One of the most intriguing statements in Scripture regarding Jesus is one that surrounds the time of the crucifixion. Sometimes we may think of the agony He experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane and think that He was unwilling or a coward or walking away. But read what the Hebrews writer revealed: “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross”…

Would you say that the apostle Paul had a close relationship with God? It’s hard to draw any other conclusion. But, how close to God was he? He certainly believed in God (Act 27:25; 2 Tim. 1:12), prayed to God (2 Cor. 13:7; 2 Thess. 1:11) and trusted in God (2 Cor. 1:9; 1 Tim. 4:10). And he said those very words. But, I want you to…

The easiest seat in the church? What do you think it is? It’s the “Monday Morning Church Member Seat.” It’s the seat that many members recline in on a Monday (or even Sunday afternoon), as they question, judge, deride and even laugh at decisions the elders make and actions they take. This chair is so easy, and sometimes it’s a big chair that can fit lots…

It is a wonder that some folks have not pulled a muscle (spiritually speaking) in all of the contortions that they have gone to in an effort to explain away what a Bible verse teaches. Philippians 2:12 is one of those verses. The verse begins with the word “Therefore.” Therefore what? “Therefore, my beloved,” based upon the exemplary humility of Jesus, which was expressed in His…

Sometimes a passage of Scripture is misused so much that, when we do study it, we see only how to answer the false teaching and we miss the beauty of the passage. Ephesians 1:4-5 is one example. The text does NOT teach unconditional election or a predestination of select ones to be saved and select ones to be damned. That would contradict the rest of…

In order to prove a point, win an argument, silence opposition or appear intellectually superior, many today are claiming that, in our post-truth era, it is incomprehensible and intolerable to speak of a definite “right or wrong,” “truth or error,” “black or white.” Everything today is relative, and seemingly growing more and more relative. The biggest problem with that is that the Bible…

Paul used the word “mirror” twice in his writings. Can you think of where those are? First, he taught that before the New Testament was completed and while the early Christians were relying on prophets and inspired men to teach them God’s will, those Christians were actually only able to “see in a mirror, dimly” (1 Cor. 13:12), for they did not have the…

Paul was dealing with matters pertaining to the church and especially to the assemblies of the church in First Corinthians chapters twelve through fourteen, but there are some principles therein that we must apply in other parts of our lives. Paul begins “The Love Chapter” (1 Cor. 13) by emphasizing the absolute necessity of agape love. Think about this for a moment. In verse…