Many say we cannot understand the Bible. Though if we could, they would certainly believe that we cannot understand the Bible alike. This belief is often used to justify the myriad doctrines and denominations we see in the religious world. But is the assertion true that we cannot understand the Bible? Can we even say we understand the Bible if we do not understand it alike?
God’s will is revealed in the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:7-10). The word of God has been revealed in such a way that we can understand it. Paul wrote to the Ephesians concerning the mystery which he had revealed and said, “When you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). The Ephesians were not to come to a different understanding than Paul. The message was revealed in such a way that they could have the same understanding that Paul had. Since we have the word of God today, we can have the same understanding as well.
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This world is full of constant change. Many things come and go, whether they are people, cultures, governments, trends, or fashions. Yet the writer of Ecclesiastes noted, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The changes we see are just perpetual cycles that exist in this world. But in the midst of the changes we face in this life, there are certain fundamental truths that will always remain constant.
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[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]
In various settings I have been privileged to discuss topics relating to the Bible. From such discussions I have learned so many things from individuals that I have admired and have the greatest respect for this day. The instruction and training with such individuals has been an asset when talking to those of my peers in the world. One question that is asked frequently is about why those of the churches of Christ worship on Sunday. Some of the questioners claim to be Christians of various denominations that have left the pattern in participating in worship on another day instead of worshipping on the first day of the week. The time may come when those in the household of faith will also begin to ask this question.
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This is the new weblog for Plain Bible Teaching.
I will be using this to announce new content on PlainBibleTeaching.com and to post short messages about spiritual things once a week or so. So bookmark this page and check back periodically to see what’s new. And be sure to visit PlainBibleTeaching.com.
There is an ongoing debate about whether or not a Christian can lawfully engage in the consumption of alcohol. By lawfully, I am not referring to the laws of man, but the law of God. Does the word of God authorize us to drink alcohol? If so, how much? Generally, we all agree that drunkenness is wrong (Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18). But what about the occasional drink whereby one does not get drunk? This is often referred to as “social drinking.”
John recorded Jesus’ first miracle in which He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). On the surface, it may appear that this passage is speaking of what we would call “social drinking.” If it is, then Jesus seems to condone the practice. But is that what we see in the text?
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As the world moves further away from the principles of the word of God, and many in religion are seeking guidance and direction from other sources, we need to be reminded of the power of the word of God. The Hebrew writer said, “The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). In writing to the saints in Rome, Paul spoke of his confidence in the gospel: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
In spite of these reminders of the power in God’s word, many view simple Bible study and plain Bible teaching as being foolish. Paul spoke of this attitude in his letter to the church in Corinth: “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
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What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
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