Bible Study Series: Acts 2:37-41. It was during Pentecost. Many pilgrims visited the holy city. We must respond to the gospel of the resurrection.
People of Jerusalem and Pilgrims Respond to Peter’s Discourse
Reply
Jesus Clears Out an Area of the Temple in John’s Gospel
Bible Study Series: John 2:13-22. It was a bold statement. He is going after the Jerusalem and temple establishment.
Angels Celebrate Birth of Jesus and Shepherds Are in Awe
Bible Study Series: Luke 2:8-21. The incarnation (Jesus becoming a human) is a time of celebration and awe. It has been called the greatest miracle.
Jesus Calls Levi to Follow Him and He Says Yes
Bible Study Series: Mark 2:13-17 Matthew-Levi said yes. What about you?
Satan Tempted Jesus. The Son of God Won
Bible Study series: Matthew 4:1-14. The Spirit led Jesus out into the wilderness to fast and then encounter Satan. Jesus defeated him. On the third temptation, he told Satan to go. He left (for a season).
Do New Testament Apostles Exist Today?
Many Renewalists believe apostles do exist. But should there be restrictions? An old-fashioned Bible study to answer the question. I also discuss elders and overseers and pastors and other leaders in relation to the push for installing apostles today. This post has been thoroughly revised, due to further study.
Review of Joseph Mattera’s Book ‘The Global Apostolic Movement and the Progress of the Gospel’
It was published by BILD International, 2022. I also glance at his 2014 self-published booklet An Anthology of Essays on Apostolic Leadership, published by createspace.com, and at the website US Coalition of Apostolic Leaders (USCAL), which he modified from C. Pater Wagner’s International Coalition of Apostles. Continue reading
Peter Proclaims the Resurrection
Bible Study Series: Acts 2:22-36. The resurrection is the core to Christianity. God vindicated his Son after the Jerusalem and temple establishment rejected him. Now he has ascended to heaven, guiding his church to reach the globe. This is what the book of Acts is about.
Jesus Turns Water into Wine
Bible Study Series: John 2:1-12. There is a spiritual significance to this miracle.
The Birth of Jesus
Bible Study Series: Luke 2:1-7. Now God’s ultimate and highest rescue mission to save humanity is set in motion for real.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic and Forgives His Sins
Bible Study Series: Mark 2:1-12. He has the authority to forgive sins and heal people. How has he forgiven your sins?
Jesus Is Baptized and the Father Loves His Son
Bible Study series: Matthew 3:13-17. John the Baptist baptizes his relative Jesus, and Father God declare his delight and love for his Son. I wonder how much God loves you and me.
Review of C. Peter Wagner’s Book ‘Apostles Today’
The subtitle reads: Biblical Government for Biblical Power (Regal, 2006). When we bring back apostles to lead the church today, we will see mighty moves of God. Let’s look into this thesis. Continue reading
Peter Explains the Outpouring of the Spirit
Bible Study Series: Acts 2:14-21. God wants to give you gifts of inspired speech, to help and bless people. Are you open?
Philip and Nathaniel Follow Jesus
Bible Study Series: John 1:43-51. Jesus calls two more disciples. They responded with yes. But they also had some questions.
The Prophecy of Zechariah
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:67-80. The main themes of Luke’s Gospel and even the entire Bible is announced by Zechariah in his wonderful prophecy.
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
Bible Study Series: Mark 1:40-45. He was moved with compassion. How is this a good motive to heal?
John the Baptist Proclaims Repentance and Fire and the Coming One
Bible Study series: Matthew 3:1-13.John was a ferocious prophet. What can we learn from him in our lives today?
Review of C. Peter Wagner’s Book ‘Apostles and Prophets’
The subtitle reads: The Foundation of the Church: Biblical Leadership for the 21st Century (Regal, 2000). Let’s find out what he says, and then define apostle and prophet biblically. Continue reading
The Promised Spirit Empowers 120 Disciples at Pentecost
Bible Study Series: Acts 2:1-13. We need to be filled with the Spirit. God offers him to people over the centuries, even to us today. Have you received him?
Jesus Goes on a Ministry Tour
Bible Study Series: Mark 1:35-39. Jesus had a mission. What is yours? How do you seek God to find it?
John Is Born
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:57-66. This is John the Baptist. What a calling he will have: a prophet.
Joseph and Family Leave Egypt and Return to Israel
Bible Study series: Matthew 2:19-23. Joseph obeys God. How are we in obedience to God?
Two of John’s Disciples Follow Jesus
Bible Study Series: John 1:35-42. Andrew brought his brother Peter to Jesus. How do we witness to our family and lead them to Jesus?
Review of C. Peter Wagner’s Book ‘Churchquake’
The subtitle reads: How the New Apostolic Reformation Is Shaking Up the Church As We Know It (Regal, 1999). Let’s look into it even at this late date because it is still a primary source and influence on the NAR. And let’s see if we can define the terms apostle and apostolic biblically.
Matthias Is Chosen to Be the Twelfth Apostle
Bible Study Series: Acts 1:21-26. Matthias was selected to be the twelfth apostle. Yet someone was not selected. How do we relate to not being chosen to be on the team?
John Proclaims the Lamb of God and Witnesses the Spirit’s Anointing
Bible Study Series: John 1:29-34. Jesus is anointed to serve. The ultimate service is to take away the sin of the world. He is the lamb of God.
Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law and Many Others
Bible Study Series: Mark 1:29-34. How do you minister to the sick? Is your ministry biblical?
Mary Celebrates with a Poem
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:46-56. Mary’s song fits within the flow of OT biblical salvation. It reviews OT themes and major themes of Luke’s Gospel.
Slaying of the Infants
Bible Study series: Matthew 2:16-18. How are you at handling human-caused evil? Do you blame God or people?
The End of Judas
Bible Study Series: Acts 1:15-20. How do you minister to really distressed people? What about yourself? How do you back away from your distress?
Testimony of John the Baptist about Truth of Jesus
Bible Study Series: John 1:19-28, John knew his role, his place, in the plan of God. What about you?
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:39-45. On hearing Mary’s voice, Elizabeth celebrates, and John (the future Baptist), will leap for joy in his mother’s womb. Good poetry, too
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Capernaum and Expels Demon in Synagogue
Bible Study Series: Mark 1:21-28. Jesus was a teacher and ministered in the power of the Spirit. How did he expel a demon? What can we learn from his ministry?
Joseph Is Told to Flee to Egypt
Bible Study Series: Matthew 2:13-15. How do we interpret dreams from God?
Earliest Disciples in Prayer
Bible Study Series: Acts 1:12-14. The resurrected Jesus rocked their world, so they prayed in unity and devotedly. I wonder how our prayer life is.
The Word Becomes Truly and Fully Human and John Proclaims Him
Bible Study series: John 1:14-18. This doctrine is the profoundest of them all. Yet it is more than a doctrine. It is God’s finest and ultimate outreach to us humans. It provides us with a saving relationship and an intimate friendship with him.
The Birth of Jesus Is Foretold
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:26-38. “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you.” Mary was puzzled by Gabriel’s announcement, but she responded with obedience. She surrendered herself to God’s will, no matter how strange it seemed at first.
Zechariah Is Mute and Elizabeth Gets Pregnant
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:21-25. After Zechariah was extra-skeptical, he was struck mute. But the good news: his wife gets pregnant. Trial and blessings often go together.
Jesus Calls Four Fishermen
Bible Study Series: Mark 1:16-20. What is your calling like? How did you decide to follow Jesus?
Why Our Churches Must Consider Communion Elements and Baptismal Waters As Sacred
No doubt dozens of professional theologians have thought of this before. But it struck me just recently.
The Visit of the Magi
Bible Study series: Matthew 2:1-12. Like Pharoah indirectly attacked baby Moses, Herod attacks baby Jesus.
Jesus Ascends into Heaven
Bible Study Series: Acts 1:9-11. How did Jesus go into heaven? Luke describes it beautifully.
Wait for the Promise
Bible Study Series: Acts 1:4-8. What is it? Are we called to study the times and seasons of the end times? What does Jesus say about it?
Jesus Is the Light
Bible Study series: John 1:9-13. Has the light shone on you, or do you still walk in darkness?
Gabriel’s Good News, Zechariah’s Doubts
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:11-20. Would you doubt God’s promise even if an angel delivered it?
Jesus Begins His Ministry
Bible Study series: Mark 1:14-15. This ministry will eventually change the whole world. It began in Galilee.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
Bible Study Series: Acts 1:4-8. The Spirit is given to us in order to empower us to maintain our intimacy with the Father and the Son and to live a holy life and to distribute gifts to us (1 Cor. 12:7-11). He is the Holy Spirit and lives in us.
Betrothal of Mary, Joseph and Birth of Jesus
Bible Study series: Matthew 1:18-25. Mary and Joseph get engaged–betrothed is a better word.
John the Baptist Is Introduced
Bible Study series: John 1:6-8. We learn about John the Baptist from the point of view of the Fourth Gospel.
Zechariah and Elizabeth Are Childless
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:5-10. It is a great thing when God works a miracle in such a sensitive area of a marriage.
We Can Learn from Luke Introducing His History Book
Bible Study Series. Acts 1:1-3. Luke was a careful historian who recorded the events in earliest Christianity. We can learn some things and apply them to our lives
Jesus Is the Word
Bible Study series: John 1:1-5. John opens his Gospel with deep truths, which were already alluded to in the epistles throughout the NT. What do these truths mean to our lives?
Jesus Is Tempted by Satan
Bible Study series: Mark 1:12-13. How did Jesus overcome his temptation?
We Can Learn from Luke Introducing His Gospel
Bible Study Series: Luke 1:1-4. Luke took great care to write his Gospel accurately. Let’s learn from it.
Jesus Gets Baptized
Bible Study series: Mark 1:9-11. Jesus got water baptized. He is our example.
John the Baptizer Announces the Coming One
Bible Study series: Mark 1:1-8. John introduces the coming Anointed One to the crowds. How do we introduce Jesus to our world?
Jesus and Muhammad: Fifteen Major Differences
To spell out the differences between the two persons is to clarify the differences between Christianity and Islam. The points are real and relevant today.
Men in Matthew’s Genealogy: Application
Bible Study series. Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17. This list of names at first glance appears irrelevant to our lives. But a closer look reveals it is relevant.
Women in Matthew’s Genealogy: Application
Bible Study series. Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17. This post is for your personal Bible study or your small group. How do we apply this section of Scripture to our lives?
What Matthew’s Genealogy Can Teach Us: An Overview
Bible Study series: Matthew 1:1-17. It may be hard to believe, but we can learn so much from a genealogy, particularly Matthew’s.
The Lord’s Prayer in Luke’s Gospel
Some interpreters say it is a model prayer, so we should not repeat it rote. In my view, you can pray this short prayer word for word, or you can use it as a prayer guide.
Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14: Are we humble enough to admit our sins, or do we listen to religion and believe we do not have very many sins to confess?
Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1-8: We are challenged to pray and not give up, until we get an answer.
The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew’s Gospel
You can certainly pray this prayer word for word if you like. But other interpreters say we should base our prayers on each line, but put our prayer in our own words. That is, it’s a model prayer.
Parable about the Master and His Servant
Luke 17:7-10: This parable challenges us to serve God even when we do not receive applause. Are we humble enough to serve him in this situation?
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Luke 16:19-31: This parable is about doing good to the poor and needy. The parable challenges us not to be like Ebenezer Scrooge in Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. It also explains God’s justice on those who do not help.
Did Mark Confuse the High Priest Abiathar with His Father Ahimelech?
Once again the hyper-critics pounce. But do we have a reasonable explanation?
Parable of the Prudent Manager
Luke 16:1-13: This parable is difficult to understand.
Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son
Luke 15:11-32: The lost son’s father ran out to meet him and hugged him and kissed him, thrilled to have him back home.
Observations on the Early Vineyard Movement
Here are my observations from my own experience.
Parable of the Lost Coin
In Luke 15:8-19 Jesus loves you so much that he will look everywhere for you.
Parables about the Cost of Discipleship
In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus challenges a large crowd following him to count the cost to be his disciple. It ain’t easy.
Observations on New Apostolic Reformation and Christian Nationalism
An online statement, though overall benefitting the body of Christ, defines apostle in a dangerous way. It is titled NAR and Christian Nationalism and was issued October 10, 2022. (Updated on Oct. 8, 2025)
Parable of the Great Banquet
In Luke 14:15-24, we are challenged to ask: How long can we reject the call to come into the kingdom of God?
Parable of the Lowest Seat
In this parable (Luke 14:7-11), we must be careful about self-promotion, which is rampant in the American church.
Was Luke a Careless Historian? Three Accounts of Paul’s Conversion
There seems to be one tiny difference in two of the three accounts in Acts 9:1-9; 22:6-11; 26:12-18.
Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree
This parable in Luke 13:6-9 is about Israel and Jerusalem and judgment on both. But can we learn lessons about our own unproductive discipleship?
Parable of the Rich Fool
In this parable (Luke 12:13-21), we are called to ask ourselves this question: How attached are you to your possessions?
Muslim-Christian Marriage: Friendly Advice to Christians
Should you take the plunge? I remember hearing an interview on the radio with a Muslim, a few years ago.
Parable of a Friend in Need
In the Parable of a Friend in Need (Luke 11:5-8), Jesus teaches us to persist and be bold in prayer.
Parable of the Good Samaritan
In Luke 10:30-37 Jesus challenges his listeners to love their neighbor in need, when religious people ignore him.
Jesus Teaches on Marriage
Did Jesus indirectly endorse same-sex marriage by his silence on it? I teach briefly and realistically on sex in this post, so immature readers should not click on it. Parallel passages in Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospel are looked into here.
Parable of the Forgiven Debtor
Jesus forgave a sinful woman in Luke 7:39-50. This parable teaches us about gratitude for God’s forgiveness.
Parable of the Watchful Servant
Are you ready for the Lord’s return?
Jesus Teaches His Disciples about Eunuchs
What about eunuchs in Matthew 19:10-12? Does the Bible endorse trans surgery? Does being “born” a eunuch imply same-sex attraction?
Parable of the Growing Seed
Parables are purposed to challenge us (among other things). As a kingdom citizen, are you ready to allow the kingdom of God do its work, overseen by God? It is his kingdom after all. Mark 4:26-29.
“You Will Not Complete Towns of Israel until Son of Man Comes”
That’s a puzzling verse, spoken when Jesus commissioned his twelve disciples to go out on a short-term mission trip and then come back. It seems as though the Second Coming will happen before they preach in all the towns of Israel. Was Jesus a failed prophet? How do we solve this problem?
Don’t Make Excuses for Unsound Christian Leaders
The devoted followers of various leaders will post comments excusing the excesses and bad theology and defective Bible interpretation. Here are the most common excuses and my replies to them. I also cover where the unsoundness may come from.
“Some Shall Not Experience Death until They See Son of Man Coming”
Was Jesus a failed prophet? Matt. 16:28, Mark 9:1, and Luke 9:27 say that some standing there with Jesus would not experience death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. How can that be true, when the Second Coming has not happened in the past two thousand years (and counting)? The answer will surprise you because it goes beyond the “standard” one.
What Jesus Told High Priest and Sanhedrin Now Makes Sense
Was Jesus a failed prophet? Critics seem to think so because he told Caiaphas the high priest and the Sanhedrin (the highest court and council of Judaism) that they would see him coming, sitting in clouds of glory.
Slavery and Freedom in the Bible
Critics of the Bible forget that it also advocates liberty. It’s the Grand Arc of the Biblical Narrative, from Genesis to Revelation. Let’s see if we can discover universal truths from these historical, culture-bound slave laws. I updated this post, which is a general introduction to a series on slavery.
Parable of the Sheep and Goats
Are you prepared for final judgment?
1. Torah and Slavery: Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar
Scripture to be studied: Gen. 16:1-4. Hagar was a handmaid to Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Critics claim that Abraham could have sex with Hagar whenever he wanted because she was a slave. Is this true? (This post also looks into polygamy.
2. Torah and Slavery: Israelite Indentured Servants
Scriptures: Exod. 21:2-6; Lev. 25:39-42; Deut. 15:12-18. The Torah balances out fairness with generosity, yet it is still obviously situated in the ancient world–its own cultural context. It is always best to evaluate these ancient texts on their own terms and in their own times. Let’s see what we can discover. For comparison, this post includes the case of an indentured servant in colonial Philadelphia.
3. Torah and Slavery: Impoverished Father Sells His Daughter to Be a ‘Secondary Wife’
Scripture: Exod. 21:7-11. In a culture of arranged marriage and widespread poverty, fathers in the ancient Near East did this long before the Torah existed. Now the Torah has to intervene and tell the men what the daughter’s legal rights were. This post also looks at polygamy.
Twenty-Five Reasons to Leave Islam
You converted to Islam recently. Or you grew up a Muslim. Now what? Simple. Leave it behind and follow Jesus. Right now. There is a prayer at the end of this post.
Parable of the Bags of Gold (Talents)
This parable is often titled Parable of the Talents. Are you a productive kingdom citizen?
4. Torah and Slavery: What Happened When Masters Punished Their Slaves?
Scriptures: Exod. 21:20-21, 26-27; Lev. 25:43, 46. There were two cultural (and unpleasant) facts in the ancient Near East, long before the Torah existed: (1) Masters hit their slaves to punish them, and (2) slaves had secondary status. How does the Torah intervene and regulate those two pre-existing facts? (I also include cases of a servant girl dying allegedly from a beating and a servant boy who was flogged for theft, in colonial Philadelphia, just for comparison.)
5. Torah and Slavery: Protecting Slave Women from Injustice
Scripture: Lev. 19:20-22. One OT scholar says that this law protected a slave woman when she was caught in the middle between three men.
Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
What kind of disciple are you? Wise or foolish? Are you prepared for the Second Coming?
6. Torah and Slavery: Foreign Slaves
Scriptures: Lev. 25:44-46 and Deut. 23:15-16 (and Exod. 21:16, again, with its parallel Deut. 24:7). As we have observed in this series, slavery was a cultural fact of the ancient Near East. This post also has two parallel cases in colonial Virginia.
7. Torah and Slavery: Marrying Captives of War
I updated this post. Scripture: Deuteronomy 21:10-14. I knew a kid named Carl at elementary school, my contemporary. He was half European-American and half Japanese. His dad had married a Japanese girl after WWII and brought her over here.
Parable of the Wise and Faithful Servant
Will you be faithfully serving God in your life when Jesus comes back? Will you do his will to the very end? If so, rewards are coming.
Islamic Jihad v. European Crusades
It’s time to educate the students at the campus protests in spring 2024 and even now. Do they know Islamic jihad continued without stopping for four hundred years before the Pope called for the first major crusade?
The West’s Struggle with Islam
It goes deeper than just the attacks in Paris, Brussels, San Bernardino, and Orlando and now the campus protests of spring 2024 (and the others that will follow). It will go past 2100. It’s the Second Hundred Years War.
The Truth about Islamic Jihad and Imperialism: A Timeline
Updated: The campus protests that turn Islam into an innocent party are shortsighted and wrong on the facts.
Twenty-Five Reasons Not to Convert to Islam
Here are the reasons why no one should convert to Islam, which are not placed in any particular order. At the end of this post, there is a prayer to follow Jesus.
Parable of the Fig Tree and Other Trees
Do you believe the signs Jesus talked about in the first century can carry over to our days?
Does Torah Really Order Girl to Marry Her Rapist against Her Father’s Will?
Scripture: Deuteronomy 22:28-29 and Exodus 22:16-17. Is the titled question true? Or are there circumstances that clarify what was really going on? A parallel case in colonial Philadelphia is also included here.
Warning to Evolving, Progressive Churches: Danger Signs
You may not see it, but Progressive Christianity is not the right path for you. Here are signs that you are putting yourself at risk of going past what is written in Scripture. Solutions are also offered here.
Parable of the Wedding Banquet
You have to be invited into the kingdom. God’s call to come in is going out to you right now.
Warning to Evolving, Progressive Churches: Authority of Scripture
Progressives deny the full authority of Scripture, particularly about sex and personal conduct. It restricts their style. They characterize a love for Scripture as “bibliolatry.” Continue reading
Warning to Evolving, Progressive Churches: Marriage and Sex
How much do progressive pastors and other leaders rule the church on these complex issues? How much are they changing the King’s original intent for his kingdom?
Parable of the Vineyard and Wicked Tenants
The Jerusalem and temple establishment may have rejected Jesus, but God calls him his beloved Son and made him the chief cornerstone of a new temple.
Warning to Evolving, Progressive Churches: Judgment Is Coming
I would be derelict in my duty as a teacher not to discuss this very biblical truth.
Calling Leaders by Name to Repent
Bad public leadership requires public correction and rebuke. I hope this post is redemptive, not condemning. It’s a call to repentance. After you read it, check back regularly. I update it, as issues come up.
Parable of the Two Sons
The temple establishment and religious leaders get their comeuppance, in contrast to the commoners and expendables.
Three Sources of Prophecy
Only one is the right source.
Parable of Workers in the Vineyard
This is a story about God’s generosity. Do new converts get more grace than long-serving Christians, or does everyone get an equal amount of grace?
Messianic Prophecies
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?
11. Do I Really Know Jesus? He Was Resurrected from the Dead
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.
Matthew 27:52-53 and Appearance of Holy People: Pious Fiction or Fact?
Those two verses say that “many” bodies of holy people who had “fallen asleep” (i.e. died) were raised from their tombs and entered Jerusalem and appeared to many. Is this fact or pious fiction?
Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
This parable will be a challenge for some of us. You must forgive, or your Father in heaven won’t forgive you. Serious!
Did the Centurion or His Emissaries Approach and Speak to Jesus?
Three options can solve the puzzle. Scriptures: Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10.
Triumphal Entry: Did Jesus Straddle Two Animals?
The critics have such disrespect and low regard for the Gospels that they believe Matthew actually wrote that Jesus straddled two animals during his triumphal entry. But maybe a Greek noun and a pronoun can clarify the problem for openminded readers,
Parable of the Lost Sheep
God is searching for you, out of his love. He sent his Son to look for you. That’s how much he loves you.
A Defense of Martin Luther
Updated 19 March 2024. Or at least an explanation. He is included at this website because he renewed Christian doctrine.
Solving Passover Chronology Problems Between John and Synoptics
How are the chronological differences to be reconciled?
Did the Prophets Predict That the Messiah Would Be Called a Nazarene?
Once again, the hostile critics pounce on Matthew’s perfectly legitimate and culturally acceptable use Old Testament themes and words.
Parable of Householder
We need the New Testament and the Old Testament.
Did Matthew Mistakenly Attribute Verses from Zechariah to Jeremiah?
Did Matthew commit an error? What does this mean for inerrancy, if he did? If ….
When Was the Temple Curtain Torn in Two?
Wow. Now we have entered the realm of nitpicking to the nth degree. We have to move grains of sand one at a time with tweezers.
Parable of the Net
After God’s great harvest, you will be judged. Are you a follower of Jesus? Are you found in union with him or away from him?
Jairus’s Daughter in Three Gospels: Do the Differences ‘DESTROY’ the Truth of the Story?
There are definitely differences in the three accounts of Jairus’s daughter being raised from the dead, in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But do these differences blind us to the central truth of the story?
Jesus Calls Certain Disciples in Four Gospels. Do the Accounts Contradict?
Are the four Gospel writers all that clumsy, or do they employ the story teller’s art to narrate the story of these disciples from the writers’ own point of view?
Parable of Priceless Pearl
If you have to, sell everything you have to get into the kingdom. Don’t let your possessions prevent you.
A Leper in the Hands of an Angry Jesus?
Would Jesus show indignation or anger towards a leper, a needy man? Hostile readers pounce on some ambiguity.
Why Did Luke Switch the Sequence in the Temptation Passages?
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. The second and third temptations were switched in Luke Gospel from the sequence in Matthew’s Gospel. Hostile critics and readers pounce on the differences and conclude that the Gospel are unreliable. Are the critics right?
Parable of Hidden Treasure
Don’t miss out on the kingdom of God. Dig for it.
Was Luke’s Report about a Worldwide Census Wrong?
Luke records that Caesar ordered a worldwide census, during the governorship of Quirinius, in Syria (Luke 2:1-2). Critics have spotted some chronological problems. Luke may have been wrong. Is the problem solvable with sound reason and historical digging?
Common Details in Matthew’s and Luke’s Birth Narratives
Did Matthew really believe that baby Jesus was never circumcised?
Parable of the Yeast
You must be born again to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 5). When you do, your life a radical turn for the better.
Families in Genesis + The Messiah’s Lineage
The Book of Genesis is the story of the families of earth, as the author narrows them down to one family in particular. This one major family, whose patriarch is declared righteous for his faith, will lead to the Messiah about 2000 to 1800 years later, about seventy years before the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70. Six tables of family charts are included here.
Differences in Gospel Parallels = Differences in OT Parallels
Hostile critics turn molehills into mountains. They apply unequal weights and measures to the Old Testament and the synoptic Gospels and John. That’s unfair. The Gospel writers were conforming to Old Testament precedence. Here’s the evidence.
Parable of the Mustard Seed
The kingdom starts off small and grows slowly. Then it grows in your life and in millions of lives around the globe, individually. Through changed lives after the salvation of each person, the kingdom can influence society for the better.
What Is Middle Knowledge (Molinism)?
I only briefly discuss this model / theory of knowledge. This is philosophical theology (in which I am not an expert). But this particular theory has, believe it or not, Scriptural support. (Yes, I was surprised too.)
Generosity in the New Testament
Is tithing demanded of the New Covenant believer after the cross? Or does the New Testament teach something better? This is an old-fashioned Bible study.
Parable of Weeds among Wheat
This parable is about counterfeit disciples, satanic attacks by planting them inside the kingdom of God, yet we must not render ultimate and final judgment on them before God does. It also speaks of Jesus’ view of the end-times. It is not as complicated as the teachings of popular, end-time Bible prophecy teachers.
Ten Characteristics of a Healthy Disciple
What makes a healthy disciple? This list is simple and uncomplicated.
