This may be the shortest post in my series on Matt. 24-25, Luke 17 and 21, and Mark 13.
Mark 13:32-37 Teaches Second Coming
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Author Archives: James M. Arlandson
Mark 13:5-31 Predicts Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
We must look at these verses in their textual and historical contexts. And we must not skip over the most stubborn verse in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke); then we can interpret this Scripture more clearly. Please view the photos at the end.
Rapture = Second Coming and Happens at Same Time, on Last Day
Have you been taught all your life that the rapture and Second Coming are distinct events, years apart? Is it difficult to change your cherished belief? The teaching about the Second Coming in the earliest apostolic community was unified and without complications. Here’s the plentiful biblical and nonsymbolic and direct evidence.
What Is Postmillennialism?
This theory says that the reign of Christ is not a literal thousand years, but is expressed in the expanding kingdom of God, using the church to span the globe in the hearts of believers. The Church Age = the millennium.
What Is Amillennialism?
The reign of Christ is not literally for a thousand years. The number is a figure of speech for a long, unknown duration when God’s purposes are accomplished. He is reigning right now.
Is America Doomed?
I normally write on the Bible and theology nowadays, but occasionally I still include a cultural and social article from a biblical point of view.
Warning to Evolving, Progressive Churches: Judgment Is Coming
I would be derelict in my duty as a teacher not to discuss this very biblical truth.
Warning to Evolving, Progressive Churches: Marriage and Sex
How much do progressive pastors and other leaders rule the church on these complex issues? How much are they changing the King’s original intent for his kingdom?
Warning to Evolving, Progressive Churches: Authority of Scripture
Progressives deny the full authority of Scripture, particularly about sex and personal conduct. It restricts their style. They characterize a love for Scripture as “bibliolatry.” Continue reading
Warning to Evolving, Progressive Churches: Danger Signs
You may not see it, but Progressive Christianity is not the right path for you. This is God’s Son’s church, not yours. Here are signs that you are putting yourself at risk of going past what is written in Scripture. Solutions are also offered here.
What Is Posttribulational Premillennialism?
This theory interprets the millennium literally to be a thousand years, but before then a great tribulation takes place. Christ’s second coming happens after that tribulation.
What Is Midtribulational Premillennialism?
This theory interprets the millennium literally to be a thousand years, but before then a seven-year great tribulation takes place. The Church will go through half of it (mid-) and then get “raptured” out.
What Is Pretribulational Premillennialism?
This theory says that the millennium is interpreted literally to be a thousand years, but before then a seven-year great tribulation takes place. The Church will get “raptured” out before that tribulation.
What Is Biblical Confession?
Despite the abuse, confession is still a biblical practice, whether for sins or for salvation in Christ. Make it part of your prayer life.
Is ‘Decreeing’ Biblical for Christians?
Let’s look into this subject.
Matt. 7:21-23: “I Never Knew You, Depart from Me!”
These verses are very sobering. What do they mean in your life and mine?
New Testament Restricts Authority of Modern Prophets
Yes, prophets of a certain sort rightly exist today, biblically speaking. However, errors are committed in many churches today, usually by “youtube” and “facebook” prophets. They are unscripturally concentrating too much authority in themselves. A closer reading of the New Testament, however, restricts them, their authority, and their ministry.
Do NT Apostles Exist Today?
Many Renewalists believe they do. But should there be restrictions? An old-fashioned Bible study to answer the question.
Do NT Prophets and Prophecy Exist Today?
Many Renewalists say yes for prophecy. The biblical evidence favors them. Now what about prophets?
Matt. 5:28 and Adultery in the Heart
Matt. 5:28 has been misused over and over again. What does it mean in its textual and OT contexts?
The Church Fulfills and Replaces Old Testament Temple
Let’s allow the clarity of Scripture to overturn needlessly complicated and convoluted interpretations that have dominated American Christianity for many decades. Further, is this replacement the same as the church replacing Israel? Read the post to find out. And look at the photos, too!
The Son of Man Claims God’s Authority to Forgive Sins on Earth
Mark 2:1-12 says that the son of Man–Jesus–forgave a paralytic’s sins. Does this mean that Jesus claimed authority that only God has, thus making himself equal to God? Did he use a Hebrew word for “forgiveness” which only God can offer?
Why Didn’t Jesus Know the Day or the Hour of His Return?
Why did Jesus say that not even the Son knows the day or the hour of the Second Coming? Puzzling.
Matthew 24:4-35 Predicts Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
This interpretation breaks open the meaning of this much-disputed passage. Be sure to look at the photos in the end. History come alive!
Matt. 24:36 to 25:46–From Second Coming to New Messianic Age
Matt. 24:4-35 is about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, while 24:36-25:46 is about the Second Coming or parousia, the close-out of the age, final judgment, and finally the New Messianic Age. Has the “code” of much-disputed Matt. 24 and 25 been solved?
Cosmic Disasters = Apocalyptic Imagery for Judgment and Major Change
“Four blood moons!” said popular books. If we interpret the following passages literally, then the cosmos (earth, sky, heavens, stars, worlds, seas, planets, sun, moon, and so on) would not exist as we observe it today. Instead, let’s use wisdom to interpret the Bible in its context.
Matt. 27:52-53 and Appearance of Holy People: Pious Fiction or Fact?
Those two verses say that “many” bodies of holy people who had “fallen asleep” (i.e. died) were raised from their tombs and entered Jerusalem and appeared to many. Is this fact or pious fiction?
Bible Basics about Heaven
Here is what you need to know about God’s dwelling place and key Hebrew and Greek words, all spelled out in clear English. Paradise is also discussed.
What Does ‘Parousia’ Mean?
It is mostly about the Lord’s Second Coming, but it also has other nuances that clarify the definition. What do two Greek lexicons say about it? A nontechnical article.
Three Options for Interpreting Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21
Things are not so clear-cut as I had thought they were. Please be sure to check out my photos of the Arch of Titus at the end; they show rhe Romans stomped all over the Jerusalem temple.
Reconciling Matthew’s and Luke’s Genealogies: Mission: Impossible?
Some scholars have said they are irreconcilable, while others say it is not so difficult. I favor plausible harmonization, since the scholars in this post have cracked the “codes.”
Are There Degrees of Punishment, Rewards after Final Judgment?
Will a generous and charitable grandmother who never got around to receiving Christ Jesus as Lord end up bobbing up and down in the lake of fire, next to Hitler, Stalin and Mao?
1. Hell and Punishment: Eternal, Conscious Torment
This theory is the standard one. However, one of the most stunning outcomes of my study of this theory is how little support it receives from Scripture, or the Scriptures can be interpreted differently than I first expected. Don’t believe it? Read every word of this post.
2. Hell and Punishment: Terminal Punishment
What will happen to your kind and generous but unredeemed grandmother after she is judged? Will she burn in hell-fires in eternal torment? Terminalists or conditionalists or annihilationists (all three terms mean the same doctrine) say no. There is another and better Scriptural option.
3. Hell and Punishment: Universalism
What will happen to your generous and gracious but unredeemed grandmother after judgment? Eternal, conscious punishment in the lake of fire next to Hitler, Stalin and Mao? Universalists say no. They claim to have a better and Scriptural option.
What Do Words ‘Eternity,’ ‘Eternal’ Fully Mean in the Bible?
This is an old-fashioned look at a Hebrew lexicon and two Greek lexicons, but in an easy-to-read format for nontechnical readers of the Bible. The definitions are wide-ranging and unexpected.
Rich Man and Lazarus: True Events or Just a Parable?
Here is a compendium of various commentators, who tend to reach one conclusion.
What Is the ‘Anointing’?
Renewalists (Pentecostals, Charismatics, and Neo-Charismatics) use the term all the time, but do we know what it means? What does the Bible say?
1. Gifts of Spirit: Word of Wisdom
This gift is given in order to proclaim the wisdom about Christ and for any particular or special need through the empowerment of the Spirit.
2. Gifts of the Spirit: Word of Knowledge
This manifestation of the Spirit can reveal who Christ is more fully and give you information that you could not have without the Spirit revealing it. It does not come by study and research. It is a gift of the Spirit, not of your own mental faculties.
3. Gifts of the Spirit: Faith
This is a surge of trust that God will give anyone who needs it and in accordance with his will.
4. Gifts of the Spirit: Gifts of Healings
Healings come in all shapes and sizes, so expect God to work in a variety of ways.
5. Gifts of the Spirit: Workings of Miracles
This gift is available to all, today, not just a special few. God will give it to you when you need it most.
6. Gifts of the Spirit: Prophecy
This gift can be very edifying for you and the church. It is not a preacher’s inspired sermon. And don’t despise it, either, says the Scripture.
7. Gifts of the Spirit: Discernings of Spirits
It is a broad enough to help you distinguish between the false and the true, the Holy Spirit and evil spirits, deceived and true humans.
8. Gifts of the Spirit: Spirit-Inspired Languages (‘Tongues’)
It is important to study this gift.
9. Gifts of the Spirit: Interpretation of Spirit-Inspired Languages
This gift depends on Spirit-inspired languages (‘tongues’). Without them, interpretation would not be needed. This post gives a basic teaching of this gift.
1 Introducing the Kingdom of God
So begins a ten-part series. Though difficult to believe at first, our truly understanding the kingdom of God can just about clarify all of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. So then, what is the kingdom? Can we define it biblically, or is the topic just too complicated? What does it mean for us today?
2 Kingdom and Kingship in the Old Testament
The cultures surrounding Israel valued kings. Thus, monarchy worked its way into Israel’s government, but only with God’s permission. This post provides background material for the kingdom Jesus proclaimed.
3 The Kingdom Is in the Future
We are living in eternity right now. We just don’t see it yet, because the kingdom of God is not fully manifested—for now.
4 The Kingdom Is Right Now
Yes, the kingdom is partly manifested right now, but it is seen with the eyes of faith and in visible signs like salvation of souls and bodily healings and demon expulsions and harmony in the household–all done by the power of the Spirit.
5 The Kingdom of God: Already Here, But Not Yet Fully
The “already and not yet” is still a valid and wise statement about God’s kingdom, which unfolds in three stages. This post also answers why healings do not happen 100% of the time right now.
6 The Mystery of the Kingdom
When we understand it, we can know how God is working across the planet today. And we can understand Christ’s parables that proclaim its mystery.
7 Life of the Kingdom
Eternal life and the kingdom of God belong together, and you can experience them right now.
8 Righteousness of the Kingdom
Let’s never overlook the Scriptural truth that righteousness (kingdom living) is important to the heart of God. Four passages in the Sermon on the Mount are discussed here.
9 The Demand of the Kingdom
It is a life-changing demand. Or perhaps I should say demands (plural) bundled together into one.
10 Blessings of the Kingdom
This Scriptural list will edify you.
The Burnt Offering from a NT Perspective
So begins my nontechnical journey through Leviticus. I am learning a lot. The New Testament authors give us permission to use typology to fully explain the elements of the burnt sacrifice in the New Covenant believer’s life. (References: Lev. 1, 6:8-13, and Num 15:1-16)
The Grain Offering from a NT Perspective
Let’s learn to love the life lessons in Leviticus by finding out what it is and how Jesus fulfills this food or grain or meal offering, which was motivated by gratitude for the Lord. (References: Lev. 2 and 6:14-23; Num. 15:1-16)
The Fellowship Offering from a NT Perspective
It is also known as the peace offering and even the communion offering (n the sense of community). The wave offering is included here. Christ’s fulfillment of this offering has many parts, and they are all wonderful. (References: Lev. 3; 7:11-34)
The Sin Offering from a NT Perspective
If we want to fully understand Jesus’s sacrifice, we have to look into Leviticus. The substitutionary theory of the atonement is particularly clear in this offering. The New Testament even teaches that Christ became our sin offering. (References: Leviticus 4:1-5:13 and 6:24-30 and Num. 15:1-16)
The Guilt Offering from a NT Perspective
It is also called the Reparations offering or Trespass offering. Someone breaks the boundaries of the holy and becomes aware of it later, or he does some dishonest things; then the guilt offering is for him. Of course the New Testament (NT) streamlines and fulfills it in Christ (References: Leviticus 5:14-6:7; 7:1-7)
Ordination of Aaron and Sons in Leviticus 8 from a NT Perspective
I’m on a journey through Leviticus, and it is very enjoyable. Yes, their ordination is significant in its own right, but how do New Testament themes enlarge and fulfill priestly consecration?
First Worship and Inauguration of Tabernacle in Leviticus 9 from a NT Perspective
After Aaron and his sons were ordained (Lev. 8), they performed their first ritual for their own sins and then for the sins of the people. This is the inauguration of the new tabernacle. How does the New Covenant improve on these old rituals?
Death of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 from a NT Perspective
Those were Aaron the high priest’s eldest sons, and they mixed strange fire against the law, and God judged them instantly. Why? Is God a petty tyrant? Most of this post is concerned with this issue, while the rest of Leviticus 10 gives further instructions for the priests generally.
Clean and Unclean Food in Leviticus 11 from a NT Perspective
Leviticus has all sorts of food laws. How does the New Testament relate to them? Are they canceled? Are they kept? What exactly does the New Testament really say? The bulk of this post is about the last question.
Childbirth, Bodily Discharges in Leviticus 12, 15 from a NT Perspective
These Levitical laws in those two chapters are about reproduction and childbirth, in other words, male and female body parts. The laws, seemingly primitive by our standards, reveal the heart of the God who looks out for his people by promoting cleanliness and health. What does the New Testament teach about ceremonial cleanness and uncleanness?
Skin Disease, Mold in Leviticus 13, 14 from a NT Perspective
The laws in those two chapters about quarantine or isolation benefit humanity. They come from God’s heart of love for people. Yet, there is a ceremonial uncleanness that the New Testament rises above even for disease, but how?
The Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 from a NT Perspective
This is a simple look at Leviticus 16 in ten steps. The NT streamlines, improves and fulfills it. How?
‘Life Is in the Blood’ in Leviticus 17 from a NT Perspective
Modern people may dismiss the blood in the Old Testament as too primitive and unnecessary. But Jesus and his apostles applied the theology behind it to their days. It is wiser to follow them.
Unlawful Sexual Relations in Leviticus 18 from a NT Perspective
Does the New Testament cancel moral law? What about unlawful sexual practices? Are we free to practice at least some of them? Would grace cover us when we regularly did?
Moral and Other Laws in Leviticus 19 from a NT Perspective
Does the New Testament go so far as to cancel honest business practices, respect for parents, and even sound agricultural practices? Or does it accept some of them and reject others?
Punishments in Leviticus 20 from a NT Perspective
The punishments are not pretty, but we can still learn some basic principles of how seriously God takes sin. An extended discussion on the death penalty from a New Testament perspective is included here, at the end.
Rules for Priests in Leviticus 21-22 from a NT Perspective
This post is a quick summary of those two chapters in Leviticus. I am learning a lot in my journey through this infallible and inspired book, when it is properly interpreted through the filter of the New Covenant or New Testament.
Festivals in Leviticus 23 from a NT Perspective
The appointed festivals in this chapter were sacred for the ancient Israelites. They are still sacred for the Jewish community today. What does the New Testament say about them?
Death Penalty in Leviticus 24 from a NT Perspective
Chapter 24 of Leviticus starts off with the command to supply olive oil for the lamp in the tabernacle and bread there. Then in the second half of the chapter a man was stoned to death for blasphemy. And other verses demand the death penalty for taking a life. What does the New Testament say about all of this?
Liberty and Redemption in Leviticus 25 from a NT Perspective
This is a great passage about the Year of Jubilee, because it goes to the heart of the law: redemption and liberty. What does the New Testament say?
Rewards and Punishments in Leviticus 26 from a NT Perspective
What does the New Testament really say about them in light of this chapter in Leviticus? This post will make hyper-grace teachers cringe, but the rest of us will feel sober and be biblically informed.
Vows and Redemption in Leviticus 27 from a NT Perspective
How could a devout Israelite express his commitment to the Lord? His gratitude? His promise to give to the Lord for a future blessing? By vowing to him, with some property and other possessions–some “skin” in the game. How does the New Testament transform and streamline these laws?
Regeneration: What Is It and How Does It Work?
You must be born again. But what does that mean? Does anything result from being born again? Or do we just stay the same?
Atonement: Bible Basics
This post looks at the major Scriptures about the atonement. It also asks whether healing is “in” the atonement.
What Does ‘Atonement’ Mean?
This is an easy-to-follow study of some key Hebrew and Greek words, all transliterated into English.
Theories about the Atonement
Are some theories about it better than others?
What Is Reconciliation in the Bible?
God didn’t move. We did. Now he is wooing us back.
What Is Redemption in the Bible?
This is an easy-to-follow word study in Hebrew and Greek, with all the words transliterated into English. And then redemption and ransom are applied to our lives today.
Why the Cross?
Ever since the Enlightenment (1600-1800+), modern man does not like the bloody elements of Christianity, the blood that was shed on the cross. This man knows best, right?
Why the Blood of Jesus?
Postmodern man after the Enlightenment (1600-1800+) does not like the bloody part of Christianity. Of course this man is shortsighted. This post answers the question and lays out the efficacious benefits of the blood of Christ for our salvation. It also answers whether it is biblical to “plead the blood.”
What Does ‘Salvation’ Mean?
Start with this post, if you want the Bible basics. It will boil things down and clarify them. Key Hebrew and Greek words, too.
How Do We Respond to God’s Salvation?
When we experience salvation, we respond to it in our daily lives. How do we and should we respond?
What Is the Work of Salvation?
Who brought it about? How did salvation happen? Do we play our part to receive it?
What Is the Source of Salvation?
Read the Scriptural answer.
What Are Some Scriptural Images of Salvation?
The Scriptures use metaphors or imagery to describe salvation.
What Is Repentance?
Does it merely mean “changed mind,” or does it go deeper?
What Is Biblical Forgiveness?
If you have an overactive conscience, this post is for you. God hurls your sins into the sea and remembers them no more. An old fashioned word study and basic Bible study, with lots of biblical data put in an easy-to-read format.
Justification: Bible Basics
What is justification? Can God declare a guilty man not guilty?
Justification: What It Is and What It Is Not
What does the term mean and not mean? An old-fashioned Bible study offered in a Q&A format.
Justification: How It Was Done, How We Get It, and Its Results
A thorough study that I hope clarifies this issue.
Parable of the Sower: Eternal Security or Possible Apostasy?
The parable may not cover the titled theological dispute in detail, but many interpreters believe it does. So let’s explore.
Remaining a Christian or Falling Away?
In the old days, this used to be called the “perseverance of the saints” (believers). All that means is the persistence of Christians to keep their relationship with the Lord. So the related question often comes up: Can a truly born-again believer walk away from this relationship?
Possible Apostasy or Eternal Security?
Can truly born-again believers drift permanently away from or renounce their relationship with the Lord, or are they eternally secure?
Who Were the ‘Sons of God’ in Genesis?
Who were the “sons of God” mentioned in Genesis? Were they fallen angels or heroic men from the godly line of Seth? This post also covers the “sons of the Most High” in Psalm 82 and the “sons of God” in Job 1-2 and other verses.
Bible Basics about Angels
Learn what the Bible really says. This study is essential for our being rooted in the Word, not some desperate quest for angels. Seek Jesus always and only.
The Quaker Council of Philadelphia Proclaims James King
Dateline: 11 May 1685: Maybe the Quakers thought it prudent to honor the new king. But there was a problem–his religion. Both sides were part of European and American church history, in the colonial era. At his accession to the throne, he became James II.
Philadelphia Council Proclaims William and Mary King and Queen
Dateline: Philadelphia, 1 Nov 1689: The Council debates how William and Mary became King and Queen. Let’s listen in on a near-verbatim transcription of their discussion on that day. They were part of church history, and so was the council of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Council Proclaims Anne Queen of England
Dateline: 5 July 1702, Philadelphia. People in the New World thought it best to proclaim her queen in order to provide for their own defence and form a militia against invasion and for legal reasons. Both sides of the Atlantic were part of church history.
What Is a Biblical Mystery?
It is not defined by what the world system or pagan religions say, nor is it what popular Bible teachers seem to preach.
What Is Righteousness?
It seems confusion dominates discussions about the righteousness of God. Is it imputed? Imparted? When does it mean vindication? Justice? Holiness? Declared not guilty? Putting things right? All of the above? Find out what the Old Testament and New Testament say!
The Fruit of Righteousness
Paul prays for the Philippians that they would be filled with the fruit of righteousness (Phil. 1:11). Therefore righteousness is a fruit, every bit as much as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are. What does this aspect of the term mean?
An Evil Counterfeit to the Jesus Revolution
I lived through the second half of Jesus Revolution of the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. What is happening today is an evil knockoff.
Why Doesn’t Divine Healing Happen One Hundred Percent of the Time?
Yes, healing is “in” the atonement, like every biblical benefit. So why not 100% healing?
Deconstructing Gender Differences
The left! Sexual nihilism. Anything goes or nothing goes. So what? Who cares? In that spirit, I don’t know anymore what’s worse: shouting “fire!” in a crowded theater or “confused boy!” in a crowded girls’ locker room (said a clever radio host).
What Is Penal Substitution?
This theory of the atonement or the significance of Christ’s death on the cross has come under attack of late. And maybe some sermons and illustrations of it have been out of line. But this theory of the atonement is still biblically valid. Here’s why.
Does Book of Acts Teach Modern Communism or Socialism?
Some say yes. What are the historical and social context of three key passages?
How to Rescue America with These Images
Lies and exaggerations and distortions flow through the web and media and harm our society. They must be countered. If not, America will decline–at first slowly, and now rapidly–by moral rot. I also offer some biblical truths. You may certainly copy the images and post them in social media.
Should I Wash a Black Man’s Feet to Atone for Historic Racism?
I tell my story: Not my racism, but my ancestors owned slaves. Most importantly, what do the Scriptures say about atonement?
So What’s Wrong with Socialism, Anyway?
Have you ever heard a student or young adult ask it today? It’s still going strong in Europe and numerous countries around the globe. What if Leftists were to rebrand their ideology and hide it under a current political party in American politics? Therefore, it’s important to take a closer look at it.
What Are Renewal Movements in Christianity?
How are they defined? How many people belong to them?
Three Reasons Why People Are Whipped Up into Violent, Frenzied Mobs
This issue ranges much more widely than just the current events in 2020 America. We can learn from Scripture any time when it speaks to our nature and satanic lies.
Christ’s Death on Cross = Cosmic Child Abuse?
Critics say: “God sent his Son to the cross and poured his just wrath on him? Would any loving Father do that? It’s cosmic child abuse!” True or a misunderstanding?
What Is Prayer?
In its simplicity, it is “communication with God.” But what do the Scriptures say about it more fully? This post offers a thorough biblical teaching, with many references, on prayer generally.
Is It Just to Deploy National Guard to Stop Mayhem?
That is, is it the morally right thing to do? That question goes beyond current events in America in 2020. What is the government allowed to do, if it intends to restore peace and order? What does the Bible say?
Luke 17:22-37: Taken Away = Secret Rapture?
What do those verses about being taken away and left behind really teach? The answer may shock many people who have been taught only one viewpoint. I also briefly look at Matthew’s version.
Should Christians Fight or Flee Persecution?
What if the Church is targeted for persecution by the government or by large groups of extremists, but the government does not come to the aid of Christians? For example, rioting Muslims in Nigeria or Sudan attack churches on a wide scale. Can Christians defend themselves, because the State does not come to their aid?
Should the State ‘Turn the Other Cheek’?
I have often heard confused uses of “turn the other cheek.” The saying seems so imbalanced and out of touch with reality, as it circulates around the world, out of context and isolated.
Word Study: Truth
This post is not about modern philosophy. What does the Bible say about this rich word?
Does Hebrews 7:1-10 Teach Church Policy of Tithing?
An old fashioned Bible study is offered here.
Messianic Prophecies
This a table of Messianic prophecies, which go a long way in building up our faith and the reliability of the Bible. It also answers the question: How does this post help me grow in God?
Who Was Melchizedek?
At first glance he seems to be a mysterious figure. But who was he according to the entire Scriptures that mention him? An old-fashioned Bible study here, with my translation of Hebrews 7.
Does the Land of Israel Belong to Jews Today by Covenant?
How do biblical covenants bear on that extremely important question today? Does the New Covenant cancel the Abrahamic covenants? What does the remnant mean in the Bible?
Word Study on Forbearance and Patience
Do you need it? Do you dare pray for it? Learn what it means, and you will pray for it in your family and at your job.
What Is a Parable?
It is the major technique of Jesus’s teaching, right up there with his direct teaching. So how do we define it?
What Is a Miracle?
What is it? Do they happen today? Can you experience one?
What Is Fellowship?
Why do we need it? Why must we not skip it for very long? A Bible study here, with the famous “one another” verses included.
Bible Basics about the Church
This post is an old-fashioned Bible study, offering a clear understanding of the church.
What Is the Church?
How does the Bible describe it? You need to know, so you can fit into God’s plan with other believers.
The Power of Scripture and Doctrine in the Church
Certain Christians downplay Scripture. But it is better to say that this book, full of revelations and wonderful teachings, should occupy the top spot in our gatherings. Here’s why.
Basics about Water Baptism
What does baptize literally mean? Can infants be baptized, biblically speaking? What about adults being baptized twice? Questions like these are answered point by point.
Grace to You
Paul begins and ends each letter with grace. Great for your personal edification or a series in a Bible study or sermons.
Alternatives to Grace?
What are those alternatives? Only one man, inspired by the Spirit, turned the problem and solution on its head.
Two Approaches In Interpreting Scripture
One approach says, “Just do it!” The other one says, “It’s already been done.”
What Is Biblical Imputation?
Hint to its meaning: Think about it and take it on credit.
The Law Teaches Virtue and Restrains Vice
Several years ago, my city installed cameras at various intersections, and I got caught three times. I “miraculously” became an awesome driver!
Law versus Grace
The New Testament issues all sorts of commands and imperatives that many of us can’t live up to. What then?
Being Justified in Paul’s Epistles
What does “being justified” mean? Acquittal in law court, put right in a covenant, or both, or what?
Paul Quotes the Old Testament
This study looks at the Old Testament passages that Paul quotes in his writings, and the post places the references in categories.
The Law in Paul’s Theology
The “Grace Revolution” must adequately deal with this topic, for a change.
Law in the Epistle to the Romans
How does Paul use of the Old Testament in this most important epistle? Does he put people under the Old Covenant, by referring to its Scriptures? If not, then why borrow from them in the first place?
The Wrath of God in the New Testament
It is never expressed against his New Covenant community (unless you get a speeding ticket).
The Wrath of God in the Old Testament
What’s with all the wrathin’ and a-smitin’ in the Old Testament? If grace teachers don’t explore this topic, some people may accuse them of hiding unpleasant truths and focusing on feel-good, sugarcoated doctrines alone.
Balanced Worship in the Psalms
Yes, the first-person pronoun “I” is in that old biblical songbook (Psalms), but so is “God” without “me.” But when do we take “me” too far?
