The Parable of the Sower: The Path

How does Satan have the power to “take away the word from their hearts”?  Answer: they give it to him.  We can do this too.  The devil does not have the ability to force any of us to do wrong (1 Cor. 10:13).  However, each of us has the ability to choose whether or not to serve God (Josh. 24:15).  Many of us choose to follow our own desires, which Satan uses to successfully tempt us to sin (James 1:13-15; cf. Gen. 3:4-6).… Read More The Parable of the Sower: The Path

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1 Peter: What God The Father Has Done For Us

As Peter brings out, God the Father “has caused us to be born again” (1:3b; cf. 1:23).  Jesus spoke of being born again to Nicodemus, explaining that this rebirth was being “born of water and the Spirit” and necessary to “enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:3-5).  This is a clear reference to being baptized into Christ, which culminates in our salvation and forgiveness of sins (Gal. 3:26-27; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16).… Read More 1 Peter: What God The Father Has Done For Us

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Zechariah: “The Spoil Taken From You Will Be Divided In Your Midst”

Some such as Bob Winton in his commentary on the Minor Prophets view this as a prophecy about Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Others such as Homer Hailey cite as a “more probable explanation” that God through Zechariah is “pointing to the spiritual Jerusalem as the capital of His spiritual kingdom (cf. Heb. 12:22; Gal. 4:26)” – i.e., the church – “and of the assault upon it by the world.” … Read More Zechariah: “The Spoil Taken From You Will Be Divided In Your Midst”

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Bible Q&A: A Question About Fellowship in the Digital Age

I have some thought questions about fellowship in the digital age. We usually see fellowship being withdrawn from only those within a local congregation.  But today Christians across the globe can have a close, personal, instant relationship via text, email, phone, social media, etc. In that sense, can fellowship be had between faithful members of… Read More Bible Q&A: A Question About Fellowship in the Digital Age

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Zechariah: “Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Be Scattered”

Zechariah continues his prophecies about the Messiah and His church as chapter 13 ends.  We know the shepherd points to Jesus himself because Christ cited it as being fulfilled when his disciples – “the sheep” – would desert him upon his arrest (Matt. 26:31; Mk. 14:27; cf. John 10:11ff).  The sword being awakened against the shepherd and striking him is a clear reference to the crucifixion.… Read More Zechariah: “Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Be Scattered”

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