The Apostle Paul uses the phrase “natural man” in 1 Corinthians 2:14 to describe people who do not have the Spirit of God dwelling within them. In this verse, Paul writes: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV) So when Paul refers to the “natural man,” he is talking about someone who has not been born again by the Spirit of God. This person lives life relying solely on their natural…
Author: Tim Collings
The verse Romans 1:25 states, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” This verse comes in the context of Paul’s explanation of God’s wrath against sin and unrighteousness. In the preceding verses, Paul describes how although people knew God, they did not honor Him or give thanks to Him. Instead, their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21). The core issue Paul addresses is that people exchanged the truth about God for a lie. Let’s break this down further: 1.…
The story of the two baskets of figs in Jeremiah 24 holds great significance and meaning for God’s people. This prophetic vision came to Jeremiah after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had exiled King Jehoiachin, his family, and many nobles, craftsmen, and smiths from Jerusalem to Babylon (Jeremiah 24:1). God showed Jeremiah two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple – one filled with very good figs and the other with rotten, inedible figs. The good figs represented those exiled to Babylon, while the bad figs symbolized King Zedekiah and the people remaining in Jerusalem and Judah who were…
The Easter season is a time of celebration and reflection on Christ’s resurrection. As we approach the 33rd day of the Easter reading plan, let’s explore what the Bible teaches us about this joyous occasion. The Resurrection of Jesus The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central truth on which the Christian faith rests. All four Gospels give accounts of Jesus rising from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18). This miraculous event fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and demonstrated Christ’s power over death. On the third day…
The Easter season is a time when Christians reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This pivotal event in human history forms the foundation of the Christian faith. As we approach Easter Sunday, let’s take some time to meditate on what the Bible teaches about this sacred holiday. On Easter, we commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. After being betrayed by Judas and put on trial by the Jewish authorities, Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. He was mocked, flogged, and forced to carry his cross to the place of crucifixion outside Jerusalem. There,…
The story of the magi seeing the star of Jesus’ birth in the east is found in Matthew 2:1-12. This passage provides intriguing details about these wise men from the east who came to worship the newborn King of the Jews. In Matthew 2:1-2, it states: “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” Several key points…
Jesus’ statement about giving His followers authority to trample on snakes and scorpions is found in Luke 10:19. This verse comes within the context of Jesus sending out the seventy-two disciples to preach the gospel and perform miracles. When they return to Jesus, they are excited that even the demons submit to them in Jesus’ name. Jesus responds by saying: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:18-19) So what did Jesus mean by…
Ephesians 2:20 says “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” This verse teaches that the church is built on the authority and teaching of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the most important part. Here are 9000 words explaining what this means: The apostles were the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus to spread the gospel after his resurrection and ascension (Matthew 10:2-4). Jesus gave them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons in his name (Matthew 10:1). The book of Acts describes how the apostles led the early church and…
Jeremiah 20:14 records the prophet Jeremiah uttering the lament “Cursed be the day I was born!” This exclamation of anguish has puzzled many readers over the centuries. Why would Jeremiah, a prophet of God, curse his own birth? A closer look at the context provides some important clues. Jeremiah served as God’s prophet during the final tragic years of the kingdom of Judah before the Babylonian exile. He was called by God as a youth (Jeremiah 1:4-10) and faithfully proclaimed God’s messages to the people of Judah for decades. But Jeremiah’s ministry was marked by rejection and persecution. The people…
The phrase “the end of all things is at hand” comes from 1 Peter 4:7, which states: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” This verse points to the imminent return of Jesus Christ and the final judgment that will take place. But what exactly does it mean that the end is near, and what implications does this have for believers? The Timing of the End When Peter wrote this letter, it had been approximately 30 years since Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. The early Christians…