I have added a Greek text + my slightly revised translation, and I answer the odd interpretation of Luke 1:35. Now, in my mind there is no doubt about the answer. Updated once again: more Scriptures!
We cannot answer all the questions in this overview, but we can exegete the Lord’s Supper in its original context in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This post also looks very briefly at 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 and 11:23-34. Then, what do various churches teach about the Lord’s Supper (or Communion or Eucharist)? I am here to learn. I updated this post with information that startled me. I also learned something new from Exodus 12:14.
Don’t try this at home or elsewhere, unless called of God to take down systems!
Let’s learn about these key Christological points together, in the Q & A format.
Let’s place his two natures side-by-side with verses from Scripture to see who he really is.
This topic is about Jesus Christ in his full personhood. Let’s use the Question and Answer format for clarity and conciseness.
This post answers a series of tough questions about this vital and indispensable doctrine.
Good question, and the answer is clear, based on one biblical truth. Other questions are included here, as well.
From the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451). English, Greek, and Latin are included; the post discusses how the definition opposes three deficient teachings about Christ and answers the objection that the fifth-century church just made it all up.
Two natures (deity and humanity) are united in one person—the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s use the Q & A format, for clarity and conciseness.
I really like this creed. I add a commentary, which I hope clarifies it. We the church today ignore it at our peril, particularly the American church.
Centuries ago, the church debated the issue of who Christ was. In today’s church, we like to innovate so much that we become arrogant and can sometimes stomp all over the ancient creeds. But we ignore this creed at our peril.
What does Paul mean that Jesus “emptied himself” by taking the form of a servant and was found in the likeness of men and appearance as a man (Phil. 2:6-8)? Did some attributes get trimmed off (e.g. omniscience, omnipresence, and invisibility) to become a semi-deity, a lesser god (of sorts), or did he keep all of them? Let’s explore this doctrine further.
Mark 2:1-12 says that the Son of Man–Jesus–forgave a paralytic’s sins. Does this mean that Jesus claimed authority that only God has, thus making himself equal to God? Did he use a Hebrew word for “forgiveness” which only God can offer?
Why did Jesus say that not even the Son knows the day or the hour of the Second Coming? Puzzling.
This a table of Messianic prophecies, which go a long way in building up our faith and the reliability of the Bible. It also answers the question: How does this post help me grow in God?
He seems to be a mysterious figure. Some say he was a Christophany (manifestation) of the preincarnate Christ. But who was he according to the entire Scriptures that mention him? An old-fashioned Bible study here.
The Spirit was given to Jesus without limit. We too can share in this anointing, but we have to follow Jesus, or else we might run out ahead of him and minister on our own.
His entire existence in one panoramic image.
Who was he before he came to earth?
What does ‘incarnation’ mean? What does emptying oneself mean? Basics in a Q & A format.
Some say the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are silent about this claim. But they are not, if you know where to look.
Was it necessary? What did it accomplish? What does it mean to you?
People would make Jesus in their image. But who was he really, as defined by those who knew him best or heard from those who did?
Can we dispense with the notion that Jesus as a simple peasant, a godly one, from Galilee, but no more than that?
Jesus came with the express purpose of preaching the good news of the kingdom, living a godly life, and dying as a sacrifice for our sins.
Certain denominations teach that Jesus went into hell (or the underworld) to preach to confined human souls. True?
It goes a lot deeper than just coming back from the dead. Christ is our example and leader. Here are the basics about his resurrection.
It was a physical body, but it had a spiritual dimension. A new era had been ushered in—for us, foretelling our future state after we die.
It is the central message of the New Testament. His resurrection means everything to you.
We Renewalists—those belonging to the worldwide, historical Renewal Movements—also believe he still appears to people today.
Here are the basics about his ascension.
It jump-starts our new life in Christ—we can renew our minds and hearts by thinking on it.
Christ sat down at the right hand of God and on his throne. Now we can be seated with him in heavenly places!
But was he more than that?
It reveals his (sinless) human nature with the anointing of God coming on him.
They’re both Messianic titles, but they have nuances that need to be explored.
This title denotes his human nature, but also his divine nature.
This title often means more than “sir’ or ‘my lord.’ It can mean the LORD in the Old Testament. A table of references in the Old Testament and New Testament is included.
What does that title mean?
But he was not a king in the mold of Caesar. He was called first to conquer invisible, spiritual dark forces, and your heart by love. In the near future, the worldly kingdoms are going down in defeat, visible for all to see.
Does “I am” mean just the first person being verb as we may use it of ourselves (“I am a human”)? Or does it have reference to the Old Testament and the great ‘I AM’??
The Apostles Creed and National Association of Evangelicals are the main statements of faith for this website. Continue reading
The statement of faith at the website is the Apostles Creed and the Statement of Faith of the National Association of Evangelicals. The other two historic statements commented on in this post also make up the other portions of this website’s Statement of Faith.
An attribute is also called a perfection. in some contexts. It is amazing. God can never improve or get worse. He is who he is, period.
Here is a list of the principal works referenced or used at this site. More will be added as time goes on, so please check back.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 