The appearance of John the Baptist introduced a religious act that was unknown before his time. It was the immersion of an individual in water in order to bring about the remission of sins. Jesus asked the Pharisees the question, “The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” (Matt. 21:25).  Their answer shows just how new it was.…

“I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will” (Acts 13:22b). This beautiful compliment, “a man after My own heart” is one that should characterize every person who wears the name of Christ. David loved the word of God, “Oh how I love your law!” (Psa. 119:97). This psalm, if not…

What does it mean when the Bible talks about death as “sleep”?  Does it mean that the person who dies goes into a state of unconsciousness?  Does it mean that the soul itself enters a state of sleep until the return of Jesus?  Or is it talking metaphorically about the body as being “asleep”?  Let’s examine the Scripture to understand this matter.…

How often have you heard these words of Jesus in Bible classes and sermons? “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). They touch our hearts, but they may become even more powerful when we look at the words preceding His invitation. Before giving His invitation, He spoke to the Father.…

The gospel, meaning the good news, is a word that is used throughout the New Testament. It was used in talking about the good news of the kingdom (Matt. 4:23). Mark starts his account of the life of the Christ this way: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark. 1:1). The Bible also mentions “the gospel…

It is interesting to consider who God used to write the books in His Bible.  It is intriguing that He would use a converted tax collector (a highly despised class of people) to write the first book of the New Testament.  But such is the nature of God.  To see that nature even deeper, consider who God used to write the second…

Judging by the topics discussed in the epistles, almost every congregation had to deal with the problem brought into the church by those whose past religion demanded that for one to be saved he had to be circumcised. The problem really surfaced when uncircumcised Gentiles became members. At first the church was entirely Jewish, but when Saul/Paul led the persecution of the…

Clearly communicated expectations are very helpful. When you start a new job, part of the interview process and even into the first few weeks is getting to know what is expected of your position. If that is clearly defined, then you are able to work toward achieving the expected standards. However, if your duties are vague or unclear, then there is some…