April 25, 2012

Stand Firm in the True Grace of God

Standing and looking at the sunset

Grace is a misunderstood topic among many in the religious world. People believe we are saved by grace alone and that works (especially baptism) are not necessary for salvation. There are also those who believe that grace gives them permission to sin without fear of punishment.

As Peter summarized his first epistle, he said this: “I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!” (1 Peter 5:12). What is the true grace of God? Is it the kind of grace that is described by the majority of those in the religious world, or is it something different? A study of Peter’s first epistle – which he said is “the true grace of God” – will help us get a better understanding of grace and what is related to it. Let us notice some of the things that Peter, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), included in this category.
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April 19, 2012

The Christian’s Walk

Walking

In the Scriptures, the term walk is often used to describe the way in which we conduct our lives. God expects His people to conduct their lives in a certain way. Paul wrote to the brethren in Colossae about this: “So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects” (Colossians 1:10). How do we walk in a worthy manner?
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April 3, 2012

Jesus’ Resurrection: Just an Optical Illusion?

The resurrection of Christ is fundamental to our faith. Paul lists it with the death and burial of Christ as being “of first importance” in the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We are “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). If the resurrection of Christ did not happen, Paul tells the brethren in Corinth, “Your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Since the time of Jesus’ resurrection, His opponents have denied that this event happened (Matthew 28:11-13). Opponents of Christ and His truth continue to deny the resurrection today. A new theory about the resurrection has been proposed by Thomas de Wesselow, an art historian. His theory revolves around the Shroud of Turin – the alleged burial cloth that was used to wrap the body of Jesus after His death. He argues that the image on the Shroud “fooled the Apostles” by producing an “optical illusion” that made them believe they were seeing their risen Lord.
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April 2, 2012

When Was Samuel Born?

The Bible does not give an exact date as to when the prophet Samuel was born or how long he lived. So the best we can do is estimate the year in which he was born based upon certain clues from the Scriptures and other sources.
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March 29, 2012

Qualifications to Lead

Man with Tie

During an election year, it is common for people to discuss what characteristics qualify a candidate for public office. The Bible certainly addresses the role and desired character of civil authorities, but I want us to focus on a higher authority in this study – God.

In the Old Testament, God was the Israelites’ King (1 Samuel 8:7). In the New Testament, Christ is the person of God identified as our King (John 18:37). He is in a position of ultimate authority, even over our civil rulers (Ephesians 1:20-21). But what qualifies Him to be our King and worthy of honor and respect?
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March 15, 2012

“Surely I Am More Stupid Than Any Man”

Man looking away

Agur described himself as being “more stupid than any man” (Proverbs 30:2). Yet this man demonstrated that he possessed valuable insight and wisdom that we would do well to learn.

“Surely I am more stupid than any man, and I do not have the understanding of a man. Neither have I learned wisdom, nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son’s name? Surely you know!

“Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar” (Proverbs 30:2-6).

In these first few verses of this chapter, there are several bits of wisdom we should consider. Notice some of the things which this “stupid” man understood.
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March 8, 2012

Freedom and Slavery

Man, in his natural state as created by God, is free – free in speech, thought, action, association, and religion (though this does not mean that we are unaccountable for how we use our freedom – Ecclesiastes 11:9). But Satan, from the beginning, has worked diligently to bring man into bondage.

Why would Satan be concerned about and hostile toward man’s freedom? It is because the lack of freedom – which is the state of bondage or tyranny – hinders one from serving God and having a relationship with Him. Let us notice some ways in which man may become enslaved.
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