The question “Is God dead?” gained prominence in the 1960s, spurred on by philosophers who claimed that recent advances in science and technology had eliminated the need for God as an explanation of the universe and human life. However, the Bible provides a resounding answer to this question that God is very much alive and active in the world. The Bible clearly teaches that God is eternal and unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). As the eternal Creator of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), God preceded all physical matter and continues to sustain…
Author: Tim Collings
The book of Philemon is one of the shorter books in the New Testament, containing only 25 verses. Yet it provides insights into the early Christian community and relationships. Here are some key questions that arise from this book: Who was Philemon? Philemon was a wealthy Christian who lived in Colossae and hosted a house church (Philemon 1:2). He was likely converted under Paul’s ministry. His slave Onesimus had run away but ended up meeting Paul in prison. Paul wrote this personal letter to appeal to Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus back as a brother in Christ, not as…
The number seven appears frequently throughout the Bible and is often seen as a number representing spiritual perfection or completion. Here is an overview of some of the key associations and meanings behind the number seven in Scripture: 1. Seven days of creation In Genesis 1, God creates the heavens and the earth in six days and then rests on the seventh day. This establishes the pattern of the seven-day week that is still followed today in many modern calendars. The number seven is associated with God’s creative work and the Sabbath rest. Genesis 2:2-3 – And on the seventh…
Here are some common questions people have about the book of Ephesians in the Bible and what it teaches: Who wrote Ephesians? The book of Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul (Ephesians 1:1, 3:1). Paul was one of the most influential early Christian missionaries and writers, responsible for much of the New Testament. When was Ephesians written? Scholars believe Paul wrote Ephesians around 60-62 AD while he was imprisoned in Rome (Ephesians 3:1, 4:1, 6:20). This places it among Paul’s later writings. What is the purpose and message of Ephesians? A key theme in Ephesians is unity in the…
Jesus Culture is a Christian worship movement that originated out of the youth group at Bethel Church in Redding, California in 1999. The main goal of Jesus Culture is to spread the gospel and see God’s kingdom established on earth through a new generation of disciples transformed by encounters with God’s love. The name “Jesus Culture” comes from the belief that when people experience the love and presence of Jesus, it brings transformation to society and culture. The Jesus Culture movement is focused on passionate worship music and experiences designed to draw people into an intimate relationship with God. Their…
The book of 1 Corinthians addresses many issues that the early church in Corinth was facing. Here are some common questions people have about this important New Testament letter: Who wrote 1 Corinthians? 1 Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 1:1). Paul founded the church in Corinth around AD 50 during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-17). A few years later while in Ephesus, Paul received disturbing reports about immorality, divisions, and theological confusion in the Corinthian church. He wrote this letter in response, likely around AD 54-55. Why was 1 Corinthians written? Paul heard there were…
Homiletics is the art and science of preaching, specifically the composition and delivery of sermons within the context of Christian worship. The word comes from the Greek word homilia meaning “discourse” or “conversation.” As a field of study, homiletics examines the theology, history, theory and practice of preaching. It involves reflecting on Scripture, understanding congregational needs, crafting messages faithful to the Bible, and delivering them effectively. Preachers seek to faithfully proclaim God’s Word and apply it to life today through homiletics. Biblical Basis for Preaching The practice of preaching has deep biblical roots. God has chosen to communicate with His…
This is a complex theological question that Christians have pondered for centuries. At its core is the issue of how God judges those who have not explicitly heard the gospel message or the name of Jesus Christ. There are several perspectives from Scripture on this topic. Universal Opportunity Some Bible scholars point to passages indicating that everyone has an innate knowledge of God and opportunity to seek Him (Romans 1:19-20, 2:14-15). General revelation in creation gives all people a consciousness of God’s existence, power and divine nature. Based on this view, no one has an excuse for rejecting God and…
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats is one of the most well-known parables that Jesus told during his ministry on earth. It is found in Matthew 25:31-46 and delivers a powerful message about God’s final judgment of all people at the end of this age. In the parable, Jesus divides all of humanity into two groups – the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left. The sheep represent those who cared for others in need and followed the will of God. The goats represent those who did not help others or do God’s will. Jesus…
Theology is considered the “queen of the sciences” for several reasons. First, theology deals with the highest and most important truths that exist – the nature of God and His relationship to humanity. All other branches of knowledge, while worthwhile, deal with lower created things. Theology explores the infinite, eternal and unchanging Creator, the source of all that exists. As queen, theology guides and informs all other areas of study and brings them into proper relationship with their divine Source. Second, theology studies God’s special revelation to humanity – the Bible. God’s Word reveals truths that cannot be discovered through…