God’s will can seem mysterious, but the Bible gives us insight into understanding His good, acceptable, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Here we see three aspects of God’s will: God’s Good Will God’s good will refers to what is morally good and righteous in God’s eyes. As 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” God desires for us…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
2 Timothy 2:21 states “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” This verse provides important insight into how believers can live a life that honors God. The key phrase in this verse is “vessel for honorable use.” In the original Greek, the word for “vessel” refers to household utensils or implements. Paul is saying that believers are like utensils in God’s house that can be used for either honorable or dishonorable purposes. The goal…
The concept of faith is central to Christianity. But what exactly is faith? Is it just intellectual assent to a set of doctrines or propositions? Or is there more to faith than that? Let’s explore what the Bible has to say about the nature of saving faith. When examining Scripture, it becomes clear that biblical faith involves more than just mental agreement to facts about God and Jesus. James 2:19 states that even demons can have an intellectual knowledge of God’s existence and tremble in fear. So mere intellectual assent is not true saving faith. Faith in the Bible involves…
The issue of abortion is complex and divisive. Those who support abortion rights often point to instances in the Bible where God commanded the Israelites to kill groups of people, including women and children, as justification that killing the unborn is not inherently wrong. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals some key differences between abortion and God’s commands to Israel. The value of human life in the Bible The Bible consistently affirms the sanctity and value of human life. Human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and the shedding of innocent blood is repeatedly condemned…
The concept of “love is love” has become a popular slogan in recent years, particularly in relation to sexuality and relationships. The basic idea is that love between any two consenting adults is a good thing, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or other factors. However, there are differing perspectives on whether the Bible supports this view. On the one hand, some argue that the Bible affirms the value of all love between consenting adults. They point to verses like 1 John 4:7-8 which states that “love is from God” and that “God is love.” The emphasis here is the divine…
The Bible has a lot to say about how we should respond when we see evil happening in the world. Proverbs 24:19 warns us, “Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked.” This verse teaches an important truth – as followers of God, we should not obsess or worry about what evildoers are doing. But what does this mean practically, and why does God tell us this? The temptation to fret over evil When we look around at the world, it’s easy to become discouraged by the amount of evil and injustice we see. The news…
In Mark 11:23, Jesus makes a profound statement about the power of faith: “Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” To understand the full meaning of this verse, it’s important to examine the context. Jesus and His disciples were passing by the Mount of Olives on their way to Jerusalem when Jesus saw a fig tree and cursed it because it had no fruit (Mark 11:12-14).…
The mission of the church is multifaceted, but its primary purpose is to glorify God and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Here is an overview of key components of the church’s mission according to the Bible: Worship God The church exists first and foremost to worship God. Christians are called to “glorify God and enjoy him forever” (Westminster Shorter Catechism). Public worship is a primary means by which the church glorifies God and enjoys communion with Him (Psalm 95:1-7; Hebrews 10:24-25). Through prayer, singing, preaching, and the sacraments, the church ascribes worth to God and delights in Him. Preach the…
Walking with God is a biblical metaphor that refers to having an intimate, close relationship with God. It conveys the idea of walking side by side with God through life, allowing Him to guide your steps and lead you in His ways. This concept appears throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis with Enoch and Noah, who “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24, 6:9). Let’s explore the meaning and significance of walking with God in more depth. Following God’s Path for Your Life When you walk with someone, you go where they go. Walking with God means following His path for your…
Sex is a complex topic in the Bible that requires careful examination. On one hand, the Bible celebrates sex within marriage as a gift from God. On the other hand, it prohibits sexual immorality such as adultery, homosexuality, and premarital sex. Ultimately, the Bible does not view sex itself as sinful, but improper expressions of it are considered sinful. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed the first humans and told them to “be fruitful and multiply.” This affirms that sex within marriage for procreation is part of God’s design. Song of Songs celebrates physical intimacy between a husband and wife, showing…