…positions evolved through his life. Thus, his early writings are much closer to historical Christianity than his later writings. The major problem with Mormonism is its view of God. Mormons view God as a changing person, believing that the Father was once a man but then became a god. However, Scripture teaches the opposite. Moses tells us that from everlasting to everlasting, God has been God (Psalm 90:1-2). He is unchangeable (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). They believe that men too…
…patience godliness, and to godliness brother kindness, and to brother kindness love (2 Peter 1:5-7). If we do this, we will grow in Christ, be fruitful, and have a banner entrance into heaven itself (2 Peter 5:8-11). This is Christianity 101. Paul aptly describes what you have experienced in Romans 6. Sin begets sin. Sin darkens the heart and turns us away from the Savior. Sin entices and entraps and enslaves us. And sexual sins can be particularly powerful. I…
…was to see God and obtain His reward (Hebrews 11:23-26). Jesus tells us to lay up our treasure in heaven because where we put our treasure is where our heart will be (Matthew 6:19-21). May you flee from the entangling sin and save yourself from the pit into which you are sliding. Repent, and turn to Jesus. He will save and welcome you back like the prodigal son, if you will but return. one who also has been forgiven tim…
…and hell and no longer enjoy life. Is Hebrews 10:27 being fulfilled in my life? I am totally depressed. I am not eating right. My hygiene is bad. I am lazy and unmotivated. Life seems useless. I lost my job. I cannot sleep. I live in constant fear of condemnation. I used to believe a person had until death to choose Jesus. Now I believe that a person can lose their chance for salvation. I think I have blasphemed the…
…clear that there are rewards in heaven for those who seek to serve Christ (Matthew 5:12; 6:19-21; 19:21; Luke 6:35; 1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). This does not mean that an unbeliever who turns to Christ is in a better position than a believer who returns to Christ. To the contrary, an unbeliever before they return to Christ is lost, without hope of God, and are alienated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:13). They walk according…
…Corinthians 6:19-20). This is a truth whether we perceive it, feel it, or not. The response in that passage is that we should glorify God in our body and in our spirit and not sin. The proper response to truth is to order one’s life in response to that truth. I can tell you that there were times when the saints of old did not feel God was with them. If you have ever read Lamentations 3, you will understand…
…Scriptures. Let me now give you some pointers that have helped me in my studying. First, slow down. It is good to read through the Bible and gain an understanding of the big picture. But to gain the meat (Hebrews 5:12-14), one must slow down. Scripture speaks of meditating on the Word of God (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2, 19:10-11, 119:15-16). The truths of God are to be pondered to be understood well. They need to penetrate our hearts where we…
…difficult job (Luke 22:39-45), or simply washing the dishes or mowing the lawn. Making Prayer Meaningful Pray believing (Matthew 21:22; James 1:6-7). Pray persistently (Luke 11:5-8; 8:1-7; 1 Kings 18:41-46; Romans 1:9-10; Ephesians 1:15-23; Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3, 9; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 4). Pray for kingdom values (Matthew 6:9-13). Pray for others (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1). Pray with thanksgiving (1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 13:15). Make prayer a conversation…
…17:11). The Word is what sanctifies us (John 17:17), cleanses us (Ephesians 5:26), and is God’s revelation to us. It is the Word that is to be glorified (2 Thessalonians 3:1). Jesus Himself placed a high priority on the Word. The writer to the Hebrews talks about those who are unskillful in the Word (Hebrews 5:11). And Peter says that we should desire the sincere milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2). All should be judged by the Word, whether…
…It would be the same as taking an innocent bull and killing it for the sins of people. As the author of Hebrews points out, such can never deal with sins (Hebrews 10:4). It takes the death of the Creator to provide eternal atonement for the sins of people. This is the core of the gospel. It is not just that we must believe, but rather it is that we must believe in who Jesus is. May the Lord Jesus…