Sermons and Biblical Studies

The oldest section of the Bible is strongly believed to be the book of Job as opposed to Genesis or other Old Testament books. The Bible starts with the Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books were already grouped together thousands of years ago in Jewish tradition, and are known as the Pentateuch or … Continue reading “When was the oldest section of the Bible written?”

There are various Greek words translated “love” in any English Bible. The word used in Ephesians 5:25 is “agape” love, which is a love based on principle. (It is not merely based on emotion or feeling.) Although affectionate feelings should certainly exist in a marriage relationship, the love should not be solely based on an … Continue reading “How should a husband love his wife as in Ephesians 5:25?”

Yes, they do. The educational system, or Mishnah, in Galilee in the time of Jesus was well structured, and the schools were closely associated with the synagogues. Children, boys and girls, began to learn to read and write the scriptures, the Torah, at age four or five. Memorization played a vital part. At ten, they … Continue reading “Do the words of Jesus -follow me- have a basis in Jewish culture and tradition?”

World = Heavens + Earth The first “heavens and earth” are referred to as “the world (kosmos: orderly arrangement)  that then was.” This first world was destroyed by the flood.  2 Peter 3:5-6  When will the present heavens and earth of our “world,” or orderly arrangement, come to an end? “…the day of the Lord … Continue reading “How much time do we, Christians, have until the end of the world?”

1 John 4:5-6, “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” We will start with the … Continue reading “What is the spirit of error?”

The first instance of the word Israel is found in the book of Genesis. Genesis 32:28,  “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."  According to Strong’s Concordance the Hebrew word Israel literally means “to … Continue reading “What does -Israel- mean?”

Acts 1:4, 5, “…wait for the promise of the Father…for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with (in) the Holy Spirit. Verse 4 tells us that this was a promise from God. The Greek word for baptize is Strong’s #907 baptizo, and it means to make whelmed (fully wet). Spirit is Strong’s Greek … Continue reading “What is meant by baptized by the holy spirit'?”

The Holy Spirit is the invisible power and influence of God. His Spirit is called the “holy Spirit of God” in Ephesians 4:30. Other names used for God’s power include “the Spirit of Holiness” and “the Spirit of the Father”. Three of the many gifts that apply to followers of Jesus are: “The Spirit of … Continue reading “What is the gift of the Holy Spirit?”

It is probably safe to say that NO church follows the Holy Bible 100%. Just as no man is perfect, no church (comprised of men) is perfect.  However, various denominations have varying degrees of deviation from scripture. Some doctrines taught by some churches are blatantly in contrast to God's Word, other deviations are more subtle.  Additionally, some deviations can … Continue reading “How can I know which church is following the Holy Bible 100%?”

The name “Omega” appears only in the book of Revelation and is always linked to “Alpha”:  “I am Alpha [even I] and Omega the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:8 [Sinaiticus Codex, 4th Century AD] “Omega” appears also in Revelation … Continue reading “Who is the Omega?”