Wordofhisgrace.org

The Parable of the Leaven

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:25:00 CST

This parable and the Parable of the Mustard Seed are a pair. They tell much the same story, but with somewhat different emphases. Understanding the Parable of the Leaven is very straightforward. In fact, it is so straightforward that it is amazing that most commentators give a wrong interpretation for it. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed, Jesus taught that the small, powerful, and simple faith that He planted would grow into a large and corrupt institution. The Parable of the Leaven focuses on the corruption.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:25:00 CST

The previous parables we have examined in this series centered on the planting of grain. The next two parables we will look at are different. The first one is about a mustard seed that grows into a large tree. The second (which will be discussed in our next installment) is about leaven that leavens the entire three measures of meal. As we study into these parables, we will find that the Bible reveals that their meanings are far different from what most commentators and preachers assume. This means that what you have heard about these parables is probably not what the Bible teaches.

Keep His Commandments?

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:35:00 CST

Q. There are Scriptures in the writings of John that speak of keeping His commandments. You say that the Ten Commandments don't apply to Christians, so what do these Scriptures mean?

A. I have, as you pointed out, many times explained that the Ten Commandments do not apply to Christians, but were given only to Old Testament Israel. So, why does the New Testament speak of keeping His commandments? Can this possibly refer to the Ten Commandments or any Old Covenant law? Or are there other commandments we are to be keeping?

Old Covenant Law and New Covenant Law--Are They the Same?

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:30:00 CST

Do you know that apples and oranges are not the same thing? Sure you do. I'm sure you also know that elephants and crocodiles are not the same. What about light and dark? That's right, they're not the same. These are pretty simple concepts. It is amazing, then, that so many preachers have such a gigantic problem with understanding that the law of the Old Covenant and the law of the New Covenant are not the same. The Bible clearly distinguishes the two. In this article, I will point out the striking differences between the law of the Old Covenant and the law of the New Covenant.

Musings About Ebenezer Scrooge and Modern Wealth and Poverty

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:05:00 CST

I am repeating this article because it is always relevant. Did you know that, before his conversion, miserly, stingy Ebenezer Scrooge gave his clerk, Bob Cratchit, Christmas day off with pay? Today, we tend to think of ourselves as more enlightened than and superior to the grimy 19th century, yet, over 160 years after Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, it will be common for countless employees to either have to work on Christmas or to have the day off with no pay. Today, 35.9 million people live below the poverty line in America--including 12.9 million children, and around the world about one person dies every second as a result, either directly or indirectly, of hunger.

Should Christians Keep Christmas?

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:15:00 CST

This question arises every year at this time. It usually is based on the indisputable facts that Jesus was not born on December 25 and that the celebrations we associate with Christmas have their origins in the pagan religions of the ancient world and pre-Christian Europe. But does this mean we must have nothing to do with this day? It is a difficult question, but I will give you my thoughts on the matter.

Did women speak on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2?

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:55:00 CST

Q. You say that women are to be silent in the assembly. But weren't women among the 120 who spoke in tongues on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2?

A. The Bible's teaching that women are to be silent in the assembly is attacked from many different angles. I received this question just recently. It is a good one because it is based on a common assumption. The assumption is that the 120 spoke on Pentecost.

Why So Many Denominations?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:15:00 CST

Q. Why is the church fragmented into so many denominations?

A. It is estimated that there are over 43,000 Christian denominations worldwide and that by 2025 that will be 55,000. In other words, Christianity is fragmenting more all of the time. Yet Jesus prayed for the unity of His people. Has Jesus failed? Did the Father not grant His prayer? Or are we misunderstanding something about the denominations?

Do James and Paul Contradict?

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:10:00 CDT

Q. Why does James say, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only"? (James 2:24). This seems to directly contradict Paul's teaching that we are justified by faith.

If the teachings found in James's epistle contradict Paul's epistles, it would be a very serious matter. The Holy Spirit's authorship of the Bible would come into question. Still, many people do take what James says to be a contradiction of Paul. So we must take an honest look at the Scriptures. We must look at the context. To whom was he writing? What problem was James addressing? That's what I will do in this article.

Should Christians Seek to Be Magistrates?

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:15:00 CDT

It is not often questioned now whether a Christian should be a magistrate, hold a political office, or work for the government in some capacity. In fact, in recent years, the question in the United States has rather been whether it is right to vote for someone who is not a Christian. But this was not always the case. In past centuries, the question of whether Christians should be magistrates was one that many took seriously. In this article, I want to show how I came to this question, give a little historical background to the question, and point out some Scriptures that I believe answer it very clearly.

Mormons Are Not Christians

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:20:00 CDT

I want to make clear that there is no political agenda behind this article. I started planning this article because of a media blitz undertaken by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly called Mormons) in the United States to try to convince people that Mormons are Christians. Then, before I had even started the article, the question of whether Mormonism is Christian became a political issue. But my intention in writing this article is not to deal with a political issue. I am not trying to influence your votes. My concern is not with a presidential election. My concern is that some Christians actually believe that Mormons are fellow Christians. I did not write the title of this article as a question, "Are Mormons Christians?" because I want no misunderstandings. I want to show you statements from websites run by the Mormons and their Brigham Young University (BYU) that, when compared to the Bible, should make a Christian instantly know that Mormons are not Christians.

Malachi 3:7-12: Are Christians Robbing God by Not Tithing?

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:25:00 CDT

Malachi 3:7-12 is often used to try to prove that Christians should tithe, that if they don't tithe they are robbing God, and that if they will tithe God will bless them and the nation. But to whom is this written? What nation was robbing God? What storehouse is this talking about?

The End of Sola Fide, "By Faith Alone"?

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:10:00 CDT

Sola fide, "by faith alone," is a doctrine that is clearly taught in the Bible. It is confessed by many individuals and churches. The problem is that so many so misunderstand sola fide that they wind up teaching gross error. The misunderstandings concerning sola fide are so common, in fact, that there is a very good chance that the average reader of this article who thinks he or she believes sola fide, "by faith alone," does not understand it.

Virtual Monkeys Type "A Lover's Complaint"

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:20:00 CDT

A couple of weeks ago, the news reported that a computer programmer named Jesse Anderson announced that he was close to getting virtual monkeys to randomly type Shakespeare's "A Lover's Complaint." This was supposedly an answer to the question, Would an infinite number of monkeys pounding on an infinite number of typewriters be able to produce Shakespeare's works?

Virtual monkeys are small computer programs that generate random sequences of text. The question this supposedly answers has often been used in the creation, intelligent design, evolution, natural selection debates. So, before the evolutionists claim a victory, it is important that we understand what happened in Anderson's project.

Servants Are Brethren Who Humbly Serve

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:30:00 CDT

In this third installment of "Servants in the Body of Christ" I examine some of the minor words that are translated "minister" and show their specialized nature. But I especially want to take a good look at Matthew 23:1-12 to reveal how this passage is so often and blatantly violated today. What Jesus was doing in that passage was taking the world as it was conceived at that time, and as it is still usually understood, and turning it on its head.

Ministers and Deacons, or Just Servants?

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:55:00 CDT

English translations of the Bible use various words to describe what are usually called "offices" in the church. In this article, I want to examine what the Bible says about ministers and deacons, examine the Greek words behind these English translations, and see whether there might be some better translations. I am also going to take a look at Acts 6:1-6 to explore whether these verses really tell us of the ordination of the first deacons.

What is the lawful use of the law?

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:55:00 CDT

Q. What is the lawful use of the law as stated in 1 Timothy 1:8?

A. This verse states, "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully." Certainly, this is a difficult Scripture that would seem to contradict other New Testament Scriptures about the law. But we know that the Bible does not contradict itself. There is a danger when facing such a Scripture, however, to try to force our opinion on it, to read into it what we think it should say rather than accept what it does say. Keeping this in mind, let's see if we can find out what God is telling us in this Scripture. (read more)

Is All the World Under the Law?

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:55:00 CDT

Q. If, as you say, the law was given only to Israel, why does Romans 3:19 imply that all the world is under the law and judged guilty by it?

A. Paul is writing of two groups of people. Together they constitute all the world. But he does not say they are both under the law. (read more)

Servants in the Body of Christ -- How Many Offices Are In God's Assembly?

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:20:00 CDT

The Bible speaks of elders, ministers, deacons, bishops, pastors, evangelists, apostles, teachers, and prophets. Are all of these offices? What does the Bible say about offices? What does it say about each, and how are they different from one another? What does the Bible say about clergy? In this series of articles, I am going to answer these questions by addressing these functions a couple at a time. But I am going to begin the series by discussing church offices in general, the clergy, and answering the question posed in the title.

Law Is Not For the Righteous

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:30:00 CDT

Dear Mr. Sabbathkeeper,

You have written to me asking me whether, since I say that Christians are not obligated to keep the fourth commandment ("Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy"), do I then believe that it is okay to murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, and covet, prohibitions against these also being found in the Ten Commandments.

I am sorry to hear that you are not a righteous man. You might be shocked by this response. After all, it is you who are trying to get me to observe the Ten Commandments. But my response is soundly based on Scripture.

Who Said It? -- "Remember, democracy never lasts long...."

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 07:29:00 CDT

Who said it? "Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide. It is in vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious, or less avaricious than aristocracy or monarchy. It is not true, in fact, and nowhere appears in history. Those passions are the same in all men, under all forms of simple government, and when unchecked, produce the same effects of fraud, violence, and cruelty."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Are church covenants and membership policies biblical?

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:15:00 CDT

I am sometimes asked to evaluate a specific membership policy or covenant, but this answer really covers all church covenants and membership policies. Church covenants and membership policies list certain requirements for membership and/or describe the expected behavior of members. Many Christians and many churches claim that they abide by the principle of the Bible alone. Then they will turn around and formulate something called a church membership policy or church covenant. But where does the Bible tell us to have such a thing? What motivates churches to have these covenants/policies?

Was Jesus a vegetarian? Should Christians be vegetarians?

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:05:00 CDT

Vegetarianism is the practice of excluding meat from the diet. Some vegetarians also exclude other animal products, such as eggs, milk, cheese, rennet, gelatin, and honey. There are a variety of reasons that people have for being vegetarians, including health, cultural, economic, environmental, ethical (opposition to killing animals or objections to the ways in which they are slaughtered), and religious. Vegetarianism is found among many religions, including Christianity. Although what I will say here might possibly have implications for any of the other reasons for practicing vegetarianism, I specifically want to address the question of whether the Bible teaches that Christians should be vegetarians. Is there any biblical evidence that Jesus was a vegetarian? Since Jesus' death ended animal sacrifices, does this mean that Christians should no longer eat meat? Is there evidence in the Bible that God does not intend Christians to be vegetarians?

Am I Wrong in Saying That the Law Was Given Only to Israel?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:50:00 CDT

Q. Exodus 12:49 says that there is one law for Israel and the stranger. Exodus 20:10 also says that the stranger is to keep the Sabbath. Doesn't this prove you wrong when you say that the law, including the Sabbath, was given only to Israel?

A. In Exodus 12:49, we read, "One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you." As with any Scripture, to understand this verse, we must look at the context and know how its terms are defined. The terms that we should pay particular attention to here are "homeborn" and "stranger."

The Superiority of Jesus Christ and His New Testament Revelation

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:28:00 CDT

Christians rightly believe that the written Word of God consists of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments. And, in theory, many Christians would also say that Jesus Christ is the most important figure in the Bible. In practice, however, many of those same Christians elevate Moses above Christ by stressing Old Testament law. But Jesus is not only superior to Moses, He is the pinnacle and goal of the entire revelation of the Bible; He is, in fact, what is revealed. The New Testament, being His New Covenant ("covenant" and "testament" are translated from the same Greek word) in His blood (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25) is, thus, the culmination of Biblical revelation and is the superior testament. In this article, I will show that the Bible teaches the superiority of Christ and the New Testament, thus supporting this tenet of New Covenant Theology.

How can I prove the Bible true?

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 07:55:00 CDT

I am always flabbergasted by the utter confusion surrounding the question of proving the Bible to be true. Many prominent theologians, creation scientists, evolutionists, famous scientists, agnostics, and atheists have fallen flat on their faces trying to either prove or disprove the Bible to be true. The real answer to the question is that the Bible cannot be proved to be true. But then, that same answer must be given to the question, Is science true? Why, then, does anyone believe either science or the Bible or anything else?

Ekklesia or Church, Does It Matter?

Tue, 17 May 2011 10:55:00 CDT

In the New Testaments of most English Bibles, the words "church" and "churches" appear a total of over one hundred times. (From now on, I will use "church" to stand for both the singular and plural.) With one exception in the King James Version (found in Acts 19:37), all of these instances of "church" are mistranslated from the Greek word ekklēsia. That's right, I said mistranslated. Not only that, they are a deliberate mistranslation of ekklēsia. The fact that this mistranslation is so widespread and that it is deliberate should cause us to suspect that it is important to know what ekklēsia really means. In this article, I am going to tell you the origins of the word "church" and its meaning, what ekklēsia means and how it was used in history and the Bible, what Jesus meant by His ekklēsia, why ekklēsia was deliberately mistranslated as "church", and why all of this is important.

Hebrews 10:25: What Are We Not To Forsake?

Tue, 03 May 2011 19:35:00 CDT

I have a confession to make. I saw the truth of Hebrews 10:25 well over twenty years ago. But I looked the other way. I convinced myself that I must be wrong, and that--despite what the Greek clearly says--what almost everyone else says must be right. Nevertheless, all through those years, in the back of my mind, I knew full well that Hebrews 10:25 doesn't say what virtually every church, elder, and Bible commentator says it does. The misinterpretation of this verse has become a sacred cow that few people dare to address. But I hope that my confession in this article will encourage others, who also know the truth of Hebrews 10:25, to also come clean.

Should Christians Celebrate Easter?

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:45:00 CDT

Coincidentally, this year the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches agree that Easter is this coming Sunday. Because the Protestant churches follow the lead of the Roman Catholic Church, most of them will also celebrate Easter this Sunday. But there are some Christians who say that Easter shouldn't be celebrated at all. Each year, millions of people observe Easter. They believe they are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Probably few wonder whether the Bible tells them to do so or even whether the Bible approves the celebration. Should Christians celebrate Easter?

Did Jesus Become Sin?

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:45:00 CDT

Q. Does 2 Corinthians 5:21 mean that Jesus Christ actually became sin? A. The verse in question says, "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." If you read the context, you will see that "he" in the verse refers to God, and "him" refers to Jesus Christ. So, the verse appears to be saying that God made Jesus to be sin for us. There are those who say that this is exactly what Paul is saying here; that, although we may not fully understand it and it may have to remain a mystery to us, we must accept that somehow God actually made Jesus to be sin for us. Others say that the verse merely means that God imputed our sins to Jesus. If you are not aware of it, it might be hard to believe that this verse is a source of division and controversy among a number of pastors and their churches. Which side of the issue is right? Or is neither side right?

Is it biblical for a woman to talk to an elder about her husband's sin?

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:15:00 CDT

Someone speaking to an elder about his or her spouse's sin is a fairly common practice that is rarely questioned. Let's see if the Bible supports it.

Denying the Lord Who Bought Them

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:57:00 CDT

Question: "In 2 Peter 2:1, the apostle says that false teachers will deny the Lord that bought them and bring swift destruction on themselves. If Christians can deny the Lord who bought them and be damned for it, doesn't this mean that not all saints persevere and that Jesus purchased with His blood people who are not eventually saved? If so, this contradicts the teachings of limited atonement and perseverance of the saints that you say are biblical." This is a good question. How can anyone deny the Lord who bought him?

Who afflicted Job? Was it Satan or God?

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:50:00 CDT

The answer to this question is found within the Book of Job. By examining some key verses, we will see that the answer is very clear. Whether we accept that answer is another story.

Is God unfair, unloving, unmerciful and the author of sin?

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:45:00 CDT

This is the essence of a question I received: "You say that God hardened Pharaoh's heart and the hearts of the people who did not believe Jesus. Doesn't this make God unfair, unloving, and unmerciful as well as the author of sin?" In a single word, my answer is no. But let me explain.

New Wine

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:45:00 CDT

What do a patch of fabric, a leather bag, and wine have in common? They are all used by Jesus in three related parables--parables that Jesus used to tell us some very important truths about the kingdom of God. These parables deal with a subject that affects both the things we believe and the life we as Christians are to live. They are parables that, if rightly understood, will help us understand the Bible and help us grow and mature as Christians until we come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. But misunderstanding these parables can stunt our spiritual growth.

Are You Following the Weak and Beggarly Elements, Rudiments, and Principles of this World?

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 11:59:00 CST

Galatians 4:4, 9; Colossians 2:8; and Hebrews 5:12 talk about the weak and beggarly elements, rudiments, and principles of the world. The word translated "elements" in Galatians 4, "rudiments" in Colossians 2, and "principles" in Hebrews 12 is stoicheion. The word stoicheion comes from stoicheo, which means to march in orderly ranks. Stoicheion means first, elementary things. It was used for the letters of the alphabet. But what does the Bible mean by these elements, rudiments, and principles, and how might many Christians be turning back to these weak and beggarly elements and coming under bondage?

Does God Harden People's Hearts?

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:59:00 CST

I received a question that can be summarized as follows: Many Calvinists say that it is God who hardens people's hearts. But John 12:40 uses two different pronouns: "He hath blinded...I should heal them." Certainly, God heals, so the "he" who hardens seems to be someone else. Doesn't this mean that God does not harden people's hearts?

When are women supposed to be silent in church?

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:40:00 CST

Does the command for a woman to be silent in church apply from the moment she walks into the building or only during meetings, prayer times, and classes? And must women remain silent during prayer meetings, Sunday School classes, and Bible studies that are not a part of the regular assembly? These are good questions.

Am I a Nestorian? What's that?

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:33:00 CST

"Are you a Nestorian? By saying that Mary is not the mother of God, are you not guilty of separating the two natures of Jesus?"

The above questions are the essence of an email I recently received from a Roman Catholic. Referring to my article, "Was Mary the Mother of God?" (http://www.wordofhisgrace.org/motherofgod.htm), this man said, among many other things, "I smell the stench of Nestorianism!" and "I hope you will recant of the heresy of denying that Mary truly is the Mother of our Lord, the Mother of God." Because the remainder of his email is relatively level-headed and well-argued, and because his position represents the general position of the Catholic Church, I have decided to reproduce my answer to him as an article.

The Real Poison of Biblical Dietary Laws and "Health Secrets"

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:15:00 CST

Is the Bible a health manual? Are the dietary laws found in the Bible God's ways of telling us what is healthy and unhealthy to eat? Or did God have an entirely different reason for putting these laws in the Bible? What's more, do these laws given to ancient Israel have anything at all to do with Christians today?

Herbert W. Armstrong, the late founder and "apostle" of the Worldwide Church of God, taught that Christians must obey the laws of clean and unclean meats found in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. On page 18 of Principles of Healthful Living, he wrote: "This is a basic law--a revelation from God to man about which kinds of flesh will properly digest and assimilate in the human system, and which will not" (Principles of Healthful Living [Pasadena, CA: Worldwide Church of God, Chapter Three 1958, 1978; Chapter Four 1979], version 1.0, May 1990 printing).

As might be expected, most of the splinter groups of the Worldwide Church of God that continue to follow Armstrong's teachings have their requisite publications on clean and unclean meats. More surprising, perhaps, is the number of others--including physicians, dieticians, and cooks--who have written popular books that claim to reveal the health secrets God has stashed into the pages of the Bible. And, being the narcissistic, health-crazed society we are, these books sell well. In fact, it has become common for many Christians who do not strictly follow the Old Testament dietary laws to nevertheless think of them as health guidelines. They believe the meats listed as unclean in the Old Testament are not as healthful as other meats, and they also think that the Bible contains many other health secrets. But are we to consider the Bible to be a health manual? And are Christians to be following the Old Testament dietary laws?

Every Man His Own Pope?

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:25:00 CST

I have recently received some questions that can be summarized as follows: The Catholic Church accuses that the doctrine of sola scriptura, or the Bible alone, makes every person his own pope. How do you answer this?

Who Said It? -- "Christian tradition has never recognized the right to private property as absolute and untouchable."

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:57:00 CST

Who said it? "Christian tradition has never recognized the right to private property as absolute and untouchable."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Christians, Voting, and Politics

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:35:00 CST

We recently had an election here in the United States. I didn't vote. Why? Besides the fact, as I have stated before, that even the best choice is still merely the lesser or two or three evils--and the lesser among evils is still evil--another reason I didn't vote is that my real citizenship is not in the United States of America. Oh yes, I was born in the United States, but many years ago, I died, and my citizenship in the United States died with me. When I arose to a new life, I became a citizen of another country. Yes, the United States would allow me to vote because it doesn't recognize my true citizenship. But I know it, and God knows it, and that's enough.

Who Said It? -- "We have restricted credit, we have restricted opportunity, we have controlled development...."

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:50:00 CST

Who said it? "We have restricted credit, we have restricted opportunity, we have controlled development, and we have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated, governments in the civilized world -- no longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and the duress of small groups of dominant men."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Authority and Accountability in the Bible

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:10:00 CST

Here is the question I want to answer in this article: Does the Bible teach that Christians are to be accountable to, covered by, or under the authority of a church, a pastor, someone called an "accountability partner," or any other member of the church? In answering this question, I will address authority in the church, church discipline, Scriptures that speak of obeying "them that have the rule over you" and "They that must give account."

Who Said It? -- "The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element...."

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:00:00 CST

Who said it? "The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element in the larger centers has owned the Government ever since the days of Andrew Jackson."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Why doesn't everyone respond positively to the Gospel?

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:45:00 CST

There are examples in the Bible of people having reactions to the Gospel that vary from readily receiving it to reacting with murderous rage. These reactions are still found today. What makes the difference in how people respond to the Gospel?

Who Said It? -- "There is not sufficient evidence from Scripture to justify the initiation of infant baptism...."

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:10:00 CST

Who said it? "There is not sufficient evidence from Scripture to justify the initiation of infant baptism.... Baptism is a Greek word, and may be translated immersion, as when we immerse something in water that it may be wholly covered.... they ought...to be wholly immersed, and then immediately drawn out, for that the etymology of the word seems to demand.... They who seriously want to be Christians, want to confess to the Gospel, in word as well as deed, these ought to have their names put in a ledger, and they ought to gather in a house apart for the purpose of prayer, the reading of the Scriptures, the administration of baptism, and to engage in still other Christian performances."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Women and Authority

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:00:00 CST

What does Paul mean when he says that he does not permit a woman to usurp authority over a man?

The question comes from 1 Timothy 2:12: "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." Although I have touched upon this verse before, it merits further discussion, especially because of the controversy surrounding the word that is translated "usurp authority." This is the only place in the Bible this word is found, so understanding this verse requires a careful look at the meaning of this and other Greek words, the syntax of the wording in the verse, and the context of 1 Timothy 2:12. This is what I attempt to do in this article so that we can arrive at what Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was really saying.

Who Said It? - "The United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion."

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:18:00 CST

Who said it? "The United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Are We At the End of the Reformation? Part One: The End of Sola Scriptura--"By Scripture Alone"

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:18:00 CDT

Most scholars date the start of the Protestant Reformation to October 31, 1517, when the Roman Catholic Augustinian monk and priest, Martin Luther (1483-1546) nailed his Ninety-five Theses on the door of All Saints' Church, often called "Castle Church," in Wittenberg, Germany. But as the ball of the Reformation got rolling, the importance of the Ninety-five Theses faded in comparison to other fundamental tenets of belief that arose as the central differences between Catholics and Protestants. Five of the central beliefs took expression in what have been called the Five Solas: 1. Sola Scriptura--"By Scripture Alone," 2. Sola fide--"by faith alone," 3. Sola gratia--"by grace alone," 4. Solus Christus or Solo Christo--"Christ alone" or "through Christ alone," 5. Soli Deo Gloria--"glory to God alone."

Over the years individuals and individual churches have wandered from the Five Solas to where, today, we are on what appears to be the verge of a crumbling away of Protestantism and a return to Catholicism. In this series of articles, I will clarify the teachings of each of the Five Solas and explain how they do not match what is now commonly believed in many Protestant, Reformed, or Baptist churches.

The first installment is about sola scriptura, the teaching that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only authoritative revelation of God.

Who Said It? - "I join you, therefore, in sincere congratulations that this den of the priesthood is at length broken up...."

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:35:00 CDT

Who said it? "I join you, therefore, in sincere congratulations that this den of the priesthood is at length broken up, and that a Protestant Popedom is no longer to disgrace the American history and character."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Is Speaking in Tongues for Today?

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 11:05:00 CDT

There are two common ideas that people have about speaking in tongues or glossolalia: 1) Speaking in tongues in the Bible is speaking in the language of angels or some other language that no people on earth normally know, and 2) The same gift of speaking in tongues we read of in the Bible continues today. In this article, I will show from the Scriptures whether these ideas are right or wrong. I will then also present some of the conclusions of linguists who have studied glossolalia.

Who Said It? - "We do not know that no man can be saved except through Christ...."

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:45:00 CDT

Who said it? "We do not know that no man can be saved except through Christ; we do not know that only those who know Him can be saved through Him."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

The Parable of the Seed Growing by Itself

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:30:00 CDT

In his children's book, Frog and Toad Together, Arnold Lobel depicts a toad planting a garden and becoming impatient for the seeds to grow. He is convinced he has to help the seeds along. First, he tells them to start growing. Then, he commands them to grow. Next, he goes out at night and reads them a story. He then sings them songs, reads poetry to them, and then plays them music on his fiddle. Finally, being very tired, he falls asleep. While he is asleep and doing nothing, the seeds sprout from the ground. Unfortunately, the toad doesn't learn the lesson and concludes that the seeds came up because of all his hard work. I wonder if Arnold Lobel had the Parable of the Seed Growing by Itself in mind when he wrote that story? This parable of Jesus appears only in Mark 4:26-29. It is an often overlooked parable that teaches an important lesson that many, especially many preachers (if not toads), would do well to learn.

Who Said It? - "Nowhere nor in anything, except in the assertion of the church...."

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:40:00 CDT

Who said it? "Nowhere nor in anything, except in the assertion of the Church, can we find that God or Christ founded anything like what churchmen understand by the Church."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Who Said It? - "Naturally the common people don't want war...."

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:40:00 CDT

Who said it? "Naturally the common people don't want war.... But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along.... All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

The Transfiguration of Christ -- "This is my beloved Son...hear ye him"

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:33:00 CDT

The transfiguration of Christ occurred when Jesus took Peter, James, and John up into a high mountain. There, the three disciples saw a vision of the shining, glorified Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. But what was the purpose of the vision? Why did it end with Moses and Elijah going away and God saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him"? Why is it recorded for us today, and what does God want us to learn from it?

How to Turn Muslims Off to Christ in One Easy Step--Burn the Koran

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:30:00 CDT

As many of you may already know, a small church in Florida has made international headlines by saying its members will burn several hundred copies of the Koran this Saturday, September 11. The church's Facebook page says they will do this "in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the evil of Islam. Islam is of the devil!" The Dove World Outreach Center is pastored by Terry Jones, author of a book called Islam Is of the Devil. No doubt about it, the Koran is a lie that is keeping its people in darkness and leads them to hell. The question is, will this burning of the Koran help anyone out of that deception, or will it only make them dig in their heels even further and turn them from the light of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ? I say the latter, and in this article, I back this opinion up with the Bible.

Who Said It? - "I would ask of the Lord God only this...."

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:57:00 CDT

Who said it? "I would ask of the Lord God only this: that, as in the past, so in the years to come He would give His blessing to our work and our action, to our judgment and our resolution, that He will safeguard us from all false pride and from all cowardly servility, that He may grant us to find the straight path which His Providence has ordained...and that He may ever give us the courage to do the right, never to falter, never to yield before any violence, before any danger."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

What Really Happened in the Garden of Eden?

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:05:00 CDT

Probably most Christians who have read the first three chapters of Genesis assume that they know what happened in the Garden of Eden. But there is a problem. It is very difficult to approach this subject without a bias. This is because most theological systems, in order to make their systems work, have made assumptions about what happened in Eden that are not found in the Bible. These assumptions are taught in seminaries and find their way into sermons and Christian books without being challenged. In fact, anyone who does challenge them, even with sound biblical support, runs the risk of being labeled a heretic. Well, I am going to run that risk in this article and, in doing so, pop a few balloons full of hot air theology.

Who Said It? - "Mao Tse-Tung's eight precepts are basically the same as the Ten Commandments...."

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:40:00 CDT

Who said it? "Mao Tse-Tung's eight precepts are basically the same as the Ten Commandments. In fact, if we can't have the Ten Commandments read in our schools, I'll settle for Mao's precepts."

Find the answer by clicking on the link.

Why Peter is the "rock" upon which Jesus says in Matthew 16:18 that He will build His church

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:45:00 CDT

I realize that what I am about to say is not the position of most Protestants and Baptists. But please bear with me. I am not about to become a papist.

Matthew 16:18 is one of the most debated verses in the Bible. It has been used by Romans Catholics to try to prove Scriptural authority for a pope and by Protestants to try to disprove Scriptural authority for a pope. Both groups have been so intent on trying to prove something that is completely outside of the biblical context that they have basically massacred the original meaning of the text. Our job is to get rid of our biases and try to find out what Jesus was really saying.

A Bible Study About Pride

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 CDT

All human beings naturally have pride. Both adults and children have pride. But you might be surprised to know that in all 49 places in the King James Version of the Bible, pride is never mentioned as being a good thing. The Bible always treats pride as being bad. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, there are several words that are translated as "pride," but, whichever word it is translated from, pride is always considered a bad thing.

In this study, we will look at a few of the places in the Bible where pride is mentioned and answer questions based on each of those places. We will see from Scripture that pride hurts us and gets in the way of our being the children God wants us to be. That's why God, in His love and grace, will help us with our pride problem when we ask Him.

Christianity or Moralism, Can You Tell the Difference?

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:50:00 CDT

Christianity and moralism are being confused by both critics of Christianity and by Christians themselves. In this article, I use the Bible to distinguish and define these two opposing viewpoints.

Does Acts 2:39 Teach Infant Baptism?

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:20:00 CDT

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Act 2:39). The proponents of infant baptism seem to use this Scripture as if it were a cornerstone of their doctrine. Almost all books and articles supporting infant baptism include this verse. But does Acts 2:39 support infant baptism or does it teach just the opposite? And what is the connection between this Scripture and the covenant of circumcision?

What is the Christian's responsibility toward the environment?

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:00:00 CDT

Environmental issues can be very controversial. There is a lot of propaganda that we should be skeptical of. Studies on the environment funded by grants from the government and science foundations are very lucrative for scientists, and we must never think that scientists are above being as totally depraved and sinful as anyone else. Then again, there are those who are anti-environmentalists. They seem bent on scoffing at every environmental concern. We must be careful about this side of the spectrum, as well. So, environmental concerns are complex political and economic issues. Nevertheless, there are Scriptures that show the Christian's responsibility to the environment and toward God who is in control of it.

Matthew 23:37, Did Jesus Fail?

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:50:00 CDT

Does Matthew 23:37 say that Jesus wanted to save all Jerusalem but Jerusalem refused? In Matthew 23:37 Jesus says, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Many think this is saying that God wanted to give grace to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but they refused it. I have heard preachers use this Scripture this way time and again. But is this what the Bible is saying?

Does Your Church Have Chief Seats?

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:55:00 CDT

Jesus, in warning His disciples not to follow the prideful and hypocritical actions of the scribes and Pharisees, includes in His portrayal of their self-importance the fact that they "love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues" (Matthew 23:6). I want to focus on the "chief seats in the synagogues." What are they?

The Political Takeover of "Evangelical"

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:30:00 CDT

The word "evangelical" has been taken over, hijacked for political ends. Christian writer Rob Bell sees the problem and bemoans that evangelical "has come in America to mean politically to the right." But by then defining evangelical in politically left terms, he shows that he has totally missed the solution. The English word "evangelical" is based on a Greek word found throughout the New Testament. Thus, it is a word derived from the Bible and has a definite, biblical meaning. In this article, I explore that meaning that is rooted in the very Gospel message itself.

Persecution and Violence Can't Stop God's Work in California's Prisons

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:40:00 CDT

Since 2000, Word of His Grace Ministries has had an ongoing relationship with the pastor of the Sovereign Grace Bible Church of the "C" yard in Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, California. The pastor is himself an inmate, and I will withold his name. What makes this pastor and the work God is doing through him extraordinary is the phenomenal growth it has experienced as it has spread throughout the California prison system. Not only that, but it has experienced this growth despite severe persecution, usually over the doctrines of grace. At times, the pastor has even been the victim of violence from other prisoners, including those who claim to be Christians and are members of other churches. I ask you to please read these excerpts from the pastor's latest letter, in which he tells of being stabbed and of God's blessings on the Sovereign Grace Bible Church so you can remember this dear brother and his work in your prayers.

God as the Conquering King or How the Need for Repentance is Compatible with Grace

Thu, 27 May 2010 13:35:00 CDT

Many of us are familiar with such passages as Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." And it is most certainly true that our salvation is entirely gracious. God gives it to us as a free gift. We cannot earn it; God never owes it to us.

Yet, there are Scriptures that can be troubling because they seem to contradict the freeness of salvation. Matthew 16:24 comes to mind: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Even Scriptures that tell us to repent can seem to be telling us to do something to earn our salvation (see, for example, Matthew 4:17). There are a number of ways that I might go about teaching how these Scriptures do not contradict the freeness of salvation. But I think the simplest way to explain this is with the illustration of the conquering king.

"Have You Not Read...?"

Fri, 7 May 2010 16:35:00 CDT

I think that many Christians would be surprised to learn that Jesus held people responsible for reading and knowing the Scriptures. Yet, appallingly few Christians regularly read their Bibles. This article shows that Jesus expected us to know the Scriptures and explains why.

Were the Old Testament Saints Born Again? - The Least in the Kingdom is Greater Than John the Baptist

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:15:00 CDT

Jesus said, "Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he" (Luke 7:28). These words of Jesus are puzzled over and wondered about by many. How can John the Baptist be both the greatest and less than the least? To answer this question, we must understand 1) Jesus' comparison of two births, and 2) who John the Baptist was. When we understand these two points, we will not only know more about John the Baptist, we will also be able to see whether the Old Testament saints were born again.

What are your thoughts on Jennifer Knapp's disclosure that she is living a gay lifestyle?

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:15:00 CDT

Jennifer Knapp is a Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) singer who has made a disclosure concerning her lifestyle. The bottom line of Knapp's announcement seems to contain the triple ideas that the only Scriptures against such relationships are in the Old Testament, that there is a spirit that "overrides" the question of whether such relationships should be allowed in the church, and that living such a lifestyle and being a Christian are not at odds. Besides responding to these points, I am also going to address whether Knapp should be condemned or pitied, the danger of her example, the flaw in her view of the Gospel, whether it is proper for Christians to point a condemning finger at those who live in such relationships as sinners worse than others, and how this incident exposes a division in evangelical Christianity.

The Parable of the Tares of the Field

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:15:00 CDT

The Parable of the Tares of the Field appears only in Matthew 13:24-30. Like the "Parable of the Sower," Jesus explains this parable both so that we can understand this parable and to help us understand other parables. In this article, I will go over Jesus' explanation, show how this parable helps us understand the world in which we now live, and point out how it has been common over the centuries for people to disobey the command in the parable.

What does Jesus mean when He says "the light of the body is the eye"?

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:20:00 CDT

"What does Jesus mean when He says 'the light of the body is the eye'? Our eyes don't light anything. And what can He mean by 'the light that is in thee be darkness'?" These questions come from Matthew 6:22-23 and Luke 11:34-36. Jesus does not mean that the eyes physically light up the body. But what does He mean?

Why Christians Believe in the Trinity

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:15:00 CDT

What Scriptural evidence is there for the Trinity? Many sects say there is none because the word Trinity is not found in the Bible. But does that mean that God is not a Trinity? The purpose of this article is to prove that the Bible definitely teaches that God is a Trinity.

Mary at the Mercy Seat

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:00:00 CDT

If you know something about the mercy seat, you might know that it was something in the tabernacle, and later in the temple after it was built. Not only that, but it was inside the Holy of Holies or Most Holy Place where only the high priest could go and that only once a year (Hebrews 9:7; Leviticus 16). So why do I in my title place Mary --meaning Mary Magdalene--at the mercy seat?

3 Days + 3 Nights = 1 False Doctrine

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:40:00 CDT

Is knowing the precise number of hours Jesus Christ's dead body lay in the tomb of any great significance? Worldwide Church of God (WCG) founder Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986), as well as many Bible teachers today, would have had you believe it is. Armstrong asserted, "Jesus staked his claim to being your Saviour and mine upon remaining three days and three nights in the tomb." By "three days and three nights" Armstrong meant precisely 72 hours. This amazing claim is the reason I decided to cover this topic on this website. There can hardly be anything more vital than whether Jesus Christ is our Savior. Before examining any relationship between the amount of time Jesus was in the tomb and His being our Savior, I will first ask, How long was Jesus in the tomb?

The Parable of the Sower

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:00:00 CST

Jesus' Parable of the Sower is a key that helps us understand His other parables. It also shows us what to expect as we preach the Gospel in this age. What I want to do in this study is to go over Jesus' explanation so as to bring out things that may be missed in casual reading. And I want to show how we can apply this parable today.

The Legal Principle of Prior Claim--Jesus, Taxes, and God's Claim on Our Lives

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:47:00 CST

You may be familiar with Jesus' statement, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." You may also realize, perhaps grudgingly and wondering whether there are any exceptions, that this means you are to pay your taxes. But when we look at this statement more closely and in context, we see that Jesus was addressing far more than taxes. In fact, that was not even the primary point of His response. Jesus was actually answering the Jews with a legal principal they hadn't thought of. It is a principal that applies to every one of us, and it will help us put the focus in our lives right where it belongs.

Ephesians 2:8 -- Saving Faith the Gift of God by Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:47:00 CST

In five paragraphs, Robert Murray M'Cheyne teaches the truth of salvation by grace through faith. He also starts off explaining the error: "Most men try to lay God under a debt to save them. They work for salvation instead of working from it. They 'go about to establish their own righteousness.'"

How to Obtain Certain Knowledge of Forgiveness of Sins

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:45:00 CST

This article is from George Muller's Autobiography. George Muller (also spelled Mueller) was an example to us all, and I find him one of the most admirable men in relatively recent history. (By the way, something not often mentioned today is that that Muller believed and taught the Doctrines of Grace.) As Muller explains, he wrote this article in response to a "sister in the Lord in Ireland, who did not see her acceptance before God, and who was habitually without the assurance that she is a child of God, that she is born again, that her sins are forgiven, and that she will be saved.... As her case is by no means a solitary one, but as there are so many children of God who do not know that they are children of God; as there are so many whose sins are forgiven who do not know that they are forgiven; and as there are so many who will be saved, who do not know that they will be saved, and who are continually afraid of what would become of them were they to be taken out of the world; I have thought it well to say something here on this most important subject." Even if this does not describe us personally, we will all likely encounter brothers and sisters who do not know for certain that they are forgiven and saved. This little article can be a great help in ministering to them.

What do Arminian and Arminianism mean?

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:30:00 CST

This Question and Answer gives a brief history of Arminianism, defines what it is, and compares it to Calvinism (the Doctrines of Grace).