24 is the new 18. That’s what a growing list of scholarly works is claiming.  The delayed maturity of young adults is both nature and nurture. Nature, stating that the brain is still developing until the age of 24. Nurture, citing that young adults are not reaching full independence due to a long list of financial difficulties. Whatever the reason, it seems…

The apostle Paul made an astounding affirmation when he said, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God” (Rom. 8:16). How can I know that I am saved? How can I have confidence that I am pleasing to God? Paul’s words said it all—the Holy Spirit bears witness with my spirit. There is a Biblical…

It is one of the saddest and, at the same time, most instructive stories in all of the Bible.  In the upper room on the night before Jesus was crucified, Peter had committed to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33).  But Jesus foretold that Peter was going to “deny three times”…

One of the mistakes we so often make is that we read the Bible too fast. Divine truths are so profound that as we read the Bible we overlook eternal truths which could change our lives. Consider these words from Solomon. “He has made everything beautiful in its times. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can…

Understanding that there is a clear distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament is critical to a proper understanding of the Bible.  While there is certainly more to the application of Second Timothy 2:15, “rightly dividing the word of truth” no doubt includes rightly dividing the old covenant from the new covenant. While some try to bind certain parts of…

How many of us have special dishes? The ones we get out when company comes over. Not the paper plates and red solo cups. I’m talking family heirloom, top shelf, the kids/husband aren’t allowed to wash them dishes. For some of us, it may not be dishes. It might be a coffee cup, or cups. Some item in the house that is…

I have used this illustration for many years, as I think it helps us to understand a powerful and important lesson regarding the Bible and our interactions with others in Bible-based discussions. When I was in high school, Michael Erickson was gracious enough to give me a job at his pet store.  What did I know about pets?  Not much!  I certainly…

Though this word is never specifically used in the Bible, it has become what most associate with Christianity or even religion in general. Most believe that if you adhere to a Christ-based religious belief system that you are obligated to go around doing good deeds or acts of benevolence. While there is some truth to that, there are also some misunderstandings. When…