Category BRENT’S – Biblical Error
The Preeminence of Christ ~ Part 2 ~ Why the Four Gospels are meant to be Different ~ The Design of God*
Preface (1/2018) Jesus said as is recorded in John 5:38: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (KJV) Hebrews 10: “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O […]
Eternal Life vs. Eternal Security ~ What is Salvation?
Introduction After publishing this article I decided to change the name because many people misunderstand Eternal Life when it comes to Eternal Security; some think they are antithetical to each other. They think that eternal security is a heresy, wherein the opposite is true. But before addressing the article and the text at hand, please allow […]
*The Heart and the Mind ~ What the Biblical word “Heart” Means (12/18)
Introduction (Published Annually) In both the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT) the word “heart” is used to refer to the whole of the innermost part of the human, NOT merely the emotions. Culturally However, in the twenty-first century English the word “heart” is used to express the emotions as an individual compartment of […]
PART II ~ Where to find a software program that breaks down the Greek grammar of the Textus Receptus And Rules of Textual Criticism, Lower & Higher
The following Question was posed by a follower concerning an article I wrote warning non-Greek-speaking Christians of using Strong’s Concordance Dictionary for Bible word studies (Which the preface of Strong’s advises against – it provides only generic definitions, not specific to any one verse.). To Understand this question please see: The Problem of Using Strong’s […]
“Judging ~ Church Discipline ~ Forgiveness & Turning the Cheek*”
Introduction Within our current generation, due to this Ghandi like presentation of Christ, wherein pacifism is the standard; how easy it is to demand that people not use discernment, biblically speaking, judgment; which appears to be so hard-hearted, it appears so unkind. “Let each man stand before his God,” is heard as an excuse to […]
SELF-ESTEEM AND THE SELF-ESTEEM MOVEMENT ~ THE CHURCH HAS JOINED
(See the end of this article for more funny illustrations of this point) In a culture and time that critical thinking skills are no longer taught in our educational system when considering subjects as serious as self-esteem, we need to consider this subject in the light of context (the environment of the subject) and application […]
PART II ~ Where to find software programs that break down the Greek grammar of the Textus Receptus And Rules of Textual Criticism, Lower & Higher (3 Types) – STOP, A large revision will be posted 12/07/2018 –
The following concerns an article I wrote warning non Greek speaking Christians of using Strong’s Concordance Dictionary for Bible word studies (Which the preface of Strong’s advises against – it give only generic definitions, not specific to any one verse.). See: The Problem of Using Strong’s Concordance Dictionary ~ Greek Words ~ […]
What does God’s Word Really say… Eternal Security & Correct Resources*
Introduction (Scheduled Release) The aim for any diligent student of God’s Word should be to handle the original languages of both Testaments along with the grammar. The Old Testament Hebrew is vague, which many times makes this point moot, but the Greek is a very precise and detailed language with many nuances found within the grammar, […]
What does God’s Word Really say… “work out your own salvation,” and “grace did more abound”*
Introduction (Scheduled Release) The aim for any diligent student of God’s Word should be to handle the original languages of both Testaments along with the grammar. The Old Testament Hebrew is vague, which many times makes this point moot, but the Greek language is a very precise and detailed language with many nuances found within […]
PART I ~ The Problem With Using Strong’s Concordance Dictionary ~ Greek Words ~ Word Studies ~ Greek Dictionaries and Resources ~
(Links Added ~ 11/28/2018) Strong’s Concordance and Dictionary One thing that many believers do concerning the handling of Greek words, is use Strong’s Concordance’s Dictionary to translate Greek words – this is not only a fundamental error but can lead to devastating conclusions regarding the misunderstanding of many Greek words. (The last Endnote, number […]
James Does Not Contradict Paul Regarding Faith*
Introduction (03/28/2018) Unfortunately, due to the fact that many of us do not understand koiné Greek we are unaware of many grammatical principles which alter the understanding of some verses when translated into the English vernacular. In Koiné Greek, verbs ending in “oo” indicate that what is already on the inside – is then displayed […]
Why the Four Gospels are meant to be Different – Part 1 – The Design of God
Preface (1/2018) Jesus said as is recorded in John 5:38: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (KJV) Hebrews 10: “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O […]
What does God’s Word Really say… Eternal Security & Resources
Introduction (1/17/2016) The aim for any diligent student of God’s Word should be to handle the original languages of both Testaments along with the grammar. The Old Testament Hebrew is vague, which many times makes this point moot, but the Greek is a very precise and detailed language with many nuances found within the grammar, especially […]
*The Problem With Using Strong’s Concordance Dictionary ~ Greek Words ~ Word Studies ~ Greek Dictionaries and Resources
(ADDED ENDNOTE RESOURCES ~ 11/11/2017) Strong’s Concordance and Dictionary One thing that many believers do concerning the handling of Greek words, is use Strong’s Concordance’s Dictionary to translate Greek words – this is not only a fundamental error but can lead to devastating conclusions regarding the misunderstanding of many Greek words. (The last Endnote, number […]
Judging ~ Church Discipline ~ Forgiveness & Turning the Cheek*
Introduction Within our current generation, due to this Ghandi like presentation of Christ, wherein pacifism is the standard; how easy it is to demand that people not use discernment, biblically speaking, judgment; which appears to be so hard-hearted, it appears so unkind. “Let each man stand before his God,” is heard as an excuse to […]
SELF-ESTEEM AND THE SELF-ESTEEM MOVEMENT ~ THE CHURCH HAS JOINED
(See the end of this article for more funny illustrations of this point) In a culture and time that critical thinking skills are no longer taught in our educational system when considering subjects as serious as self-esteem, we need to consider this subject in the light of context (the environment of the subject) and application […]
Problems in the Church – Part 2 – A Lack of Discernment in Believers / The Church
Introduction This article was originally released under the title: “Why so Many Christians Make Bad Choices.” We understand that the English word “church“ (Greek: ekklesia) is NOT referring to a building that people meet in, but is believers as a whole (When used as a noun, with the article “the” preceding it), or as a local assembly […]
The Problem With Using Strong’s Concordance Dictionary.
(08/25/2017) (The last Endnote, number #5; lists what Bible resources use which Greek New Testament, with colored fonts and a star grading system (the higher the blue star, the better), and some insights into these common Bible research aids – If I get anything wrong please let me know. Thank you, Lisa. […]
***The Heart and the Mind ~ What the Biblical word “Heart’ Means (7/29/16)
Introduction In both the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT) the word “heart” is used to refer to the whole of the innermost part of the human, NOT merely the emotions. Culturally However, in the twenty-first century English the word “heart” is used to express the emotions as an individual compartment of the inner […]
Eternal Security – Its About God (A Notable Work)*
Introduction This author loves old expressions, adages, or insights which display wisdom and insights in a brief presentation. However, if you remember the old story about how when it comes to communicating verbal information; that if you gathered a group of people in a circle, and start with one person and whisper something in their ear. And then […]
Eternal Life vs. Eternal Security ~ What is Salvation?
Introduction After publishing this article I decided to change the name because many people misunderstand Eternal Life when it comes to Eternal Security; some think they are antithetical to each other. They think that eternal security is a heresy, wherein the opposite is true. But before addressing the article and the text at hand, please allow […]
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Notable Original Work)
Introduction (6/2017 Edit) Of all the questions that I have been asked over more than 40 years, the most frequent and passionate inquiry has always been about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The greatest fear has been by those that were panicked that they had accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. In the following, you will […]
Everyone Did What Was Right in their Own Eyes ~ Our Current Culture ~ Psychology
Introduction (April ~ 2017) The time covered in the book of Judges in the Old Testament was a time prior to Israel having a King. God set up judges to rule over the land and fulfill His Will for the nation of Israel. There would be coming a day that God would choose a King, […]
Why the Four Gospels are meant to be Different – Part 1 – The Design of God
Preface (Revised – 2/2017) Jesus said as is recorded in John 5:38: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (KJV) Hebrews 10: “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy […]
James Does Not Contradict Paul Regarding Faith*
Introduction (02/10/2017) Unfortunately, due to the fact that many of us do not understand koiné Greek we are unaware of many grammatical principles which alter the understanding of some verses when translated into the English vernacular. In Koiné Greek, verbs ending in “oo” indicate that what is already on the inside – is then displayed […]
THE DATE JESUS WAS BORN* (Revised)
Introduction When was Jesus born? This is not an attack on Christmas, it is a correction of the traditions of men, yet it is the Savior of this universe that is important, not when men choose to celebrate His birth, please see my conclusion in order to gain a greater understanding of what I mean. […]
What does God’s Word Really say… “work out your own salvation,” and “grace did more abound”*
Introduction The aim for any diligent student of God’s Word should be to handle the original languages of both Testaments along with the grammar. The Old Testament Hebrew is vague, which many times makes this point moot, but the Greek language is a very precise and detailed language with many nuances found within the grammar, especially […]
Judging ~ Church Discipline ~ Forgiveness & Turning the Cheek*
Introduction Within our current generation, due to this Gondi like presentation of Christ, wherein pacifism is the standard; how easy it is to demand that people not use discernment, biblically speaking, judgment; which appears to be so hard-hearted, it appears so unkind. “Let each man stand before his God,” is heard as an excuse to […]
Eternal Life vs. Eternal Security ~ What is Salvation?
Introduction But before addressing the article and the text at hand, please allow me to lay down the foundation in order to better deal with eternal life and those doctrines in which it is a part of, which include statements regarding faith, salvation, Strong’s Concordance & Dictionary in regards to New Testament Greek, and 2 […]
Why the Four Gospels are meant to be Different – Part 1 – The Design of God
Preface (8/2016) Jesus said as is recorded in John 5:38: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (KJV) Hebrews 10: “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O […]
The Heart and the Mind ~ What the Biblical word “Heart’ Means (6/10/16)
Introduction In both the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT) the word “heart” is used to refer to the whole of the innermost part of the human, NOT merely the emotions. Culturally However, in the twenty-first century English the word “heart” is used to express the emotions as an individual compartment of the inner […]
Problems in the Church – Part 2 – A Lack of Discernment in Believers / The Church
Introduction This article was originally released under the title: “Why so Many Christians Make Bad Choices.” We understand that the English word “church“ (Greek: ekklesia) is NOT referring to a building that people meet in, but is believers as a whole (When used as a noun, with the article “the” preceding it), or as a local assembly […]
SIGNS OF A CHRISTIAN CULT
Introduction Recently I was involved in any situation concerning a very close family member that had joined an organization that according to many Internet sources was a cult. It was due to the love I have for this person that I invested a small amount of time into defining what the warning signs of a […]
Does James Contradict Paul Regarding Faith
Introduction* Unfortunately, due to the fact that many of us do not understand koiné Greek we are unaware of many grammatical principles which alter the understanding of some verses when translated into the English vernacular. In Koiné Greek, verbs ending in “oo” indicate that what is already on the inside – is then displayed on […]
*What does God’s Word Really say… “work out your own salvation,” “grace did more abound,” and Insights into Greek Grammar Resources, as well as Lessons from Kenneth Wuest
Introduction (1/17/2016) The aim for any diligent student of God’s Word should be to handle the original languages of both Testaments along with the grammar. The Old Testament Hebrew is vague, which many times makes this point moot, but the Greek is a very precise and detailed language with many nuances found within the grammar, especially […]
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Notable Original Work)
Introduction Of all the questions that I have been asked over more than 40 years, the most frequent and passionate inquiry has always been about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The greatest fear has been by those that were panicked that they had accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. In the following you will see that […]
THE DATE JESUS WAS BORN* (Revised)
Introduction When was Jesus born? This is not an attack on Christmas, it is a correction of the traditions of men, yet it is the Savior of this universe that is important, not when men choose to celebrate His birth, please see my conclusion in order to gain a greater understanding of what I mean. […]
Eternal Security Series – Part 2 – Salvation, Repentance, Confession, and Sin Defined
Series Introduction The following article is Part 2 of a series concerning what many refer to as “Eternal Security.” The term “Eternal Security” is not found in the Bible. It is a man-made term to describe the teaching that “Once a Christian is saved, they are always saved” – which by its very definition is […]
Who & What to Trust Encyclopedia (2015)
– Who & What to Trust Encyclopedia (01-2016) Be sure to click on “Enable Edit” after opening the downloaded document in order for it to present with its pages and page numbers correctly. The above link is to a downloadable copy of a word document which is a 88 page concise research dictionary and encyclopedia […]
Eternal Life vs. Eternal Security ~ What is Salvation?
Introduction After publishing this article I decided to change the name because many people misunderstand Eternal Life when it comes to Eternal Security; some think they are antithetical to each other. They think that eternal security is a heresy, wherein the opposite is true. But before addressing the article and the text at hand, please allow […]
The Heart and the Mind ~ What the Biblical word “Heart’ Means (6/10/16)
Introduction In both the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT) the word “heart” is used to refer to the whole of the innermost part of the human, NOT merely the emotions. Culturally However, in the twenty-first century English the word “heart” is used to express the emotions as an individual compartment of the inner […]
Judging ~ Church Discipline ~ Forgiveness & Turning the Cheek (Notable Work)
Introduction Within our current generation, due to this Gondi like presentation of Christ, wherein pacifism is the standard; how easy it is to demand that people not use discernment, biblically speaking, judgment; which appears to be so hard-hearted, it appears so unkind. “Let each man stand before his God,” is heard as an excuse to […]
Hebrews 6:4-6 Does Not Teach That a Believer Can Lose His Salvation (Notable Work)
Introduction Hebrews 6:4-6 is one of two passages (The other is Hebrews 10:25-27) in the book of Hebrews that has been used to support the premise that believers can lose their salvation, yet the grammar proves this to be untrue. If you would take the time to consider our previous extensive articles on Eternal Security, […]
Sheep and Wolves
Jesus’ Allusion Concerning Sheep & Wolves (Updates ~ 4/2014) Jesus, in speaking about these false prophets used the allusion (an indirect reference to something or somebody by using symbolism) of them coming to the people as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (see #1) in order to take advantage of them. We understand that Jesus used the allusion of sheep […]
Eternal Security – Its About God (A Notable Work)
Introduction This author loves old expressions, adages, or insights which display wisdom and insights in a brief presentation. However, if you remember the old story about how when it comes to communicating verbal information; that if you gathered a group of people in a circle, and start with one person and whisper something in their ear. And then […]
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Notable Original Work)
Introduction Of all the questions that I have been asked over almost 40 years, the most frequent and passionate inquiry has always been about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The greatest fear has been by those that were panicked that they had accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. In the following you will see that it […]
Re-edited – Are There Degrees of Torment in Hell and Degrees of Reward in Heaven & Are All Sins the Same with God?
Introduction Today’s topic, “Are There Degrees of Torment in Hell” is considered because of the insights that we have concerning heaven, which many would argue is the polar opposite of hell; and perhaps we can gain some understanding from one by what we know of the other. I am approaching this subject based on the […]
The Heart and the Mind ~ What the Biblical word “Heart’ Means (Notable Work)
Introduction (7/2014) In both the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT) the word “heart” is used to refer to the whole of the innermost part of the human, NOT merely the emotions. Culturally However, in the twenty-first century English the word “heart” is used to express the emotions as an individual compartment of the […]
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
Introduction (Revision ~ 6/27/14) Of all the questions that I have been asked over almost 40 years, the most frequent and passionate inquiry has always been about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The greatest fear has been by those that were panicked that they had accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. In the following you will […]
Are There Degrees of Torment in Hell and Degrees of Reward in Heaven & Are All Sins the Same with God?
Introduction Today’s topic, “Are There Degrees of Torment in Hell” is considered because of the insights that we have concerning heaven, which many would argue is the polar opposite of hell; and perhaps we can gain some understanding from one by what we know of the other. I am approaching this subject based on the […]
The Evils of Pacifism ~ Turning the Other Cheek ~ Jesus was Not a Pacifist
Introduction In considering the subject of pacifism, perhaps using the definition from Wikipedia might help to get us started. “Pacifism is opposition to war and violence. The word pacifism was coined by the French peace campaigner Emile Arnaud (1864–1921) and adopted by other peace activists at the tenth Universal Peace Congress in Glasgow in 1901. […]
Problems in the Church – Part 2 – A Lack of Discernment in Believers / The Church
Introduction This article was originally released under the title: “Why so Many Christians Make Bad Choices.” We understand that the English word “church” (Greek: ekklesia) is NOT referring to a building that people meet in, but is believers as a whole (When used as a noun, with the article “the” preceding it), or as a local assembly […]
Sheep and Wolves
Jesus’ Allusion Concerning Sheep & Wolves (Updates ~ 4/2014) Jesus, in speaking about these false prophets used the allusion (an indirect reference to something or somebody by using symbolism) of them coming to the people as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (see #1) in order to take advantage of them. We understand that Jesus used the allusion of sheep […]
Christians, Our Churches, and Bad Choices; Why?
Introduction (Revised) This is written specifically to Christians, those that are truly born-again and not simply pew sitters. You that have been Christians for a few decades, have you noticed how different churches are these days. The Past In the past it was common for most Christians to attend services three times a week, Sunday […]
Part 2 – Indeed has God Said?
(This is part two of a two-part series, with The first article entitled: “Part 1 – Signs of a Christian Cult,” and “Part 2 – Indeed has God Said?) “Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, […]
Part 1 – Signs of a Christian Cult
Updated Introduction This article below was originally penned almost 2 years ago, yet it is worth reviewing. The original heading of this article has been updated to accommodate the series. The second article address identifiable signs that can indicate if the group or church that you are meeting with is teaching error, and ultimately becoming […]
Acts 15 – Judaism & Christianity
Introduction Many teachers and preachers over the years have attempted to sidestep the issue of controversies that occurred in the first century church, fearing that this would take from the validity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In reality, the opposite is true. It is when we understand how a Holy God controls, works with, […]
The Heart and the Mind ~ What the Biblical word “Heart’ Means (A Seminal Work)
Introduction In both the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT) the word “heart” is used to refer to the whole of the innermost part of the human, NOT merely the emotions. Culturally However, in the twenty-first century English the word “heart” is used to express the emotions as an individual compartment of the inner […]
Is the Church Following the Culture
Let me first say that I can only answer this question concerning the culture of United States in general, and the Western and South-Central states in particular. (This is A complete revision of a prior article) Though, via TV and Internet I believe the same opinion holds true for other parts of the world. So, if […]
All Things to All Men…
Introduction (06-14-2013) Our key text is 1 Corinthians 9:22, which is one of those verses that has been repeatedly abused during the last 30 years to indicate that Christians should use the ways of the world, it’s trappings in order to proclaim the gospel. . Have we forgotten Jesus’ words as recorded in John 15:19, […]
Why so Many Christians Make Bad Choices
The Source of Godly Discernment Perhaps one of the most important, as well sophisticated passages that addresses the application of proper judgment (or “discernment”, which unfortunately is a more user-friendly word for most of use) is found in Hebrews 5:11-14, which states: “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull […]
Confess Your Sins One to Another – Does This Mean What You Think? (Christians can be Sinless?)
Introduction (Update) We’ve all read the below Scripture, but do we really understand what it means. And though the immediate context concerns healing and sickness, there is a principle within a wider biblical context concerning the confession of sins to others, which may be misunderstood within the context of open confession in the church. The question […]
Sheep and Wolves
Jesus’ Allusion Concerning Sheep & Wolves Jesus, in speaking about these false prophets used the allusion (an indirect reference to something or somebody by using symbolism) of them coming to the people as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (see #1) in order to take advantage of them. We understand that Jesus used the allusion of sheep in describing people, […]
Judging ~ Church Discipline ~ Forgiveness & Turning the Cheek
Judgment Within our current generation, due to this Gondi like presentation of Christ, wherein pacifism is the standard; how easy it is to demand that people not use discernment, biblically speaking, judgment; which appears to be so hard-hearted. “Let each man stand before his God,” is heard as an excuse to not exercise biblical judgment. […]
Leadership & Authority
Introduction One of the things that people were astonished concerning Jesus was that He spoke having authority. The point is that He spoke with authority, yet it was not that His speaking was authoritative, or He spoke in a commanding manner; it is that He seated authority in Himself. Display vs. Essence This has less […]
Sheep and Wolves
Jesus’ Allusion Concerning Sheep & Wolves Jesus, in speaking about these false prophets used the allusion (an indirect reference to something or somebody by using symbolism) of them coming to the people as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (see #1) in order to take advantage of them. We understand that Jesus used the allusion of sheep […]
Judging ~ Church Discipline ~ Forgiveness & Turning the Cheek
Judgment Within our current generation, due to this Gondi like presentation of Christ, wherein pacifism is the standard; how easy it is to demand that people not use discernment, biblically speaking, judgment; which appears to be so hard-hearted. “Let each man stand before his God,” is heard as an excuse to not exercise biblical judgment. […]
Eternal Security – Its About God (A Notable Work)
Introduction This author loves old expressions, adages, or insights which display wisdom and insights in a brief presentation. However, if you remember the old story about how when it comes to communicating verbal information; that if you gathered a group of people in a circle, and start with one person and whisper something in their ear. And then […]
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
Introduction Of all the questions that I have been asked over almost 40 years, the most frequent and passionate inquiry has always been about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The greatest fear has been by those that were panicked that they had accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. In the following you will see that it […]
Trials & Faith
It is very common to find a mindset within Christian circles that “bad things happen to bad people,” a type of Eastern mysticism which is not supported by the Bible. This type of karma thinking may seem to make sense, while at the same time making us feel safer – because if we are good, then […]
Faith & Trials
Simply put, faith in God is cognitive belief based upon a track record of fidelity (trustworthiness), which creates confidence in God, what He has said, He can and will do, and as such it grows into a principle of life for the believer wherein God is trusted to take care of the person; this produces action […]
The Heart and the Mind ~ What the Biblical word “Heart’ Means (Notable Work)
Introduction (Published Annually) In both the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT) the word “heart” is used to refer to the whole of the innermost part of the human, NOT merely the emotions. Culturally However, in the twenty-first century English the word “heart” is used to express the emotions as an individual compartment of […]
Work Out Your Own Salvation ~ Philippians 2:12-13
Introduction (Last Edited: 01/18/2016) The following is one of those passages wherein translating from the original Greek into the English renders it an enigma to many. Philippians 2:12-14 states: “Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation […]
Christian Rock ‘N Roll Music
Introduction Since the Jesus movement of the 1960s and 70s, the youth culture has vastly influenced Christian music; with the question being asked is the genre of Rock ‘N Roll appropriate for Christian music in general, and worship songs in particular. The sub-genres within rock ‘n roll music can be: hard rock, acid rock, punk […]
Judging ~ Church Discipline ~ Forgiveness & Turning the Cheek
Introduction 08/07/2012 – I am going to be spending the next few weeks working on a most significant subject which must be treated meticulously. Therefore, in the meantime I’m going to reformat, and update a few prior articles which are also important, but will allow me to spend the time that I need on this […]
Is there a Difference between Jesus being Savior & Jesus being Lord?
Yes, there is a vast difference if you try to seperate the two. Primise It has been said that there are three mindsets concerning presenting the Gospel to the unsaved: 1) those that demand too much, 2) those that demand too little; and 3) those that present the gospel correctly. Concerning those that […]
False Leaders ~ Believing They’re Saved, Then Finding out They’re Not
A Terrifying Thought A subject that I have considered many times in the past is that of the perception of false believers that they are saved, when in deed they are not. I mean can anything be more terrifying than to reach the end of one’s life having believed that you have avoided hell as […]
Trials – Part 1 ~ Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
To start with, concerning Paul’s thorn in the flesh, our key text is 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, which says: “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether […]
Trials – Part 2 ~ The Reasons for Trials in the Life of Believers
Trials In the Life of Believers Faith only grows when it is stretched by tribulations (problems, hard times, difficulties, calamities, trials, and testing; they’re all synonymous concerning the “trying of our faith”). Faith can only grow incrementally, as more and more is demanded of it. This is because trust is a process contingent upon experience, as someone proves they are trustworthy situation after situation, we […]
All Things to All Men…
Introduction (update) When Paul spoke about “…being all things to all men…, 1” he was not saying to use the world’s contrivances or trappings, or any of the things that are popular in the world to attract people. Paul was not endorsing marketing techniques which rely upon emotional manipulation and attempt to utilize the frailties […]
The Difference Between “The Time of the Gentiles” & “The Fullness of the Gentiles”
Introduction Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to explain to a mechanic an intermittent problem you are having if you have no training or understanding of the dynamics of the automobile. Yet, if you approach the same problem after having taken a class in automotive repair, while perhaps not capable of understanding every […]
Signs of a Christian Cult
Introduction Recently I was involved in any situation concerning a very close family member that had joined an organization that according to many Internet sources was a cult. It was due to the love I have for this person that I invested a small amount of time into defining what the warning signs of a […]
Judging – Church Discipline – Forgiveness & Turning the Cheek
Judging Introduction It is common in Christian circles to hear believers state that “we should not judge other people,” and while we are never to condemn (Greek: kataÌkrima, to render “condemnation” ~ Romans 5:16, 18; 8:1) another person, as this is God’s role and not ours; this statement is not completely true, in fact sometimes […]
We Are Not to Tarry Until Christ’s Return, We Are to Occupy
TARRY VS. OCCUPY […]
The Church Contrasted to Israel
Introduction The 9th 10th and 11th chapter of Romans deals exclusively with Israel and it’s yet future destiny in prophecy. As has been the case in orthodoxy for the last 1600 years, since the teachings of Origin and Constantine; the Roman Catholic Church, as well as orthodox Protestants denominations have taught that the church was to […]
Our American Misunderstanding Concerning the Biblical Word: “Heart”
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15) Heart & Mind ~ The word “heart,” as it is used in the Bible, does […]
Sheep and Wolves
Jesus’ Allusion Concerning Sheep & Wolves Jesus, in speaking about these false prophets used the allusion (an indirect reference to something or somebody by using symbolism) of them coming to the people as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (see #1) in order to take advantage of them. We understand that Jesus used the allusion of sheep […]
The Lack of Church Discipline
Introduction Of all the reasons concerning the carnality that is seen in the church of Jesus Christ in the 21st century, perhaps the most relevant is the lack of church discipline. It is in understanding reciprocity as seen in the connection between privilege and responsibility, wherein the church has greatly erred. It is common to hear […]
Faith Bible Ministries Blog ~ An Online Study of the Bible 