Sermons and Biblical Studies

There is no scripture which tells us exactly what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was. However, it is generally believed that it was probably an eye impairment. When Paul, (then named Saul), was traveling to Damascus to persecute the Lord’s disciples, he was struck blind by the brightness of Jesus’ presence. "Saul, Saul, why persecutest … Continue reading “What is the thorn in the flesh Paul wrote about in 2 Corinthians 12:7?”

The Bible mentions no set times to pray or how often. When our Lord needed to choose his apostles, he prayed all night. (Luke 6:12  “he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” ) So when we have important decisions to make or are troubled, we might … Continue reading “How many times a day should we pray?”

Luke 21:3, "And he said…This poor widow has given more than all of them: for they gave out of their wealth, having more than enough for themselves: but she, even out of her need, has put in all her living."? In Luke 20:45-47, Jesus is warning the disciples to not have the proud spirit of … Continue reading “What offering is being collected in Luke 21:3, when the widow has given more than all of them?”

We respect anyone who is sincerely and humbly searching for God. The Quran, upon which Islam is based, claims that the Day of Judgment is committed unto Jesus. “And he (Jesus, son of Mary) shall be a knowing sign for the coming of the hour (Day of Resurrection) (i.e., Jesus’ decent on earth). Therefore, have … Continue reading “Why is Islam not respected by ChristIan religions?”

The Bible says, "You shall not lie with a man as with a woman. It is an abomination." Leviticus 18:22. Some parts of the Levitical law were cancelled under the Christian law. Acts 10: 15 says, "What God has cleansed, you shall not call common." or unclean. But this was in reference to ritual law. Moral (not … Continue reading “What is the Biblical stand on homosexuality?”

Man has identified and tracked planets around our sun for a few millennia. The latest Mars data have led scientists to believe that there once were conditions favorable to life on that planet. The scientific community is divided over the evidence of fossil bacteria from Martian meteors which have come to earth. However, man has … Continue reading “Is there a hint in the Bible about life on another planet?”

The Lord requires certain conditions of one who desires wisdom. The Psalms tell us to be humble, to recognize and admit our weak, sinful condition, and then to seek His wisdom. Psalm 25:9 “… He teaches the humble His way,” Psalm 111:10 “Reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, all who follow His … Continue reading “How do we search for wisdom?”

The world news is sobering and scary. The Bible tells of "a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation." (Daniel 12:1)  Jesus called it "great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now–and never to be equaled again."  (Matthew 24:21.22)  This is not a comforting prospect. But along … Continue reading “How does remembering the promises of God give us hope for the future?”

The world news is sobering and scary. The Bible tells of "a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation." (Daniel 12:1)  Jesus called it "great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now–and never to be equaled again."  (Matthew 24:21.22)  This is not a comforting prospect. But along … Continue reading “Why should not we fear as Christians?”

Perhaps God did answer your prayer, saying, “No”.  There seems to be the assumption that God always answers prayers by giving the person exactly what they asked for. God answers prayers in three ways, just as our human parents do: 1) Yes, you can have what you want and I will be glad to grant … Continue reading “As a Christian, why does not God always answer my prayers?”