Tag Archives: obedience

Are we justified by faith, or by works?

James 2:14 begins a train of thought that has puzzled readers probably ever since it was written. Here is the beginning of the passage: What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have … Continue reading

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Jesus’ Creation of Authorities

Jesus did not only create the seen and unseen things of the natural world, but also conceptual entities like hierarchies of authorities in heaven and earth. When we think of Him as Creator, we usually don’t go that far, do … Continue reading

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How can the Kingdom of God “suffer violence”?

In Matthew 11:12, we read an interesting aspect of the Kingdom of God: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. How is the kingdom … Continue reading

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What did Jesus mean when He said that unless we renounce all things, we can’t be His disciples?

The Gospels record the instances when Jesus approached someone and invited him to come. One by one the people left their livelihood to travel with Him. To fishermen Simon, Peter, and Andrew He said, “Follow Me, and I will make … Continue reading

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Would God punish his people in the next life?

The general idea among Christians is that since Jesus was punished for our sins, then the people of God will not face any punishment. The Bible clearly says, “Christ died for our sins.” And on the cross, Jesus said, “It … Continue reading

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A Tale of Two Resurrections

When Paul made an argument for his faith in Acts 24:10-21, he affirmed his belief  that both the just and the unjust will be resurrected (24:15). What is the resurrection of the just and the unjust? When we encounter a … Continue reading

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“I Am A Catholic!”

“I am a Baptist.” “I am a Presbyterian.” Perhaps when spiritual conversation ebbs and flows around you, at one point the tide may bring you in, and all you can say is that you are a member of a denomination, … Continue reading

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Isn’t the Israelite’s entrance into the Promised Land in the OT symbolic of our going to Heaven when we die?

I’ve sung several hymns where this point of view is held. The crossing of the river Jordan into Canaan’s land is held to represent death, and the land itself is Heaven. I don’t hold to that view, and I’ll explain … Continue reading

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What good are the Ten Commandments for today?

God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses to pass on to the Israelites in ancient times. Are they still relevant now? Well, God’s purpose for giving them then are similar to the purpose they are given now. If the Israelites … Continue reading

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How can I get over being afraid to submit to God because I’m not ready to serve as a missionary?

Some people cannot yield themselves to the Lord because they think God may call them to serve in Africa or China or some other inhospitable environment. They may be afraid of losing their comforts or failing the Lord. The good … Continue reading

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What would happen if Christians actually followed their Bibles?

When Christians have followed through on the Bible, they have transformed society for the better. According to What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? 6, by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, here is what Christians have accomplished when they … Continue reading

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What do you get out of going to church?

I get to hear instruction from the Word of God from a man who explains it clearly and helps me to apply it to my life. I get an opportunity to hear God direct my life. I hear a promise … Continue reading

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Obeying the Lord

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