Author: Jon Mitchell

Being Born of Water and the Spirit

John 3:3’s record of Jesus’ command that we must be “born again” in order to see God’s kingdom is very revealing, especially when one recognizes its figurative nature.  Nicodemus didn’t; thinking that Jesus was speaking literally, he asked how a man could enter his mother’s womb a second time (v. 4).  Jesus clarified by telling him that one could not enter God’s kingdom unless they were “born of water and the Spirit” (v. 5).… Read More Being Born of Water and the Spirit

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My Thoughts on Psalm 9:1

We have much for which to be thankful to God.  Jesus said that God “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).  Paul and Barnabas said that God “did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17).  The Psalmist wrote, “Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase” (Psalm 85:12).  On a daily basis, many of us sat down to tables filled with food.  Many were able to make even more food to share with those who had none.  We owe all of this to the kindness, generosity and love of our benevolent Creator and Friend.… Read More My Thoughts on Psalm 9:1

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Bible Q&A: If No One Has Seen God, Why Did Moses Speak To Him “Face to Face”?

No man has seen God at any time (John 1:18; 1 John 4:12). However, Moses said the Lord spoke to him “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Ex. 33:11). Please explain. Words and phrases are used in different senses in Scripture.  Jesus “was God” (John 1:1), yet also “became flesh and… Read More Bible Q&A: If No One Has Seen God, Why Did Moses Speak To Him “Face to Face”?

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Bible Q&A: Is Isaiah 53 Talking About the Messiah or Israel?

Is Isaiah 53 talking about the Messiah or Israel? The passage applies to the Messiah and not to Israel for several reasons:  The Holy Spirit affirmed that Isaiah was talking about the Messiah (Acts 8:32-35). The language of Isaiah 53 speaks of an individual person, not a nation (cf. 53:2-4; compare “he” of verse 2… Read More Bible Q&A: Is Isaiah 53 Talking About the Messiah or Israel?

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Bible Q&A: Are Our Deceased Loved Ones Aware of Those They’ve Left Behind?

Do our loved ones who’ve gone on rest only? Are they aware of those they’ve left behind? Death is often referred to as “sleep” in the Bible (Matt. 27:52-53; John 11:11-13; Acts 7:60; 1 Cor. 15:6, 18, 20; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 2 Pet. 3:4).   “Sleep” is a euphemistic metaphor for death.  It shouldn’t be… Read More Bible Q&A: Are Our Deceased Loved Ones Aware of Those They’ve Left Behind?

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