Sermons and Biblical Studies

To understand what it means when the Bible says that the dead will rise, we must first understand why people die. Death is a direct result of sin (Romans 6:23). Put simply, death is the absence of life. When God breathed the “breath of life” into Adam (Genesis 2:7) he “became a living soul” and … Continue reading “What does it mean when the Bible says the dead will rise?”

There is nothing in the Bible that prohibits us from using contraception. Contraception refers to methods and technologies that are intended to prevent conception.  Methods can include: abstinence, rhythm or calendar methods, withdrawal, barrier methods (condoms, spermicide, diaphragms), sterilization, implants & injections (IUD), the pill, morning after pills. (Procedures, which destroy a growing fetus are … Continue reading “Is it wrong for believers to use condoms or other methods of birth control?”

When we stand on our faith or beliefs, we follow God’s principles and teachings, and we rigidly apply His principles to our lives.  Colossians 2:6,7 read: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you … Continue reading “How do you stand on your faith or beliefs?”

The Israelites’ bondage in Egypt is described in Exodus chapter 1, particularly in verses 11-14. Essentially, when the Israelites began to multiply and become more numerous, the Egyptians made them into slaves. They did this because they were afraid that the Israelites would become too powerful, join with their enemies, and overtake them. To avoid … Continue reading “Describe the Israelite bondage in Egypt.”

Angels are not necessarily holy nor unholy. The word angel in the Bible comes from the Hebrew word “mal’ak” or the Greek word “aggelos,” both meaning “messenger.” Angel can refer to human messengers such as in Matthew 11:7-10 which quotes Malachi 3:1, “…I will send my messenger [angel] ahead of you, who will prepare your … Continue reading “Are angels holy creatures?”

The Bible doesn’t specify the exact consequences of sins, except that all sins result in death. Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death…” Many times it is the guilt which results from sin which creates suffering, illness, and distress. Guilt may be manifested physically: sleeplessness, stomach pains, heartaches, headaches, loss of appetite, high blood … Continue reading “I need to understand the CONSEQUENCES of specific sins? Illness (physical and mental/emotional)? Extreme discomfort? Suffering?”

Let’s look at the Scripture in context: "The Jews answered him, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them … Continue reading “Can you explain John 10:34? What does it mean – ye are gods?”

I think this can have different answers, depending on the individual, local situation for each group of believers. However, what our focus should be, and the remedy for every issue facing us is the same for all. If we: Love God with all of our being (Mark 12:30), Love other Christians who are truly trying … Continue reading “What is the most important issue of the church today?”

To understand the book of Revelation you need to be very familiar with the books of Daniel and Ezekiel. Daniel shows us that empires or civil powers are pictured as beasts. Daniel 7:17,  “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.” This representation is still a common … Continue reading “Who are the beasts of Revelation 13?”

We can get along only with the aid of the Lord’s Holy Spirit and with humility. Sadly, Christians fight due to the lack of both. Proverbs 13:10 (NIV), “Where there is strife, there is pride…” As it is stated in Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity”. … Continue reading “How can brothers in the church get along together? Why do Christians fight each other?”