There’s a mistake most Christians make, and ironically it’s a mistake we tend to think we don’t make. The mistake is that we tend to think everything we believe is grounded in Scripture. To be clear, I know for most of our beliefs this is the case, but we also have some beliefs that are shaped more by our […]
Bible Commentary
What Generation Won’t Pass Away?
I don’t think another word in Scripture has caused as much confusion as “generation” in the below verses: Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at […]
Avoiding Painful Decisions
2 Samuel 11 is probably one of the most familiar chapters in Scripture, because it recounts David’s sins with Bathsheba and Uriah. Something that really stands out to me is the way David’s decisions changed the trajectory of his entire life. The last verse of 2 Samuel 10 says, “And when all the kings who were servants […]
How Did Salvation and Forgiveness Take Place in the Old Testament?
How were people forgiven (or saved) in the Old Testament? Did forgiveness (or salvation) take place in the Old Testament through sacrifices or human effort? The short answer is forgiveness (and salvation) was received in the Old Testament the same way it’s received in the New Testament: by grace through faith. The Gospel can’t be a New Testament […]
What Foods Should Christians NOT Eat?
Are there any foods Christians should not eat? The New Testament is overwhelmingly clear that there are no food restrictions for Christians. Consider the following verses: Jesus said, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth.” Matthew 15:11 The Greek word for “defile” is […]
“Delighting in the Names of God” by Rachel Larkin
Delighting in the Names of God by Rachel Larkin is a wonderful book that can be used for personal Bible study and edification, or group studies.
Israel’s Holiness and the Ceremonial Commands in the Law
One of the more common questions I receive relates to the ceremonial commands in the Mosaic Law. People will ask, “Why did Israel have all those weird rules in the Old Testament?” The simple answer is so Israel could be a holy people. Now the longer answer… The Mosaic Law contains 613 commands divided into two categories: […]
Why did Jesus teach more about hell than heaven?
Since my parents purchased a Prius, I paid special attention to Toyota’s recalls in 2009-2010. A number of people experienced unintentional acceleration, causing numerous reports of people losing control of their vehicles, and even a two-car collision on Aug 28, 2009 that killed four people in San Diego, CA. Customers were angry about the the […]
Warnings to the Rich, Full, & Laughing from Jesus’ Woes
After discussing the Beatitudes in Luke 6:20-23, Jesus discusses the woes in Luke 6:24-26. A “woe” is a cry of pain that results from suffering. In particular, they’re the judgments awaiting four distinct groups: Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you […]