Whose Words Do You Focus On?
When I was a teenager, I was very passionate about music. But, looking back, I realize I listened to some pretty horrible bands. I would play the same dark and depressing songs over and over again. I knew every word (well, as far as I could make out the mumbling!), every chord change, every note […]
Do You Say and Do, or Do You Just Say? — James 2:12, 14
Our church reads through the Bible together. Recently, while reading Matt 23:3, a connection struck me which I’d not seen before. The Lord was warning the disciples about the Pharisees. He tells them to observe and do what the Pharisees say, then He adds, “but do not do according to their works; for they say […]
Buying and Selling in the Tribulation — Revelation 13:17
I received this question about the mark of the beast: I was wondering if you have considered Rev 13:17 where it says, “no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Today cash is slowly being done away with and […]
The New Assurance: Assured Yet Not Assured
After the seventy went out preaching the good news of the kingdom, healing the sick, and casting out demons, they rejoiced that even the demons were subject to them in Jesus’ name (Luke 10:17). The Lord Jesus then showed them what was far more important: “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject […]
What Makes It Narrow? — Matthew 7:13
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt 7:13). What makes the gate narrow? […]
In Remembrance of Me
Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (Deut 6:12) In Deuteronomy 6, Moses is talking to the second generation of Jews that came out of Egypt. God had brought them out of slavery because of His grace and the promises […]
Is Jesus Prominent or Preeminent?
Do you know the difference between being prominent and being preeminent? I have three children, Daphne, Zane, and Scout. Compared to other kids, they are prominent. They’re my kids. I love them in a way I do not love other kids. When I take them to the playground, my eyes are chiefly on my kids, […]
Is the Word “Should” in John 3:16 Different than “Should” in Ephesians 2:10?
I recently received the following question: Hi Bob, hope you’re well. Can you give me your thoughts on the word “should” in John 3:16 vs Ephesians 2:10? “Should” in John seems to have to mean “certainly will” whereas the one in Ephesians 2:10 seems to have to mean “ought to happen, but may not”. How […]
In You Forever — John 14:16-17
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17). […]
Talking About Santa to Christian Kids
I was recently talking to an eight-year-old who worried that if I didn’t turn off my gas fireplace, Santa would not be able to come down and give us presents. I told him we turn it off at night. I had to bite my tongue, though. Not everyone will agree with this, but my wife […]