Bible Study series: Acts 13:23-37. Jesus is the Messiah, and God raised him from the dead.
Paul’s Discourse: He Proclaims Jesus
Reply
Monthly Archives: October 2025
“I Am the True Vine”
Bible Study series: John 15:1-10. This is an extended metaphor about staying connected to Christ. Our life source is in him.
Who the Greatest Is, and an Outsider Expels Demons
Bible Study series: Luke 9:46-50. People who seem to do the works of the kingdom are not far off. But please note. He was expelling demons in the name of Jesus, not a false god. Don’t discourage them. Instruct them in the full gospel.
Parable of the Vineyard and Wicked Tenants
Bible Study series: Mark 12:1-12. This parable is about the Jerusalem and temple establishment. We should expect more confrontations, since he is now in Jerusalem. The establishment had already heard of him.
The Parable of the Soils (Sower), Introduced
Bible Study series: Matthew 13:1-9. Where is your heart? Hard? Prepared? Let’s see.
The New Apostolic Reformation
The New Apostolic Reformation is sometimes called the Second Apostolic Age. What is this new movement? Is it valid, Scripturally? Let’s look into this.
Salvation in the Book of Acts
It seems (to me, at least) that theologians have not built soteriology on the book of Acts. Can we even get theology from a narrative? What if we can and discover a wonderful doctrine of salvation? Yes to both questions.
Disciples Can Take a Beating and Keep on Going
Sometimes we are persecuted and may receive corporal punishment. Will we give up or keep going?
Disciples Live by a New Commandment
If we lived by this one, we would fulfill the Ten Commandments. This post covers John 13:31-35. The Ten Commandments are given for guidance, to clarify how we can know we are living by this new commandment.
Disciples Are Salt and Light
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:13-16. Salt and light are metaphors for godly influence in society.
Disciples Do Not Break the Law
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:17-20. This is about the law of Moses. Jesus did not come to abolish it, but what does ‘fulfill’ mean? Disciples can also fulfill it. How?
Disciples Keep the Ten Commandments (Only One Is Optional)
Do we ignore the Old Law so we can be free to live as we wish in the New Covenant? What about Christian Sabbath keeping? What does the Bible really say about this complex issue?
Disciples Do Not Live in Anger but Reconciliation
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:21-26. Be reconciled when someone is angry at you.
Disciples Do Not Commit Adultery in the Heart
This is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:28. This verse has been misused over and over again. What does it mean in its textual and OT contexts? Jewish radio host Dennis Prager says that in Judaism a man can watch a little porn because the Torah does not forbid it. Judaism is about behavior, not inner thoughts. But this is short-sighted and wrongheaded.
Disciples Do Not Retaliate
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:38-42. It’s about a generous heart, surrendered to the Father. What does ‘turn the other cheek’ mean in its context? Continue reading
Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth: ‘Revenge’ in the Old and New Testaments
Does the Old Testament demand literal retaliation for a wrong? Should an eye or a tooth be gouged or knocked out—physically? What about the teaching of Jesus? Does he raise our vision to a higher calling? How do we forgive a tort or a physical injury? How do we get compensated for damages?
Disciples Love Their Enemies
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:43-48. Disciples of Jesus are called to a higher ethic than the standards of the world. Don’t demand the unbelieving world to do this, unless you can persuade a willing person.
Paul’s Discourse: Overview of Early Old Testament to King David
Bible Study series: Acts 13:16-22. David will testify that the son of David is the Messiah, who, Paul will say, is Jesus.
The Promise and Ministry of the Spirit and Christ’s Peace
Bible Study series: John 14:15-31. This chapter is great. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” “The one loving me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him.” “I leave my peace to you. I give you my peace. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor afraid.” You get the idea.
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
Bible Study series: Luke 9:43b-45. Jesus knew what his mission was. He’s about to set his face like flint to go into Jerusalem. He told his disciples what would happen, so they would expect it and not be shocked.
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
Bible Study series: Mark 11:27-33. This is a bad idea, because his Father supports him.
The Mother and Brothers of Jesus
Bible Study series: Matthew 12:46-50: The title reflects the natural reading. He really did have brothers.
Disciples Give Generously in Private
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:1-4. Be careful about trumpeting your giving. You’ll lose your reward. Giving generously in secret is the right way.
Disciples Store Up Treasures in Heaven
This post is about the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:19-21. Store up treasures in heaven. Don’t be greedy for treasure on earth. Hyper-prosperity teachers who twist Scriptures to enrich themselves cannot like these verses. They shall have their reward down here on earth, but nothing in the new heavens and earth for all eternity.
Disciples Serve God over Mammon (Money)
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:24. Plus we look at Luke 12:13-21. Who is your Lord? God or money? Do you have money or does money have you?
Paul and Personal Wealth
There is a lesson here for the church today.
Disciples Live in Unity and Generosity
Let’s see what we can learn from the book of Acts 4:32-37.
Disciples Take Care of Widows
This post looks at Acts 6:1-7. The book of Acts can teach us a lot. Let’s learn from it.
Disciples Live Day by Day and Seek God’s Kingdom First
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:25-34. These verses are about reorienting our perspective to things above. These verses are a perfect summary of this goal and even of the entire Sermon on the Mount.
Disciples Learn the Differences between Judging and Judgmentalism
This is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:1-5 and the Sermon on the Plain, Luke 6:37. To understand the differences, we must understand what the attitudes really mean in context.
Disciples Obey the Golden Rule
This is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:12 and part of the Sermon on the Plain, Luke 6:31. It is an excellent rule to remember, not only for the kingdom community, but the whole world.
Disciples Look for Good Character and Sound Doctrine
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:15-20, and the Sermon on the Plain, Luke 6:43-45. If someone comes into your assembly claiming to be a leader, check out his fruit or character and doctrine.
Disciples Hear and Obey the Words of Jesus
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:24-27, and the Sermon on the Plain, Luke 6:46-49. Disciples build their house on a solid foundation, the words of Jesus.
Disciples Practice the Right Way to Be the First and the Greatest
If disciples have this ambition in the first place, there is a right way and wrong way to reach this goal. For those oversees, GOAT stands for Greatest of All Times. Jesus teaches a paradox, on how to be first and the greatest.
True Church Leaders Do Not Lord It over God’s People
They are his people. You leaders don’t own them. Instead, be like Jesus and serve them. And you, the people of God, beware of leaders who exert absolute or near-absolute power over you. Run from their churches. Stop giving to their ministties.
True Church Leaders Do Not Weaponize Matthew 18 against Victims of Abuse
This has to stop. A simple reading of the passage can clarify the problem.
Mature Disciples Do Not Make Excuses for Unsound Christian Leaders
Paul calls immature disciples naive and vulnerable (Rom. 16:18). The devoted followers of various unsound leaders post comments excusing the excesses and bad theology and defective Bible interpretation. Here are their most common excuses and my replies to them. I also cover where the unsound teachings may come from.
Restoring Fallen Church Leaders to Ministry?
These sad stories are now multiplying without any sign of letting up. The issue of possible restoration is very complicated. Let’s proceed with caution and depend on the Scriptures, as we receive grace and wisdom. Another warning, though: this post discusses adult topics but in a pastoral and redemptive way.
Paul and Barnabas Arrive at Pisidian Antioch and Paul Begins a Discourse
Bible Study series: Acts 13:13-15. His discourse is superb, well worth studying in detail.
“I Am in the Father and the Father Is in Me”
Bible Study series: John 14:1-14. This is a rich section of Scripture:. Samples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.” “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” You get the idea.
Deliverance of a Boy with Unclean Spirit
Bible Study series: Luke 9:37-43a. This was a great deliverance.
Lessons from the Withered Fig Tree
Bible Study series: Mark 11:20-25. Jesus gives us permission to speak to obstacles (and diseases and evil spirits). But everything must surrender to the will God, even our words. And speaking to obstacles right in front of us is not the same as decreeing, which only God does. Don’t confuse the categories and roles.
Return of the Unclean Spirit with Seven Others
Bible Study series: Matthew 12:43-45. The house that has been swept clean must be filled with the Spirit and the word.
The Earliest Disciples Did Not Practice Modern Communism or Socialism
Some say that they did, a kind of proto-versions, in the book of Acts. But what are the historical and social contexts of three key passages?
Progressivism Is Bad for the Church
This post is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7:21-23. Progressive Christianity, which we can also label as woke Christianity, is not the right path for the church. But this movement is already damaging and deceiving Christians, particularly the leaders. Here are signs that this leftwing movement is infiltrating the church and putting her at risk of going past what is written in Scripture.
Socialism Is Wrong for Society
Have you ever heard a student or young adult ask, “So what’s wrong with socialism, anyway?” It’s still going strong in very few countries in Europe and some countries around the globe. What if Leftists were to rebrand their ideology and hide it under a current political party in America? It is so important to take a closer look at it.
The Biblical Case for Low Taxes and Limited Government
Liberalism, generally, favors a bigger government and higher taxes to pay for it, while conservatives advocate moving in the opposite direction: limited government and low taxes. What does the Bible say about this?
How to Care for the Poor Biblically
We all need to participate. But how exactly? What does the Bible say?
1 Jesus Was Not a Pacifist
That title needs to be clarified. Let’s look into his practical theology.
2 The Early Church Was Not Pacifist
However, we also answer these questions: Did the early Christians pick up swords to stop the persecution and control nonconformists? Or did they teach that the state should lay down its swords to have peace, kind of like “defund the police” in the first century? Can Christians join the police force or military?
3 Are Christians Permitted to Fight Persecution?
We already know they may flee it. But what if the Church is targeted for persecution by the government or by large groups of extremists, but the government does not come to the aid of Christians? For example, Muslims in Nigeria or Sudan attack churches on a wide scale. Can Christians defend themselves, because the State does not come to their aid?
Violent Mobs and Three Sources of Their Evil
This issue ranges much more widely than just the current events in America today. We can learn from Scripture any time it speaks to our behavior.
Send in the National Guard
The Bible is clear. It is morally right for the government to restore peace and order and punish criminals for high crime rates, riots, arson, murder, destruction of property, and mayhem.
The State Should Not Turn the Other Cheek
I have often heard confused uses of “turn the other cheek.” The saying seems so imbalanced and out of touch with reality, as it circulates around the world, out of context and isolated.
The Bible Speaks on Prenatal Life and Abortion
Despite the confusion circulating over the web for years, the Bible unambiguously upholds the sanctity of prenatal life. Abortion is a sin, but a forgivable and redeemable sin.
The Biblical Norm for Marriage
It’s an overview, at 10,000 meters.
Women Must Not Marry Muslim Men
Should a believing Christian woman take the plunge? I remember hearing an interview on the radio with a Muslim, years ago.
Overview of Divorce and Remarriage in the New Testament
The situations outlined in this post are delicate and emotional. Let’s proceed with caution and compassion towards people’s pain.
Jesus Teaches on Marriage in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark
Of course he would teach on marriage. It is a covenant. Here are the parallel passages in those two Gospels.
Jesus Teaches on Eunuchs
What about eunuchs in Matthew 19:10-12? Does this passage teach that the Bible endorses trans-surgery? Does being “born” a eunuch imply same-sex attraction?
Truth over Feelings
If we allow our feelings to take over our knowledge of the truth, then we get lost. We have no anchor. What is the root of this off-balanced life? What are some solutions?
Do Not Deconstruct Gender Differences
The destruction of the two sexes has become a global mind virus. It flows out of deconstruction, a subspecies of Postmodernism. Let’s explore these leftwing ideologies.
1 Twelve Health Risks from Smoking Cannabis
Big Tobacco? Get ready for Big Marijuana! Please don’t smoke it. The health risks are too great.
2 Ten Marijuana Myths that Damage Society and You
These myths show up in a variety of channels in the media and elsewhere, notably pro-marijuana websites, which are eager to draw in more customers to the unhealthy habit, so the weed advocates as an industry can make more money.
3 Do Not Legalize Recreational or Medical Marijuana
This post in based on the first and second parts. It is too late for some states, since they already legalized it for recreational use and medical purposes. But other states have not yet compromised on this issue.
Barnabas and Saul Reach the Island of Cyprus
Bible Study series: Acts 13:4-12. Cyprus was Barnabas’s home island. Begin at home.
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
Bible Study series: John 13:36-38. Peter’s boast was deflated. But Jesus was right.
The Transfiguration of Jesus, in Luke’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Luke 9:27-36 This is a display of the glory the Son enjoyed before he came down from heaven to earth.
Jesus Clears Out an Area of the Temple, in Mark’s Gospel
Bible Study series: Mark 11:15-19. Jesus said this is his Father’s house. Time to clear out one area of the temple. This was another action parable. It sent a message to the temple establishment.
Religious Leaders Demand a Sign
Bible Study series: Matthew 12:38-42. He did not grant their request, but told them of another prophet and his sign.
Sec. 1, 1 Introduction to Theology 101: The Basics
Friendly greetings and warm welcome to this series in Theology 101: the Basics, where we look at the major doctrines of the Bible, for the church. Together, let’s explore the very basics. In this post we introduce the entire series by answering questions, like these: what is theology? Why study it? What is its purpose? What attitude should we have? How does it serve the church?
2 Apostles Creed + Very Brief Commentary
I place this creed here in Theology 101: The Basics, because it is a great introduction to theology. It is rooted in Scripture and therefore very valuable today. It is also easy to understand.
Sec. 2, 1 Bibliology, Doctrine of the Bible: The Basics
Certain segments of the global church, particularly the Renewal Movements, have gone wrong about interpreting Scripture. Can we bring some parameters to our Bible reading and teaching? Included in this post is four characteristics of Scripture and then how to interpret It.
2 General and Special Revelations and Moral Law
General revelation encompasses moral law (which is the same as natural law, for my purpose here) and nature. Moral law can be perceived by reason and conscience, but are they clear enough? Special revelation is Scripture. We need it to guide us more specifically and clearly.
3 Authority and Inerrancy of the Bible
Some corners of the church treat the Bible disrespectfully. It is no longer authoritative or inerrant They themselves have become the ultimate authority, not God’s word. But Christians who believe in the inspiration of Scripture see it as authoritative and inerrant.
4 In Search of a Grand Biblical Narrative
The term ‘biblical metanarrative’ can also be used instead of a ‘grand biblical narrative.’ Either way, they mean an overarching storyline, the main story of the entire Bible from Genesis to the Revelation. Is there one? If so, what is it?
Sec. 3, 1 Doctrine of God: Essence and Attributes of God
Recall from the Introduction to Theology 101 that Theology Proper means studying God as he is in his essence and attributes and the Trinity. So we could title this post and the next eleven, Theology Proper. But let’s avoid complications and call this long section Doctrine of God.
2 ‘Incommunicable’ Attributes
Theologians divide God’s attributes into two basic categories: incommunicable and communicable. Incommunicable means God does not communicate or share specific attributes with us in an absolute sense. In this post: Self-existence, unchangeable, infinite (yet personal), omnipresent (everywhere), simplicity, and eternity.
3 The Omni- Attributes
Omni- means all. In this post: Omnipotence (all power), omniscience (all knowledge) , omnisapience (all wise). Omnipresence (everywhere) is placed in the post on incommunicable attributes.
4 Sovereign and Free
No one tells him what to do or bosses him around or forces his hand. He is “large and in charge.” His will shall prevail in the end. How does human free will interact with this?
5 Perfect and Blessed
These attributes mean God exists in all his absolute perfections and takes calm delight in who he is. He lives in totally and absolutely perfect blessedness.
6 Glory, Beauty, and Majesty
These three attributes depict God as brilliant. He shines. He is great and worthy of our praise.
7 Spirit and Invisibility
God is Spirit and he is invisible.
8 Love, Goodness, Graciousness, and Compassion
The number of verses that show those attributes is huge, which means that God expresses them more than, say, wrath. They are a major theme of Scripture. (These are my personal favorite attributes because I need them daily.)
9 Wrath and Jealousy
God wrath is judicial. Think of an old English judge who wears a white wig. As for jealousy, If your child were under attack, what would you do? That (imperfect) surge of protection that you feel comes close to the biblical definition of (perfect) jealousy in God. It’s about his protection over you.
10 Peace and Patience
From our point of view, peace is one of God’s great attributes or perfections. Without it, the world would be more chaotic than it is. God’s patience means he is willing to redeem the world over a long time and work with his followers when they commit sins.
11 Holy, Righteous, and True
God is holy and separate from us. God also has righteous standards. Truth means he is faithful and veracious.
12 The Trinity
The Trinity is completely biblical, for the Bible teaches us about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We have a relationship with each person. Let’s see how. Continue reading
13 Athanasian Creed and Commentary
This creed is broader than the Trinity, but I include it here because it discusses the Trinity most prominently.
14 God’s Names, Titles, and Activities
These names and metaphors and activities reveal his character and outreach towards needy humans.
15 Creation
This post is theological and biblical, not scientific.
16 Providence
God oversees and preserves his creation, particularly you and me.
17 Miracles, Evidence, and Faith
Miracles mean that God intervenes in his own creation. He owns it, so it does not violate any natural law when he works a miracle, as if he were an outsider. He merely introduces a new situation. We also look into this question: Can Satan work miracles too?
18 Miracles and Hyper-Skepticism
Professional theologians teach us that we are supposed to engage with the philosophical or theological trends in society. Let’s give it a try. This post is for advanced Christians. If you are just beginning or not used to this kind of content or are believing God for your healing, don’t click on it. In any case, is there a way out of hyper-skeptical doubts about miracles?
19 Angelology: Doctrine about Angels
This post is placed under the Doctrine of God because God sovereignly oversees these supernatural beings. When we learn what the Bible says about them, we can have the right perspective. We will not obsess over them, but we must not ignore their reality or existence, either. Balance.
20 Demonology: Doctrine about Demons
This post is placed under the Doctrine of God because he sovereignly oversees these evil spirit beings.
21 The Kingdom of God
Generally, the church’s teachings nowadays seem to ignore the kingdom of God. Yet the reality of the kingdom was emphasized in the teaching of Jesus. He ushered it in. Why do we ignore it today? Are we missing an important doctrine of the Bible?
22 Covenants
Out of his great love, God reaches out to sinful, rebellious humanity with commitments and promises, called covenants. He offers them by his grace, and humans have to fulfill certain obligations. They have to stop their rebellion and surrender and follow him. This post marks a good transition from God to humankind (Sec 4).
Barnabas and Saul Are Sent Out from Antioch
Bible Study series: Acts 13:1-3 So begins Paul’s / Saul’s first missionary journey. Barnabas went with him. God sent them out through prophecy.
The New Commandment
Bible Study series: John 13:31-35. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for each other.”
‘Let Him Deny Himself and Pick Up His Cross Daily and Follow Me.’
Bible Study series: Luke 9:23-26. We must crucify our own selfishness and follow Jesus.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 