I say this in order that no one may delude you with beguiling speech. Colossians 2:4 (RSV) A non-believer, who counted people of various denominations among his friends, spent most of his time discussing the Bible and asking questions about it. Depending on the denomination of the person he was speaking with, the answers always differed doctrinally. Even when there were points of agreement, a doctrinal nuance invariably remained—which is entirely natural. One day, he decided

Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Him. John 9:38 (NIV) I often meet people who, despite regularly attending church, listening to messages, and witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, still refuse to believe in Jesus. They demand tangible proof from Him before agreeing to believe and receive God's salvation. They define the nature of the proof they expect—such as a miraculous healing or a humanly impossible feat. Sometimes, they s

Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them. Mark 7:15 (NIV) When Jesus speaks of what enters a person, He is referring to food. This means that no food we ingest can defile us or make us evil. The food we consume cannot make us proud, arrogant, adulterous, greedy, or envious, nor can it give rise to the other flaws He describes as defilements. As for the influence of those around us: it is not others

Take care, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12 (RSV) What can turn us away from God? Can sin turn us away from God? These two questions seem simple and call for clear, direct answers. Yet, upon closer inspection, we might realize we have misunderstood them by interpreting a specific word in a certain way. When we read the phrase "turning away," we tend to equate it with "drifting away" or

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV) Contrary to what many believe, accepting Christ is not the ultimate goal of God's plan for the salvation of humanity. One can certainly receive Christ while continuing to live in sin. At that stage, even though one is a Christian, one remains a carnal Christian, still living according to the desires of the world. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that becoming a C

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 (ESV) It is not what you do that truly matters—however useful or remarkable the action may be—but rather the underlying intention and motive that define its significance. Some people, eager to prove to everyone that they are true, Bible-obeying Christians, throw themselves into a multitude of activities. Yet, they often end up quitting or complaining about having d

I am not asking on behalf of these alone, but also for those who believe in Me through their word. John 17:20 (NASB) Most Christians desire their pastor to intercede with God on their behalf, especially when facing trials or feeling their faith waver. They are convinced that God will hear the prayers of these men of faith who have fully dedicated themselves to His service. If we so earnestly desire our pastor's prayers, imagine the joy and peace that fill us knowing that our

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ Judges 6:13 (NIV) Have you ever looked at your life, watched the news, or examined your situation and asked yourself, "Where is God in all this?" It is a deeply human question. It runs throughout the Scriptures, yet nowhere is it expressed with as much frankne

Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Judges 16:28 (NIV) We all know the story of Samson and Delilah. We have all heard of Samson’s exploits and how Delilah managed to seduce him. Personally, when I was a child and my Sunday school teacher taught us this lesson, I wanted to be like Samson: to possess his strength to defeat all my enemies

Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. Genesis 39:20 (NKJV) Most of the time, when we go through difficult trials—sometimes involving other people—and find ourselves before God, we think only of ourselves and completely forget about others. We pray and fast, asking God to deliver us. We ask ourselves, "What did I do to deserve such punishment from God?" Sometimes, the burden

This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is My throne and the earth is the footstool for My feet. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? Isaiah 66:1 (NASB) A wealthy entrepreneur—owner of vast, luxurious estates boasting every imaginable amenity, such as sprawling gardens, sports facilities, and swimming pools—traveled urgently to a developing country to visit a longtime friend. Upon arrival, he felt somewhat out of his element when he

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 (NIV) In a sermon on the role and responsibility of a father within the family, a pastor clearly stated that a father's true teaching does not always lie in the words he speaks to his children, but rather in the way he lives. Children do not seek to imitate their parents based on what is said; instead, they seek to adopt their attitudes and behaviors. Th

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. Romans 3:21 (MEV) At the beginning of this letter, the Apostle Paul builds an irrefutable legal case against humanity. He examines the cases of the religious and the non-religious, the moralist and the rebel alike, and delivers a universal verdict: all are guilty. He concludes in verse 20 that "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16 (NIV) When we come to Jesus, most of us do not know where to start. Although some perceive a change within themselves and desire to grow in the knowledge of God in order to lead a sanctified life, they wonder about the demands of this new life in Christ. Others, however—despite having heard the call to salvation—are not truly concerned with the requir

I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 2 Corinthians 10:2 (NIV) After moving to a new region, a family encountered difficulties in their new church. They came from a highly respected congregation—known for its pastor and well-organized activities—and enjoyed an excellent reputation. Despite the family's best efforts to fit in, their new brothers and sisters continued t