Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, is often misunderstood as suggesting that life has no meaning or value. It portrays a world filled with unpredictability and chaos—where, despite our best efforts to control outcomes, things often don’t go as planned. To make matters more sobering, Ecclesiastes highlights that for most, death is an unavoidable reality. Depressing? If that were the book’s …
Worship: Actions of Surrender and Submission
In this teaching, Gary Lee Corns delves into the essence of worship, focusing on John 4:24, where Jesus calls believers to worship in spirit and truth. He emphasizes that biblical worship is not merely an intellectual or emotional experience but also involves physical expressions such as bowing the head, lifting hands, and kneeling. These outward acts, he explains, symbolize a …
Giving Meaning to Life Through Death (Part 1)
This world is not the one God originally created. Because of Adam’s rebellion, it is now filled with uncertainty and unpredictability. No one knows exactly what the future holds. Yet, despite this reality, people often live as though they can control what lies ahead. Whether in work, finances, health, or relationships, life is full of unexpected—and often unpleasant—surprises. King Solomon …
Understanding Agency and Authority in Christ
In this teaching, we explored the concept of agency and authority within ancient Near Eastern culture and its application to Christian prayer. Using the example of the Centurion in Luke 7, Marc Dickie illustrates how agency allows representatives to act on behalf of their principals, demonstrating trust and humility in a higher authority. Marc emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the …
Looking to Jesus in Prayer
Jesus taught that if we ask for anything in his name, believing that we will receive it, we shall. But what does it truly mean to believe? What action does belief necessitate? Jesus provides insight into this in John 3:14–15, referencing Numbers 21:7–8. In the Old Testament passage, God instructed the Israelites, who were bitten by serpents, to look at …
Joy in Adversity
Unfortunately, and decidedly contrary to God’s desire, adversity is part of this life. First-century Jews who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior were acutely aware of this. Not long after the Day of Pentecost, Peter and John were imprisoned by Jewish leaders for healing a lame man in Jesus Christ’s name. This was just the beginning of escalating pressure. …
Who Is Your Sufficiency
In our culture, self-sufficiency is lauded as a prized virtue. The self-sufficient man or woman earns the admiration and respect of all who know them. Miriam Webster defines self-sufficiency as “reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.” Roy Baumeister, an American social psychologist, defines it as, “a reliance on internal resources to provide life with coherence and fulfillment.” Carl Jung …
Trust God
Michael Kappelman passionately emphasizes the profound importance of trusting God, underscoring the fact that God’s Word serves as an unchanging truth for believers navigating the complexities of life. He draws attention to key Bible verses that highlight God’s promises and unwavering nature, illustrating how these passages provide a solid foundation for faith. In his exploration, Michael articulates the inherent risks …
Empowered by the Spirit
With a resounding and powerful crescendo, Romans chapter eight stands as the pinnacle of the profound teachings that are laid out in the first seven chapters of this crucial text, serving as a solid foundation for Christian living. These early chapters meticulously outline essential doctrines, emphasizing themes such as sin, grace, salvation, and the gift of holy spirit. They serve …
Make a Choice for Christ
Moment by moment, day by day, we face an essential decision that our Lord places before us: the choice to obey Him or to follow the desires of the flesh. This is not merely a one-time decision, but rather a continual, ongoing commitment that defines the essence of our walk of faith. Each day presents us with opportunities to embrace …