The Declaration of Independence written 241 years ago contained some familiar information that has been remembered throughout the years as a symbol of freedom. Interestingly enough, the Bible shares some similarities that the Declaration touches upon, such as liberty, happiness, slavery, and divine protection. What does the Bible have to say about these very issues and what does it take to become truly free in God’s eyes?
Holy Spirit
What Does the Bible Say About Smoking?
Why do people smoke? Do they do it because they love God, their neighbor or themselves? Or do people smoke to satisfy their selfish passions and desires? Is smoking sin? Is a Christian free to smoke? Does the Bible condemn smoking in no uncertain terms? How can one overcome their addiction to tobacco, mind-altering drugs and pot?
Prove Everything… But How Exactly?
The Bible tells us that we are to prove everything and hold fast what is good. What does this mean? Do we have to convince ourselves of the Truth and make it part of our being? What consequences does this have for our conduct towards others? Does one have to be appointed by God to be a teacher of the Truth? Are God’s ministers necessary so that one can even come to and understand the Truth? How do you know whether someone is a true or a false minister? Are we admonished not to argue with others about the Truth? Why can discussions about God’s Word be very dangerous?
How Is God’s Holy Spirit ONE Spirit?
On the annual Feast Day of Pentecost, God gave His Holy Spirit to the New Testament Church. The Bible tells us that God’s Holy Spirit dwells in a true Christian, leading and motivating him or her. But what does this mean? Does only the Father have Holy Spirit, emanating from Him? Or does Jesus Christ have Holy Spirit as well, flowing out of Him? If so, which Holy Spirit dwells in a true Christian? The Holy Spirit of the Father, the Holy Spirit of Christ, or both? Who gives the Holy Spirit to a Christian? The Father, the Son, or both? And if it is true that a true Christian has received the Spirit of the Father and the Spirit of Christ, how can the Holy Spirit be ONE Spirit?
Is Now the Day of Salvation?
We read in 2 Corinthians 6:2 that now is the accepted time and the day of salvation. Does this mean that salvation is offered today to everyone? If so, then most of humanity would be lost. But how can one come to God in a world which is ruled by Satan and his demons? And can the overwhelming majority of mankind even believe in God and His salvation at this time? What does 2 Corinthians 6:2 really mean?
Wrestling Sin
The Bible says that we all sin and at times it can be a constant struggle, as we try to overcome. What can we learn from the examples in the Bible about those who continuously wrestled with sin?
Not Because of Our Own Strength
Many try desperately to solve their problems, based on their own strength. This will never work. It is God who must fight for us and strengthen us. But how does that happen, and what mistakes can we still make, even if we recognize our own weakness and our dependency from God?
A Holy People
What is a saint? Do saints live in heaven? Should we pray to saints for help? Or does the Bible tell us something else? Are you a saint? Do you belong to a holy people? Are you a citizen of a holy nation? If so, what are your responsibilities and privileges?
Pentecost 2016–God’s Feast of the Firstfruits
Why do we celebrate Pentecost this year on June 12? What is the meaning of “Pentecost”? Why is it also called “Feast of Weeks” and “Feast of Firstfruits”? In light of Leviticus 23, when did the priest wave the sheaf of the firstfruits, and when did he wave the two loaves of leavened bread, which were also called firstfruits? What was the symbolic meaning of the sheaf and the two breads? Is Jesus the first who was resurrected from death to eternal life? Are there only few people today who are being called into the truth? Are they called firstfruits? Do they have to be predestined by God to be called in this day and age? In light of God’s Spirit of power, is there a guarantee that called Christians will inherit salvation?
One of a Kind
What makes us one of a kind and what sets us apart from the rest of the world? How do we produce fruits of righteousness? Just as a tree needs special ingredients to produce good fruit, how does this compare with us and our spiritual lives?
