Sermons and Biblical Studies

Genesis 7: 8-9  “Of clean animals, of animals that are unclean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the earth, two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.” God reveals which animals – including fish and birds – are suitable and unsuitable for human … Continue reading “What does clean and unclean beast mean in Genesis 7:8?”

1 John 4:8 and 4:16 contain the phrase “God is love”. 1 Jo 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 Jo 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God … Continue reading “Scripture states that God is Love, He is a consuming fire, He is pure Spirit, and He is truth….can you tell me where those scriptures are located? And how can these all be true?”

Few details concerning Molech can be found in the biblical account.  The Decalogue given to Israel at Mount Sinai declared “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”, and “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything…” They were commanded not to make gods of silver or gold (Exodus 20:23) … Continue reading “Who is Molech?”

The book of Philemon was a personal letter to Philemon, a rich leading member of the church at Colossae.  It is thought that Philemon was a slave owner or at least had servants at the time he accepted Christ and became a faithful Christian.  One of his slaves/servants was named Onesimus (means useful) .  Before … Continue reading “What is the Key Verse In the Book of Philemon?”

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines mercy as compassion that is shown to an offender.  It is kind or forgiving treatment that is given to someone who is in a very bad or desperate situation.  There are several instances in the New Testament where beggars and people with infirmities ask Jesus for mercy.  In Luke 17:13, ten … Continue reading “How do you desire and receive mercy?”

That’s a very, very good question.  It implies that we need to make some effort, it doesn’t come automatically. Some are harder to love than others. We want to love in the way the God loves. We can’t give in the way God gives but we can love the way God loves. The scriptures say … Continue reading “How do you love someone?”

To sin is to do, or even think, something contrary to the will of God.  In the Old Testament the Israelites were given the Ten Commandments and many other specific laws to govern their life.  In the New Testament the "spirit" of the Law rather than the "letter" of the Law was emphasized.  Jesus said, … Continue reading “Which sin is greater than other sins?”

There are an overwhelming number of scriptures that indicate that faith in Jesus Christ is all we need to obtain salvation. For example, in Acts 16:30-31, The jailor asked Paul and Silas "What must I do to be saved?" and their response was, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." This … Continue reading “If a person has Faith but no works, are they forgiven?”

Among the greatest men who ever walked the earth, Moses stands out pre-eminent as a leader, lawgiver, and ruler.  Moses also filled the role of mediator of the Law covenant made between God and the nation of Israel.  But specifically, was Moses a prophet? By definition, a prophet is “a person who speaks for God … Continue reading “Was Moses a prophet or patriarch?”

Unfortunately, it is practically impossible to answer such a broad question with specifics, but we'll try without going into the detail necessary to provide a comprehensive answer. First, we need to define the word and concept of "authority." Generally speaking, authority is given or granted to individuals or institutions by another or others. Even usurpers … Continue reading “What is the authority of God?”