doctor assures you all will be well. The problem is, recovery can be lengthy, painful, discouraging and draining. As you go through the recovery, you scream to yourself, “What was I thinking?” Eventually the horror ends, and you have a new and full life.

Think of God’s vengeance as this harsh process of surgery and rehabilitation. It is there to bring something better! Check out our January 27, 2025 podcast, “Will God’s Vengeance Bring the End of the World?” for details. Join us as we look deeply into several harsh biblical prophecies about the end times and piece together their meaning and their ultimate purpose. These lessons help us to clearly see who God is and grasp the importance of His anger. The end result is better than most can imagine!

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The vision on the Mount of Transfiguration was one of those magnificent events in the life of Jesus that gives us some insight into just how remarkable his earthly ministry was. This vision had everything – it had Jesus’ very appearance changed to one of brightness and glory. It had the appearance of two Old Testament powerhouses who were talking with this glorious version of Jesus. It had the booming voice of God from heaven. And then it had the sudden removal of all these amazing elements and the world suddenly became normal again. In the midst of all of the glory and splendor shown here, we need to ask some simple questions. First, why did this happen? Second, what can we take away from this for our own benefit and understanding?

The visionPeter, James and John were given a unique privilege when Jesus invited them to go with him when he went up to a mountain to pray. He must have been praying for a long time because the account tells us that they fell asleep. Upon awakening, they saw a vision – a bright, glorious and shocking vision. There before them was Jesus, only he did not look like the man they knew. In this vision, his face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were bright and white beyond anything they had ever seen. To add to this sensational spectacle, they saw Moses and Elijah standing there talking to Jesus about his coming crucifixion. This certainly was not what they expected when Jesus had invited them to join him on this mountain! The vision accelerated, as it next included being engulfed in a bright cloud and hearing the booming voice of God proclaiming Jesus as His beloved son. This part terrified them. The next thing they knew, it was all over.

There are so many questions that need answering.First, what are Moses and Elijah doing here? We know they weren’t really there, as the resurrection had obviously not yet begun. Jesus had previously told us that no man had yet ascended up to the Father. Their appearance in this vision had to symbolize something significant, but what was it? Why were they talking to Jesus about his crucifixion? And what about the booming voice from heaven? What was the reason for all of this incredible drama?

Check out our January 20, 2025 podcast, “What Really Happened on the Mount of Transfiguration?” for answers. We put what the apostles were told a week before the event into perspective to help us understand what they were supposed to learn. Next, we consider what Moses and Elijah represented and why their specific likenesses were used in this message. We also explore the connection between this event and only other time in the Bible that Jesus, Moses and Elijah are linked. And then, of course, there was the voice from heaven. Join us as we walk through this fascinating event and find the inspiring answers to our questions!

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There are several scriptures in the Bible that really capture our imaginations. The account of Jonah and the great fish is one, Elijah being taken up in a whirlwind is another. One more of these is the account of the disciple Philip when he was instructed by God to find an Ethiopian man on a deserted road and witness the gospel to him. After this amazing and well-known encounter, the Scriptures say Philip was snatched away by God’s spirit. What does that mean? Many believe it was a miracle, and that Philip was supernaturally transported away from that place in an instant. Others believe he was simply and powerfully compelled to leave. Which perspective is true? Let’s unfold the events that lead to this detail and see what we can learn from the Scriptures!

There was no shortage of miracles in the New Testament.When we look at this particular experience with Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, it is easy – almost natural – to assume it was just another miraculous event. Now, while the possibility exists that this was in fact a miraculous transportation, we want to be careful to think first. There are many questions that simply need to be asked. Was a miracle necessary? Did this commonly happen with disciples of Jesus? Was there something special about Philip that would have made this a logical sequence?

Philip was one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts chapter 6 to help the apostles with the care of many Christians who were in need. These brothers were chosen for their spiritualty, integrity and wisdom. He is the second named choice, behind Stephen who would soon become the first Christian martyr. After Stephen was brutally stoned to death at the bidding of Saul of Tarsus, Philip went to Samaria to preach. After his overwhelming preaching success, an angel told him to go down a desert road. It was there that he met the Ethiopian eunuch.

The story is really quite simple.Philip was guided by God’s spirit to witness the gospel to this individual who, though a foreigner, was reading from the book of Isaiah. Philip uses the very scriptures this man was reading to show him the height, depth and breadth of the life of Jesus and God’s plan. The response of this man was to seek immediate baptism and Philip complied. It is at this point that questions begin to swirl, because the Scriptures say God’s spirit “snatched” Philip away from the eunuch.

Check out our January 13, 2025 podcast, “Was Philip Miraculously Transported by the Spirit?” for more. We walk through the details of all that the Bible tells us about Philip and this event. What we find is a treasure trove of insight and understanding into who Philip was. This leads us to better grasp what actually happened when God’s spirit “snatched” him away. Join us for this fascinating exploration of how God’s spirit worked in Philip’s life. Inspiration awaits!!!

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Many know the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel. When we just drop in on the account and read what happened, there are many unanswered questions. Why would you pick a fight with an angel anyway? Why would an angel even let you fight? Couldn’t the angel have overwhelmingly defeated Jacob even before the altercation began? What could possibly be gained by such a confrontation? Once we begin to understand who Jacob was and the experiences of his life that led up to this confrontation, it all begins to fall into place. What we will find is that Jacob lived a life filled with experiences of great faith, as well as experiences of great deception and rivalry. God allowing him to wrestle with the angel gives us a clue as to how God knows us and meets us where we are.

For us, wrestling with God really doesn’t sound even remotely reasonable. However, once we understand what wrestling with God can really mean, all of that can change. Examining the life story of Jacob is a great way to make all of this clear. His wrestling with an angel is the scriptural basis for this thought. Looking at his life helps us to see our own life struggles more clearly.

Jacob was a twin.He was the second born, right behind his brother Esau. You might say his wrestling experiences began even before he was born, based on a message from God to his mother, Rebekah. God essentially told her she would have twin sons, and the older would serve the younger. Back in those days, the first born received the greatest blessings and a double portion of paternal inheritance. This message from God was in direct conflict with all expectations. Later in their lives, it would cause great frustration and rivalry.

This was only the beginning.For most of his adult life, Jacob found himself in circumstances that provoked confrontation. His dysfunctional experiences regarding his brother Esau led him to leave his home for about 20 years. Interestingly, Jacob was not the one doing the provoking through all of his unrest. He was also on the receiving end as well. All of these interactions led him to eventually make his way back home, even though he had no idea if he would be welcomed back.

Check out our January 6, 2025 podcast, “What Happens When We Wrestle with God?” for details. We investigate many of the dramatics of Jacob’s life that led him to that incredible wrestling match with God’s angel. We put the profound reasons for his tenacious wrestling in line with God’s responses. The results are inspiring. Jacob wrestled because he could not go on without God’s blessing. Our lives are the same. Join us as we learn how wrestling with God in the right ways is not only a productive practice but also encouraged as well. These are lessons that can bring clarity and direction to our daily lives!

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We have all heard the saying, “Life is what you make it!” It is usually at the approach of a new year or a birthday or some landmark life event when we turn our focus inward. We think about changes we would like to make. Normally, these changes are aimed at finding a greater measure of happiness, health or fulfillment in our daily lives. So, what should we decide needs changing? Even more importantly, how will we decide to implement those changes? On the surface this may sound easy, but for the vast majority of us, it is not. Life tends to get in the way, along with old habits and second thoughts. Then there is our old friend, our comfort zone! Why would we want to leave that, as it is so, well…comfortable? What can we learn from the Scriptures to help us actually implement God-honoring life changes?

WHY?The first big question to ask about making life changes is why. Why do I think I want to take this or that part of my life and alter it to fit some other mold or objective? What do I see as the real benefit? Answering this question honestly will give us insight as to what level of value the proposed changes truly hold for our future. Think about it. As a professed Christian, our whole lives are supposed to be about serving God, about doing His will. If the changes I seek are primarily focused on me and not Christlikeness, then what am I really pursuing?

Is it what I look like or what I really am?There’s a big difference between trying to make myself look better compared to others and trying to live up to my calling in Christ. Obviously, one way brings me into the center of everyone’s thinking and perception. Do I want to be more acceptable, more respected or more admired in relation to those around me? Or do I want others to more fully notice Christ in me? While this may seem like an odd way to look at making significant life changes, it certainly is a credible approach. Even if the life changes we seek are focused on our physical wellbeing or rethinking old habits, our motivation should always gravitate toward letting Christ shine through us.

Ok, so we may need to do some rethinking when it comes to our motivation. As we work on this reexamination, we also need to consider our comfort zones of old habits. Wait a minute – does changing for the sake of Christ mean that all of my comfort zones are now obsolete? Check out our December 30, 2024 podcast, “How Will I Choose to Live the Life That is Ahead of Me?” for answers. We look at the dynamics of making life changes as well as how to leave old comfort zones and find new ones. All of this brings us to being positioned to make truly valuable God-honoring life changes. Walk this path with us; it is well worth the effort!

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When Jesus came to earth 2,000 years ago, he came to pay the price for Adam’s sin by willingly offering himself as a just and equal ransom price to redeem Adam – and therefore the entire human race – from sin and death. To prepare for his coming as a man, God sent the angel Gabriel to deliver preparatory messages to John the Baptist’s father Zacharias, and to Jesus’ mother Mary. Joseph would be guided by spiritually driven dreams. When Jesus was born, a whole host of angels made the announcement to some lowly shepherds who were in the fields with their flocks. When this angelic announcement came, it was prefaced with some beautiful words of assurance, “Fear not!” This reassuring “fear not” sentiment would echo repeatedly throughout Jesus’ entire ministry!

What comfort!To be able to tell someone who is afraid to “fear not” and actually have a reassuring effect on them is powerful. Think about the strength those two words can have when someone is in a situation that for whatever reason, has overwhelmed them. To say “fear not” is to say that whatever is scaring you doesn’t have to. It is to say that you can be equipped to handle whatever it is that is coming your way. It is to replace fear with peace and assurance.

It’s eye-opening to think about how often the words “fear not” were proclaimed before, during and after Jesus’ ministry. What is even more impressive is who uttered these words and the authority with which they were spoken. Angels spoke these words several times before Jesus was born. Because these angels were sent from God, their messages were delivered with divine authority. When angels told Zacharias, Mary and a group of shepherds to “fear not,” they were relaying God’s personal assurances.

When God says, “fear not,” well, you simply don’t need to be afraid!Looking into the ministry of Jesus, we see this pattern of assurance continue. There were several instances where Jesus told his followers to “fear not.” When we begin looking into these varied accounts several significant observations begin to emerge. First of all, the life Jesus brought to his followers was like nothing they had ever previously seen or experienced. The magnitude of wisdom, miracles, teaching and challenges to their normal lives proved to be beyond their expectations. “Fear not” would not only become a common phrase they would hear from Jesus, but it would also be a necessary one as well.

Check out our December 23, 2024 podcast, “Why Did the Angel Say “Fear Not”? for more. We touch on the angel’s messages of assurance that prepared the key players and the world for the birth of Jesus. Then we focus one at a time on the several “fear not” messages Jesus spoke. We find a thrilling pattern of care and guidance for his followers at every level of their newfound discipleship. Join us and see how the lessons of their “fear not” experiences can bring us strength and comfort as we walk with Jesus today.

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Jesus was here 2,000 years ago. His message was clear, as he had come to pay the price for Adam’s sin. He preached, he healed, he called some to follow him, and he gave people hope. Jesus called himself “the way, the truth and the life” and announced that the “kingdom of God was at hand.” Fast forward 2,000 years, and we have to ask, where are we? It’s plainly obvious that the world has not come around to follow Jesus. And to be blunt, it is also obvious that much of the history of Christianity does not reflect well on the principles Jesus lived by and taught. So, what conclusions should we draw from all of this? Has the gospel message failed? Has the redemption Jesus promised the world just gone by the wayside, or is the gospel message doing precisely what God had always intended it to do?

Let’s face it, God is pretty smart. When He has a plan, it is a sure thing that His plan will not only work, but it will work flawlessly, gloriously and comprehensively. After all, He IS the all-powerful and all-wise Creator of all things! With these observations in mind, let’s consider the whole idea of the gospel. The word for “gospel” in the New Testament means “a good message.” When we look at how the Bible is laid out, the New Testament begins with four books we call the Gospels. Because these books are about the life of Jesus, it is easy to conclude that his life IS the good news. His life IS the essence of the gospel.

For ALL peopleIt’s logical to focus on the life of Jesus, as his mission was the good news. Now let’s go further. When Jesus was born there was an angelic announcement to shepherds, and it was very specific. The message – the proclamation of good news – stated in Luke 2:10 (KJV) said, “…behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” So, what do we know so far? We know Jesus IS the “good news.” We also know this good news would be for ALL people. All people. Not just believers, and not just special people. The angel said “ALL,” and that angel had been sent by God to deliver that specific message.

The conclusion is undeniableAll will receive the good news, this gospel of Jesus. But how is this possible as so many have never even heard of him? Check out our December 16, 2024 podcast, “Is the Gospel as Success or a Failure?” for more. We dig into scriptures that give clear and abundant proof of how God’s plan does in fact include every man woman and child ever born. Even more thrilling is the fact that the message of the gospel being for all is all over the Bible! Join us for this incredible journey down the road of biblical truth and hope. It really is good news!

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How does someone become a follower of Christ? Does it begin by becoming curious about this Jesus person and all of the world-changing influence he has? Perhaps we are living in fear and are searching for a kind of security that is different and higher than anything else we know. Maybe we’re overwhelmed with despair in our lives, and we’re searching for powerful hope and encouragement. Or maybe we’ve been awakened to the realization that there is more to life than what this world has to offer – much more. While any and all of these things can play a role in coming to Christ, the one common factor in all cases of true discipleship is beyond us. It is God drawing us to Him through Jesus. So, how does that work? How can we identify the drawing of God and differentiate it from our own emotions?

By invitation onlyDuring his ministry on earth, Jesus plainly stated that no one comes to him unless God has drawn them. The context of this statement was Jesus talking about what it takes to become a true disciple of his. He was indicating to those listening that there was more to becoming one of his followers than they may have thought. True discipleship would always begin with God’s providence in someone’s life. An individual’s decision to truly follow would be an outgrowth of that invitation.

So, what does that drawing from God actually look like? The answer to this is best understood by looking at actual biblical examples of some who were called to follow Jesus from widely diverse backgrounds. Observing someone’s actual life circumstances coupled with what we are told was their heart attitude helps us see the process of how God calls.

Take Cornelius the Roman Centurion for exampleCornelius loved God, even though his life was far outside of God’s favor as a Roman Gentile. In spite of that lack of favor, he remained devoted to honoring what he knew of God’s ways. When God’s timing arrived, the Apostle Peter was sent to him to witness about Jesus. Cornelius was ready, and the despair of his previous lack of favor was transformed into fulfilled contentment as a follower of Jesus. This is just one example of how God may call us.

Check out our December 9, 2024 podcast, “How Do You Know If God Is Calling You?” for more. We also dig into the lives of the Apostle Paul before his conversion, Zaccheus the tax collector, and the Apostle Peter at the time he was drawn by God to Jesus. All four examples show us differing life circumstances through which God would draw individuals to Him as they came to Jesus. The lessons here are eye-opening as we learn how varied and unique God calling people can be. Join us as we walk through the lives of these faithful disciples of Jesus and appreciate their responses to God’s drawing.

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This may sound like an oversimplification, but we’re going to say it anyway: God is intentional. He always knows what He is doing and what it will eventually lead to. While this knowledge should serve as a great comfort to us, it can, because of our limited and imperfect minds, have the exact opposite effect. We may see things in the Bible that on the surface just don’t seem to click. We start wondering, why would God do it THAT way? That doesn’t make any sense! Take the two trees mentioned in the creation account. Both the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil were placed in close proximity to each other. They were both in the center of the Garden of Eden. Why two trees? Why have one for eating and the other just to avoid?

The Planet Earth projectUnderstanding the role the Tree of Life played in the Garden of Eden is relatively simple. God’s creation of Adam and Eve was the absolute high point of His whole Planet Earth project. They were created in His image, which meant they were created to be reasoning beings who would have authority over earth. Along with these wonderful gifts also came the ability to live eternally on earth. God made this ability real by giving them the Tree of Life, which had been placed in the middle of the garden. Eating the fruit of this tree regularly would apparently keep their physical health at the perfect level God had originally given them.

Eat from one but not from the other – why?Comprehending the role the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil played is a bit harder to grasp. This tree was also placed in the middle of the garden with strict instructions to NOT partake of its fruit. The uniqueness of this command made this tree stand out from the rest of the entire garden environment. Everything else in that garden, including the animals, was there as perfect contributors to a perfectly designed ecosystem. So, how then did this Tree of Knowledge fit in? It too would be part of the ecosystem, but on a very different level.

In God’s wisdom, He specifically placed this Tree of Knowledge near the Tree of Life as a teaching tool. After all, to live for eternity would require wisdom, experience and maturity, all of which needed to be learned. We all know what happened, as Adam and Eve disobeyed God. The result was they lost their right to eternal life. At face value, this Tree of Knowledge experience can easily look like a complete failure. However, the exact opposite is true. Check out our December 2, 2024 podcast, “Why the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge?” for more. We dig below the surface and discover many lessons from both these trees not only for Adam and Eve, but for us as well. There is much more to learn here than meets the eye!

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Life is forever busy. Whether it’s a holiday season or tax season or baseball season or following this, that and the other influencers on social media, we always have too much to do and not enough time or energy to do it. With all of this being said, how often do we stop and think about being generous? You know – just giving of our time or resources because we see a need. Built on the question of giving generously is the matter of how to go about it. How do we know what to give, how much to give and when to stop? Is generosity always appropriate? What if there is no appreciation for a gift? Is that an indication that we should focus our giving elsewhere? So many questions! It looks like the subject of freely giving needs some “generous” consideration!

Christian generosityMany people are moved to be generous because something touches their heart, provoking them to contribute. While this is certainly good and to be encouraged, we need to be clear that Christian generosity is even bigger. Ideally, we want our giving to be modeled after God’s own principles of generosity. There is much written in the Bible that describes the kinds of gifts God gives here and now in this age. One basic principle of how He gives is that His gifts are always given for the ultimate good of the recipients. Understanding this single point helps us to glimpse just how important our generosity can be.

How should we be giving?Now comes the question regarding how to apply this. How do we in a practical sense, give to others in need while keeping everyone’s ultimate good in mind? A good place to start is with the simple phrase, “Don’t just give to bail someone out of a problem, give to build them up.” This kind of giving stretches us to an entirely different level of thinking and action. Instead of just giving a handout and hoping we helped, we are now engaging in the activity. While this obviously takes greater effort and a measure of spiritual wisdom, it can also yield much greater blessings for all involved.

Giving can also be done in many different ways. We can support others financially. Perhaps we can assist with ongoing physical needs be they food, shelter or physical aid. We can also contribute to others through the generous gift of our time.

Check out our November 25, 2024 podcast, “How Generous Should We Be?” for more. We base our generosity conversation on God’s own principles while looking at the practicality of those three ways to give. We share several true stories of giving in these areas. Some of these experiences ended up working out well and resulted in great blessings. Others of these experiences ended up not quite the way we had planned. That brings us to another question. If our giving in a certain way ends up not working out, what do we do then? Join us on this wonderful journey of generosity and find out!

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Doing God’s will should be a given for any and every Christian. After all, the mere fact that we are called “Christians” implies that we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and are therefore obliged to do God’s will as Jesus did God’s will. While this all sounds pretty straightforward, the big question has to do with knowing. How do we know what the will of God is? Answering this question may be harder than we would like to think. It would be easy to assume that because we love and worship God, He will in turn show us His love by giving us the good things we want. After all, that IS what it says in Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Sounds exciting and almost easy, but as you might have guessed, it’s not. So, how do we know what God wants for us?

There are many factors we need to put in order to understand God’s will for us in our daily lives. The first thing we need to grasp is more or less an introductory statement: God will NOT whisper His will to you into your ear. He will not send an e-mail or text; He will not post or message. He will not speak. Why? Wouldn’t these kinds of things make it easier to follow Him? On the contrary, these simple things would be counterproductive, as finding His will for us means we need to be looking for it.

So, where do we look?We search in the Bible of course, after all, it is His holy word! The Bible gives us two very broad categories of what doing God’s will looks like. The first category is full of things NOT to do. One very blunt scripture plainly makes this point: 1 Thessalonians 4:3: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification – that you abstain from sexual immorality.” The point is simple. If you want to do God’s will, then you completely avoid immoral behavior. Several other scriptures give us specifics on the many kinds of thoughts and behaviors we need to avoid.

The good news is that there are many more scriptures that tell us about the second broad category of things we SHOULD do. These are things like rejoicing, praying, being thankful and doing good.

With all of this said, there is so much more! Check out our November 18, 2024 podcast, “What is God’s Will, and How Do I Make It My will? For more. We outline how Jesus daily went about doing God’s will in every area of life. We take his example and overlay it onto our lives, and we suddenly have a clear guide. No texts or posts, just God’s holy word showing us His holy will. Don’t miss this wonderful journey towards living a much fuller Christian life!

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Every Christian will tell you that Jesus is the embodiment of righteousness, compassion and mercy. We all agree that his impact on the world came through his uncompromising actions of selfless love that led to sacrificing himself as a ransom for all of humanity. Couple these actions with his words of encouragement and uplift to any and all who would listen, and you have a model of how God’s love should unfold within humanity. It is with this resume in hand that we need to examine Jesus’ Parable of the Unprofitable Servant. It sounds like the exact opposite of all that Jesus stood for. In this parable, he seems to tell his followers that whatever they do in God’s service is what is expected of them and nothing more. What did Jesus mean? How does this harmonize with the rest of his teachings?

There are a few places in the Gospels we can get a glimpse of Jesus being deeply engaged with crowds of people. In Luke 15, 16 and the first part of 17, Jesus was talking to such a crowd, and it was a very mixed audience. He was addressing the “sinners” and tax collectors, those who were considered undesirables in Jewish society. He was addressing Pharisees and scribes, those who were considered the elite of their society. And right in the middle of these two polarized groups, he was addressing his own disciples.

Jesus took this opportunity and showed them all God’s grand plan of salvation and the roles they would play. How did he do this?

He told stories.The Parable of the Unprofitable Servant would be the sixth and last of a series of stories that would paint a picture of each of these segments of society. For the tax collectors and sinners, his stories would be encouraging, as they would reveal how God loved them. The Pharisees and scribes found his stories offensive, as they were grossly misusing the privileges God had given them. For his disciples, his stories would be humbling, as they gave them a glimpse of the kind of responsibilities they would come to have relating to the gospel.

This Parable of the Unworthy Servant was spoken directly to Jesus’ disciples. At first reading, it seems to come across as downright discouraging. He seems to be saying, “You are servants of God, and He has given you a long list of chores to do. Just do them and don’t expect to be thanked because they are your job!” Is this the message Jesus had for his disciples as he ended this time of teaching?

Absolutely not! Check out our November 11, 2024 podcast, “Did Jesus Teach That We Are All Unprofitable Servants?” for more. We put this parable into its proper context and see how it was the outgrowth of all of Jesus’ other lessons. The lesson here was actually one of great hope and encouragement. Join us and find out what Jesus was really teaching!

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The Old Testament Law given to Moses after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was filled with rituals and sacrifices. All of this was designed to teach God’s people two very basic principles. These principles are fundamental for any civilization that seeks to perpetuate itself. The first principle is to comply with righteous and just rules that transcend human desires. For Israel, this meant they could have the favor, protection and leadings of God if they remained in harmony with His commands. This required sacrifices. The second principle is to live with humble gratitude for the freedoms that righteousness and justice provide. Israel was to learn this power of thankfulness by practicing heart gratitude towards God for all of His mercies. All of this required animal sacrifices. Why?

In the Old Testament, it is hard to avoid animal sacrifices. They first appear in Genesis after Adam and Eve sinned. The Bible tells us God provided them with animal skins as clothing. This would be an obvious reference to the fact that covering humanity’s sins could only be done through a sacrifice. This one example lays out how God would illustrate the need for justice to be satisfied up until Jesus came.

What about the Tabernacle?When Israel was wandering in the wilderness, God instructed them to build the Tabernacle. This would be their portable place of worship. It would be the place where God’s presence could be felt, and His favor would be evident. It was within this structure that many different kinds of sacrifices took place. There were sin offerings, burnt offerings, peace offerings and wave offerings just to name a few. As we look at this from our 21st century perspective, we wonder why.

What was the point of all these rituals?This is a really good question. Though detailed, the answer is even better. Let’s start with the sin offering made on the annual Day of Atonement. These were the very basis of all the rest of the sacrifices, as they were in place to satisfy justice, to cover the people’s sins. The sin offering made annually was a specific requirement to maintain God’s favor. Without them, any and all other offerings could not have been acceptable to God. Comprehending the importance of this piece helps us grasp how the other pieces fit into the puzzle.

Check out our November 04, 2024 podcast, “What’s the Difference Between Burnt Offerings and Sin Offerings?” for more. We clearly define the how and why of the sin offerings, including what they represented for Christians. We then look into how the burnt offerings are different and what they represent for us as well. Further, we examine what a peace offering is and how it’s given based on these other sacrifices. What we find is a startling explanation that unfolds how God’s plan unfolds through Jesus. The connections are amazing! Join us as we make what sound like complex ancient rituals simple and meaningful!

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Demons are scary. Not only are they mysterious, but they are also powerful beyond our human capacity. In our last episode, we mentioned scriptures that assure us they are restrained in “chains of darkness.” While this condition does limit them, they can still exert great influence on our world – and on individuals as well. We know Jesus cast many demons out of many people and some of his followers were able to do the same. The big question here has to do with whether or not such power and authority is still present within Christianity. Are we supposed to be casting out demons today? If so, who is supposed to be doing this and what scriptural instruction have we been given to follow?

Then and nowLooking through denominational Christian history over the last 1,900 year or so, we can observe a wide range of exorcism practices. From rituals, to prayers, to incense to relics, crosses and commands, these varied practices have widely been in use. The tragedy here is that until recently, there was not a deep understanding of mental health issues. Many of the “exorcisms” performed over the centuries ended up further harming those afflicted people instead of helping them. Looking at this in the most positive way, we see well-meaning efforts creating damage due to medical science ignorance.

How did Jesus do it?This brings us to the fundamental question about what Jesus’ actual instructions were regarding casting out demons. It is important to note that when he himself cast demons out, it was basic. His command simply brought them out. Every time. Interestingly, all of the other recorded examples of demons being cast out by his followers seem to follow that same pattern of simplicity. We have no record of any rituals, lengthy prayers or ceremony.

An amazing fact is the Greek word for “exorcist” is only used once in the New Testament. It may be surprising that this word actually means “one who binds by an oath (or spell) i.e. by implication an exorcist (conjurer).” This definition of the practice of exorcisms gives us a very different perspective on casting demons out than what Jesus did and taught. The sole use of this word was to describe some Jewish individuals in the Apostle Paul’s day who were in Ephesus. These men were posing as authorities regarding the casting out of demons and had their fraudulence dramatically exposed.

Check out our October 28, 2024 podcast, “Should Christians Be Involved in Exorcisms?” for more. We examine what Jesus instructed his followers to do and thoroughly look into one of the more dramatic examples of Jesus casting out demons. Through this example, we are able to glean an understanding of the powerful principles that cast demons away from their personal manipulation of individuals. We then directly address the question of what our role is and is not regarding demon possession today. Join us for this sobering and enlightening conversation. We follow the biblical path to knowing and handling our current-day Christian responsibilities.

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The world is such a confused place. For many, discussing evil spirits is fascinating, as looking into dark mysteries beyond our world can be a thrilling and adrenaline-packed ride. For Christians, such conversations are entered into with a fear and respect, as we are speaking of dark and evil things beyond our realm and understanding. It is therefore with caution that we approach this subject. The Bible clearly teaches us that demons do exist, and they are opposed to God and His righteousness. Further, we know this topic is far too easily glorified and dramatized. The specific focus of our present conversation will be to better understand how the Bible defines and separates demonic possession and influence from the serious mental health challenges that are so prevalent today.

Demons are real.During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he came across several demon-possessed individuals. In each and every case, the afflicted individual’s life was filled with pain, sadness and hopelessness. In each and every case, Jesus was able to bring relief to their traumatic circumstances by casting the offending demons out of them. Throughout the last 2,000 years of Christian history, Jesus’ followers have countlessly revisited these accounts as faith-strengthening examples of hope. The bottom line here is simple: Demons are real, but the power of God’s spirit through Jesus can always overcome them.

This is all well and good for those who are demon possessed, but what about those who have mental health challenges? In many cases, the “symptoms” of mental health issues are similar to demon possession. This can be confusing. Throughout history many mental health cases have gone undiagnosed and untreated because they were thought to be demon-possessed individuals. This at the very least is tragic. How many people, even today, end up without appropriate treatment because we incorrectly jump to a demon possession conclusion?

Demon possession or mental health challenges?Fortunately, the Bible shows us that there is a difference between demon possession and mental health issues. Even better, Jesus shows us his compassion and clarity when dealing with such an issue. Many of us have never heard of this aspect of the gospel, but it is right there in black and white. It all has to do with the mental health of a young man whose father begged Jesus for help.

Check out our October 21, 2024 podcast, “Are There Different Kinds of Evil Spirits?” for more. We break down how the Scriptures differentiate between the internal challenges of mental health and the external issues of demons. We examine how Jesus went about healing this suffering person and all of the lessons he left for us to learn as a result. Mental health issues are very serious and are on the rise in our present day. They can be triggered by a wide variety of circumstances. As Christians, we need to understand what to do when confronted with them. Join us as we walk through this often mysterious and sometimes scary world. Learn with us about how to respond with appropriate Christian wisdom and compassion!

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When we read the Bible, it sometimes appears to say things that just don’t make sense. Think about the scripture that plainly says God did not want the Apostle Paul to preach the gospel in Asia. Why not? Jesus told his disciples to preach the word throughout the world. Didn’t Asia count? This apparent discrepancy can stimulate all kinds of questions and even provoke doubt as to the equity of God’s character. The good news is, the answer to all of this is not only sensible, but also profound and inspiring as well. When we understand the lay of the land, the literal geography of the area and the big picture of the mission the disciples were given, a whole new conclusion emerges.

Paul was called to be an evangelist.When he was converted while on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, it was made plain to him that he would bring the gospel before Gentiles and kings. Paul answered this call with a remarkable passion. He would preach. He would stand before anyone and everyone, from the lowest peasant to the highest ruler. Paul would set up churches and expand the cause of Christ. Being told to NOT preach in a specific territory was not a normal – and likely not an expected – command to have to follow.

There are several aspects to this seemingly questionable command. First, it needs to be clarified that the Asia that was “forbidden” in this command was Asia Minor, which was actually a Roman province. This was not the massive continent of Asia that we know today. It is important to realize the gospel would be extremely prominent in this area and Paul would have much to do with the churches founded there.

All of this being said, why was he forbidden to preach?There’s more. Paul obeyed this command decisively and journeyed north through Asia. As he approached its northern edge, he proposed to leave that province and go into Bithynia and evangelize. He was again forbidden to go there and preach. Now wait a minute! What’s happening here? Why is Paul the evangelist seemingly being shut down from what he was called to do? Why were the core desires of his heart to spread the gospel being denied?

Check out our recent podcast, “Why Didn’t Paul Preach in Asia?” for more. We pull all of the pieces of context together and put them in order. We discover the reason for these denials was not to stifle, but to bring a magnificent increase to the work. The bottom line here is all about fulfilling the big picture of the gospel mission. It’s all about Paul being shown that his efforts would be focused and concentrated on those specific things that God wanted him to do at the specific time that God wanted them done. Join us as we take this very straightforward question and unveil a very straightforward scriptural answer!

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By definition, being a Christian is all about following in Jesus’ footsteps. It’s all about learning how to walk the walk and talk the talk that he himself lived. Of course, this is no easy task, as we are challenged with applying the life lessons he taught us 2,000 years ago to the very different lives we live in our present digital age. As different as all of this is, some things are very much the same. Jesus’ promise to prepare a place for his true disciples in heaven is the same. His assurance that God’s spirit would guide us is the same. His alerting us to the trials that come to us because we follow him is the same. Having Christ in us producing the hope of glory is the same. So, what does it mean to have “Christ in you”? Is this an automatic thing that happens when we believe, or is it the end result of a long journey of growth?

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“Tell the truth!” For many of us, we can recall that strongly stated advice as coming from our parents when we were caught doing or saying something that we shouldn’t have. The immediate dilemma was obvious. If I tell the truth, then I’m going to get in trouble. If I lie or just tell a part of the truth, I may get away with it. But what if they found out I lied? Then I might be in even more trouble! While we as adults may look back upon such dilemmas and smile, the reality is, we as Christians must always be on our guard to practice being truthful and having integrity every day and in every way. What does this mean? How are we supposed to handle the countless compromising circumstances of life where half-truths and exaggeration come into play? And what about little white lies?

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To many Christians, the fear of an eternal place of torment for unbelievers is very real. In the first four parts of this Hellfire Series, we addressed many of the sources of these fears one at a time. What we have seen is straightforward. First, the concept of “unquenchable fire” comes from the Old Testament and simply means a fire of destruction that burns until its work is done. Second, “weeping and gnashing of teeth” refers to deep regret on the part of those who should know better and has nothing to do with flames and torture. Third, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is just that. It is a parable that demonstrates the unfaithfulness of the Jewish nation when they rejected Jesus. Fourth, history plainly reveals the origin of torture and flames in an afterlife comes from pagan origins and is not at all biblical. Finally, here we are looking at the book of Revelation. Do its graphic statements fit in with all that we have previously discovered? Absolutely!

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Morality can be a tricky thing. For the most part, humans do want to behave in a moral fashion. The tricky thing is figuring out how to actually define what qualifies as “moral behavior” and what does not. As Christians, this task of defining is supposed to be easier than for most, because we have God’s word as our clear foundation for our moral principles. I say “it’s supposed to be easier” because Christianity has demonstrated for thousands of years that claiming the name of Christ is far from a guarantee of moral behavior. So, what are we supposed to do with this? How do we take what God has clearly given us in His word and live it daily? How do we handle it when fellow Christians see aspects of God’s moral principles in a different light that we do?

Clearly, I’m right and you’re wrong.Disagreements about right and wrong regarding morals are surprisingly plentiful among Christians. Usually, the big glaring issues like not killing, not stealing and not bearing false witness are relatively easy to agree upon. That changes when we get down to the more personal and detailed aspects of life. In these grey areas, the subtlety of choosing this path or that one often comes down to personal perspective. It’s not just what I see that influences me, it’s also how I feel about what I see. How I feel and what I do can be very different that how you feel and what you do. Now what?

The Apostle Paul is brilliant on this dilemma.In several of his letters, he taught us how to find the objective truth of our morals by solely focusing on God’s word. He taught us to firmly embrace and hold onto these clear moral truths. He then taught us how and when to take these sacred principles out of our central focus and consider more subjective human reasoning instead. Wait a minute, did Paul REALLY teach us to consider subjective sinful human conclusions as a primary focus? Yes, he did! However, before we get all tied up in knots, let’s put this in perspective.

Check out our September 16, 2024 podcast, “What Defines Moral Behavior? Part II” for details. We look at two full chapters in the apostle’s writings. These chapters address real, everyday issues in the lives of early Christians that were triggering and divisive. His approach was simple: From God’s perspective, state the truth of whatever matter is being argued over. Next, pause and consider how your brother or sister in Christ is able to comprehend it. Has their life experience made this particular issue traumatic in any way? Does their background hinder them from seeing things through the same lens of Christian liberty others may be using?

Join us as we unravel this fascinating collection of principle, compassion, wisdom, humility and love. Our Christian morals – especially within our own brotherhood – must be driven by the highest God-honoring way in which we can support and include our fellow disciples. While this may not be easy, it is certainly well worth the effort!

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To be moral is to conform to a standard of right behavior. Ideally, to be moral is to stand for principles and actions that are positive and contributory to the world in which we live. This sounds great. It sounds like something we would all (with the exception of those who just don’t care) want to live by. However, there is a problem. Who defines what is moral and what is not? Upon whose proclamation do we decide whether someone is acting in a positive and contributory way or in a way that is destructive? Outside of the laws of the land we live in, each of us for the most part has the capacity to develop a personal moral code. The big question is, do we each define that moral code based on personal experience and preference, or do we define it by what we would consider to be higher guidelines?

There are several ways one can go about defining morality. In a very simplistic approach, we will touch on two very different methods to define what moral behavior should be driven by.

Let’s begin with HumanismHumanism very basically says that instead of relying on God and religion for moral guidance and direction, one should focus on individual and collective wellbeing. This is attained by a reliance upon natural means such as science and reason. Knowing our place in the world comes from observing and understanding the world and not relying on supernatural sources for answers.

On the other hand…Christians assert that all of the principles for our moral guidance come from God and are based on the Bible. We look heavenward to the plans and purposes of the Creator of our world to understand and determine what our moral responsibilities should be. We see this approach as providing a constant and unchanging basis for the justice, mercy and love with which we are required to treat one another.

As we compare these two approaches, we can see certain questions immediately appear regarding both sides. There is obviously a subjective aspect to Humanism that needs addressing. What do we do with the clear cultural and experiential biases we all have as we absorb science and interpret what is reasonable? When does a new approach to right and wrong come into play? And who decides? Questions regarding the biblical approach revolve around the proclamation that one ancient and never-changing approach to morality will always be right.

Check out our September 9, 2024 podcast, “What Defines Moral Behavior? (Part I)” for more. We break down these philosophical approaches step-by-step and use several lines of scriptural reasoning for support. What we find may be surprising, as the need for aspects of the subjective humanistic approach become very clear. Are we saying to not count on God’s objective approach to morality? Absolutely not. Join us and see how the Bible walks us through grasping the loftiness of God’s morality for humanity by showing us how to fine tune our own subjective approach.

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Jesus is Lord. He sits at the right hand of the throne of God, which is the position of highest power and authority in ALL of God’s glorious creation. This position was not thoughtlessly given. It was awarded to Jesus because his loyalty to and reverence for the heavenly Father were and are without equal. This position of unfathomable power and glory was attained by Jesus as a result of his willing submission to a grueling test of loyalty. This test was not only unique, but it was also profoundly necessary for the good of God’s angelic creation, as well as for the future of the entire human race. This test required Jesus to experience change, hardship and uncertainty. It required him to learn, adapt and grow while always being exactly on target with fulfilling God’s will. So, how did he do this?

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When Jesus taught, he made many profound and life-changing statements. Here we are thousands of years later, appreciating how what he said can daily lift us up and inspire us. As beautiful as this is, it only scratches the surface. Our theme scripture is a classic example of this. It is awe inspiring to know Jesus is the “bread of life” that vanquishes hunger for all who truly follow him. Now let’s think more deeply. Let’s ask why. Why did Jesus say this? What was the deeper meaning that not only inspires but transforms our lives? Let’s check the context. The scriptures preceding this saying, tell us Passover was coming. In Jewish culture, this time of year brought anticipation for remembering the greatest deliverance in Israel’s history. Jesus would capitalize on this and show them something even greater.

Looking for Jesus?Jesus had just miraculously fed over 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fish. This was after performing miracles of healing as well. That night his apostles got into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus went into the mountains for solitude. In the middle of the night he came down, walked on the water and rescued his apostles from a storm as he delivered them across the sea. That next day, many who had been fed could not find Jesus and crossed the Sea of Galilee to find him because they had questions!

They found him.Jesus could read their hearts and knew the magnetic pull they felt towards him was based on his miracle of feeding thousands and not on his real message. His first words to them were to stop pursuing the physical advantage they perceived could be theirs by following him. Instead, he instructed them to pursue the “food that would endure to eternal life” he would give them. Jesus had offered them something powerful and unique. Their response was not, “Let’s follow;” rather, it was to ask him for a sign. They offered the manna from heaven God had supplied to Israel in the wilderness as an example. Didn’t they just see Jesus work miracles and feed thousands the day before?

Jesus didn’t miss a beat. He told them he was God’s “bread of life” that came from heaven, and this began to unsettle them. Then he went further. He talked about eating his flesh and drinking his blood as a requirement to follow him. Why would he say that?

Check out our August 26, 2024 podcast, “Why Is Jesus Called the Bread of Life?” for more. We follow this entire teaching as it was unfolded in John chapter 6. We pay special attention to the profound reasoning Jesus gave for being this bread of life. It’s easy to observe the growing unrest and anger that built within his audience. Join us on this uncertain journey as we learn how easy it is to see powerful truths from the wrong perspective. Jesus IS the bread of life. The question is, are we being nourished by him?

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The subject of eternal torment can be volatile, as there are so many variations in its explanations. Aside from all of the questions and debates regarding the interpretation of Scripture, there’s one fundamental question that often gets overlooked: If a hell of torment is the ultimate consequence for sin, did God’s people always know that? Think about the power of this question. For the many Christians who see the eternal torture of hell as a deterrent from sin, wouldn’t God in His justice have given all of His people through all of history ample knowledge of this overwhelming consequence? Is the doctrine of eternal torment plainly revealed throughout the whole Bible? When do we see this teaching revealed in any ancient pagan belief systems? What is the origin of hellfire?

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The teaching of a burning hell as the end result for those who reject Jesus is widely accepted in many Christian circles. Our emphatic belief is that this teaching is not based on the Bible, but rather on traditions that have misinterpreted what the Bible teaches. In the first two parts of our series, we addressed what “unquenchable fire” in Scripture does and does not mean, as well as how to understand the true meaning of “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Here in Part III, we examine what Jesus meant in his teaching about the Rich Man and Lazarus. Of all the verses in the Bible, some of the descriptions in this teaching can most easily be accepted as supporting being consciously tortured in flames. So, what’s the answer? Can being “tormented in this flame” be clearly and biblically explained?

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The world of politics IS our world. It is incredibly difficult to go through a typical day of interactions and online activity without being BOMBARDED with some form of political activism or opinion or outrage. With political victory comes power, and with power comes authority. With authority comes the ability to shape the lives and directions of the masses. Because of where we are in the stream of time, the grip of politics is not likely to let up at all. On the contrary, it is likely to grow and dominate. So, what is our role as Christians? Should we apply ourselves to get involved so we can bring sound thinking, righteousness and integrity to the process for the greater good of all people? Or should we stay away from the whole process, knowing it is ultimately going to fall apart anyway?

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If you look at any cross section of our present-day society, you will find that most of humanity suffers from physical or emotional maladies of one kind or another. It doesn’t matter what people’s belief systems are, suffering is universal. Who amongst us wouldn’t want to have some of that suffering taken away in a miraculous fashion? Who wouldn’t want their arthritis healed or their cancer cured, or their hearing or eyesight restored? The Christian teaching of faith healing some groups of Christians adhere to can be a very attractive and exciting proposition. If I have enough faith, and if I go and see this or that preacher who can wield the power, praise God, I can have relief! As attractive as this might be, we need to ask the fundamental questions. Is this what Jesus taught? If not, what do we do with it?

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Most people know something about the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The core thought that is well known is the concept of helping a total stranger in a time of their great physical need. Think about it, there are laws in place to protect those who engage in helping strangers in case something goes wrong, called “Good Samaritan laws.” There are organizations in place to promote these kinds of acts of brotherly kindness. There are ministries and hospitals that bear this name. As wonderful as all this is, the message Jesus was giving when he spoke this parable is far deeper. The bottom line is, if we work on understanding and actually applying his true message, we will learn to become not only true neighbors, but we will also grow to be that much closer to the image of Christ.

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In Part I, we looked into what Jesus really meant when he talked about “hell” and “unquenchable fire.” Gehenna, the Greek word Jesus used for “hell,” describes a valley in which horrible acts of idolatry occurred. God proclaimed this valley would be known as a valley of slaughter, a valley that would symbolize utter destruction. Further, we discovered that when Jesus spoke of “unquenchable fire,” he was referring to Old Testament fires of destruction that would burn until there was nothing left to be consumed. While these realizations take the eternal torture and flames out of the concept of hell, we still have other words of Jesus to consider. What about all of the times that Jesus said some would experience “weeping and gnashing of teeth”? What was he describing?

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To the critical observer, modern Christianity is confusing as we have countless denominations and their countless ways of interpreting Scripture. These widely varied interpretations give birth to widely varied traditions that support those interpretations. As a major subset of this, we have wide discrepancies regarding the destiny of unbelievers. Several times, Jesus plainly taught about the consequences of hell. The enormous question that needs answering is, did he teach hell was a place of agonizing and eternal torture from which there is no escape, or were his several references to hell pointing to a very different meaning? Our focus is on the primary New Testament word Jesus used to describe hell. If we understand the word and its context, we will understand Jesus’ meaning.

Is the fire REALLY “unquenchable”?Whenever Jesus spoke about hell, it was usually accompanied by descriptions of fire. Not only was there fire involved, but this fire was described as unquenchable. To make things even more dire, there were times when Jesus added descriptions of worms that don’t die. When we put this all together, it looks like we have descriptions of some kind of cataclysmic place, event or time that is wholly unpleasant. Jesus spoke about these things to get our attention. The question is, what was he actually showing us?

For many the answer seems obvious, and their conclusion is that all of this is describing the fiery torment of an eternal hell from which there is no relief. This widely held interpretation has been around for many generations. We would like to respectfully suggest what we consider to be several glaring inconsistencies with this reasoning.

Where is hell, exactly?The first question arises when we understand what the word for “hell” means in these teachings of Jesus. “Hell” is the Greek word Gehenna. This literally translates to “The Valley of (the son of) Hinnom.” This was a literal valley outside of Jerusalem that in Joshua’s day was passed on to the sons of Hinnom. So, this is a piece of real estate. Why would Jesus use a physical piece of land in these graphic descriptions? The sad answer is because of the idolatry that took place in the days of Jeremiah. Israel not only worshipped idols, but they burned their children alive to these idols as sacrifices. In the book of Jeremiah, God plainly stated that such torture had never entered His mind.

Why would God eternally torture people when by His own words he so vehemently condemned it? This is just one of many questions that need asking. Check out our July 8, 2024 podcast, “What Did Jesus Mean When He Talked About Hellfire? (Part I).” We dig deeply into this question, as well as the glaring questions about unquenchable fire and undying worms. The source for the answers to these queries is the Bible. No speculation, no tradition; just scriptures put in place to explain other scriptures. Join us as we walk down this biblical road in search of God’s clearly stated truth.

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Everyone wants to be heard. Being heard is not only an acknowledgment of our existence but also confirms our value. Being listened to helps us find a place of significance in whatever social order we happen to be engaging in. To be heard – to be truly paid attention to – is to be recognized as the individual you are. Because so much rides on our ability to be heard, how do we enhance that ability? How do we better place ourselves in this position of mutual respect and contribution? Do we speak louder? Do we elevate our passion, or raise our voice or talk faster? Many of us likely have little to no idea how to enhance this ability of communication, and what we think we know are in many cases backwards. As we look at this question through the eyes of biblical principles, the answers will become obvious!

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Habits are BIG! In many ways, habits – whether they are good or bad for us – dominate our lives. The odd thing is we are not even generally aware of how deeply rooted they are and how much control they really have. In Part I of our 2-part habits series, we looked into the habits that define our personal lives, those things we do that may or may not impact those around us. In this episode, we look into the habits that define our public lives, those things we do when others are watching or engaging. The science of habits tells us the human brain is capable of being rewired through our conscious efforts. While this truth might be surprising, it also offers us a foundation for change. The Christian question here is, do I present myself in public in a way that brings glory to God, or do I have work to do? How are my social habits?

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Human beings are undeniably creatures of habit. Let me dramatically oversimplify the whole habit thing for a moment to make a point. Habits are formed as tools to bring us comfort, reward and what we believe we want in life. Little kids test this all the time. A child with a very focused mind wants to do things their own way. Instead of listening, they argue and even rebel because doing it their way is what they find the greatest reward in. Another perhaps less stubborn child will fight and argue for their own way and then back off because their parent’s approval or recognition gives them a greater reward. This oversimplified comparison helps us see that our human habits are ultimately self-driven. How do we as Christians deal with all of this? What habits should be changed or left alone?

Habits can be really good things.They can protect us from danger and enhance our lives by being able to do many things without having to consciously focus. However, when we look at the other side of the issue, we can see how our ability to “mindlessly” do things can be a serious detriment. The great news here is our minds are capable of changing such “mindless” activity into positive and productive habits. This capacity for change is not necessarily an easy fix, but it can be a powerful one. We can do this because our brains have something called “neuroplasticity.”

Neuroplasticity means your brain has the ability to change throughout your life.The fascinating thing is that our brains are always changing. We continually and subconsciously develop new habits in relation to our daily experiences. As Christians, our big challenge is this: Develop new God-glorifying habits we consciously choose to replace old habits that are ultimately detrimental. There is so much to this, as the prospects can be both exciting and scary all at once. So, where do we start?

Check out our June 17, 2024 podcast, “Do My Habits Glorify God? (Part I)” for more. We break down this complex and important subject into its basic pieces. First, there is the understanding of the how and why of our brain functions. Then there is the understanding of what steps actually take place when a habit is being formed. Once we understand these steps, coupled with how our brains reward us for behavior, the whole habit thing becomes clearer.

Now comes the life-changing part. We delve into clearly identifying our God-dishonoring habits. We then lay out the necessary steps for making the kinds of changes that will replace them with better, God-honoring habits. While this may not be easy, it is hands down a thrilling and practical lesson to learn. Join us for this episode as we focus on our internal, private habits. This will set the stage for Part II when we examine our public habits which govern how we act around others.

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As human beings, we all know what it’s like to get fired up about something. We see a circumstance unfold or read about something controversial, or our team wins the game no one thought they could. And we react! We become passionate or energized and feel that adrenaline rush. Suddenly there is no mountain too high or ocean too broad. We’re up for the challenge! Yeah, we all know what that’s like. The question is, is that what having our lives on fire for Christ looks like? Before we get too excited, let’s consider a simple question. What was David referring to when he wrote, “For the zeal of Your house has consumed me,” in Psalm 69:9? Was he talking about being consumed by a moment and reacting, or was he writing about having his very being consumed by a lifelong desire to honor God?

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Most of us are likely familiar with what shame feels like. We know all too well that it has the capacity to be a debilitating weight that can cut us off from others and reduce our lives to a cycle of hiding and self-contempt. Such a cycle can bring us to a living space where the ceaselessly droning voices of regret and unworthiness echo in a continuous loop. Even if we are repentant, shame can make forgiveness seem not only undeserved and impossible, but entirely unreachable as well. Our shame now grows into a malignant tumor. Unchecked, it can drain away the goodness and value of our lives. What can we do to battle against and overcome its debilitating characteristics? Fortunately, the Bible shows us many principles to transform shame into a tool for growth!

Clear or misconstrued?When we read Jesus’ words, we would like to believe they were always clear, understandable and to the point. However, by his own teaching, Jesus informed us differently. He told us he taught in parables. He also told us there were parts of his teaching that simply were not yet ready to be understood. Often times his words have been misconstrued, and as a result, many of his statements have fallen into a category of assumed meaning.

Jesus teaching about the fact that many are on “the broad road to destruction” falls into this category of assumed meaning. As we begin to unfold this saying, it is important to put our easily drawn assumptions aside and focus on what these words really meant. So, where do we start? Let’s begin with the context. Matthew chapter 7 is part of the Sermon on the Mount. A careful examination of this shows us that Jesus is teaching his closest disciples while thousands of others are listening in. The 7th chapter is several short teachings one right after the other, and this two-verse lesson is part of that.

Jesus tells his followers there is a broad road and a narrow road.He is teaching his disciples they are of the few who are privileged to navigate the narrow road. The basic comparison is that if you become a true follower of Jesus, you are spared from the road to destruction. All well and good, but where did this road to destruction begin and where does it lead?

The answer here is actually simple. All we need to do is determine when and where this road began. Check out our May 28, 2024 podcast, “What is the Broad Road That Leads to Destruction?” for details. We put this all in the context of the first part of Romans 6:23, “For as in Adam all die…”. We trace how and why this broad road to destruction is linked to this simple statement about Adam and build the case from there. What we find is surprising, as this road to destruction becomes clearly defined as a definitive part of God’s master plan for reconciliation. Don’t miss this!

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Jesus plainly taught that the vast majority of humanity is traveling on the “broad road that leads to destruction.” Further he taught that there is a narrow way that leads to life, which is only found by few. For anyone who truly cares about humanity, this can be a very troubling thought. Why would God, the Creator of All Things, set up a plan that’s such a losing proposition? Was Jesus really saying there are only a few who will ultimately be saved? If true, then what about all those scriptures that say Jesus died for ALL? If this is not the true understanding, then what does this “broad road to destruction” actually refer to? Fortunately, this can all get sorted out by putting several pieces of biblical reasoning together.

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Our world can be confusing and scary. Sometimes it’s hard to know what is true, and sometimes it’s hard to know who to trust. For Christians, coping with this uncertainty should always come down to God’s word. What principles are we given in Scripture that will shine the sure light of truth on whatever dilemma we perceive to be in our way? Some Christian groups have taken to label much of the rampant darkness of our world as the work of “monitoring spirits.” The suggestion here is that these spirits are firmly connected to Satan, and their work is overwhelmingly focused on spying on and disrupting the lives of Jesus’ followers. As we look into this belief, we will ask the same question we always ask: what scriptural basis is there for these conclusions?

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Fasting is a practice that has endured for thousands of years. Fasting appears often in the Bible. Among other things, it is used as a tool of focus, an expression of grief and a sign of humility. What seemed to have been a common occurrence in ancient days has now become far less mainstream. So, do all of the biblical references to fasting in both the Old and New Testaments mean we as Christians should be engaging in this practice regularly? If we should be participating, what circumstances bring on appropriate times to fast? Just as importantly, how should we fast? Are there time frames that should be kept? What about drinking water during a fast – is that appropriate? So many questions! Fortunately, the Bible gives us many practical answers, and some are VERY surprising!

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Our world is such a cynical place. Sometimes it feels like every time you turn a corner, you’re met with frustration, unrest and a lack of trust. Because we have so many platforms through which we can speak, we do. When we speak, our words and sentiments are often full of accusation and vitriol. We harshly address “those people.” You know the ones. “Those people” on the other side of this or that issue whom we often label as uneducated or ignorant, as members of the wrong party, wrong belief system, wrong ethnicity or wrong culture. We speak to be heard, and we neglect speaking so others will listen. We are cynical, and this cynicism is to the detriment of all. As Christians, we should NOT participate in this damaging interpretation of free speech. So, is it possible to be cynical in a positive way?

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In Part I, we talked about the great power of the solemn promises in the Bible called covenants. We observed how God had made several of these solemn promises, and that several are specifically labeled as “everlasting covenants.” As we look at Bible history, we can see that all of God’s promises have already been made and are already functioning – except for one. This one promise yet to be unfolded is the “New Covenant.” While this promise is clearly defined in Jeremiah, it is alluded to in several other books of the Bible. So, is the only difference between this New Covenant and God’s other promises the fact that it is yet coming, or are there more pieces to this puzzle?

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As Christians, we take great comfort in knowing that God is a God of unfathomable wisdom and integrity. We may be faced with things in life we never saw coming, but God is never caught off guard. With His foresight and eternal wisdom, He is not only prepared for anything, but He has preplanned for everything. God is also always as good as His word. He does not make a promise and then haphazardly decide not to keep it. In the Bible, covenants are really solemn promises. Throughout Scripture, God has made many of these promises with the description of being “eternal.” One such covenant was the Law given to Moses. It seems the Law was described as everlasting, and yet the New Testament tells us it loses its validity. Did God change His mind?

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In Part I of our two-part conversation about influence, we began to uncover just how broadly and how deeply the power of influence runs. In our world today, influence has taken on a new – and in some ways even more significant meaning – than ever before. Now because we have social media, we have created a space for influencers to arise within our midst. Sometimes these individuals appear on the scene from very unlikely backgrounds. The vast majority of the most popular of these influencers have been given our attention because they are famous. Curiously, much of their influence is not based on the expertise that was required to master their craft. Because influence happens all of the time at all different levels, our big question now is, how can we become more effective influencers in our everyday lives?

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Influence. We are all touched by it in countless ways and countless times each and every day of our lives. Influence comes from all corners of life. If we are partial to someone, we generally accept their influence positively. If we are at odds with someone, we generally look down upon their influence. Either way, they influence us. Influence comes from advertising and social media. It comes from politicians and educators; from books, movies and shows. From those who enforce and those who break the law; it comes from our superiors, our peers and our subordinates. Influence has become such a central factor in our world that we now focus on and follow those we call influencers! To have influence is to have power. To have power is to have control. And to have control can easily bring the manipulation and domination of others.

It’s nothing new.The only difference now is where it comes from. Throughout most of history and in ancient days, it was born out of rank. If you had authority, you had influence. Additionally, if you were positioned to advise or guide those in authority, you also had it. This kind of leverage played out at every level of life, from national preeminence down to family and peer group control.

All of that has changed.When you think about it, those we call “influencers” are essentially random people who have in one way or another become famous. Many of them are athletes or performers. The fame and name recognition achieved through their respective crafts paved the way for them to become coveted influencers. Here’s the interesting thing. Their influence is usually not directly related to their craft. Instead, it is often related to marketing products or giving perspectives on subject matter that they really have no expertise in. Essentially, we let somebody who is famous dictate some of our behaviors in life simply because of their social stature.

Influence was alive and well in Bible times. When we compare the massive influence that both Satan and Jesus have and have had, the biblical picture of influencers takes on a much deeper meaning. Not only can we see how influence works on a spiritual level, but we can see the difference in the methodology of influencing for good versus influencing for evil.

Check out our April 8, 2024 podcast, “How Can We Become Influencers? (Part I) for more. We discuss what influencers look like today and what they looked like in biblical times. We look at biblical influencers who passionately perpetuated evil. Then we uncover an example of one who influenced many others towards an incorrect result even though his heart was working at following Jesus. We compare these examples with those who influenced with integrity and focus for the ultimate glory of God. The bottom line is, influence is everywhere! Join us for this eye-opening journey through culture and Scripture!

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Let’s begin by stating the obvious: the world is a mess! Now, we all know the world has been a mess for a very long time, so the question is, is this even news? The answer is yes, it is! Our present-day mess has everything to do with the ability to be connected with as many perspectives on and interpretations of truth as we would like. We can now easily and often categorize, judge or ignore anything and everything that doesn’t fit into our personal worldview. All of this brings us to a place where we effortlessly define good and evil according to preference and not principle. We believe Jesus died and was resurrected to redeem the world from sin, and yet, we are now so much further from godly principles than ever before. How can we harmonize these seemingly conflicting thoughts?

It sure doesn’t look like things are getting better…We are currently witnessing continuous decline of Christianity throughout our world. Such a decline can easily lead us to the conclusion that Jesus’ mission to save the world is crumbling before our eyes. Such a conclusion would not only be a mistake, but it would also actually hide the truth. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Near the end of his ministry, Jesus spoke of his crucifixion and of drawing ALL men to himself. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us that ALL die in Adam and ALL will be made alive in Christ. All of this sounds great, but it certainly does not look like it’s happening.

Prophecy foretold the world would degrade.When Jesus prophesied about his second coming, he explained that the conditions of the world would be severely degraded, as in the days of Noah. When we look at the immoral and evil that existed then, we can certainly see its parallel today. Jesus not only makes this comparison to alert us of coming trouble, but also to assure us he knew things would look hopeless. The flood of Noah’s day fundamentally changed the way the world worked. Jesus was telling us the time of trouble would also do the same thing. However, this trouble would open the door for God’s kingdom as well.

Okay, so far we seem to be just going down the rabbit hole of death and destruction! Where does Jesus “saving the world” come into play? Check out our April 1, 2024 podcast, “If Jesus’ Resurrection Saved the World, Why is it Such a Mess?” for answers. We consider the prophecies of trouble and destruction within the context of the whole message of the Bible. Beneath the surface we can see the core reasons Jesus came to earth and gave himself as a ransom sacrifice. We collect the varied puzzle pieces the Old and New Testaments give us. Once assembled, these pieces present a breathtaking picture of just how Jesus DOES save the world. Join us as we document and appreciate these dramatic biblical lessons!

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Everyone experiences loss in their lives in one way or another. How we attempt to cope with those losses depends upon several things. First, the kind of loss we are facing can dictate whether our response to it is mild, strong or severe. Second, our cultural environment offers up expectations as to how our mild strong or severe responses are to be displayed. In biblical days, grieving over difficult losses was often displayed in a very outward, very public manner. The Bible is full of examples of such public crying, wailing, renting of clothes and despair. For many of us in our present-day mindset, these things may seem to be over-the-top and too dramatic. Actually, when we seek to understand all of this lamenting, we find very strong lessons of faith, growth and acceptance.

Help!Loss is difficult. Sometimes it is unbearable. When we seek help in coping with such things, the counsel is always the same: Go through the experience and don’t try to avoid or hide the emotions. We need to give ourselves permission to feel what we are feeling so we can, when appropriate, move forward to the next step. In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, we are told there is a suitable time for mourning, just as there is a suitable time to dance for joy. The Hebrew word for mourn actually means “to tear the hair, to beat the breasts, to lament or wail.” Wow! For us living now with our current cultural backgrounds, that certainly sounds dramatic.

Biblical lamentingTo be clear, we are not suggesting that our lamenting be so dramatic. What we are suggesting is that we be willing to face our tragedies with an openness to feel them. Why? As we look into the deep lamenting revealed in the Bible, several things begin to rise to the surface. Most striking is that our lamenting not only serves a purpose, but it is also part of a distinct process. There are four essential steps our outward anguish can bring us through. The first step is for us to come face-to-face with the reality of our tragedy. Without this acceptance of the pain of our experience, we would not be able to fully move forward through the healing and growth process of the other steps.

Check out our March 25, 2024 podcast, “Is Mourning Out Loud Over Our Losses Good for Us?” for more. As we lay out the scriptural steps our anguish can lead us through, we also uncover several other reasons besides personal loss that can provoke such outward lamenting. These issues can be a result of our own bad choices, as well as tragedies that don’t happen to us but nevertheless have a dramatic effect on us. Join us as we uncover the strength and growth that can come from our mourning. Though this topic is rarely talked about, it is absolutely a worthwhile investment of our time and attention.

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Every serious Christian knows about God’s holy spirit. We not only know about it, but we also often talk about what we believe to be its effects upon our lives. Christians speak of being provoked, directed, protected and guided by the spirit. Some of us claim the spirit speaks to us, or perhaps to our pastor, for the purpose of giving us not only instruction, but prophetic utterances regarding our lives as well. In short, our brand of Christianity or denomination has much to do with how we believe the holy spirit works. So, how does it work? Who is right, and who may be mistaken when it comes to understanding and following this mighty power of God in our lives? Not surprisingly, the Bible says a lot about this subject. It also doesn’t say things about God’s spirit we might assume are true.

God’s spirit is His power and influence.It has been busy at work in our whole earthly experience. The second verse of the Bible introduced it as the power that made creation happen by describing it as “moving upon the face of the waters.” God’s spirit was actively engaged throughout the entire Old Testament. It gave the prophets the ability to precisely represent God’s will in their words and writings. It gave many the power of miracles, and it gave some elevated powers of creativity. God’s spirit worked mightily with John the Baptist, as it provoked him to stand alone and plainly proclaim the coming of Israel’s Messiah, Jesus.

When God’s spirit came to Jesus himself at his baptism, something new had occurred. For the first time in human history, God’s spirit would not only help and guide, but it would also now dwell within the individual. Jesus was the first of what the New Testament later describes as a “new creation.” This application of God’s power and influence would be offered to those after Jesus, whom God would call to be footstep followers of His son. Their role in God’s plan would be unique and eternal.

How does it work?With such a high and lofty privilege being offered, the question arises as to how this actually works. Does this mighty power of God take over the person in whom it dwells? Can it talk us through our problems? Does it perform miracles to pave our way through adversity and bring us to abundance?

Check out our March 18, 2024 podcast, “Does God’s Holy Spirit Speak to Us?” for answers. We follow the pattens of how God’s spirit operated in the Old Testament and compare them to the New. We examine the spirit’s mighty introduction on the Day of Pentecost with Peter and the eleven. Interestingly, that incredible experience showed us a template for how God’s sprit does and does not work in our lives. We squarely address whether or not the spirit has a voice or communicates to us in other ways. This is an intense journey. Don’t miss it!

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We don’t know much about the spiritual world, especially before the creation of humanity. What we do know is that it was an entirely harmonious world with loyalty and obedience to God at its center. God foreknew that when pride crept into Satan’s heart and was exposed, it would lead to a massive shift in the way things would run. In heaven, it would no longer be business as usual, for now the lessons of sin and disobedience would be unleashed. These painful but necessary lessons would – under God’s power and providence – ultimately bring the whole of His creation back into the harmony it had left behind, only this time that harmony would be for eternity. How would He make this happen?

God existed before time began.His spiritual creations within and outside of our universe are ageless and beyond our human comprehension. Even His creation of our home, planet Earth and all of its life and abundance, are ancient beyond our reckoning. When God finished with this earthly creation, the Bible said God rested. Let’s understand, His resting was not because He was tired and needed a break. On the contrary, His resting signified He had completed exactly what He had set out to do.

Did God give up on the “old creation”?It is a startling development when thousands of years later, we are introduced to the concept of God developing a “new creation.” Many questions may arise as a result of this proclamation. Why create something new? Did God’s old creation not work out? Was it flawed? Were there unexpected developments that required God to develop a “Creation 2.0” version? Is God going to scrap the original creation and replace it with this new thing?

The answer to all of these questions is a resounding NO! God is far to wise and powerful to need to adjust or revamp His original plans. Such scrambling is left to us as impetuous, imperfect and incomplete human beings. Rather than being a quick fix, God’s “new creation” is actually a crowning jewel He designed to be put in place at the proper time and under the proper conditions.

So, what is this new creation? Who is it, and how does it work? Check out our March 11, 2024 podcast, “What is the New Creation?” for answers. We establish how, not surprisingly, it all began with Jesus and his faithful mission of sacrifice as a perfect human being. We follow how Jesus was and is THE pioneer of this amazing new part of God’s plan. Built upon his glory and honor are even more inspiring details and developments. This new creation also has everything to do with those who are called to be true disciples of Christ. What we uncover here is perhaps one of the most sensational aspects of all of God’s creations at any time in all of history. Don’t miss this mind-expanding revealing of a biblical truth that is so often ignored!

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Jesus is the Savior of the world. We all know how he left his heavenly glory with the Father and was reduced to the human condition so he could be the ransom – the corresponding price – for Adam and his fall from obedience and grace. By so doing, Jesus gave the whole human race an opportunity for everlasting life. So, when we look at Jesus, we see him as Savior, Redeemer, the Lamb of God, the author and finisher of our faith, and I could go on and on. So, why address him as the “last Adam”? Simply looking at such a title actually invites a lot of questions, especially since all the other ways we know Jesus seem to be so much higher and honorable. As we look into this, we will find what we always find: inspiring reasons and lessons that unlock an even deeper understanding of all Jesus has done!

Adam was blessedThough Adam’s tenure as the most honored, privileged and perfect earthly creation of God was short, it certainly was significant. His unique opportunities can be summed up in several distinct proclamations of God right at the beginning. God plainly stated Adam was created in His image, and he was singularly blessed as a result of that. Further, Adam was given the privilege of ruling over God’s beautiful green earth. This showed that God saw he had potential for wisdom, integrity and leadership. Finally, God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply so they could fill the earth.

But sin changed the course of those blessingsAll was in place for a glorious earthly creation to honor God. That is, until Satan, sin and Adam’s choice changed the course of those blessings. The consequences that followed gave way to death and destruction. To many observers, this looks like a major failure on God’s part. Though it looks like he was caught off guard, the exact opposite is true. God allowed sin and depravity to rear their ugly heads as an eternal object lesson. Enter Jesus as the one who would be called the “last Adam.”

Jesus succeeded where Adam failedThe title of “last Adam” holds great significance. God is telling us that he would treat Jesus in the same way as he treated Adam. The difference would be that all of those things Adam failed at would be picked up and powerfully managed by Jesus. The gifts of being in God’s image, blessing, dominion and fruitfulness would all be not only brought back to center, but highly elevated.

Check out our March 4, 2024 podcast, “Why Is Jesus Called the ‘Last Adam’?” for more. We systematically work through how Jesus took all of what Adam had failed at and redeemed, repaired, revitalized and renewed each and every piece. This surprising and thrilling journey through Scripture shows us aspects of God’s plan that are rarely ever noticed. Observing and appreciating the work, perseverance and precision with which Jesus as the last Adam accomplished his task gives a whole new meaning to appreciation. Don’t miss this!

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Honor and respect. These seem like simple enough words but try and find them actively functioning in everyday life and you will find that they are surprisingly rare. As we speculate about why this is, we may conclude that we as a social order simply don’t perceive a need for them. The further we go down the road of each of us primarily answering to only ourselves, the less important honor for others becomes. While this may now be socially acceptable, it is far from being scripturally authorized. On the contrary, as Christians, we are solidly instructed to be people who exemplify honor in every aspect of our lives. As we began laying the “how to” groundwork in Part I, we began to see what a difference this practice of giving honor can make in everyday life.

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Our society is in trouble. In many ways, it seems that we have lost our way, and we no longer have a general sense of societal respect. Maybe it’s just me, but when I was a kid, I was clearly shown the importance of valuing others. We were taught to respect those in charge, and respect those who enforced the law and kept order. We were taught to have high esteem for parents and educators. We were taught to appreciate and value all who did whatever their part was, be it big or small. Now it seems we are taught respect should be demanded from others and not given. Our go-to approach encourages disrespecting and demeaning any who don’t fit our personal perceptions of how we think life should look. Interestingly, the Bible has a lot to say about how honor and respect should work!

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It would seem that most entering into marriage do so with high expectations of a life of happiness, fulfillment and companionship. Unfortunately for far too many, these expectations are foreign to their reality. Excluding marriages that end in divorce, how many are truly happy and fulfilled, and how many are simply going along to get along? These are hard things to look at. In order to do so in a positive and growth-oriented way, we need to establish two basic truths for our conversation. First, let’s understand that “Happily ever after” is a fairy tale ending. The feelings it ignites of an everyday bliss-filled life are unfair and not real. Second, let’s understand that our marriages CAN be happy, fulfilled and full of companionship, IF we know what we’re striving for and are willing to put in the effort!

Every genuinely successful marriage has a few things in common. With each of these things, there is always a continual need to focus and refocus as life can relentlessly get in the way. Let’s start with the one thing that most of us think of as obvious – love. We “fall in love” and develop a powerful connection. We cannot imagine that connection ever changing or waning, as it is so strong and binding. We get married. Maybe we have kids. Maybe we have demanding careers. Maybe we have trauma or family issues or sickness or loss. Maybe we grow apart from one another. We wake up one day and realize that our once seemingly indestructible connection is blurred or foggy. Are we done? Is it over?

Can perspective help?It certainly doesn’t have to be, as there are MANY things we can do to rebuild, revive and reconnect. One principle to begin with is perspective. As we observe what has happened or is happening in our marriage, we need to realize we have the power to set our perspective. Most often we feel the pain or sorrow or regret or confusion of what is happening, and those emotions drive our conclusions. This natural and emotional approach can easily end in disaster. However, there is another way. We absolutely need to feel what we feel, but it is important to ask ourselves one important question. This question can open the door to strong, revitalizing possibilities.

How am I seeing my marriage challenges?Is the glass “half empty” or is the glass “half full”? The fact is, when we see any situation as a “glass half empty” scenario, we are framing it as a loss. Studies have shown that once we frame something this way, it is very hard to reframe it as a gain, as a “glass half full” conclusion. Understanding this simple life equation can change everything. Check out our February 12, 2024 podcast, “Can Marriage be a Happily Ever After?” for more. We delve into the power of perspective and apply it to the foundational building blocks of marriage. Join us for answers – real practical and marriage-enhancing answers!

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Jesus was at odds with the scribes and Pharisees. They stood for traditions that had been built upon the foundation of the Jewish Law but were not part of the already complex rules and guidelines God had commanded through Moses so many generations before them. No, these traditions were fabrications, and were likely in place to separate the ruling class from the people. Meanwhile, Jesus stood for the people. He stood for those who were less educated, less fortunate and less prominent, as they were the ones most likely to be open to God’s grace and mercy. This division came to a head shortly before Jesus was crucified, as he directly confronted these leaders with their hypocrisy. In Part I, we began to address the seven powerful “woes” Jesus had proclaimed to them.

How?It is important to realize how Jesus presented the seven woes to the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23. First, he was in a mixed crowd and began by telling the average people about the danger their spiritual leaders were bringing to them. Jesus said some hard things, and he said them right in front of those very spiritual leaders. Next, Jesus turned to those leaders and proceeded to tell them the depth of their failures.

Why?He did this for several reasons:

1. All he said was true and necessary.
2. He knew that his crucifixion was imminent, that he was out of time.
3. He loved those religious leaders as members of God’s chosen nation, and he grieved over their fall from God’s favor.

The first three woes Jesus proclaimed to Israel’s religious leaders revealed hard truths about their lives. Jesus began by describing them as hypocrites. They claimed Moses’ authority even though it was far beyond their reach. They sought to convert others to be of the “ruling class” like them, while leaving the average people of Israel without the guidance they were tasked to give. They blindly added confusion to the sacredness of worship in the Temple so the average Jew could not measure up.

“Hypocrites and blind guides!”Jesus did not stop there. Oh no, there were four more of these woes, and each one dramatically captured their hypocrisy and deeper and deeper failures to truly uphold God’s Law. Check out our February 5, 2024 podcast, “What Did Jesus Really Think of the Pharisees? (Part II)” for more. We walk through the painful realities of these last four woes and focus in on the reasons for Jesus’ blunt approach.

These leaders had proudly and publicly obsessed over tiny details of the Law. They intentionally hid their craft and corruption beneath a shiny, clean appearance. They systematically proclaimed themselves better than everyone else both past and present. Join us for this remarkable journey as we observe Jesus calling out hypocrisy, self-imposed blindness to truth, corruption and devilish behavior. There is SO much we can learn by knowing what NOT to do!

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Jesus was a wise, loving and compassionate man. His whole reason for becoming a man was to give his life as a ransom for every single human being who ever lived, and you can’t be more selfless and giving than that. Yet, with all of his compassion, Jesus was also one to not mince words when a hard message was needed. This becomes extremely evident when we examine the seven “woes” he proclaimed to the Pharisees in Matthew chapter 23. Of all the words we have recorded from Jesus’ earthly ministry, these are the most blunt and direct. So, what was Jesus really saying to the scribes and Pharisees? Was he showing a fundamental dislike for them? Was he exposing their true characters so everyone could see? Or was he simply expressing his dislike for who they were and what they stood for?

Seven WoesJesus knew his earthly mission to present himself as the Messiah and as the ransom price for Adam’s sin, was ending. During those last few weeks of his ministry, there were many incredibly significant events recorded in Scripture for us. Not the least of these was his proclaiming of seven woes to the scribes and Pharisees. These spiritual leaders of the Jewish nation were (with individual exceptions) at odds with Jesus from the moment he began to preach. After 3½ years of being challenged by them, answering their questions, performing miracles in spite of them, asking them questions they could not answer and teaching all of the people to their dismay, Jesus was now out of time.

A Last AttemptThese scribes and Pharisees would not accept him, his message, or the proof of his being their Messiah. On the contrary, they had begun plotting to kill him. Jesus loved them as he loved all of God’s chosen nation. In proclaiming these woes, he was giving them a last opportunity to see the error of their ways. These hard and truth-filled criticisms were done publicly. Why? Because their hypocrisy and self-elevating behavior was paraded about before the people on a regular basis. Both the people and these leaders had a right to know how they continuously and obsessively misrepresented God’s Law for the nation.

Check out our January 29, 2024 podcast, “What Did Jesus Really Think of the Pharisees? (Part I)” for more. We set the context of Jesus’ words and then carefully examine the bluntness of what he said. First, we dig into what he meant by saying, “Woe to you!” with each and every reality he presented. We follow Jesus’ reasoning as he called them “hypocrites” and “blind leaders.” We observe as he backed these bold labels with specific and undeniable examples. This is a big topic, and Part I treats the first three of these seven woes. With each and every example, we pause and consider how to identify and avoid these very tendencies within each of us. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Jesus’ love, wisdom and proclaiming of truth in action!

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Let’s face it. We all know that each and every one of us can be better. We can be better human beings, better friends, co-workers, spouses, cousins and certainly better Christians. The challenge here is obvious. Being “better” requires change. Significant change. To be better in whatever area we are focusing on requires a different mindset, which brings different words and actions. This all translates into work! So, how do we go about actually becoming “better”? Where do we start? How many parts of our lives do we try to change? Do we work on them all at once? How do we figure out what the very highest priorities are? What if we fail? How does the Bible guide us with all of these details?

What makes a person want to change?One of the most obvious answers is that we see something or someone that displays circumstances or characteristics or perceived advantages that we would like to possess. We want to change because we want something different than we already have. This tells us that change – true and lasting change – is driven by more than a desire for something, it is equally driven by dissatisfaction with our current situation.

The idea of dissatisfaction as a driving force is both powerful and potentially problematic. It is powerful because human nature will run towards something with even greater energy if it is running away from something at the same time. Simultaneously being motivated away from one thing and towards another gives us a much higher opportunity for success. As good as this is, dissatisfaction can be problematic when the change we seek is difficult. An inability to achieve the change we sought can trigger an abiding and depressive mental state.

How do we handle this?1. Realize we cannot change everything about ourselves all at once. Overload is a recipe for discouragement and failure. 2. Understand that all change is not the same. Some things in life can be changed by altering or adjusting what we say do or think. These alterations build on a base that is already valuable and somewhat established. On the other side of the matter, there are some changes that can only be achieved by abandonment. If we have habits or associations that are toxic, we need to recognize their poison and leave them in our past.

Great! Lots of details, but how do we do it? Check out our January 22,2024 podcast, “It’s Time to Change, but How Much Is Enough?” for more. We walk through the several stages of change and highlight how each stage looks in relation to the altering or abandoning being pursued. Any and every Christian needs to daily work on changing to become more like Jesus. The Bible is full of advice, encouragement and examples of how all of this can be accomplished. Join us for some practical and welcomed biblical advice on how our changing can bring glory to God!

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In Part I, we laid a foundation for understanding and managing harmful biases. One primary lesson we learned was that we ALL – no matter who we are and what our background is – are biased. While this is an uncomfortable truth, it is a necessary realization, for a true Christian is to strive to overcome any and all fleshly inclinations. We also learned this overcoming is no easy task. Just because we may be able to point out a personal bias does not mean we are on a path to dismantle it. On the contrary, often times recognizing our biases can make us very self-protective. In this episode, we continue to uncover specific ways our biases show themselves and specific scriptural principles to deal with them. This also is not easy!

We gave a simple working definition for bias:

An inclination or outlook that prevents an unprejudiced consideration of a matter.

The objective of this definition is to focus in on those biases that are obviously detrimental to our ability to see clearly. We need this clear focus because the fact is, most of us – and that includes me – live each day affected by personal biases. If these preconceived conclusions about others in our daily experiences don’t bring us to godliness, then they are undeniably wrong.

One example that is a problem for most of us.Many of us have personal biases towards others that belittle them. As Christians, this should never be so – and yet it’s a problem. What about someone who is of a different ethnicity, or a different religion, or is of a different political affiliation than me? Do I discount them in any way? What if someone has different social associations? If I am struggling financially, how do I feel about those who are not? How do I feel about those who struggle if I’m well off? If we look deeply into our reactions to those who are different than we are, we will likely uncover several biases.

This is an age-old problem.In the New Testament, James pointedly brings this out. He writes about the trap of honoring those who come into our Christian circles who appear to be well off and distinguished. We offer them the higher seats of honor in our gatherings. He then compares this to someone coming into our midst who may appear ragged and lowly. He emphatically writes that treating them like second-class citizens is far beneath the standards of equality in Christ we have been called to. Simply stated, this is wrong!

Check out our January 15, 2024 podcast, “Is My Christian Judgment Tainted by Bias? (Part II)” for more. We take aim at the serious damage this kind of bias can cause. We also expose how biases can break trust between us, and most tragically, how they can burn bridges. Our personal biases put us all in jeopardy. Join us as we seek biblical solutions for this often-overlooked, rampant personal problem!

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I was recently summoned for jury duty. As I sat in the room at the beginning of the day, the court and its representatives showed some really informative introductory videos on what to expect and look out for when serving on a jury. The main topic they focused on was bias. Their premise was that we ALL have biases and we ALL can be in danger of following them rather than following the simple facts of a case. I was struck by their significant efforts to enlighten and warn about this sometimes subtle but incredibly common enemy of justice. Our claiming to be Christian does NOT somehow magically release us from our previous biases. In fact, our claims to Christianity may even be in jeopardy because of our personal biases. So, how do we learn to recognize this devious and damaging tendency?

For the most part, we think of bias as not being able to see something without a preconceived notion of what it should look like. Our predetermined conclusions can easily sway what we think about whatever it is we may be dealing with. While this can sometimes be a good layer of protection, it more often than not ends up being a detrimental habit. Bias hinders us from seeing a broader perspective than our own. For this brief discussion we will define bias as: an inclination or outlook that prevents an unprejudiced consideration of a matter.

Bias hinders us in many ways.One primary and negative function of bias is that it keeps us from listening. Think about how easily our ability to listen to someone else is dependent on how we feel about that other person. If we like them and agree with their perspective, listening is easy. Our preconceived notion of what should be is being bolstered, and that’s comfortable. However, what happens if the person we are supposed to be listening to is presenting a contrary or questionable viewpoint? Are we open – or are we only partially paying attention – because their perspective is simply not acceptable or desirable?

Bias can even make us think and act in an unchristian way.Unfortunately, our bias against those who hold opinions and even facts we would rather not hear, usually prevails. And the sad thing is, this usually happens without us even realizing it! These habitual responses to those who may ruffle our feathers actually shuts down our ability to potentially hear truth. These responses stifle our growth and worst of all, they are unchristian on every level.

Check out our January 8, 2024 podcast, “Is My Christian Judgment Tainted by Bias? (Part I) for more. We examine several striking biblical examples of bias in action. While focusing in on three specific aspects of the destructive power of bias, we also lay out several steps to counter our biases. Because bias can’t simply be turned off, we need to learn how to calm it down and then redirect its energy. Let’s face it, bias is a problem! Join us to see how personally applying biblical principles can change that!

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We all have heard of the biblical account of Jonah and the whale. Because it is so unique and dramatic, it has been an often-repeated story with many lessons – and rightfully so. What many don’t realize is the magnitude of the events and teachings surrounding this amazing circumstance. First, one point of clarification: it wasn’t a whale, it was a “great fish.” When we examine how and why Jonah came to be in the unlikely position to be swallowed by that fish and what happened afterwards, we end up with a powerful story of God’s will versus our preferences. The bottom line here is that Jonah is an example of what NOT to do when tasked with godly responsibilities. However, he’s also an example of what TO do. Let’s unfold this account and see how both of these descriptions can be true.

Jonah was a prophet of God, and as such, he was bound to go where God told him to go and speak what God commanded him to speak. This was a pretty straightforward setup. You simply do as you are told. There were many prophets before him and many who followed. All of that being said, Jonah had a problem. Actually, he had a lot of problems. God told him to go and preach to the city of Nineveh because they were evil and idolatrous. They were also bullying and taking advantage of God’s chosen people. God told him to tell Nineveh that because of their evil, they would be destroyed in 40 days.

Jonah went in the opposite directionSo, Jonah got up and went. The only problem was, he went the other way. That’s right, he ran away from God and His command. He got on a ship and basically tried to hide from God as he was making his escape. Not to state the obvious, but trying to hide from God is about as effective as a little kid covering their own eyes and thinking you can’t see them. Jonah would find this out in a dramatic way as he ended up in the belly of a fish that God had prepared. No more running, no more hiding.

He was successful yet miserableJonah finally did go and do the job that God had commanded. What’s hard to comprehend is how he was so angry at the wholesale repentance of the entire city. Jonah had successfully brought them to honor and worship God, and yet his own emotions and personal hatred for them robbed him of the joy of such a miraculous change.

Check out our January 1, 2024 podcast, “Do I Show Up When God Calls, or Do I Run and Hide?” for more. We dig into Jonah’s experiences along with his emotional and tragic reactions. We examine how God answered these with several uniquely prepared responses. Don’t miss this story! It’s an amazing drama about the enormous inconsistency of human nature and how God can give us the pointed and needed lessons to overcome ourselves.

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As Christians, when we think about Jesus and his reason for being born as a man, we’re always inspired by the selflessness of his sacrifice to redeem Adam and all of humanity from sin and death. This gift is truly beyond anything we deserve. When we think of the Messiah, we instinctively think of Jesus. In our last episode, we explored a Jewish perspective regarding their expectations of Messiah. What we found were several differences, but also several inspiring similarities. Today, we delve deeply into many Old Testament prophecies. We’ll focus in on the astounding detail with which they not only describe Jesus, but also provide all of humanity with the hope for a new life and the opportunity to live it forever. The bottom line? We’re blessed to have God’s amazing plan unfold through Jesus our Lord and Messiah.

It’s a rare wordThe word messiah is only translated as “Messiah” twice in the Old Testament. As we discussed in Part I, this does NOT in any way minimize the importance of who the Messiah is and what he does. When we begin to explore the Old Testament prophecies that describe this chosen one, a startling fact emerges: This Messiah, this chosen one, is the primary subject of countless prophecies written by many God-inspired authors over thousands of years. Though rarely called out by name, he is THE central focus of God’s entire plan for humanity.

Prophecies begin in early Genesis, when God hands down the pronouncements for sin to Adam, Eve and Satan. The fact that the “seed of the woman” would crush the “head of the serpent” (Satan) begins the revealment of Messiah. In Exodus, Moses speaks of a prophet like him, whom the people are urged to listen to. These prophecies continue right through the entire Old Testament. They end in the last chapter of Malachai, the last book of the Old Testament.

Not only are there countless prophecies with incredible details all over the Bible, but they are interlocked in amazing ways. Because Messiah is described in so many different ways, we can research from prophetic writing to prophetic writing and author to author and trace even greater depths of meaning. Finding agreement in these various ways verifies the unity of Scripture and solidifies the inspiration of God’s Holy Word.

As good as all of this is, there’s more!Not only do we have prophecies verifying one another, but we also have them verifying Jesus as the one and only promised Messiah. Skeptics say Jesus could have scripted his experiences to fit what the prophecies said. I suppose that could be true with minor details here and there regarding his earthly life. But it is simply impossible for all of it to have been acted out. Check out our December 26, 2023 podcast, “How Do We Know Jesus is the Promised Messiah? (Part II)” for more. We detail several prophecies and bring them forward to show their unmistakable New Testament fulfillments. This is a scriptural conversation absolutely worth engaging in. Don’t miss it!

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Christians differ on a lot of things, and sometimes these differences can be troublesome. The basics we all agree on are centered on Jesus. We believe he died for our sins, and we believe he came to give his truest followers the opportunity to be in heaven with him. We also believe he is the Messiah. As a matter of fact, we look at the Old Testament prophecies and have a hard time comprehending why those of the Jewish faith aren’t able to recognize his Messiahship. It seems obvious! Obvious until we realize a few startling scriptural facts. First, the label “Messiah” is only used twice in the Old Testament. It is only used twice in the New Testament as well. This means that what we see as overtly obvious, may in fact be more hidden than we ever thought. So, what do we do now?

AnointedThe word translated “Messiah” only twice in the Old Testament is used 37 other times. Because this word simply means “anointed” or “consecrated,” it actually applies to many individuals. The priests of the Jewish Law were “anointed.” Kings of Israel were “anointed.” As a matter of fact, King Saul was one of those anointed ones. When Saul was pursuing David to kill him and David had opportunities to do Saul harm, his reaction was always the same. He continually repeated that he would not touch the Lord’s anointed.

But there are a lot of chosen ones!This tells us the position of being one anointed by God is a very special designation. It shows us they have been chosen to do God’s work and represent His way. So, does this minimize our Christian perspective of THE Messiah? Does it make him just another chosen one in a long line of chosen ones? While the short answer is “of course not,” this answer certainly needs a lot of explanation. By digging into many Old Testament prophecies, we learn that Messiah is represented in many different ways. While rarely called the Messiah, he is often described as a king, a priest, a shepherd and a lawgiver. The list goes on.

Was Jesus disqualified?This understanding helps us to see the comprehensiveness of exactly who Messiah is and what he stands for. However, there are other issues. According to the perspective of some Jewish faithful, Jesus could not be the Messiah due to several points. First, they claim the genealogies given in Matthew and Luke have a variety of problems that would disqualify Jesus. Second, they state that because Jesus died, it means he failed, and that failure disqualifies him as well. What do we do with all of this? Check out our December 18, 2023 podcast, “How Do We Know Jesus is the Promised Messiah? (Part I)” for answers. We open several prophecies, put scriptures in context and uncover the deep truths of how Jesus is plainly shown as THE Messiah. There are inspiring scriptural discoveries here you don’t want to miss!

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God gave us the ability to understand and appreciate His plan of the ages by revealing that plan within the pages of the Bible. This plan is focused on the necessary steps to bring ALL of His creation – both heavenly and earthly – to an existence that will completely and forever live in harmony with one another under His mighty hand and will. In Parts I and II of this series, we looked at how that shaping and revitalizing to a state of perfection takes place. It began with the Old Testament heroes of faith, continues with the faithful disciples of Christ now, and will come to include an opportunity for each and every human being later. In this episode, we look at the nations of the world, beginning with Israel. What does the Bible tell us about the perfecting process of all these nations? Plenty!

From early on in biblical history, Israel was THE nation.They were God’s chosen. But what did that mean? It meant that they were responsible to live to higher standards than everyone else. They were to have God and only God as their Sovereign. They would be blessed if they complied and accountable if they didn’t. Well, we all know what happened. They always suffered consequences for their idolatry and sins and were finally cast off from God’s favor for rejecting Jesus. Ironically, this ultimate show of God’s disfavor of the nation set the stage for their future perfecting.

Back to the land.God’s promise to Abraham said that the nation born to him through Isaac would eventually bless all the families of the earth. Biblical prophecy plainly shows us where God’s disfavor and their being dissolved as a nation would ultimately lead them. The answer: back to their land. Back to Him. Israel’s perfecting as a favored people is not only in clearly revealed in prophecy, but its steps towards this perfecting are also clearly laid out as well. When we read these prophecies and think about this national journey back to God, it is thrilling. When we realize that the already regathered Israel as a nation in their land is the early stages of this, it’s mind-blowing!

The question is, what follows the introductory phases of God’s perfecting of Israel? The answer begins with lots of trouble that will lead to the end of this age of sin and death. The removal of the powers that rule this present evil world will be replaced by the power of God through our glorified Lord Jesus. Prophecy tells us the perfecting of Israel will set the stage for the perfecting of all the other nations of the world as well. How can this be, when the ideologies of the nations are so filled with tension and unrest? Check out our December 11, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part III)” for more. Find out how Israel and the nations of the world will learn to live in peace, harmony and loyalty to God. The biblical answers here are amazing!

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In Part I of our series, we focused on how the New Testament describes “perfection.” We found that Jesus, though perfect, had to be further “perfected” – further completed – by his personal experiences and sufferings in order to fully pay the ransom price for Adam. Similarly, but on a much smaller scale, Jesus’ disciples have a perfect beginning as well. They are given forgiveness for their sins, they are given God’s holy spirit, and they are called “sons of God.” With these perfect gifts, they also need to be “perfected’ – to be completed – in maturity in Christ. This present-day perfecting work is clearly defined in Scripture. So, what about everybody else? Does the Bible show a perfecting work for them? It does! Today we will look at another biblical perfecting process that is not as well-defined and is also a future work instead of being a present work.

Jesus saves. Is it that simple?Belief in the opportunity for all nonbelievers to have a future opportunity at being perfected to an earthly life is not common among Christians. The more common belief is that accepting Jesus now is the only way to be saved. However, many scriptures plainly tell us that God’s justice-based approach to humanity leaves a door of opportunity wide open. 1 Corinthians 15:22 is one of the most basic examples, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” This equation simply says that Adam brought sin and death to everyone, and Jesus took away what Adam brought. Justice is satisfied. Jesus returns things to their original state of equilibrium.

What about Judgment Day?While this sounds easy, it likely provokes some really good questions. What does this canceling of Adam’s sin mean in a practical sense? Is this an invitation to heaven? What about the Day of Judgment? First and foremost, this is NOT a heavenly invitation for those who are not called to follow Jesus. It IS an invitation to the life that Adam had an opportunity for – perfect human life. Notice we have described it as an invitation and an opportunity. This means that each and every human being will have a say in the matter. This is where Judgment Day comes into play, since its function according to Scripture is to be a time of testing. This 1,000-year time period will be a time of trial so each resurrected human can earn life through learning righteousness.

All of this is in place for the purpose of perfecting the entire human race into a godly, righteous and loyal family. When you look around our world today, this looks impossible and even ridiculous. Check out our December 4, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part II)” for answers. We dig deeply into Scripture and discover just how God has this massive and complex process of perfecting humankind already in order. These scriptures show us a depth to God’s plan that often goes unnoticed. Don’t miss it!

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God has an amazing plan that includes every human being who has ever lived. Rather than torturing billions for eternity in a fiery hell, this plan will give all of humanity a legitimate opportunity to be taught how to live in a godly and righteous way. We’re saying God’s plan gives EVERYONE an opportunity to become perfect in His sight. Now, if you look around at the condition of our world, it’s really easy to roll your eyes and think with all that’s happening, this plan of God’s is pretty lame! Well, it does look that way, but the reality is that this plan works in specific stages. There is a perfecting work happening right now, but it’s NOT focused on everyone. Our three-part series will walk through how and when Christians, non-Christians and all who have ever lived will have an opportunity for perfection.

When we think of somebody being “perfect” what do we picture in our minds? Likely we imagine someone whose physical appearance is flawless, and health is exemplary. Their mind would be sharp, intuitive and brilliant and their voice would be strong and melodious. They would be creative, personable, passionate, and they would be a superb leader. All in all, this is a tall order! We might imagine Jesus fitting such a description, but it would certainly be beyond any of the rest of us.

What is perfection?In the book of Matthew, Jesus was teaching about God’s graciousness of sending rain and sun upon both evil and good people. He then tells his disciples to “be perfect,” just like their Father in heaven is perfect. How can this even be possible? Perfection in the New Testament can be a tricky thing. First, there are several Greek words translated into our English Bibles as “perfect.” Second, none of them mean what our original description implied. The bottom line is these words all point to becoming complete. This can mean being complete in thought or words, actions or example.

Perfect or perfected?Even though Jesus was perfect, the Bible tells us he had to be “perfected” by way of suffering and experience. The same principle applies to any true disciple of Jesus. We are given the perfect gifts of justification through the blood of Jesus and God’s holy spirit. Having these things, we are also told to strive to be “perfect” – to be complete – as Christians. What does this really mean?

Check out our November 27, 2023 podcast, “What is the Biblical Process to Become Perfect? (Part I – The Church)” for more. We examine how we can actually spiritually grow into the “perfection” the Bible expects of us. We define the kinds of completeness, maturity and equipping that the New Testament focuses us towards accomplishing. Finally, we also lay the groundwork for examining how God’s plan actually contains a detailed perfecting process for nonbelievers as well. Join us for Part I of this 3-part series as we uncover biblical truths about Christian life, growth and perfection!

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The world around us moves so fast that it’s easy to forget to pause and consider just how profoundly God has blessed us. In the United States, somewhere tucked in between the massive Halloween parties and the exhilaration of Christmas, Santa Claus, presents and fun, is a holiday called Thanksgiving. While we won’t take the time to discuss how it came to be, we do want to remember why. Thanksgiving’s origin was actually simple. It was proclaimed to pause and consider just how profoundly blessed those settlers were to have lived through a hard winter and now experience a harvest in preparation for the next hard winter. In short, the thanksgiving they gave was to God above, period. Today we’ll talk about a similar thanksgiving to God but under the biblical name of Ebenezers.

The name of a place and a rockBack in the days of ancient Israel, even before they had a king, Samuel was God’s prophet for the people. In spite of Samuel’s presence, a series of events led them down a road of essentially abandoning God for over 20 years. Finally, under Samuel’s leadership, they begin to turn back towards God. As their enemies the Philistines are preparing to attack, the people urged Samuel to pray to God for their deliverance. God does miraculously deliver them, and Samuel immediately places a big rock as a remembrance of their experience and proclaims, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” He names the rock Ebenezer.

That’s it. Other than being the name of a location, Ebenezer is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. So, why would we be focusing on this one little experience with a named rock for lessons about gratitude? The conclusion is that like so many other things in Scripture, there is an incredible substance beneath the surface. Think about it, this rock was just an ordinary boulder in its natural form. Why not carve it into a shape? Why not engrave something on it? And why name the rock “Ebenezer,” of all things? And why say, “Thus far” the Lord has helped? Did Samuel think God was going to change His mind?

Check out our November 20, 2023 podcast, “What is Your Ebenezer?” for answers. We dig into all of these questions and find an amazing depth of wisdom in the answers. With the principles we uncover, we trace Ebenezer-like experiences in the New Testament. We find that both Jesus and the Apostle Paul used these principles as valuable ways of capturing the gratitude we should have when God delivers us.

Life can be hectic.It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the current of world events, social media and the dramas of every day. All of this is really about gratitude and finding practical ways to keep thanksgiving relevant in very specific ways. It turns out, Ebenezers can be powerful and significant tools to remember God’s deliverance with heartfelt thanksgiving, if we know how to use them. Join us and learn what the prophet Samuel taught by simply naming a rock.

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Way back in the 1980’s Bobby McFerrin recorded and released his very popular song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It’s a simple and upbeat perspective on living. When you think about it, the title is a profound instruction for life. Don’t worry; instead, be happy! About 100 years before this catchy song, Hannah Whitall Smith wrote an ageless book called The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life. In it, she detailed a powerful formula for happy living that was based on complete faith in God and fully surrendering to His will. The message in the song and the book are the same, except the book gives us solid “how to” perspectives for Christians. While we won’t be singing the song or reviewing the book, we will be applying scriptural principles that will help make happiness real in our daily Christian lives.

Do you know how the Bible defines happiness?The first and perhaps most important point in figuring out what a “happy” life looks like would be to actually define the word. This might sound silly at first. After all, everyone knows what it means to be happy! But do they? When we say, “Happy Birthday,” we are wishing a person to have feelings of goodness and excitement. How about when we look at a happy coincidence? It means we observe events that came together in an unplanned but positive way. When we end a story with “happily ever after,” we are indicating that life for those involved will be smooth and contented going forward. Happy can mean many things!

Biblical happiness is none of the above.As a matter of fact, biblical happiness is much more about a state of mind than it is about how we might feel in a given circumstance. The Old Testament sets the standard for happiness by the way the Hebrew word is translated. The same word can be “happy,” as in Deuteronomy 33:29, and “blessed,” as in Psalm 1:1. This suggests that happiness for those who are loyal to God is a direct result of that loyalty. It helps us begin to understand that being happy is not an emotional state; rather, it is a focused state of mind.

On the surface, this can sound depressing. You might think, you mean I don’t get to be happy as a Christian? Actually, we are saying just the opposite. Christian happiness can and should be vibrant even when life is not going well. 1 Peter 4:14 says that we are happy – we are blessed – when we suffer reproach for Jesus’ sake. So, how does that work?

Check out our November 13, 2023 podcast, “Is There a Secret for a Happy Christian Life?” for answers. We walk through understanding what true Christian happiness is and what it looks like. Then we then dig into the how to of actually applying it to our daily life. We also examine how Christian contentedness and happiness can give us a truly bountiful life. Join us! This is a journey worth taking as it can open our eyes to a fulfilled Christian life.

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Arise and be baptized! This and many other similar scriptural statements have in many ways defined Christianity. Unfortunately, because Christianity is so splintered it applies these very important words and instructions in a wide variety of ways. Some say baptism changes you, others say it is a symbol, and others say it is necessary for heaven. Some baptize infants, others baptize children and others, adults only. Others baptize into a church or denomination, while some “baptize into Christ.” Some see baptism as a necessary beginning to walk towards Christ, while others see it as a symbol of having decided to sacrificially follow Christ. How can all of this be one baptism? It can’t! What do we do with all of this? We search the Scriptures and look for the originally intended message behind Christian baptism.

What’s the purpose?When you think about it, baptism is a strange ritual. What would be the purpose of dunking people in water anyway? Do they need a bath? Actually, the whole concept of Christian baptism began with this general objective. Way back in the days of Moses when God gave them His Law, the people of Israel were meticulously instructed about cleanliness. Not only were they told to wash in water after being sick or in contact with a dead body, but they also had to become ceremonially clean by offering a sacrifice before the priesthood. Washing for Israel was an important act of physical cleansing that was tied to their spiritual cleansing as well.

Is this what Christian baptism is all about?John the Baptist arrives on the scene with a very specific mission regarding the whole nation of Israel. He announces the coming of their Messiah and tells the people to repent and be baptized. His message to Israel is to recognize their sins and demonstrate their repentance with a physical washing – just as the Law had prescribed centuries before. So, is this what Christian baptism is all about?

No. While repentance is a critical part of Christian baptism, it is only a beginning element and in no way represents the whole picture. “Baptism into Christ” has many other elements tied to it. It is important we don’t confuse the two. Christians often seem to focus on the repentance part of this picture, and therefore focus on the baptism of John. While important, it does not reflect true Christian baptism.

Check out our November 6, 2023 podcast, “Are Christians Really Baptized Into Christ?” for more. We put John’s baptism and baptism into Christ side-by-side. We also examine several other New Testament baptisms as well. John spoke of a “baptism of the holy spirit and of fire.” Jesus spoke of his followers being baptized with the “baptism of his own suffering.” The Apostle Paul spoke about being “baptized into Christ’s death.” How do all these differing baptisms fit together? Join us as we sort out these many New Testament references and put them in order. In the end, it all makes perfect sense, and it all teaches us amazing lessons!

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We live in a diverse world, and that can be a really wonderful thing! To observe and embrace the positive differences in our cultures, our backgrounds and our characters is worthy of celebration. Appreciating the immense differences we see in nature due to geographic locations is a fascinating journey through God’s creation. But here is a problem. Diversity, just like most anything else we as imperfect humans celebrate, can go to extremes that take the basic principles of godly righteousness and corrupt them with darkness and evil. This inevitably leads to the destruction of that which is good. What has this got to do with Satan and demons? Everything! Satan and those who follow him are masters of subtlety and can easily make darkness look like light.

Warning!In his letter to the Ephesian church, the Apostle Paul warns us that we in our Christian journey are wrestling against “spiritual wickedness in high places.” When you think about it, this is really creepy. How do you wrestle against something that is SO much more powerful than you and that you can’t even see? The answer lies in scriptural understanding, biblical faith and godly wisdom.

What do we know about this spiritual wickedness? Obviously, we know it all comes from Satan and his demons. While this is a good start, all it does is label the source. Our next level of understanding needs to be based on why and how this all began. Before we go any further, a word of caution. Satanic influence is real and powerful, and our foundational rule of operation is simple. Stay away from it! Investigating satanic websites, etc. so you can understand satanic power better is a foolish and unwarranted practice. All we need to know can be found in the Bible’s very detailed explanations of how all of this came about.

As we gain an understanding of the origins of this spiritual wickedness, we will also gain insight into how such evil works. Once again, the Bible gives us a very detailed outline about the process. There are many accounts in Scripture that reveal satanic tactics. The three temptations Satan brought to Jesus, demon possession and Satan “entering” Judas are some examples. As dark as these experiences were, they teach us how to perceive several methods of demonic influence. Our faith can be bolstered when we see these things and realize that they are recorded in Scripture for our protection.

Check out our October 30, 2023 podcast, “How Do Satanic Demons Influence Our World?” for more. We dig into the story behind the story with the beginnings of evil satanic influence in our world. Knowing the “what,” “why” and “how” of its origins clues us into some of the motivation behind demonic activities. More than this, we look at how to be prepared against the high-level evil that permeates our world. Join us for this important journey into understanding, faith, and godly wisdom as we face the dark spiritual enemies in our world.

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As Christians, we all are encouraged by the scriptural principle that God’s angels are watching over us. What better hands could we be in than those who were sent by God himself to care for our very lives! As encouraging as this scriptural principle is, we need to be careful to avoid turning this reverent truth into some kind of human imagination that skews and corrupts its purity. The Bible is very specific as to the kinds of roles that angels do and do not occupy in our human lives. For us to truly appreciate how angelic influence works, we need to be prepared to accept that MANY of the notions and traditions surrounding angels are simply human-based fantasy and imagination. This may sound disappointing, but it’s actually good news, as we want to define angelic activity through God’s word and His word only!

What’s an angel?There is much more to God’s angels than many of us may think. First and foremost, we need to understand what an angel is. The Old and New Testament words for angel are defined as “messengers” or “deputies.” This means angels serve the expressed and specific purpose of the one who sends them. This seems pretty simple and certainly not surprising, however in our human excitement, we can easily misapply this truth.

Let’s get down to the basic questions.Are we as followers of Christ supposed to know anything about the guardian angels God sends to watch over us? Are we supposed to know their names, or give them names? If they are watching over us, should we be praying to them? And what about a relationship? Should we seek or desire to have some kind of communication with them? What should we expect from them? Are they there to help us out in our everyday lives, and are they in any way at our command?

To understand the truthful answers to these questions, we need to prioritize exactly what we know to be true about angels. Check out our October 23, 2023 podcast, “How do Guardian Angels Take Care of Us?” for details. We look at several examples of angels doing their work in both the Old and New Testaments. What begins to unfold are the “dos and don’ts” that drive angelic intervention.

First, we learn why all of God’s heavenly host are not called angels. This understanding alone sets a strong foundation for what follows. We then learn how and why angels sometimes played major roles in the experiences of certain Old Testament faithful ones. How and why did an angel intervene in Abraham’s experience with Isaac? Why did Gabriel come to Daniel and speak with him? In the New Testament, why did angels help Peter escape prison and direct Philip to convert the Ethiopian eunuch? Most importantly, why did angelic intervention diminish as the New Testament continued? Join us for this fascinating journey as we observe how God’s angels do and don’t take care of us.

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In our last episode, we talked about doubt as a permanent fixture in our present world and experiences and how this can be both a positive thing as well as a negative thing. There are many ways the seeds of doubt are planted. It might be as a result of misinformation or misunderstanding. Or when we have a limited perception of our circumstances. We can doubt when we are in a difficult situation or have unmet expectations. Whatever the case may be, itis a very real part of our Christian experience. As we continue our conversation in this episode, we focus on how doubt manifested itself in the New Testament and what we can learn from it. To clearly understand it is to open the door that can diffuse it or use it, whichever brings glory to God!

Choices in the New TestamentUnderstanding New Testament doubt can be tricky, as there seems to be marked differences in the kinds of doubt that are revealed. The more common words for doubt have the sense of choice and indicate a wavering or hesitation: I am presented with a dilemma and can either handle it this way or that way. On the surface, this can sound simple – you have the choices before you, so just decide already! However, rather than being simple, this kind of doubt can be somewhat paralyzing. If I focus on option A, then this or that may not happen. Option B feels safer, but then I have this inconvenient issue to handle.

You of little faithThen there is that hesitation or wavering caused by looming and dramatic circumstances when we need to choose right now. The Apostle Peter getting out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus is a great example of this. The wind is fierce, and the waves are big. Jesus tells Peter to come to him against all common sense and natural law, Peter steps out of the boat to walk on top of the water. He then wavers as he sees the strength of the wind and begins to sink. Jesus saves him then asks, “Why did you doubt, you of little faith?”

Was Peter’s doubting really an example of having “little faith”? Could this in any way have been a constructive doubt? What about the women who went to Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body and found the body was gone? What about the Apostle Peter’s doubt after he had the vision that instructed him to eat the meat of unclean animals?

Check out our October 16, 2023 podcast for answers. We consider these examples along with several others as we draw lessons from both constructive and destructive doubts. Doubt – just like trust – can keep us safe or get us in trouble. Join us for Part II of this series and learn how to hold on to the positive power of doubt while avoiding its negative results!

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Everybody doubts. So, is this a good thing or a bad thing? The answer is a resounding yes! Doubt can be a godly tool of necessary and righteous caution just as easily as it can be an ungodly tool of imperfect human judgment and destruction. Appropriate doubt that is fact- and integrity-based is an early warning system that can keep us focused on and engaged in the most important things. This kind of doubt is a welcome addition to our lives and should be counted on. By the same token, highly charged doubt that is primarily fed by feelings and personal preferences needs to be examined and adjusted according to higher godly standards. How can we learn to doubt the doubts we should doubt without doubting the doubts that undoubtedly protect us?

What (or whom) exactly are you doubting?Learning to question the doubts in our lives that need to be challenged really begins with one important question: What am I doubting? Answering this may not be as easy as we may think. For instance, we may find that we are doubting ourselves. Such doubt could be a needed and welcome warning sign for staying away from certain questionable circumstances. On the other hand, self-doubt could be detrimental to approaching a specific challenge or experience we may need to face. What if I’m doubting God? While answering this question may seem easier to understand, it also needs a bit more clarity. Am I actually doubting God, or am I doubting what I think God should be doing based on my own perspective?

Is doubt destructive or constructive? Yes.Once we better understand what we are questioning we then want to look at the “why” of the matter. To help with this, we look at biblical examples of doubt, and there are plenty to choose from. As we isolate these examples, we want to put them into two specific categories – destructive doubt and constructive doubt. One clear example of destructive doubt is Eve in the Garden of Eden. She was tempted by Satan, and that temptation caused her to reconsider the specific guidelines God had previously put in place. The obvious question is, why would anyone doubt God’s personally delivered and specifically precise guidelines?

Check out our October 9, 2023 podcast, “How Can I Doubt My Doubts? (Part I)” for answers. We examine the details of Eve’s doubt and compare them with other Old Testament examples of destructive doubts. This exercise begins to unfold a pattern for understanding our negative second guessing. It helps us begin identifying what the building blocks are for our different areas of doubtfulness that are not productive.

We then examine how constructive doubts work and compare those building blocks with those of destructive doubt. We talk about two dramatic examples of biblical characters who used their serious doubts as tools of growth in God’s service. Join us for Part I of this eye-opening journey through one of the most common challenges that humanity faces each and every day. It is “undoubtedly” worth your attention!

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Chaos rules. Just look around at the world’s social, political and moral condition. We all want what we want, and we seem to now go to greater lengths than ever before to demand that we have it. Having what we want doesn’t stop there, as we now more often than not demand that what I want is accepted by all. This chaos is not merely limited to my social media presence. Oh no, it expands into my perceived right to relabel any and every aspect of life as I see fit. From politics to family dynamics, to workplace expectations to educational environments, we are running towards a social order founded upon disorder. What are we as Christians supposed to do with all of this? How could these unsettling and monumental developments possibly be a part of God’s plan?

Is the chaos more powerful than God?Because God is so powerful we might expect that He would have created a world where order and clarity rule. Looking around, our world is clearly not in line with such a seemingly simple guideline. Does this mean the chaos in our society today is beyond God’s ability to manage? The answer here is a simple no. No level of it on any level of creation is beyond God’s capacity to handle. More than that, God has and will often use the chaos of humanity as a tool to further His plan.

We believe the vast majority of the conflict we see around us would – from God’s perspective – fit into the general description of what we will call “permitted chaos.” While chaos can mean complete disorder, it can also mean a disorder that is beyond our capacity to understand or measure. What we see as ridiculously out of control, God can see as a state of affairs that are a means to an end.

Chaos, or perceived chaos, exists in every level of life. It is easy to see it in the big things, like international conflicts and political rivalries. On these levels, we observe the news through whatever version of reporting we have chosen, and then we respond. Our response is often filled with angst and frustration, as what we observed, no matter whose side we are on, is going the wrong way.

Enter our social media experience.We tell people what we think and often do so in an unfiltered and harsh manner. We now are chaos contributors as we further provoke the ill will and combativeness we are already fed up with.

All of this seems to be a vicious cycle of never-ending unrest. So, what do we do? Check out our October 2, 2023 podcast, “Can We Be Content With Chaos?” for more. We examine the varied kinds of “permitted chaos” God allows to affect our lives and establish patterns of response. In this world, chaos is a given, until God’s kingdom is established. Join us as we face its challenge and find ways to have godly contentment as we cope. This is a journey well worth taking!

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To claim the name of Christ and call ourselves Christians means we are claiming ourselves to be separate from the world. This sounds like a noble claim – and it is – though sometimes you’d never know it. Think about how many people make this claim and bear the Christian label but seem to be just like everyone else. This is a sad testimony to how, over time, Christian practices have been severely diluted. In many cases, this watered-down approach is to the point of not even being able to recognize true Christian principles. For someone who has just come to Christ, this can be a serious challenge. Are these new Christians being guided into the process of following Jesus’ footsteps, or to some other examples? What should any and every new Christian be focused on learning and growing towards?

Let’s begin with the bottom line.To be a Christian is work, and this work actually begins even before we claim the name of Jesus. The seemingly little-known fact of the matter is, we don’t simply choose to be Christians; rather, we are called to be Christians. We know this because it was a plain statement of Jesus that he gave as a response to some who were grumbling at his teachings. He said, “No one comes to me except the Father draw him.” So, where is the work? It begins with being open to God’s call. Because this call is NOT an audible voice, those who are called need to be attuned to the change God is drawing them to.

Our response.Once we are aware of this drawing, our next task is to respond. Jesus informed us throughs parables that responding to the call of discipleship requires an investment of thought and consideration. For many of us, our experience in coming to Christ was energized and emotional. We realized that we were sinners, and we ran towards Jesus for the forgiveness of those sins. While this certainly is a good beginning, it is not what true discipleship is all about. You don’t simply get emotional and then essentially sign a contract that requires you deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Jesus!

Hearing this approach to being a Christian can come across as depressing. All we have talked about is work, thinking, sacrifice and dying for Jesus. Is it really all just work and effort? Of course not! There is MUCH more to this call. Check out our September 25, 2023 podcast, “I’m a New Christian! Now What?” for more. Along with the work, we also examine the blessings. After all, Jesus said that his true followers would be with him in heaven. He said that God’s spirit would dwell within them and guide them. He said that he would give them rest, that his “yoke is easy” and his “burden is light.” Join us as we look at the whole of the journey that true Christians are called to take. It is so worth it!

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As we have discovered from Parts I and II of this series, God is the Mighty One who has power and authority. He is the Self-Existing One who created humanity in His image for the purpose of having a personal relationship with them. Planet Earth was and is to be the eternal habitation of this human family. As God revealed Himself through man’s experiences, many aspects of His character became evident. He is the Supreme and Exalted Sovereign. He is all-sufficient and caring, and He continually provides. Not only is He “Jehovah Elohim” of individuals, but He is “Jehovah of Hosts.” He sanctifies, shepherds and brings peace to those who follow Him. He is our rock, our fortress, and through His providence, He provides salvation. This is a mere sampling of the breadth of God’s character as revealed in the Old Testament.

New Testament/New DepthWith the depth of explanation of who God in the Old Testament, you would think there would be little to add or clarify in the New Testament. Well, nothing could be further from the truth! The New Testament does far more than expand our understanding of God’s name, nature and character. It opens up a whole level of meaning and gives us a whole new depth of appreciation as well.

The way this all happens is really quite simple. In the first two parts of this series, we saw specific and dynamic patterns unfold. The further God’s plan unfolded, the more clearly He was able to be understood. In the beginning, God was the God of power and authority. After all, He created the heavens and the earth. He then became known as the God of relationship as it was revealed that the entire creative process was to accommodate His human creation. Fast forward, and Abraham became a “friend” of God. Fast forward again to when Israel was delivered from slavery and God became the “Lord of Hosts!” From there, He was sanctifier, protector, shepherd, and so much more. As time went on, so the understanding of God increased.

“Father,” a radically new titleNow the New Testament rolls in, and it’s time for Jesus to come as the Messiah. This would represent THE single most significant step forward in all of God’s plan. Jesus would come to cancel all of sin for all of humanity through his sacrifice. Such a world-changing step brought a world-changing view of God along with it. And it all came down to one simple common word that had been used through every generation of humanity’s history: Father.

Jesus proclaimed God to be his Father. This had never happened before and would have been a shocking change. More than this, Jesus said that those who followed him would also be able to claim God as their Father! What did all of this mean? Check out our September 18, 2023 podcast, “Who is God? (Part III)” for more. We delve deeply into this amazing description of God and all that it implies. Join us as we work to wrap our own minds around this profound, reverent and inspirational way to better understand God our Father!

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So many people believe God is a man-made myth. They see Him as a figment of the imagination of religious zealots who desperately seek some kind of higher power. When you look at mythological gods or the gods of some religious factions, you can certainly see the reasoning for that point. However, when we look […]

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Whether we like it or not or believe it or not, the presence of powers higher than our human understanding cannot be denied. The debate begins and rages when we try to label these powers. Our human perspectives, belief systems and even how we claim to apply science all come into play here. As Christians, we by definition believe God is the ultimate source of power. We believe Him to be wise, just and loving in His expressions of that power. But how do we know this to be true? It is no surprise that the answer to knowing who God is exists in a very broad and orderly fashion in the Bible. Literally starting at the beginning will lay a foundation for us to not only begin to understand God, but to also begin to have a deep appreciation of who He really is.

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When Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his disciples in Matthew 28, “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” He told them to baptize these disciples and teach them all that he had taught and commanded them to know and do. Ten days later, God’s spirit came upon the apostles, and this is where […]

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n our last episode, we talked about many big picture aspects of how the humbling and amazing privilege of prayer works. We learned that, as is usually the case with true Christian discipleship, there is much more to praying than talking to God about things and letting him know what we need and want. Today […]

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Prayer is an incalculably awesome privilege, and yet it is massively misunderstood. Prayer can easily become a ritual, an almost automatic activity like brushing our teeth. We know we need to do it because we know it’s really good for us. So, we do it at what we think are the appropriate times and in […]

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It is a natural human response to want to be recognized for who we are and for what we contribute. This is easy to observe. Just look at a small child who does something to be helpful or obedient. When their parent recognizes and praises their behavior, their face beams with delight! While it is […]

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In our last episode, we spoke with our good friend and brother in Christ, Howie Clare, from New Zealand. We met him through our Christian Questions ministry several years ago. Howie’s life had forever changed when his wife of 12 years left him with no explanation. To try and help him cope with his profound […]

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Today we want to talk about freedom. Not freedom in the sense of being released from some form of physical captivity, and not freedom in the sense of being able to express yourself without fear. No, the freedom we want to focus on is bigger and deeper. It is the freedom we can be given […]

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Israel. Just say the name and likely if anyone listening follows anything about events on the world stage, they will have a strong opinion one way or another. This is fascinating because the nations of Togo and Honduras, while not well-recognized in world events, have about the same population as Israel. What is it about […]

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We have all been wronged by someone. Sometimes the wrong is especially deep and hurtful, and we are debilitated by it. We have all also heard the saying “forgive and forget.” The forgiving part sounds like a really magnanimous Christian thing to do. However, it can be deeply challenging, depending upon the hurt we have […]

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If we make promises, we should keep them. This statement seems simple enough, and yet when we look around, how much confidence do we have in it? Do we see an unequivocal keeping of promises in our political leadership? Do we see it in the business world? The world of advertising or education? Do we […]

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As Christians, our faith in God should translate into an unquestionable loyalty and trust. If God says something will be so, it is a guarantee it will happen. While this deep faith in the word of God should bring a powerful comfort to our lives, it’s also capable of bringing us serious doubts and concerns. […]

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Patience is one of the most understated yet powerful characteristics any human being can have. Most of us think of patience as simply waiting things out – it’s raining and we can’t start the game until it stops, so let’s be patient. While this is a true facet of patience, biblical patience goes much further […]

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The Lord’s prayer in Matthew chapter 6 is perhaps the most commonly quoted teaching of Jesus. This prayer is simple and pointed in its focus. “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.” This beginning teaches us not only to acknowledge God as Father but to hallow, to reverence, His very name. The […]

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It seems like it would be a no brainer to say that following Christ and following Christianity today are synonymous. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Imperfect human beings have always been very adept at creating alternative interpretations and approaches to most everything. Christianity is no exception. In Part I of our 2-part series, we […]

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When someone says they are a Christian, their claim can be easily interpreted in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, following the name of Christ has been a dramatically devalued description of religion over many centuries. Think back to the Dark Ages when the church mercilessly hunted, tortured and killed non-believers for the sake of “saving souls” in the name of Christ. Think about the smorgasbord of choices one now has available. We can choose a brand of Christianity that suits our lifestyle and fulfills our preferences. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ was not always this way. In the time of Jesus and the apostles, it meant something higher and had an eternal purpose. The question we all need to ask ourselves is simple. Is my chosen brand of Christianity in complete accord with Jesus’ original teachings?

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As a Christian, taking the time to understand what we think about is a worthy and necessary investment of our time and effort. When you look at anyone who is truly successful at any endeavor, you will always find that one of the common denominators of their success is controlling their minds. In Part I of this two-part series, we spent considerable time piecing together the groundwork the Apostle Paul laid out in Philippians 4 as a basis for productive Christian thinking. He understood the demands of Christianity and cared enough about his fellow disciples to teach us not only what he knew, but how to apply that knowledge. One major result of his spiritual wisdom was the letter he wrote to the Philippians.

The Apostle Paul’s “dwell on these things” list was and is much more than a gathering up of nice and inspiring things to focus on. It was actually a specific and dynamic grouping of necessary characteristics that every true Christian must understand and internalize. Paul himself made this clear when he told us to “dwell on these things.” The Greek word here used for “dwell” is very pointed. It is a precise word for taking inventory of something. It focuses us on giving these featured characteristics a highly calculated and proven value in our Christian walk.

Beautiful and of good reportIn Part I, we saw how dwelling on what is true, honorable, right and pure, presents a broad-based foundation for our thinking. Without these characteristics, what follows can easily go off track. The next two characteristics Paul gives us to dwell on are things that are “beautiful” and “of good report.” It is easy to see how we can pick and choose what we apply this list to, and end up focused on worldly things instead of spiritual things. With such an easy detour, how do we keep our minds firmly entrenched in godliness?

What do we simply acknowledge and what do we dwell upon?It all comes down to the straightforward comparison between what we acknowledge and what we allow our minds to dwelling upon. There are many things in our world that are worthy of our notice and support. There are wonderful causes, just and righteous actions, things of beauty and experiences of victory and success that we can and should stand up for. However, this acknowledgment is entirely than dwelling upon things spiritually true, noble, just, pure, beautiful and of good report. These feed our lives in ways that things of the world simply cannot.

Check out our recent podcast “We Are What We Think About, So What Are We Thinking About? (Part II)” for more. As we establish our approach to thought priority, we also look into the last two items on Paul’s list – things that are excellent and praiseworthy. Paul is teaching us a comprehensive way to think and leaves no stone unturned. He lifts our minds above that which is natural to that which is spiritual. Join us for this awakening journey of learning, application and change!

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Most of us don’t realize just much of our lives come down to our own personal choices. We have far more power over how we handle our everyday experiences than we give ourselves credit for. Why wouldn’t we claim this power so we can better influence our path? Because we subtly and regularly fall into habits of thinking that lull us into a lukewarm and compliant attitude of submission. The Apostle Paul was all about helping us, as his fellow disciples of Christ, challenge the status quo and reset our minds so we can daily think and choose with spiritual clarity. Much of the letter he wrote to the Philippian Christians focused in on the adverse conditions in life and how to think through them. Examining this letter is the first step to better focusing our Christian thinking!

The Apostle Paul really loved his fellow Christians at Philippi. While on house arrest under Roman guard, he wrote them a comprehensive letter concerning their Christian growth and development. One of his conclusionary teachings in this letter is found in the commonly read verse of Philippians 4:8. Paraphrased it says, “Finally, whatever is true, honorable, right, pure lovely or of good report, if there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, dwell on these things.”

This letter to the Philippians is a tutorial on several of the high standards that true discipleship requires. Paul showed us how to handle limiting circumstances by talking about his own imprisonment. He implored all of his brethren to work through their issues in a unified fashion. He focused us on the importance of leaving our old standards of success behind and instead seeking success in a life of sacrifice. These and many other teachings were all in place to address the building up of a mature Christian mind.

A special listPaul then gave us the list of things he pointed us to and what we should dwell upon. This was no mere listing of nice things to preoccupied us. This was a list of solid, connected, sequential and spiritually-sound priorities. Dwelling on them meant we were to use them as solid foundation stones of our Christian lives.

First on this list was the instruction to dwell on what is true. As we dig more deeply into his teaching, we realize the apostle was pointing us not to general worldly truth, but to godly eternal truth. All of the rest of his “think about this” list had its foundation in this solid beginning. Check out our May 15, 2023 podcast, “We Are What We Think About, So What Are We Thinking About? (Part I)” for more. After comprehensively summarizing the letter to the Philippians, we delve into the meaning of what is true, what is honorable, what is right and what is pure. What we find is the beginnings of a profound and life-altering approach to setting our minds up for true Christian thinking. Join us as we begin to learn what to think about and how to think about it!

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The thought that God is a God of anger – especially in the Old Testament – is alive and well. It’s a very convenient thought. All one has to do is select from the many passages in the Old Testament that show God commanding the destruction of this or that people. It’s easy to say He has anger issues and therefore should not be worshipped. The only problem is that this conclusion is in direct opposition to the truth. To grasp the correct thought, we need to begin by focusing on putting God’s anger into its proper context. This basic exercise opens up a perspective on God’s anger that redefines it. Simply stated, God’s anger is an occasionally used tool of His overwhelmingly just, loving, wise and powerful character. He is SO much bigger than He is given credit for.

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We all know someone who has been in some kind of altercation that didn’t end well. When we go back and look at the events, we always want to know who started it. What we are looking for is who initially provoked the other party to cause the chain of events that led to someone on some level being hurt. The point is, provoking one another is not usually looked at as a good thing as we think of things like sibling rivalries or having someone “push your buttons.” However, with an appropriate approach, provoking others can be a powerful tool, as it can stimulate them to positive action and conflict resolution. So, how do we do that? How do we provoke others towards everything good and avoid provoking them towards anything bad?

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Christian faith is a big deal. The Bible tells us that faith is a gift from God. It tells us the just live by faith. It tells us that faith without works is dead, and that without faith, it is impossible to please God. It tells us that we can be of little faith needing more and then it tells us that if we have faith like the grain of a tiny mustard seed, we can move mountains. With all of these varied and important applications of faith it is surprising that defining faith and how it really works can be difficult tasks. Faith is far too often described as a feeling or a pathway to believing in something that has no substance. When it comes to biblically defined faith, nothing could be further from the truth!

Christian faith frequently comes under fire as foolishness.Skeptics seem to love to challenge us to “prove” that there is a God. Their standards of proof require us to show God to them, which is simply not possible. Interestingly, biblical faith is defined as “a conviction of the reality of something unseen, based on credible evidence.” We believe in God because we see unmistakable evidence pointing to Him.

Christian faith is a sincere belief in that which is sensible.Let’s use a cell phone as an example. Think of all the planning, engineering, manufacturing and testing that goes into it. We all use them, and we all credit their manufacturers and the genius minds that created such incredible devices. Now, what would it take for nature to duplicate that creation? Seriously. Would any of us EVER believe that the wind, the sea, the land and elements, on their own by just the forces of nature could create one? Of course not. That would not fit the biblical definition of faith, because believing in such a thing would be foolishness.

While this may be obvious, many critics of Christian faith seem to do this very thing. They credit the forces of nature with creating DNA, which is so complex that it took a decade for our best and brightest to simply map it out so we can begin to understand it. And what about massively complex things like functional eyes, ears and noses? We credit nature, which incidentally does not have a conscious mind, with creating humans who because of their intelligence, can create little things like cell phones. Now who believes in ridiculous things, and who believes in that which is sensible?

Check out our April 24, 2023 podcast, “What Does It Feel Like to Have Real Faith?” for more. We examine biblical faith on several levels. We find that it begins by the grace of God. It is then put into our hands so we can develop it and live according to its direction. True biblical faith is no small thing, and it certainly does not fit the definition that so many label it with. Join us as we unravel the confusion surrounding what faith is and what it is not.

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Parents and Bible class teachers, this short, animated video highlights the reasons we can rely on the Bible as God’s word. Subscribe to our channel at ChristianQuestions.com/YouTube and never miss a new video!

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In all of recorded history since Adam, there has never been a time when humanity did not know pain, sorrow, trauma and death. Never. These things are so ingrained into the fabric of our lives that the very idea of not knowing pain and suffering is a pipe dream. And death? It’s a given. Everybody has death touch those around them, as we all eventually will be swallowed up by it. If we try and have someone imagine a world without these things, the thought is often met with the classic response, “That would be great, but it sounds too good to be true!” Why do we bring up this hope that sounds like a fairy tale happy ending? We bring it up because the Bible explains it through many prophecies. We bring it up because we believe it is the true conclusion of the stated plan of God.

It’s easy to blame GodBecause pain and suffering are hard things to deal with, it can become easy to blame God for our experiences with them. If God loved us, He would never allow these things to happen! I wouldn’t let my children go through such things, so why does God let us go through them? These are but two of the many reactions people have to God in the face if the difficulties of life. You can’t blame people for feeling this way, as a logical, God-based explanation for our current social circumstances is hard to find.

Does He really care?Along with these kinds of reactions, there are a list of questions people typically wonder about when trying to make sense of God in the context of our current troubles. “Does God really care about the massive suffering that humanity experiences?” is probably near the top of the list. This fundamental question demands a simple yes or no answer. If we were to answer yes, and we absolutely believe that to be true, then another question immediately follows, “If God does care, then what possible benefit could there be from the thousands of years of human suffering we have endured?” Answering this question is by necessity a much more detailed endeavor, as it requires reasoning through several levels of proof. Here again, we believe that there is a sound, scriptural and logical conclusion that can be drawn.

These two questions are a gateway to several other pertinent life questions dealing with God and the existence of things like fear, crime and violence. Check out our April 17, 2023 podcast, “Will the World’s Pain and Suffering Ever End?” for more. We directly approach these and other questions about God and humanity. Our objective is simple. To the best of our ability, we want to be able to square the loving character of God with the sin, pain, suffering and death of our present world. The good news is that there are sound and inspirational scriptural answers that provide hope and opportunity for every human being who has ever lived. God DOES have a plan! Join us as we unfold its solutions!

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“It is finished.” When Jesus said these three words, he signaled an ending. He proclaimed to those who were gazing upon his beaten and crucified body that he had completed a specific set of tasks successfully. He had done what he had set out to do. Looking back on this event, some may wonder, what did he really accomplish? If we are living God’s plan, it sure seems disjointed, broken and worthless. But all they can see are the tragedies of human choices and experiences. As we look more deeply into the final moments of Jesus’ earthly life, we will see how they were a catalyst to change the downward sin and death-ridden course that Satan had begun so long before. We will see that Jesus proclaiming, “It is finished” was also a victorious proclamation of what was to begin!

Jesus approached death after hanging on the cross for about six hours. Before that, he had been through an all-night ordeal of betrayal, illegal trials, beatings, mocking and scourging.

At the very end he said two things:

1. “It is finished.”
2. Afterwards came the loud proclamation of putting his own spirit into God’s hands.

What did he mean?Though we can’t be sure, “It is finished” seems to have been meant for those around him as he was expiring. While one can look at this statement as a very negative resignation, we think Jesus meant it as a comfort and as a sign of victory.

The list of what was actually finished at this moment of Jesus’ death is surprisingly long. His mission to become “the man Christ Jesus” was a complex mixture of doing unlikely and miraculous things, teaching revolutionary ideas and standing against the religious leaders of his time. In all of this, the theme was always the same. Do, say and stand for only what the Father had put before him. We typically think about “It is finished” in relation to all of these things. But have we ever paused and considered it in relation to what all of this cost Jesus?

Clues in Isaiah 53The 53rd chapter of Isaiah was a prophetic preview of what the sacrifices of Jesus’ earthly life would entail. Much of what Jesus went through on a personal basis is listed in its verses. When we begin to look at these scriptures just a few at a time, we realize they are showing us a series of very significant personal costs.

Check out our April 11,2023 podcast, “When Jesus Said ‘It is finished,’ What Did He Begin?” for more. Whenever there is an ending in God’s plan, there is always a beginning that follows. Jesus’ crucifixion was no exception. Join us as we examine the many challenging endings Jesus completed and uncover many glorious beginnings he brought about as a result. This journey through his personal sacrifices will deepen your appreciation of just how much Jesus gave to save us all from sin and death.

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The last week of Jesus’ earthly life was both eventful and tumultuous. His riding triumphantly into Jerusalem four days before his crucifixion was a dramatic and unmistakable display of hope and respect by the hundreds of thousands who honored him as he rode. The events that would take place after his kingly entrance into the city would also be dramatic, as the wheels of betrayal and murder would furiously spin towards their grisly end. Through all of this, Jesus never faltered in his character or objectives. Today we will focus on the powerful messages and prophetic fulfillments that came from his inspiring ride into Jerusalem, as its meaning is far deeper than many realize.

The Old Testament is full of prophecies, stories and individuals that point to Jesus.When considered, they give us a panoramic picture of what many of the details of his life would look like. Not the least of these revealed details is the prophecy in Zechariah chapter 9. This prophecy plainly revealed that the Messiah would come to Jerusalem and the people of Israel riding on a donkey and being proclaimed as their king. The prophecy shows the expansiveness of Messiah’s future kingdom, and sadly also alludes to the people rejecting their Savior.

Jesus literally fulfilled this prophecy. He literally borrowed a donkey and rode into the city. Now, one could argue he staged the event. After all, he did have to borrow the donkey! While that detail is true, we need to remember that it was impossible for him to stage the hundreds of thousands who welcomed him, lauded him as king and sought for deliverance through him as their Messiah. He could not have staged such love and adoration.

Why was this particular event so public and so important?Why did Jesus know it had to happen? It turns out that this prophecy is unquestionably linked to some other Old Testament events that also foreshadowed Jesus and his earthly mission to save the world. It also turns out that this prophecy had to be fulfilled at a precise time because of its connection to these other Old Testament events. One of the amazing parts to this whole puzzle of God’s foresight and providence is the fact that Jesus knew so many of the details and fulfillments ahead of time.

Check out our recent podcast, “Why Did Jesus Ride Into Jerusalem?” for the details. We go over the details of this event commonly known as “Palm Sunday” and their larger meaning. What we find are amazing connections to many other scriptures that profoundly deepen the meaning of God’s plan behind Jesus’ sacrifice. There is one other thing we discuss that we will simply state as a question here. What if the traditional view and appreciation of Palm Sunday was flawed? What if the Bible plainly stated that some important details of this event were absolutely different than the tradition we so easily accept? Join us for this fascinating and inspiring journey into Bible prophecy and its fulfillment!

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It is a given that life is stressful. We all know that the sheer quantity of input that we are each exposed to from the various parts of our lives is overwhelming. Now come the decisions. Do I watch, do I listen, do I click, do I respond, do I message, do I like? Now comes what is supposed to be the main part of our day, our work, or schooling or caregiving and attempting to do a good job. Next comes our down time, which for many is laughable. It is now in our downtime that we watch, listen, click, respond, message and like, so downtime easily becomes stress time. As Christians, we are supposed to have God’s peace covering our lives. I say “supposed to” because many of us have a really hard time finding that peace in the midst of our daily chaos. Where are we going wrong, and how do we correct it?

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It’s not too often that those who are young adults rise up to be the heroes of the day. Usually they are in the “figuring life out” stage, but occasionally there comes a young adult who is living far beyond that perplexity. David, who would become known as “a man after God’s own heart,” was such a young man. This designation would be made apparent when he visited the battlefront to bring food to his brothers and ended up defeating Goliath. Now, the story of his battle with Goliath is well-known, but the events leading up to that battle? Well, they deserve our attention. Focusing on what David already believed and thought – and what he said and did as a result – will reveal Five Points to a Stronger Christian Life for us. Why not learn how to be more focused on God’s will from a man after God’s own heart?

Literally, a big problemThe armies of Israel stood ready to fight the armies of the Philistines, but they had a really big problem. His name was Goliath. He was a menacing presence, a literal giant of a man standing about nine feet tall. Every day he would stand in the valley between the two armies and put out a challenge for Israel to send their best warrior to fight him to the death. It was a winner-take-all proposition. Goliath’s brash challenge was repeated day after day for 40 days. King Saul and his men stood paralyzed! How could anyone expect to be victorious over such an overwhelmingly imposing figure?

Food delivery!David, the teenage shepherd from Bethlehem, shows up to deliver food to his three brothers and cheese to their commander. He hears the brash challenge from Goliath, immediately questions what is happening and volunteers to fight the giant. David goes before King Saul, rejects the king’s offer to use his own royal armor and boldly goes down into the valley to meet Goliath for this epic battle.

Wait a minute! Why would any king ever agree to sending a teenage shepherd boy with zero military training or experience to fight a seasoned warrior in a winner-take-all battle? The answer here is deep and compelling. The bottom line wasn’t about sending a boy to do the job of an experienced and powerful man. Instead, it was all about sending the right person to meet and defeat an enormous challenge. David was that right person.

Check out our March 20, 2013 podcast, “What Can David, a Battlefront and Cheese Teach Us?” for more. We dive into why David was the right person for this overwhelming task. We look at who he had been during his short life before this challenge presented itself. We breakdown what drove him, why it drove him and how he was able to keep fear from burying him. These lessons ring loudly in our ears. Join us for this inspiring conversation with our special guest Matt Kerry, as we learn from and apply the power of David’s character to our daily lives.

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King Solomon ruled over a united kingdom of the 12 tribes of Israel. While the king celebrated the breathtaking splendor of Israel’s civil engineering feats and the exquisite opulence of his palaces and buildings, the people were being suffocated under unreasonably high taxes and forced labor. Tribal jealousies were prevalent between the northern and southern regions, especially between Ephraim in the north and Judah in the south. These conditions, along with Solomon’s impending death, set the table for a never-before-seen fracturing of national unity. But there was hope! In Part I of this 2-part series, we laid the groundwork for what would happen. Simply stated, it all came down to being given extraordinary opportunity and privilege by God and the decisions that followed these gifts.

Solomon’s son, RehoboamRehoboam was King Solomon’s son and inherited the throne of Israel when Solomon died. Becoming the king of God’s chosen people was an enormous privilege. Rehoboam had the choice to do things God’s way or to follow in his father’s later footsteps and leave God behind and do them his own way. Israel was in rough shape.

Solomon’s servant, JeroboamThe overworked and overtaxed people rallied behind one of Solomon’s valiant warriors named Jeroboam. This warrior had been told by a prophet that God would bless him and give him kingship IF ONLY he would obey God’s laws.

Here we have two men from two regions of Israel given the opportunity of a lifetime. Both had choices as to how they would handle that opportunity. Both had full knowledge of God’s influence over and protection of Israel. Both also knew of the current sorry state of the nation as it wallowed in idolatry and disunity. As we look from the outside in at the choices these two men faced, it is so easy to see what we would consider as the obvious course of action. Follow God! He has worked miracles of deliverance and victory in the past! Do things God’s way! Let Him bless you AND the people!

Sadly, neither of these men ultimately chose that path.Israel would be split into two kingdoms and have two kings. Jeroboam would rule over the ten tribes to the north, and they would be called “Israel.” He would leave a legacy of idolatry so blatant that his bloodline would end in disgrace. Rehoboam would rule over the two tribes to the south and they would be called “Judah.” His legacy was only slightly better.

How could both kings be so foolish? Check out our March 13, 2023 podcast, “Am I Throwing Away My Life’s Greatest Privilege? (Part II)” for answers. As we examine their failed choices, we do so with a mirror of self-assessment in hand. Think about this: if we claim to be true followers of Jesus, then we are claiming the highest privilege humanity has EVER been offered! How are WE handling OUR privilege? Are we really following Jesus or just doing it our way like these two kings? Don’t miss this enlightening journey as ancient history reveals our potential present day pitfalls!

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When God miraculously rescued His people from Egyptian slavery and established Israel as a nation, He put a system of rulership through judges in place that did not include having a king. We all know what happened. The people complained to the prophet Samuel because they wanted a king like everybody else. Even though they were warned of the dire consequences that a monarch would bring, they stood fast in their desire, so God let them have their way. Saul was Israel’s first king, and we all know how that ended. David was their second king, and his life and reign ended with turmoil. Solomon was their third king. His reign began in wisdom and faithfulness and ended in the grip of idolatry. From that time on, Israel’s unity fractured, and they would never have a king to rule over their entire nation again. What happened? Israel and its rulers would teach us how easy it is to throw away great privilege!

Peace and prosperity come at a priceAt the end of King Solomon’s reign, Israel was in a socially weakened state. The people were seriously suffering under the high taxes and conscripted labor that built Solomon’s empire. Israel had also become very idolatrous as Solomon’s godly wisdom gave way to the heathen beliefs of his hundreds of wives. Solomon would leave this unhealthy and ununified nation to Rehoboam, a son of one of those wives.

Before Solomon’s death, another man named Jeroboam had been told by God through a prophet that he would have the opportunity to rule Israel. The prophet said he would be blessed of God if he diligently followed God’s law and instructions. Now, Jeroboam was a valiant and trusted warrior under King Solomon and must have been quite surprised by this prophetic message.

Solomon dies and his son Rehoboam becomes kingThings begin to happen! Many of Israel’s mistreated people approached their new king through the valiant warrior Jeroboam to ask for reasonable treatment. With their request, they promised their loyalty. With this opportunity for godly righteousness right before him, the king responds by seeking to think on it for three days. Now the stage is set. On one hand we have this new King Rehoboam who has a golden opportunity to right a sinking ship. On the other hand, we have Jeroboam who was promised extraordinary blessings from God if he would lead according to God’s principles.

Who would step up and follow the incredible privilege that God put before them? Check out our March 6, 2023 podcast, “Am I Throwing Away My Life’s Greatest Privileges? (Part I)” for more. We walk through these two unique stories of opportunity and observe human reactions to God’s will. There is so much that this account can teach us! The fact is, we also have grand and godly opportunities before us every day. Learning how the responses of these two significant men in Israel’s history can show us the do’s and the don’ts of handling our own life privileges. Join us for these powerful lessons!

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Human relationships are a key factor in human survival and well-being. We need them, and God has designed humanity in such a way as to thrive when healthy relationships are present. In Part I and Part II of this three-part series, we drilled down into marriage relationships, as well as family and close friend relationships. We found striking similarities in the “how to” of making these relationships stronger. Much of our input came from 1 Corinthians 13, the “love chapter.” In our final episode of this series, we now look at our relationships within our Christian fellowship. Though the principles remain the same, what we will find here are some significant differences and challenges unique to our calling to Christ.

You may have heard the saying, “You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your relatives.” The implication is that relationships with relatives will have more inherent challenges due to this unchosen connection. Now think about our relationships with fellow Christians. These connections are based not on our personal preferences or family blood lines. They are based on the blood of Christ only. This means that those whom we would have chosen to avoid or those who were even former enemies are now in the category of being closer than a brother.

A necessary connection with our oppositesIf we claim to be true disciples of Jesus, this close connection with those who may be our opposites is a requirement. It can be an invitation for disaster if we attempt to develop it just based upon our human thoughts and feelings. Just ask those who were the earliest Christians, especially after Gentiles were called to Christ along with Jews. Before the call to all nations to follow Jesus, Jewish culture avoided Gentile influence. Now as disciples, both groups were instructed to leave their past thinking, habits and traditions behind and adopt a unified approach as a brotherhood.

Jesus told us to “Love one another as I have loved you.”How do we do that? How do we make these brotherhood relationships work on such a high level? The answers are abundantly clear in Scripture if we choose to search them out. The first 2 parts of this series laid important groundwork, as they focused on the scriptural principles of selfless love and respect. Putting these principles into practice in all of our close relationships is the necessary staring point.

Check out our February 27, 2023 podcast, “How Strong Are My Relationships? (Part III) for more. Using the scriptural basis of 1 Corinthians 13, we delve into the practicality of how to enhance our Christian fellowship. Interestingly, our love for one another needs to be based upon both selfless love and brotherly love. It needs to be profoundly respectful, coming from as pure a heart as we can possibly have. Jesus showed us how to do this, and the Apostle Paul explained it in great detail. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to be better connected to the body of Christ!

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In Part I, we opened the door to talking about strong and healthy relationships by focusing on marriage. We looked at what it is built upon, what makes it work, what hinders it and how to stay with it when challenges arise. We discovered a powerful scriptural pattern for success that can be traced to the simple descriptions of what selfless love is and is not in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Our next set of relationships will focus on our families and closest friends. In many ways, these relationships are similar to the marriage relationship and what it stands for and therefore can be nurtured and healed with the same scriptural principles. God’s design in all of this is truly magnificent!

Greek to EnglishThere is such a difference between the English and Greek languages. In English, we talk about loving our family, loving our friends and loving selflessly by using the same word, “love.” In Greek, these different types of love are expressed with specific and precise words. Greek defines love of family and friends with specific words that are all based on a fraternal relationship. The Greek word for “selfless love” is entirely different and expresses a love and caring that gives without a need to receive. Understanding these differences in the meaning of love helps us to see the depth of the Bible’s instruction regarding our relationships.

Family and close friend relationships are easy targets for frustrations and issues. Because we have such a close natural or chosen connection with these individuals, we are easily liable to fall into misunderstanding and disagreement. Fortunately, the Bible gives us several ways to approach these challenges. One basic piece of scriptural guidance is to simply listen to Jesus. This can come across as almost too basic because we are always supposed to listen to Jesus, so let’s get specific.

In Matthew 7, Jesus talked about judging others.His guidance was unmistakable as he stated it in an exaggerated example. To paraphrase, he instructed us to remove the log out of our own eye before we try and remove the speck of sawdust out of someone else’s eye. This is a simple lesson that teaches us to right our own attitude and perspective before approaching those things in someone we care about. Being willing to do this shows that we truly care for and respect those in our lives who may be having issues.

This is just one of many practical ways the Bible helps us to feed and nurture our family and close friend relationships. Check out our February 20, 2023 podcast, “How Strong Are My Relationships? (Part II)” Further steps and guidance include a deeper grasp of the listening process and what to do after we listen. We also delve into the profound realization of how to connect brotherly and family love with the selfless love that Jesus taught us. Learning to put these things together is learning to have stronger family and friend relationships. What are we waiting for?

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This may sound odd, but for a moment think about your personal relationships like a car. You depend on your car though you generally don’t think much about it. When you get in it you are ready to go, and if it doesn’t start or it breaks down, it creates issues. A lack of attention and maintenance will inevitably bring trouble. Proper maintenance is key to keep it running smoothly and to keeping you happy. Well, our personal relationships are immeasurably more important than our car, so we need to keep them in good working order as well. Because there are so many kinds of personal relationships, let’s start by looking at marriage. What are some basic principles to keep our Christian marriage going and growing?

When we think about what a healthy marriage looks like, most of us think about being happy. We think about quality time, doing things for one another, encouraging each other, giving to each other and intimacy. Images of things like walking together along a deserted beach or being surprised with a gift or gesture, or going on an adventure or a having quiet dinner for two give us a sense of a powerful marriage connection. All of these things are awesome, and we’d all love to be there! But how do we do it? How do we build our marriages up to this kind of sharing and security?

Let’s face it, life is incredibly complicated and busy.Even thinking about all of these sharing experiences can be stressful – nevermind actually doing them. The unfortunate equation many of us find even our Christian marriage trapped by looks something like this: Work stress plus responsibility, multiplied by financial challenges, plus social media, multiplied by digital entertainment equals no time and little desire left to intentionally strengthen our marriages! What we would love to have is seemingly inaccessible as we face the tangle and drain of simply living everyday life.

There is a better way.The starting point to untangle the confusing mess of life’s expectations begins with doing one thing and understanding two principles. The one thing is to self-assess. Decide that the responsibility for making your marriage better lands squarely on your shoulders. Now, you might respond that marriage is by definition give and take, contributions from both sides! You could not be more correct! However, the process of positive change always begins with taking personal responsibility to take the first small steps, regardless of what anybody else does. Simple…but not easy.

Check out our February 13, 2023 podcast, “How Strong Are My Relationships? (Part I) for more. We expand on this self-assessing process by homing in on what to focus on, which brings us to our two principles: LOVE and RESPECT. The key here is understanding that the kind of love we are talking about is the kind Jesus showed us. It is a love that graciously, selflessly gives. And respect, well, that’s much bigger than we might think as well. These are just our starting points. Join us for the rest of the story!

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We all would agree that truth is important. Legally we know it is critical. When pressed to speak the truth under oath in the United States, you are asked, “Do you solemnly swear/affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God/under pains and penalties of perjury? As important as this sounds, we human beings are often lazy about truth and even afraid of it. Winston Churchill once said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.” So, what is truth? Are there absolute truths? How can we know which ones are reliable and which ones are merely situational?

As they sought to unjustly put Jesus to death, the Pharisees brought him before Pilate and presented their case. When Pilate saw no merit in their accusations, he questioned Jesus without them. After some conversation, Jesus told Pilate that he came to proclaim the truth and those who heed his voice are of the truth. Pilate had a dilemma. Those who accused Jesus were supposed to be truthful religious leaders, and yet Jesus was innocent. How could their story be so far off from what Jesus said? It was here that he uttered his famous question, “What is truth?”

To many, truth is subjective.We live in a time where information and opinions are overwhelmingly accessible. At every turn, we are encouraged to create and adopt our own personal truths. These conditions result in endless debates and demands regarding the acceptance of our truths. In such a state, truth becomes what we decide it should be. Sadly, we are confused and misled with these conclusions. Why? We have confused “truth” with personal observations, opinions and values.

Have you heard the one about the elephant?The famous story of a group of blind men seeking to describe an elephant by their touch observations reminds us of this. In one version of the story, the first man thought the elephant was like a snake as he held onto its trunk. The second described it to be like a rope as he held its slender tail. The third man described the elephant to be like a pillar or tree trunk as he put his arms around one of its massive legs. All of these men were right. All of them spoke the truth, and yet none of them could fully describe the elephant, as they were limited by their own perspective.

Checkout our February 6, 2023 podcast, “What is Truth?” for more. We challenge the adoption and acceptance of personal truths as unquestionable truth. We examine what absolute truth is and how it, by definition, must be above and beyond our human framework. The conclusions are inspiring as we see how God and His word can lead us to absolute truth. Truth is always true, even if we choose not to believe it. Join us on our journey towards the freedom that comes from knowing and embracing genuine, unchangeable truth!

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There are some questions that are just plain difficult. One of those questions that many believers in God may wrestle with has to do with God seemingly allowing Satan to run the show. Let’s face it, evil stinks and we just want it to go away. Yet, God has continued to let Satan’s influence dominate our world for thousands of years! Most Christians believe God is absolutely capable of destroying Satan but begins to fall short when asked why it has not yet happened. Answers touch on God creating all of His spiritual and earthly intelligent beings with free choice, and this is a great start. The key factor in all of this is seeing HOW God gives each being a free choice and the ability to have fair and just choices.

Unbelievers incapable of seeing the gospelIn 2 Corinthians chapter 4 the Apostle Paul is talking about unbelievers. He describes them as incapable of seeing the gospel. Why are they incapable? In verse 4 he says they have been blinded by Satan, the “god of this world.” He is not saying they blinded themselves, or purposefully ignored the gospel. He is clear that they can’t see it because Satan has made it so. When Jesus spoke the Parable of the Sower and the Seed, he made a similar claim. He interpreted the birds eating the seed by the roadside as Satan taking the gospel message before it could be appreciated.

Is Satan in control?Seeing both Jesus and the Apostle Paul making such plain statements about Satan’s ability to control the gospel’s reach can raise questions. Who is really in charge here? Why hasn’t God stopped – or at least diminished – Satan’s reach, especially regarding the gospel? The answers are simple. God IS in charge. Period. He hasn’t thwarted Satan’s influence because it is not yet time for that part of His Plan. While these are simple answers, they certainly need detailed reasoning and scriptural support to reveal their logic and harmony.

Let’s begin to open the door to those important details. Consider that God’s continued allowance for Satan to keep on living is an integral part of His Plan to benefit ALL of His created beings. Satan’s rebellion actually serves God’s plan in two ways:

1. Satan’s continued existence and influence serve as an undeniable and unavoidable example of what rebellion against God’s righteousness unfolds.
2. Satan’s continued existence and influence serve as the basis for testing each and every one of God’s created beings. Every intelligent created being will ultimately choose to stay loyal to God’s righteousness OR ultimately choose to follow the darkness of Satan.

Check out our January 30, 2023 podcast, “Why Doesn’t God Just Destroy Satan?” for more. We provide strong scriptural reasoning to support these two reasons for Satan’s continued existence. We do this by tracing how Satan initially got the power he now abuses. Next, we trace how this power grab exactly fits into God’s eternal purposes and what its end result will be. Join us for an eye-opening journey that helps us see the wisdom, power and love of God!

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Everybody sins. We can’t help it because we are imperfect, and therefore we will inevitably fall. As Christians, we can and should claim the amazing advocacy of Jesus, ask forgiveness, make right what we did wrong and move on. But are there sins that go beyond what Jesus can help us with? Are there “unforgivable” sins? Are there sins that once committed doom us to eternal death? The Scriptures do say such sins exist. The good news is the Bible is specific about what they are and how they work. The difficult news is that some verses are hard to understand, and that can lead to confusion. So, what are sins that go beyond forgiveness, and how can we stay far away from them?

What if I accidentally commit this type of sin?First and foremost, we need to understand that according to the Bible, no one can commit a sin that dooms them to eternal death by accident. Many seem to walk through their lives with this fear hanging over their heads. What if I said this or did that without realizing it? Or, what if I did something as a joke or out of immaturity or a whim in the past – does that doom me to future eternal death? The answer here is no. Sins with no resurrection are not accidental. Remember, God is just and not vengeful. He is wise and not emotionally driven. He is powerful, not reactionary, and He is love but not weak.

However, this is not to say that being foolish about or disrespectful to God and His eternal power is ever advisable. It never is, as we all bear responsibility for our thoughts, words and deeds. The primary principle that needs establishing in this whole discussion has to do with “who.” Who is liable to committing a sin that leads to eternal death? The Bible unequivocally speaks about a resurrection for all of humanity that brings them an opportunity for reconciliation. This one fact tells us that all of humanity therefore does not have such liability here in this present age. If they did, they obviously would not be raised out of death.

Not all Christians are in this categoryThe liability to a death with no resurrection falls upon Christians, but NOT on all Christians. Once again, you look at this and think, what? The explanation for this is clearly laid out in Scripture and really is a must see. Check out our January 23, 2023 podcast, “What Sins Can Never Be Forgiven?” for more. We systematically go through the three sets of scriptures that always seem to come up when talking about sins with no resurrection. We find is a deep subject that has been muddied in its understanding and application over time. Phrases like “speaking against the holy spirit being unforgivable,” “the second death,” “for whom black darkness has been reserved forever” are all put in order. Join us as we attempt to separate out all of the mystery and leave just the plain statements of biblical truth to learn from. You don’t want to miss this!

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The Bible is full of examples of God’s love, justice, wisdom, power and plan. It is a fountain of mercy and foresight, and a treasure trove of prophecy. Understanding the magnitude of all these things helps us see God as the Sovereign Creator and Father that He really is. But wait, there’s more! Running through ALL of the descriptions we just mentioned is another facet of God’s character – His grace. The word for “grace” in the Bible has many shades of meaning. When we understand how this word is applied to God in both the Old and New Testaments, we are given a profound glimpse into the depth and breadth of His character. God’s grace is and always has been a game changer. Let’s see how!

A giftGod’s grace is often and accurately described as His unmerited favor. On a mere human level, this concept can be exciting and fulfilling. Suppose you know someone who has a favorite sports team. You decide one day that you will buy them two tickets to an important game their team will play in. You buy the tickets not because you are returning some favor, but simply because you want to give them something that was previously out of their reach. Finally, you give them the tickets and they are stunned in their joy and surprise.

This is a tiny example compared to the magnitude of God’s grace. His grace is expressed in many ways at many times under many circumstances. Think of the gift of Jesus. The Bible says God gave us this gift as an expression of His grace. This means that we are ransomed from death because God wanted to give humanity the unmerited gift of an opportunity for eternal life. This gift changes everything about the futures of every human being who has ever lived. It’s a pretty big gift! So, is our reaction to it as joyful as receiving tickets to a big game?

What if they are just paper?How would you feel if your friend you gave those tickets to never went to the game and instead just stared at the tickets and loved the fact that they had them? Your reaction would be that they missed the point of the gift. You wanted them to be at the actual game and not just appreciate the fact that they could go. It is the same with God’s grace, only on a massively larger level. He doesn’t want us to simply appreciate the opportunity for life; He wants us to live in that opportunity, to change and grow as a result of its presence in our lives. God’s grace always seeks an active response!

Check out our January 16, 2023 podcast, “What Does God’s Grace Do for Us?” for more. We reveal the countless ways His grace is described, give examples of how it works and lay out what it does for us. God’s grace is bigger and more powerful than we think. Do yourself a favor and join us for an awe-inspiring look at the grace that changes the world!

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We all know people who are visionaries, you know, the kind of people who change the world around them. They see things others don’t. They imagine possibilities others can’t. This often results in them taking risks in ways others won’t. While we appreciate these trendsetters, most of us are not that kind of visionary. However, we can and should be visionaries for our own lives. So, where do we find the inspiration and guidance for our life’s vision? As Christians, the obvious answer is to look to the Bible. The only problem with this is, we often see the Scriptures through the eyes of our own limitations. Today, let’s look more closely to see if we can find a biblically motivated vision for our lives that we can really invest ourselves into.

The prophet Habakkuk had a problem. His vision of the world around him focused on the ever-increasing power of the surrounding heathen nations. He was struck with a fear of Israel being overrun by them. He brought his fearful vision before God in a very forceful and straightforward manner. God answered his fears in a straightforward manner as well. He told Habakkuk that his fears would be realized but that also, God’s will and way would win in the end. God told him that his job as a prophet was to be a watcher. Habakkuk was to write down the message so others could understand how God would eventually prevail. His job was to relay God’s vision of the future to the people.

Habakkuk’s problems are our problemsWe often have the same kind of problems as Habakkuk had. We too can be easily overwhelmed by our immediate circumstances and future. We too can feel lost when it comes to how to cope with the big unknowns of life. Like Habakkuk, we too can find peace and direction with all of this, but only if we do what Habakkuk did. Habakkuk found a powerful and compelling vision for his life. Finding this vision required him to abandon his old ways of thinking and adopt an entirely new perspective. That perspective was only available to him when he thoroughly committed himself to acting not in fear but in faith.

How can we adopt the same kind of powerful and motivating vision for our lives? Check out our January 9, 2023 podcast, “Does My Life Have a Motivating Vision?” for answers.

Five specific stepsIt turns out that there were five specific steps Habakkuk followed to change his vision. The first of these steps was to put his fears and questions before God. He requested answers. He not only requested, he also put himself in a position to hear and accept anything that God would reveal. We’re not prophets like Habakkuk, so we won’t literally hear God’s voice. We can, however, see God’s will through a Bible-based approach to our experiences. Join us as we uncover the steps Habakkuk laid out and learn how to find and follow our own life-motivating vision!

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The rapture is a controversial teaching with its basis on one short set of verses in 1st Thessalonians. It is a teaching that has a wide spectrum of interpretations and applications. This teaching tightly unites those who believe in it, but more and more it terrifies many who have some association with it. In Parts I and II of our 3-part series, we began systematically walking through the scriptures in question. As we have attempted to clearly define each element of these scriptures, we have seen many of the contradictions and inconsistencies with this rapture teaching rise to the surface. In Part III, we closely examine what it means to be “caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Our only objective is to adhere to what the Bible really teaches and walk away from anything else.

The main scriptures used to teach a rapture1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NASB) reads: For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. The rapture teaching interprets these verses in a very dramatic way. As soon as Jesus returns with an audible cry and the blast of a trumpet, he miraculously and immediately raises all faithful Christians who had died over the last 2,000 years. In the next moment, he snatches up to heaven those Christians who are still living on the earth. What is left behind is chaos, fear and destruction.

Quick recapWhile this rapture teaching uses Scripture as its basis, its conclusions could not be further from the true meaning of those texts. In Parts I and II of our series, we explained the scriptural basis for and the method of Jesus’ return. We discussed how his return begins in a stealth-like manner – as a “thief in the night.” Then we defined the spiritual nature of the “shout” and “trumpet.” We talked about what the “dead in Christ” rising first means. We defined what we know and don’t know about their resurrection. All of these carefully considered details firmly disprove the rapture teaching.

Check out our January 2, 2023 podcast, “Do I Suffer from Rapture Anxiety? Part III” for more. We focus in on what it really means to those Christians living on earth at Jesus’ return “to be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Our conclusions are based on the immediate and larger context of these verses, the meanings of the words, and the harmony of the rest of the Bible. The result is a teaching that brings hope and joy, not only to all faithful Christians, but to every other human being as well. Please join us for this in-depth, 3-part study of God’s Word. It may change your life!

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Christmas is such a great time of year! It gives people something to look forward to, something to be excited about. Decorations spring up and brighten our environment. We love giving gifts and we certainly love receiving them. Most of us get some extra time off to be with family or to just be able to do things. Sadly, the foundational reason behind this great time of year has become less and less relevant. All of this giving and good will stems from recognizing and honoring the birth of the most influential and heroic human being in all of world history. With the birth of Jesus, the world began to change. For most people that change has been imperceptible for the last 2,000 years, but it is happening. How do we know? An angel told us! Did you hear what he said?

400 years of silenceGod often communicated with ancient Israel by sending prophets and angels to deliver His messages. Before the time leading up to Jesus’ birth, there was a 400-year prophetic and angelic silence from God. When angelic messages began to be delivered after this 400-year silence, it meant that something of great importance was happening. That something was the birth of Jesus, and it was a sacred and important event in God’s eyes. When angels speak, those being spoken to should listen with care.

Zacharias was literally left speechlessTo have one angelic message delivered regarding a specific series of events would be dramatic, especially after centuries of God’s silence. It could easily have left the recipient speechless, and as a matter of fact, that is exactly what happened. Zacharias, the man who would be John the Baptist’s father, was struck speechless when he was visited by an angel and doubted the angel’s message. Zacharias learned much from this, and his experience made him stronger in faith and devotion. The point is, after his initial doubts, he listened to the angel and acted on what he had heard.

To have two angelic messages delivered would be awe inspiring. Mary would be the next recipient of an angelic message. She also listened to the angel, even though her responsibilities from that message would fundamentally change every aspect of her life. One common thread from both of these angelic messages was their connection to ancient biblical prophecies. By listening to the angel’s messages, both Zacharias and Mary were also listening to Bible prophecy.

But this is just the beginning. In all, there were seven messages from God to those who were involved before and after Jesus’ birth. Check out our December 26, 2022 podcast, “Am I Listening to the Angel?” for more. We outline these seven messages and look at their connection to prophecy and God’s plan. What we find is a profoundly revealing pattern. Those angelic messages were not merely meant for those specific individuals to whom they were given. They were and are ageless messages for all of us. The question is, are we listening to the angels?

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God’s plan for humanity is powerful, positive and proactive and is built upon the ransom price Jesus paid for every man, woman and child who ever lived. This plan is one of great joy! All scriptural events and prophecies point to the unfolding of this plan. As we observed in Part I of this series, the widely held Christian teaching of the rapture, in all of its varied interpretations, does not seem to fall in line with this plan. Instead of hope, it seems to bring distress and chaos. In Part I, we began systematically looking at the key elements of the scriptures from which this teaching is drawn. Our objective is to look at these texts in the context of the Bible itself and not the context of our opinions or our church’s doctrine. Here in part II, we continue to unfold what we believe God’s word actually teaches.

Care needs to be taken when reading the verses in 1 Thessalonians 4 that are used as the basis for the rapture teaching. In Part I of our three-part series, we examined much of verse 16, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God.” We found that the shout and the voice of the archangel were spiritual activities, things that could not be perceived by human ears. The shout is the command for all those who died in Christ to rise to heaven. The voice of the archangel is the command of God through Jesus for the reestablishment of Israel to begin, as described in Daniel 12:1.

Is the trumpet of God a literal trumpet?Because the shout and voice of the archangel are not audible to humanity, we believe that this trumpet fits the same description. It also is a spiritual sounding, but of what? 1 Thessalonians tells us that the shout, the voice and the trumpet all happen at the beginning stages of the return of Jesus. Acts 3:21 tells us that Jesus does not return until the time of final restoration of all things, so we see this as a trumpet signaling restoration. Why? In Old Testament Israel, God had arranged for a trumpet to be blown every 50 years to signal a year of jubilee. What did that mean? It meant that all things were to be restored to the way God had designed them. Jesus returns with the trumpet of final restoration!

Check out our December 19, 2022 podcast, “Do I Suffer From Rapture Anxiety? (Part II)” for more. We elaborate on the magnitude and meaning of this trumpet and what the dead in Christ rising first entails. We then go into the big questions of timing. Do all Christians who are alive at this time instantaneously rise up to heaven when this happens as the rapture teaches? The true answer to this question does not come from Christian tradition; rather, it comes from careful study of Scripture. Join us as we unfold the inspiring truths that the Word of God reveals!

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Christianity is divided into many denominations and groups. These divisions create a wide variety of teachings that elicit a wide variety of reactions. Take the rapture as an example. In its basic form, it interprets the Scriptures to say that Jesus returns with a shout and a trumpet. He raises the dead Christians to him first and then all those faithful who are still living will be dramatically and immediately taken up to him as well. For both Christians and non-Christians, the drama of this view brings eye rolls and disdain from some, excitement and anticipation from some, and all-out fear, trauma and “rapture anxiety” from others. The rapture is a big teaching based upon a few scriptures. The big question is, does this teaching fit squarely with the original Christian doctrine we learn from the Bible?

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The fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians 5 are much more than a recounting of nice things to develop as Christians. They are fundamental building blocks upon which any productive Christian life must be built. Whenever we refer to any of these nine characteristics, let’s remember there are two ways we can view them. Take love, for example, the first fruit of the spirit. Many people can exhibit selfless love in their lives, even if they’re not Christians. However, the “fruit of the spirit” love is based on God’s own example through Jesus, and therefore has a higher foundational meaning. The key to understanding all of these fruits is to see that they reflect God’s ways and not the best of our ways. In Part V of our series, we complete our discussion of this fruit and absorb their amazing impact.

In Parts I and II of this five-part series, we extensively covered the 15 sinful deeds of the flesh we humans must fight against. We saw how the Apostle Paul grouped these into specific categories of human behavior. We then moved on to Paul’s listing of the nine powerful and healing fruit of the spirit. Parts III and IV covered love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness. We learned to go beneath the surface to see how the fruit of God’s influence in our lives each contribute to our transformation.

Next on the list are faithfulness, gentleness and self-controlAs with the previous fruit, there is a depth here that needs to be explored and understood. Let’s take faithfulness as an example. Sometimes we as Christians view faithfulness as simply doing the things we know God wants us to do. We go to church to learn about the Bible, and we treat others decently. However, the faithfulness the Apostle Paul is teaching us about here is far deeper than that.

The model we are given of faithfulness is not that of each other or even the Apostle Paul. Because it is a fruit, an outgrowth of God’s spirit, this faithfulness is modeled after God himself. There are several Bible verses that tell us God is faithful. But what does that mean? It means that God is loyal to His word and His promises. If He says He will help us in our darkest trials, then that help is guaranteed to arrive. All we need to do is claim it and apply it.

Does my faithfulness portray such clarity and action?Check out our December 5, 2022 podcast, “Do I Walk in the Spirit or the Lusts of My Human Nature? (Part V)” for more. We define how our faithfulness should be a driving force in our lives and then go on to examine gentleness and self-control. As you might expect by now, gentleness is MUCH more profound than being nice, and self-control is the grand conclusion of everything! Join us as we conclude this revealing journey into what the fruit of God’s spirit can bring into our daily lives!

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When the Apostle Paul listed the “fruit of the spirit” in the 5th chapter of Galatians, he placed it right after a nasty list, recounting 15 “deeds of the flesh.” This fruit list was positioned as a remedy for any Christian who might struggle with any of those earthly issues. In Part I and II […]

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In our last two episodes, we spent significant time reviewing and understanding the Apostle Paul’s list of the deeds of the flesh in Galatians the 5th chapter. His reason for such a detailed and uncomfortable list was to give us all a clear push forward and away from such things, so we can walk towards […]

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Adam was created in the image of God. His physical human nature was fashioned in a way that would glorify God by its very existence. Once he sinned, all that changed. What was once a pure reflection of the heart and mind of God, at best became a muddied and defective reflection. Fast forward thousands […]

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It’s a simple equation with a guaranteed end result. Walk in the spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. As Christians living in an “anything goes” world, this straightforward statement can be easily overlooked and even ignored. Among the many challenges we face today, being like everyone else is among […]

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“Let go and let God.” This simple statement is focused on faith and trust, two fundamental challenges for Christians. We may think it’s easy to have faith, but when we are in times of difficulty, the depth of our true faith is revealed and sometimes revealed as seriously lacking. We may think that we have […]

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Candy, costumes parties and fun! The Halloween season with all of its excitement and trappings is upon us. On top of the fun and the sugar rush, this is a time of year particularly specializes in seeking to be horrified as another form of entertainment. The party-like atmosphere is generously sprinkled with murder, mayhem, zombies […]

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Sin is a difficult thing to handle. We are constantly challenged to daily live up to godly standards of righteousness. As our social order expands into countless variations of perceived freedoms, there are many questions that need clarifying regarding what is right and wrong in God’s eyes. Today we examine two of those questions. First, […]

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Jesus’ true disciples go to heaven. Not only did Jesus make this clear, but several other scriptures show this amazing result of God’s grace upon a life dedicated to walking in Jesus’ sacrificial footsteps. In the first two parts of this three-part series, we uncovered many heavenly privileges, inheritances and responsibilities that these faithful ones […]

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Going to heaven is a really big deal. Last week was Part I of our three-part series on what heaven-bound Christians will be doing when they get there. So far, we uncovered the mechanics of why only chosen ones are privileged to go to heaven. We began to scratch the surface regarding what these disciples […]

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It’s pretty safe to assume that most every Christian looks forward to being in heaven with Jesus if they are faithful to their call of discipleship. While this can be an exciting and positively overwhelming prospect, it can also be a future that is filled with questions. What exactly will the faithful be doing when […]

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God is all powerful and all knowing. The problem is, we often don’t think about what that really means. Not only has knowledge of God diminished in our day, but respect and reverence for Him are now scarce commodities. Humanity in this technology-driven age is prone to judge without understanding. Our benevolent Creator is an […]

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The actions of God in the Bible are an easy target for criticism. It is so easy to look into this ancient book and pick out events that may not look sensible and even make God look bad and wildly inconsistent. Examining these events carefully does reveal truth and harmony – if we are willing […]

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The Bible is a really big book. It was written by about 40 people spanning a period of over 1,500 years and in three different languages. Just these facts alone create a likelihood of its writings being misunderstood, misinterpreted and misrepresented. Claims that the Bible is a wildly contradictory book are numerous and easy to […]

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To seek and acquire wisdom seems to be a lost art in our technology-laden world. Why spend the time, seeking, gathering, learning, absorbing, internalizing and applying wisdom when you can simply Google it and be told what something means? Why invest time and effort into trying to become a “wise person” when most of your […]

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One of the great Christian challenges of our day is living a God-honoring life in a world that basically thinks you’re nuts. What role should our differences with the world around us play in how we do or don’t fit in with all that goes on each day of our lives? What specific principles do […]

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Among Christians, some of the most often quoted and beloved Old Testament scriptures are found in Psalm 23. In very few words, these six verses paint a vivid picture of God’s overwhelming care for His children. The imagery of a shepherd knowing and caring for his sheep speaks to our helplessness as we as God’s […]

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As long as no one gets hurt, I can do pretty much whatever I want! Such is the battle cry of our present age. We are so advanced in our awareness and thinking that it has become easy to throw off the once-constricting values of ages gone by and just be in the here and […]

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Technology, medicine, communication and interdependence allow a previously unimaginable world of seemingly unlimited possibilities of societal advancement and personal fulfillment. Our communication is instantaneous, and our collective demands for entertainment and happiness have never been louder. While some of this has been a blessing, Satan, as this world’s master of confusion, has blurred the lines […]

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Parenting is a difficult and often unpredictable task. In Episode 1238, we laid a scripturally-principled foundation for managing our parental “what ifs” and imperfections. We also addressed the ever-present challenge of growing confidence and competence in our children as we slowly release our parental control over them. With all of this in place, it is […]

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Raising children never has been an easy task. Methods for parenting have varied dramatically based on what time in history you are bringing up children. Disciplining children in an “appropriate” way looks entirely different now than it did just a few generations ago. The culture you live in as you raise a family also has […]

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Talking about the Day of Judgment can be difficult. The sad truth is that as magnanimous as the love and mercy of God through Jesus are, the opportunity to fail throughout the Day of Judgment will be very real. God created humanity with free will. The Day of Judgment will be about teaching our race […]

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In Part I we examined modern-day Paganism and compared it with some of the most basic tenants of Christianity as revealed in the Bible. What we found were two fundamentally different approaches to life, worship and morality. We can see that as Christians, we are absolutely to love those who hold such a contrary belief […]

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Our religious world has changed dramatically. In the bygone days of generations past. we had clear lines that marked our differences. Christianity seemed to have clear and unmistakable differences from religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Druidism. Our “one God and one Savior” approach stood in an entirely different category from the multiple-god eternal journey that […]

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Tragedy hurts. But a tragedy that involves the utterly senseless taking of the lives of innocent children is a blow to the heart that can send us reeling. Such a blow is hard to recover from and the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, is a most recent and horrifying example of this profound pain. […]

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It’s hard to stay focused, especially when that focus requires attention be given to something that is different and challenging. As Christians living in this 21st century, our responsibility is, as Jesus said when he was only 12 years old, to “be about our Father’s business.” As clear as this objective is, because we are […]

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We live in an age of tremendous knowledge, phenomenal technology and unprecedented freedom. On one hand, ours is an age where the individual reigns supreme. I can decide what’s right and wrong for me. I can also expect others to make allowances for my conclusions. On the other hand, the Gospel of Jesus Christ tells […]

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The vast majority of Christian belief systems may have a problem. What do they do with the billions of humanity who aren’t true followers of Jesus, but they aren’t terrible people either? These billions try to live a good life by being decent and kind to one another. Many of these have not heard the […]

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God does not reward sin. On the contrary, He abhors it! Satan’s first rebellious thoughts against God will result in his eventual destruction. Adam’s sin of disobedience has and continues to result in the power of sin, evil and death plaguing our world to this day. Enter Tamar and Rahab. These are two Old Testament […]

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We all get angry. In today’s social media world, we can easily find a platform to express that anger. Our anger develops when we hear or see something that we interpret as causing fear, frustration or offense. We react to our perception, and the seeds of anger are sown and grown in an instant. Once […]

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In our last episode, we deeply explored the human soul. We saw that both the Old and New Testaments clearly teach that humans ARE souls and don’t HAVE souls. We further confirmed that the Bible is explicit about the destiny of the human soul being death, as that was the irrevocable penalty for sin given […]

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Do human beings HAVE souls or ARE they souls? Do human beings have a spirit? If so, what does that mean? Or, are we really spirit beings temporarily confined in a terrestrial body? What happens when we die? Do our soul and spirit die? Do they go someplace, or do they stay together? Religions, cultures […]

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Nobody likes to suffer. Nobody wants pain, turmoil, uncertainty, tragedy or sickness to take up continual residence in their lives. When a Christian suffers by facing hard things in their daily experience, it is easy to look at it as punishment. We see these harsh experiences as a signal that something is wrong and expect […]

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When thinking about world-altering events, there is one that stands alone as the single most powerful world-changing event in the history of humanity. It is the raising of Jesus from the dead. Many call this Easter Sunday. When this event occurred so many centuries years ago, the vast majority of the world had no idea […]

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In all of human history, there has never been an event with the magnitude and drama of the nation of Israel being freed from their harsh slavery in Egypt. Millions of people and countless flocks literally walked away from generations of harsh servitude. God guided them to their freedom after the 10th plague and through […]

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Talking about the end of the world is scary. The amazing thing is that predicting it has been going on for thousands of years. Quoting a few lines from a 2009 Smithsonian Magazine article: “An Assyrian clay tablet dating to around 2800 B.C. bears the inscription: Our Earth is degenerate in these later days; there […]

The post Does the Bible Tell Us How the World Will End? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Most Christians are very aware of Satan’s influence in our world today. We know he is opposed to God and His will at all turns, and as the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), he will ferociously fight to keep all he has laid claim to. What we don’t often think about is how […]

The post How Is Satan Trying to Devour Me? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Hope is a critical part of the human experience. Without it, our lives would be overrun with despair, doubt and difficulty. It’s intertwined in every part of any experience that contains even the smallest measure of doubt. Without it, we would end up meeting the uncertainties of each day with our own internal and unanswerable […]

The post How Do We Keep Hope Alive? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians, we all fail. We all think, say or do things that are out of harmony with God’s will and way, and this can be really frustrating. So, what can change those failures? Will focusing on having more faith make a difference? The answer to this is both yes and no. Having more faith […]

The post Can Faith Take Me From Failure to Victory? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Part I of this important topic focused in on some harsh Old Testament accounts that featured God pronouncing death and destruction to those who perpetrated great evil. Bible skeptics parade these accounts as proof that God is merciless, evil and even sadistic. While the Old Testament does put these kinds of judgments into perspective, the […]

The post Is God’s Wrath Stronger Than His Love? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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There are MANY things in the Bible that are easily misunderstood and therefore easily misrepresented. Perhaps the most singularly misrepresented subject in the entire Bible is the nature of God Himself. There are many who accuse God of being angry, vengeful, cruel and unjust, especially because of the Old Testament. They write Him off as […]

The post Is God’s Wrath Stronger Than His Love? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In the 2,000 years since Jesus walked the earth, Christianity has in some ways progressed but in many ways fragmented. Depending on the doctrine or ritual you are looking at, you can find groups with a laser focus on it or a minimized approach to it. The early Christian ritual of the “laying on of […]

The post Should Christians Be Practicing Laying on of Hands? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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When it comes to understanding your marriage relationship, there may not be a more revealing question to ask than, “What do I say when I talk to my spouse?” We make a life-altering decision to marry, and the passion behind it is clear and solid. We see it as a “forever” passion. Time passes and […]

The post What Do I Say When I Talk to My Spouse? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians, we are truly blessed. Having given our lives to Jesus, we are assured that all of our experiences are overruled for our best benefit. This is not to imply we can just coast along as though we were given a ticket for some magical ride to heaven riding on fluffy clouds of comfort. […]

The post What Am I Doing with What God Has Given Me? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, he changed everything. All that the people of Israel had ever heard before this was related to the Jewish Law and much of that teaching had been corrupted by their religious leadership. Jesus sat on a hillside teaching his disciples, allowing anyone to listen in who had […]

The post Is God Happy With My Attitude? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Arguably, the most well-known sermon in the world is the Sermon on the Mount, delivered by Jesus over 2,000 years ago on a mountainside near the Lake of Gennesaret and Capernaum. It was his longest recorded sermon, covering important topics like loving your enemies, anger and murder, adultery and divorce, how to fast and laying […]

The post Is God Happy With My Attitude? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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It is easy to live with bitterness. I am not suggesting it’s initially comfortable, but I am suggesting that being bitter towards one or many people or circumstances is considered acceptable. We know it’s acceptable because if we pay attention, we will see that the harsh and angry results of a bitter temperament are widely […]

The post Am I Too Bitter to Be Better? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The source of the phrase, “The devil is in the details” is a bit unsure. It is thought to be a derivation of the phrase “God is in the detail,” thought to be from an old German proverb sometime in the 1800’s. Whatever the origin, both phrases are profoundly true. As we begin a new […]

The post Is the Devil in the Details of My Life? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Technology brings the world to the palm of your hand. This means we are bombarded with voices. Worldly voices of opinion, anger, politics, perspective, ego, trends and personal interpretations of morality. If you have technology in your life, it is virtually impossible to completely shut these voices out. On the other hand, we have the […]

The post Whose Voices Are You Listening To? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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So, what is Christmas about? Well, that depends on who you are. For some, Christmas is traditionally a time for family and friends. It’s a time when we are more likely to put aside the stresses of our daily grind and give a little more, smile a little more and notice what is around us […]

The post How Do We Keep Christmas About Jesus? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Outside of some deeply philosophical debates, the idea of human beings having inherent freedom of choice seems to be a generally acceptable premise. Free will makes us special. The capacity of conscious choice establishes humankind in a unique category in relation to the rest of life on our planet. When human beings interfere with the […]

The post Do We Really Have Free Will? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The Bible is a complicated book. It is a book of many books written in several languages over more than 1,500 years by the hand of about 40 individuals. It contains history and prophecy, as well as spiritual, moral and legal guidance. Its content is relayed in the form of historical records, letters and proclamations. […]

The post Are There Secrets to Studying the Bible? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Near-death experiences  (NDEs) are common. They have been reported from cultures and religions worldwide for hundreds of years. In this near-death scenario, there is usually a dark tunnel with a warm and calming light at the end. Often there are deceased relatives waiting in that light to receive the person going through the  experience. Sometimes […]

The post Is a Near-Death Experience a Glimpse of Heaven? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Every Christian wants to be faithful in living their life with thankfulness. One immediate question that arises is, what causes us to be thankful? What life experiences bring us to gratitude? Most of us would answer that we feel appreciativeness when things fall into place or when a hard experience yields a righteous result. These […]

The post How Can I Rejoice in Trials? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As a Christian, we never want to be in a situation where we end up fighting against God. Yet, we may end up in this position more often than we’d expect. To fight FOR God is to stand for His principles, His Plan and His purposes as outlined in Scripture. This sounds simple, but it […]

The post Am I Fighting For or Against God? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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We always say that prayer changes things – and it does. Jesus was emphatic about this and even gave us an example of how to pray in what is known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” With prayer, as with so many parts of Christian doctrine, the core value of what the Bible teaches easily gets lost […]

The post Why Aren’t My Prayers Being Answered? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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It seems like wisdom has become old fashioned and obsolete. When I think of wisdom, I think of a thoughtful approach that is not driven by self-interest. I think of quiet observation that seeks to understand the people, the facts and the circumstances before weighing in with answers. When I think of wisdom, I think […]

The post Is Anyone Listening to the Wisdom of the Bible? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Our shared human experience is linked by extreme grief at the loss of a loved one. COVID-19 has unexpectedly killed millions of people around the world, often with no time opportunity for meaningful closure. When a child dies, or a loved one dies tragically or simply passes away from sickness or old age, we want […]

The post Can the Dead Communicate With Us? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Life can be difficult and unpredictable. It can be full of insecurity, unexpected disappointments, and events that press and overwhelm our coping skills. All of this can bring us to places that make us want to run from our reality. We instead engage in a pseudo-reality that makes us feel better – at least for […]

The post Could an Addiction Block My Christian Growth? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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When Jesus was being questioned by Pilate in John 18:37, he told him, Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.  Pilate’s answer was an important question because he asked, What is truth?  This brief interchange brings us to similar questions.  How do we know that we are people of the truth?  Do the […]

The post Are My Christian Beliefs Based on Truth or Error? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Every Christian loves Jesus and every Christian wants to be acceptable to him. None of us ever wants to take his sacrifice on our behalf for granted. We don’t want to fall into a pattern of complacency where we don’t appreciate the blessings he gives us. While these are all well-stated intentions, we need to […]

The post Am I Passionate or Complacent About Jesus? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The word “curse” is overused and under comprehended. Cursing can mean using words that are not acceptable to repeat in public. To curse can mean to call upon a perceived other-worldly power for the purpose of harming someone or something. Cursing can also mean the expression of great disdain and loathing for people or things. […]

The post Can Christians Be Cursed and Curse Others? Curses Series (Part III) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Our God is a God of order. Psalm 89:14 says that righteousness and justice are the very foundation of His heavenly throne. This means that all He does must be based in what is right and just. While some of us may look at this through fearful eyes, this is actually great news. It means […]

The post Am I Living Under a Generational Curse? Curses Series (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The history and cultures of our world have brought us to where we are today. Many various cultures have fueled wonderful traditions, solid communities and exemplary progress. But many cultures have also brought us darkness, superstitions and strong desire to harm those they see as enemies. Enter the worldwide phenomena of curses. To quote from […]

The post Are Curses Real? Curses Series (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Christianity waits for the return of Jesus. Depending on your doctrinal beliefs, you may be looking for his return to bring incredible drama and life changing moments – things like earthquakes , destruction, anarchy and a rapture. While we can see scriptural evidence to support SOME of these things, we want to be careful about […]

The post Could Jesus Return Without You Knowing? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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So, what does it mean to be a Christian, and how do I know if I am doing it right? What happens if I am doing it wrong? Is there a clear-cut standard? Will Jesus be disappointed in me if I fall short? Am I expected to change who I am, or develop who I […]

The post Am I Failing as a Christian? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Never in the history of humanity have we had such a profound ability to communicate with others. From the palm of our hand, we can see and speak with individuals and groups all over the world at anytime of day or night. We can message, share and “like” in countless ways.  Yet, never in the history […]

The post How Can I Effectively Reach Out and Connect With Others? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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To live a life as a disciple of Christ is to live a life of discipline and focus. We are walking in Jesus’ footsteps, and that means there are many things we need to do. After all, by his teachings and examples, Jesus wrote the book of our faith. So, what did Jesus expect from […]

The post Are Christians Supposed to Convert the World? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Forgiveness is a tough thing. The times we need to forgive are usually the times we are in no mood to forgive. It can be easy to say, “I forgive you,” but are those words reflected in my thoughts, emotions and actions? Do I say those words out of mere obligation or to just end […]

The post Did I Really Forgive Them? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians, we are constantly faced with the challenge of doing the right thing in a sinful world. We are bombarded with input and suggestions that can easily cloud the simplicity of what the right thing is. Once we get the right thing in focus, the next challenge is to do that right thing the […]

The post What Is My Battle Plan to Defend Against Satan’s Attacks? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The call of Christianity is unique. It is a call to sacrifice and humility, a call to the subduing of one’s own will in favor of God’s will. While there are many noble purposes in this world and many humble and dedicated people, a Christian is called to the ultimate purpose of eventually reconciling the […]

The post Do We Have the Purpose of the Holy Spirit Backwards? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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What are we supposed to do?  What do we do when we have done something – either on purpose or by accident – that causes someone excessive harm or loss, or even tragedy? How do we go on, how do we face our family or those we have hurt? How do we live with ourselves? Crushing […]

The post How Can We Overcome Crushing Guilt? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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People believe in the Bible to varying degrees. Some of us see it as the unerring word of God while others see it as an account of history, wisdom and standards. Still others see it as sprinkled with both wisdom and folly. Then we have those who see no value in it at all. For […]

The post Are We Living in the “End Times”? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Jesus changed the world when he came to earth as a man over 2.000 years ago. His character, teaching, miracles and wisdom were and still are unmatched anywhere and anytime. As impactful as his first coming to earth was, he was very specific to let his followers know he would be returning again. Many who […]

The post What Are the True Reasons for Jesus’ Return to Earth? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The world has changed dramatically! We now live in a time where diverse opinions and beliefs are coming under fire if they conflict with what is deemed as acceptable “social narrative.” In more and more circles, traditional Christian values of God first, fidelity in marriage, morality based on absolutes and mutual respect are under attack. […]

The post Is Christianity Being Cancelled? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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To “challenge” Jesus and succeed is not something you hear about every day, so let’s clarify what we are talking about. Jesus was a speaker of God’s word and a doer of God’s will. Inevitably, challenging this would be a futile effort. When we say “challenge” we mean not following an expected pattern. There were […]

The post Who Successfully Challenged Jesus? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The Bible is full of inspirational accounts of such female heroes of faith like Abigail, Mary and Esther. It also gives us the cautionary tales of the infamous like Jezebel and Delilah. But there is a class of special women in the Bible – both virtuous and sinful – whose stories are told without mentioning […]

The post Can I Get What I Want Through Seduction? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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We all make judgments, even when we are not thinking about it. If you are listening to this podcast, you are right now deciding whether to keep listening. If you are reading this blog, you are right now considering whether or not to continue reading. This verifies that judging is an important exercise, for it […]

The post Is It Ever Right to Judge Your Brother? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Life can be difficult. We are surrounded with issues, events, opinions, politics and posts that continuously bring us stress and strain. As if this isn’t enough, we add to the frenzy by putting up self-designed roadblocks to block our own way! Why would we do that? Why would we make things harder for ourselves? Turns […]

The post Am I My Own Worst Enemy? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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It is a competitive world out there! I need to focus and to stop at nothing to make my mark. I will apply myself to get the job I want, the life I desire and the status I deserve, while engaging in the leisure and entertainment I crave. Wow! While this description can be of […]

The post Can Humility Keep Me From Success? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Truth matters. This is something I imagine we would all agree upon and yet we seem to rarely get to the truth. Why?  Because we bicker with and debate those who see things differently based on our different versions of the truth. Enter exaggeration. It is a tool of language to make a point, sway an […]

The post Is There a Difference Between Exaggerating and Lying? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Have you noticed how blurred the world has become? It has become increasingly more difficult to locate and abide by any life guidelines that represent clear boundaries and a clear direction forward. The eighth Commandment was simple: “You shall not steal.”  This was a clear directive to not take what is not yours. Fast forward […]

The post Is It Still Stealing if I Deserve It? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Let’s set the record straight right from the start. As Christians, God does NOT want us to suffer! Having said that, we know He does want us to learn and grow and mature. This means he will permit us to suffer and will use it as a tool to serve our eternal welfare. Now, what […]

The post Does God REALLY Want Me to Suffer? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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God does have a plan for the destiny of humanity. He always has. Think about it – God created man as the crowning feature of the earth’s system of life. Man was given dominion over the planet, sin entered and the whole thing seemed ruined. The thing is, God knew sin would enter. He knew […]

The post Did God Make Heaven and Hell Humanity’s Destiny (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The general consensus in Christianity is that there are two paths, two destinies that await humanity. First, there is the heavenly bliss of being with Jesus. After all, Jesus himself said he was preparing a place for his followers in heaven and that he would bring us there. Second, there is the fiery torturous eternal […]

The post Did God Make Heaven and Hell Humanity’s Destiny? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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No one wants to be lonely. It is a sad and painful state of being that daily grows more and more common. There is a major difference between being alone and being lonely. To be alone is to be without anyone to engage with. This can be a productive place to be when in the […]

The post How Do I Cope With Overwhelming Loneliness? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians, we unequivocally herald the death and resurrection of Jesus as being the absolute centerpiece of our faith. Further, we claim that the entire purpose of our Holy Bible is focused on these events as its primary message. These descriptions are overwhelmingly accurate. But why? Many Christians will answer that we are saved as […]

The post How Did Jesus’ Resurrection Change Both Heaven and Earth? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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If you were going to die tomorrow, how would you spend your day today? Jesus faced that very serious question 2,000 years ago. His answer was obvious. He would spend that entire evening with those whom he was closest to. He would prepare them, teach them and encourage them, for what was coming would be […]

The post How Did Jesus Prepare His Disciples for His Death? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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21st century Christianity can be confusing. With all of the denominations and interpretations and approaches to Scripture it is hard to fathom they all claim to represent the same thing. So, what is the bottom line? Is being a Christian – a true Christian – a difficult way of life, or is it a privileged […]

The post Does Being a Christian Have to Be Difficult? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Ancient biblical history paints a very specific picture of the world regarding morals and ethics. In the days of the Jewish Law, there were unmistakable lines that anyone of Jewish descent knew they simply should not cross. Just as lying, stealing and murder were lines not to cross, committing adultery was one as well. Fast […]

The post Is Adultery Really That Wrong? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The first four of the Ten Commandments all have to do with humanity’s relationship to God. These directives came first because our relationship with God should always be the driving factor in our lives. The fifth Commandment focuses on our relationship with our parents and is fashioned after the first four, with honor and respect […]

The post Could God Convict ME of Murder? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians, we face the potential for deep trouble each and every day. Why? We live in an age of knowledge, choice, technology and accessibility. This would all be thoroughly awesome, except for one thing. These opportunities come with a healthy dose of what I will call an “entitlement of excess.” Because we can, we […]

The post Can Good Things Ever Be Bad? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Talking about slavery is a sensitive issue, and rightfully so. We live in an age where we recognize that ALL people have rights. We now live in a time where no group of people or any working class should ever be separated from those rights. This was not always so. Many ancient societies survived on […]

The post How Did the Apostle Paul Handle a Slave Owner? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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…And they lived happily ever after! This is such a promising and bliss-filled ending that is sought after and hoped for by so many. Who wouldn’t want the prospect of happiness and contentment as a recipe for their married life in all their coming days? The truth of the matter is that at the rate […]

The post How Vital Are My Vows of Marriage? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Two of the most dramatic lives recorded in the Bible belong to Moses and Jesus. The heroics of Moses life extended over a lifetime of 120 years, whereas Jesus’ heroics were all accomplished within a 33-year lifetime. Despite the dramatic time differences, there are startling similarities between these two deliverers. Moses’ life was recorded and […]

The post What Does Moses the Deliverer Teach Us About Jesus? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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“Words mean things” is a simple and powerful truism that certainly applies to our study of God’s word. In our mistranslation podcast series, we have endeavored to establish how much a text of Scripture can be changed by the mistranslation or misunderstanding of a single word. Every word of inspired Scripture can and should be […]

The post Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part V) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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For any Christian, understanding the Bible and its message should be of paramount importance. The fact that the Bible is a collection of books and letters written in ancient times by various authors presents a challenge to this understanding. We need to learn what is authentic, what is mistranslated and how it all harmonizes. We […]

The post Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood (Part IV) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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To honor your father and mother is the 5th of the Ten Commandments given to Moses for Israel. Like all of the other Commandments, this is a very old-fashioned and worn-out sounding principle. I mean, we all know that we should respect our parents to some degree, but are we supposed to let them run […]

The post What Does Honoring Your Mother and Father Look Like? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Last week we talked about perseverance as an essential aspect of our Christian lives. We saw that persevering means much more than simply hanging on when things are tough. It means we set our hearts and minds on moving forward, no matter how small the steps might be. We examined some Isaiah scriptures that gave […]

The post How Can I Persevere When Life Gets Tough? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Perseverance is not something we talk about much anymore. It sounds like an old word from some other time in history. Now we talk about making demands and our personal perspectives being instantly and unquestioningly accepted by those around us. We now live in a society where it is not about hard work or building […]

The post How Can I Persevere When Life Gets Tough? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Compromise can be so misunderstood. On one hand, we as Christians should be standing for and living a compromise-free life. Nothing should ever water down our life principles of sacrifice. Walking steadfastly in Jesus’ footsteps must always be our immovable goal. On the other hand, there are times and places when compromise is not only […]

The post Has My Christianity Been Compromised? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Christmas has changed. While the holiday has always had many non-Christian aspects it seems as though the Christ based pieces of the tradition are ever fading. In its place we have Santa, reindeer, trees, gifts, lights, ornaments, food, family and for this year, social distancing. Now most of those things are not bad, with the […]

The post How Do We Keep Jesus at the Center of Christmas? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In part 1 of this two-part series, we discovered several very clear scriptural statements and lines of reasoning that showed us we are justified by faith. Having established that, the most obvious next question is, what about works? How does the Bible define “works of faith”? Is it a work of faith to go to […]

The post Is It Faith or Works That Gets Us to Heaven? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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I’m a Christian. I have been called by God to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. I believe that as a sinner, I cannot do anything to earn God’s favor. Jesus’ sacrifice gave me a standing before God that I could not have had without it. So, what now? Jesus promised that all his true followers would […]

The post Is It Faith or Works That Gets Us to Heaven? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Usually this time of year signals having a more festive outlook on things. Having the American holiday of Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas approaching signals cheerful, generous and pleasant interactions. Decorations, excitement and goodwill prevail! Usually. Then there was the year 2020 which brought a pandemic to the world, the likes of which had not […]

The post How Can We Be Thankful After the Year We’ve Had? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In part 2 of our series, we reviewed a list of tools Bible students can use to study the original languages of Scripture. These tools enable non-experts (like us) to unlock the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible to understand what the original inspired words mean and how they are used. Then we examined “spurious” […]

The post Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part III) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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In Part I of our series, we examined the evidence that the Bible is an historically-validated document. Ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls demonstrate that what we have today in Scripture is amazingly faithful to the original. We ended that conversation by reviewing modern translations and the question of what are considered the most […]

The post Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The Bible is the foundation of our faith. We believe it to be the mind of God expressed to humanity. Its purpose is to tell us things we cannot deduce from nature –  like where we come from, how we got to the present time and where we are going. The Bible shows us the […]

The post Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Politics. It’s a word that represents a world of power, prestige and problems. It’s a word that conjures up anger, division and disrespect. It is a word that often gives us a sense of retreat and uncomfortable acceptance. Sometimes I think we forget that the ideal perspective of political power is to serve the needs […]

The post Are We Supporting the Right World Leaders? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Life and death can be confusing, and we generally fear the death part of the equation. We all want life to mean something. For Christians, that meaning comes through what we do with the one life we are now living. By focusing ourselves on being like Jesus in the here and now, we make the […]

The post Ghosts, Reincarnation and Humanity – What’s Real? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Are ghosts real?  Is reincarnation a legitimate process in the patterns of life? For billions of people in our world today, the answers to one or both of these questions is a resounding yes.  It all has to do with the mystery of what happens after we die. Life is precious, and because we cannot physically […]

The post Ghosts, Reincarnation and Humanity – What’s Real? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, He set a standard that would influence the world for ages to come.  Those ten statements of direction summed up all of what humanity would need to live godly and productive lives. The first two of those Commandments were to have no other gods before God himself […]

The post Do I Have Other Gods and Idols in My Life? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Conflict is everywhere! This is not necessarily a bad thing, as proper conflict management at every phase of our lives provides some of life’s most fertile growth experiences. The problem is, we are NOT taught how to manage our conflicts. In the first of our 2-part series, we listed and discussed the Five Degenerating Stages […]

The post Can Biblical Strategies Resolve Serious Conflicts? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Wearing a mask when you go out. Cleaning and sanitizing anything and everything all the time. Social distancing. Avoiding crowded places.  Working from home or not being able to work at all. Seeing friends and family on Zoom instead of in person. It is enough to make the strongest among us to feel battle worn. […]

The post Is Your COVID-19 Christianity Still Being Tested? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Conflict is everywhere.  Small children need to be guided through conflict when they learn about sharing and scream, “…But that’s MINE!” Adolescents could use some serious education through conflict when they begin to believe their parents are ignorant and rebelliously demand their way. Adults (especially spouses) need practical coaching when they clash with one another’s viewpoints […]

The post Can Biblical Strategies Resolve Serious Conflicts? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Jesus did a lot of teaching in parables.  He chose this method primarily for the purpose of hiding his real meaning from the public in fulfillment of a prophecy in Isaiah. Occasionally, he spoke a parable meant for his disciples. The story of the Wise and Foolish Virgins is such a case. We know the story […]

The post What Does Jesus Expect From Us? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Slavery.  It is a function of a sin ridden imperfect human race. When we hear of people being slaves the reality of what that means has a dramatic range. There was the inhuman harshness of Egyptian domination over Israel and the enslavement of Africans a few hundred years ago. Then there were the Roman and Greek […]

The post Why Did God Allow Slavery in the Bible? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Every Christian group proclaims what they believe to be the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as we all claim to follow his leading and his life. The problem arises when we compare our doctrine, principles and life objectives with one another. Simply stated, it all just does not line up. There are SO many variations of […]

The post Does Christianity Preach the Gospel? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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How is Christianity supposed to be organized?  If you look at the countless denominations we have today, you will see a wide variety of interpretations regarding leadership. With some, it all boils down to one individual leader. With others, it is a committee of several. In many cases, those in authority have the responsibility of […]

The post Does My Church Leadership Have It Right? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, they were in a specific order. Did you ever wonder why the last Commandment was to not covet? To covet in its most basic sense is “to have a strong desire for” something. What was there about the human propensity to want that God saw fit to […]

The post Thou Shalt Not Covet – Is It Wrong to Want? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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We live in volatile times. Justifiable demonstrations about justifiable concerns are overshadowed and even hijacked by those who simply seek anarchy and overthrow. We are descending into a tribal approach to our issues. If you do not agree with my perspective and my group, then you are considered a bigoted outsider who deserves to be shunned […]

The post Do I Treat You as My Neighbor? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Religious faith is widely accepted as contrary to reason.  It is assumed to be built upon mystical and even fantastical thinking.  It is thought that religious faith, when put to a test of reasoned criticism, would fail miserably. This conclusion may be true regarding many different religious systems in our world.  We can’t speak for […]

The post Is Faith Built On Reason or Is Reason Built On Faith? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Our society is so advanced we can access the world from the palm of our hand.  It is so sophisticated we can communicate our thoughts globally in an instant.  But it is so self-absorbed we can design a reality with our own ego at its center.  In the ancient history of the Jewish nation, the […]

The post What Does It Mean to Take God’s Name In Vain? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Christian praise and worship. As with many things subject to interpretation, you will find different applications of these things within the Christian community. For some, praise and worship are expressed in music. This drives their gatherings and feeds positive emotions towards God. For others, they include music and inspiration. They play a significant role in […]

The post Are Praise and Worship Necessary To Be a Faithful Christian? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Everybody needs money. Like it or not, it is one of the driving forces that contribute to a successful life. As Christians, we all know we need to be aware of how we handle our money. We also look to Jesus for the core values of our entire lives, so observing what he said about […]

The post What Did Jesus Teach Us About Money? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Racism does not happen by accident. It can be taught and exampled to young and unknowing hearts and minds. This is troubling. Even more troubling are the maladies of ignorance, prejudice and bigotry that must be present and flourishing to feed and sustain racist thinking and actions. As Christians, the mere thought of any of […]

The post How Should Christians Respond to Racism? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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George Floyd is dead. Needlessly. His life ended as a result of the uncalled-for brutality of a police officer. This killing has resonated throughout the United States, as well as the world. It has put some of society’s hardest issues in front of our faces. Peaceful protests decrying racism and injustice have occurred all over […]

The post How Should Christians Respond to Racism? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The spectacular biblical account of David reveals him as a warrior for God, as he protected God’s principles and righteousness. See the first episode of this series for more. It also reveals David as a man of mighty faults. He committed many grievous errors with sad consequences. We explored one of these in our second […]

The post What Does it Mean to be a Warrior for Truth? David and Abigail – Warriors of God Series appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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David was a hero and anointed to become the king of Israel.  Long before he assumed the throne, he defeated Goliath in battle, contributed to the sovereignty and protection of Israel and faithfully served under King Saul.  All this happened before he was 25 years old.  Though he became a fugitive when King Saul turned […]

The post How Can I Fight for God’s Purposes Like King David? Warriors of God Series appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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What do you envision when you think of a warrior? Someone engaged in conflict or struggle? A soldier, discipline, a fighter, training, bravery?  King David was one of history’s great warriors. He possessed all of those warrior attributes, and yet he was also a shepherd, poet, musician and songwriter. Tender-hearted and humble, he was faithful […]

The post How Can I Be a Giant Slayer Like David? Warriors of God Series appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians we are always reminded of the importance of sacrificing our own will to do the will of God.  Our faithfulness is a direct result of the effort we put into our sacrificial lives.  The Old Testament overflows with regulations and propriety regarding making sacrifices to God.  These include not only animals sacrifices but grain, oil and […]

The post Is Obedience More Important Than Sacrifice? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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One of the Ten Commandments was to “remember the sabbath to keep it holy.”  As Christians, we are always saying the Ten Commandments are still a necessary part of God’s Law that we should keep. So, why do the vast majority of Christians have their “day of rest” on Sunday when the sabbath God set […]

The post What Does the Sabbath Look Like for Christians? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Life can be a real challenge when we are pressed by personal anxiety or depression.  These things can not only burden our days, they can constrict and suffocate our very moments.  As difficult as living is under these circumstances, think about the overwhelming confusion anxiety and depression would bring to a child.  They begin to […]

The post How Do We Cope With Anxiety and Depression in Our Kids? (Part III) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Everyone at times in their life feels anxiety.  Sometimes it is a simple reaction to having to do or say something that we would rather avoid.  Other times it is a more powerful reaction that lingers and may even cause us interrupted sleep or a lack of focus.  These are feelings of anxiety.  They are […]

The post Does My Anxiety or Depression Invalidate My Christianity? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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For many of us, daily life is a secret struggle.  Some of us go through the motions of our daily routines while inwardly carrying overwhelming fear and anxiety.  We don’t want to share what we feel as it is not only embarrassing, it is impossible to describe.  For others of us, even our daily routines […]

The post Does My Anxiety or Depression Invalidate My Christianity? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians, we are clearly taught to live our lives in harmony with God’s will and His ways by following in the footsteps of Jesus. We all know this challenge is one we can never fulfill with perfection. We all have experienced failure along these lines. Because we are imperfect, God expects us to fail, […]

The post Can Our Sins Ever Produce Blessings? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc.  The virus itself is bad enough, but for most of us the havoc comes from what has been put in place to keep it from spreading.  Jobs have been lost, social, religious and family gatherings are all on hold.  We are supposed to just stay home.  It feels […]

The post Should the Coronavirus Change My Christianity? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Easter Sunday is a widely celebrated holiday. It is a day that represents life. For Christians, it represents life in its highest form because it is about the resurrection of Jesus. It is far too easy to lose the deep meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice and victory in the commotion and fanfare of Easter eggs, the […]

The post Jesus is Raised! How Does That Change Me? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Jesus is our hero. His example, his teachings, his works and his faithfulness are absolutely legendary. They provide a flood of inspiration for anyone who would want it. To think of Jesus as being troubled in mind seems to be completely contrary to what we think of our Savior. After all, the book of Hebrews […]

The post What Things Troubled Jesus? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Social distancing. Three months ago, if you had heard that term you may have thought it was describing someone who was a loner or someone who swore off social media. Now we not only all know what it means, we feel its meaning and it is frightening. I was in the grocery store today, and on the […]

The post Does the Coronavirus Fit Into God’s Plan? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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As Christians, we often talk about the necessity of forgiveness. We need to be forgiven and to forgive others. When it comes to talking about mercy, we always seem to focus on God’s mercy. Rightly so. God’s mercy is a resounding theme throughout the entire Bible. His eternal wisdom and plan could not even exist […]

The post How Merciful Am I? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Burnout is nasty.  As we found out in Part I of our two-part series, it can demoralize and diminish the efforts and quality of care from medical professionals and first responders.  But it doesn’t stop there.  Even though the rest of us may not have other’s lives in our hands, burnout is more than capable […]

The post How Do I Avoid Burnout? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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It is a common saying that the two things you can count on in life are death and taxes.  While that might be true, there is another thing lurking in the background of the lives of more and more people every day:  BURNOUT.  With all of the overstimulation a technology-based society produces, we are set […]

The post How Do I Avoid Burnout? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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…And they lived happily ever after!  While this fairy tale ending makes us feel all warm and fuzzy, it doesn’t help us to prepare for reality.  The fact is, marriage is hard.  Having a bad marriage is much easier.  Think about why. Two people make a promise to one another before God to be – […]

The post I Don’t Think I Love My Spouse Anymore. What Now? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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There is no denying the New Testament – and actually the entire Bible – is all about Jesus. His sacrifice for humanity is proclaimed from Genesis to Revelation. He IS the key to the gospel. Having said this, the life and writings of the Apostle Paul dominate much of the New Testament. His experiences and […]

The post Did the Apostle Paul Contradict Jesus? Contradictions Series appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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For every Christian, Jesus is THE example, leader and fulfiller of our faith. We continually gain inspiration from his perfect example and unselfish sacrifice. When we think about a less-than-perfect Christian example, most of us go to the Apostle Peter or the Apostle Paul. Both men showed us how to achieve spiritual victory through imperfection. […]

The post Paul or Matthias: Who Was the Real 12th Apostle? Contradictions Series appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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(See Part I of this topic.) In many ways, the Apostle Paul was like a magnet.  Over the last 2,000 years, his preaching, teaching and writing have attracted countless millions to seek out what being a Christian really means.  He was a leader in every sense of the word.  He lived his faith to Jesus […]

The post Does the Apostle Paul Contradict Himself? (Part II): Contradictions Series appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The Apostle Paul is a Christian icon.  He essentially wrote half of the New Testament as he carried the gospel far and wide.  He suffered dramatically for his faith, was challenged regularly by those in authority and even stood up to the Apostle Peter when it was needed.  When you read his words, you cannot […]

The post Does the Apostle Paul Contradict Himself? (Part I): Contradictions Series appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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The Christian belief in being “born again” can be at the very least confusing. Does it mean you get to restart your life, kind of like a do-over? Is it beginning a brand new life lived in a brand new context? Does being born again mean you are the same person with the same issues, […]

The post Are Christians Really Born Again? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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We know every Christian wants to go to heaven.  The real question is, does every Christian know what is required to get there?  Last week we began to talk about the several important elements God has put in place.  These define not only His plan in general, but they clearly show us what the Christian […]

The post What Three Steps Will Get Us to Heaven? (Part II) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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So, what does the road to heaven actually look like? If you look across the wide spectrum of Christian beliefs you will find far more variety in the answer than you might have thought. You would expect all of the answers to include believing in Jesus – and that’s a good start. However, the Bible […]

The post What Three Steps Will Get Us to Heaven? (Part I) appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Life is often measured by time. Our society is hyperfocused on immediate gratification, which means we don’t want to have to wait. We don’t want to have any interval pass before we get what we want.  We have scheduled events, appointments, work hours, lunch breaks and periods for sleep. All of these things are time-driven. […]

The post Why Does Time Matter in God’s Plan? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Yup! It’s another New Year and that means another opportunity to start some things that are new, different and good for us! It also means we consider stopping (or at least reducing) those things in life that aren’t so good for us. It all sounds so easy, except for one little detail that can be […]

The post Should My Habits Be Kept or Broken? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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When we talk about the “spirit” of something, we are trying to describe what that something was intended to look like or result in.  Let’s take the spirit of a law.  Whatever that law may be interpreted as meaning, or however it might be applied, needs to be checked against what the law was actually […]

The post What is the True Spirit of Christmas? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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To live is to decide.  No matter who you are and what environment you live in, you will most likely be pressed with making an untold number of decisions. These will directly influence how your life will unfold.  This can be a scary thought because no one wants to make decisions that are bad!  Yet, […]

The post How Do I Know My Decisions Are Right? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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Right is right and wrong is wrong!  A few generations ago, morality and ethics seemed simple: There were things you knew you should and should not do.  There were principles you knew needed to be present when it came down to making appropriate decisions.  There were societal consequences for stepping outside of those lines.  Now […]

The post Have We Become Too Desensitized to Sin? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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We are going about our lives doing the best we can when suddenly we are receiving criticism for our talk, dress, actions or beliefs. Now what? Are we immediately defensive? Do we hurl back insults and accusations? Or do we cave internally, feeling really bad about ourselves and finding it hard to recover and move […]

The post How Can Criticism Help Us Grow? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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This of the most basic manners we teach our kids. We generally start by instructing them how to appropriately make a request for something and how to graciously receive it.  How do you ask?  “Please!”  What do you say?  “Thank you!”  These two simple communication tools (which incidentally seem to have been misplaced in our […]

The post How Can We Be Thankful When Life is So Hard? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.

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It’s funny how certain fanciful images make their way into the human mind and somehow become a part of our belief foundation.  Case in point – someone dies and the next thing we know, we visualize them standing before those massive and ornate “pearly gates” of heaven.  Once issued their wings and harp, we see […]

The post Do People Turn Into Angels When They Die? appeared first on Christian Questions Bible Podcast.