Dianne wonders about the tension between Jesus’ statements in Luke 11:23 and 9:50. Here are those verses: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (Luke 11:23) “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:50). Let’s take the passage from LukeContinue reading “Against Me or For Me?”
Category Archives: Questions You’ve Asked
Why were Christ’s words hidden from the apostles?
Dianne wants to know, “Why were Christ’s words “concealed” from the apostles so that “they might not perceive it?” (Luke 9:45) In this section of Luke, we see Jesus being revealed as God’s Messiah (v. 20), a further revealing of what was involved in being the Messiah (i.e., suffering, death, and resurrection – v. 22).Continue reading “Why were Christ’s words hidden from the apostles?”
The Arrest of Jesus
David wants to know, “Why did they step back and fall down when Jesus said, ‘I am He?’” This question has reference to something that happened when Jesus was arrested. John records the scene in 18:1-6 of his gospel. When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the otherContinue reading “The Arrest of Jesus”
The Sin That Leads To Death
Joshua wants to know why “the sin that leads to death” isn’t simply the rejection of Jesus’ humanity that characterized the Gnostics of John’s time (2 John v. 7)? This is a good question and one I had not thought considered when I wrote an earlier post on this subject, but I certainly see howContinue reading “The Sin That Leads To Death”
God’s Will And Our Prayers
A friend of mine and I were involved in a discussion not too long ago concerning the “asking” element of prayer. Specifically, we were talking about the Scripture’s assurance of us receiving what we ask for when we make our requests in accordance with God’s will (1 John 5:14-15). He tongue-in-cheek noted, “That’s really the core issue isn’tContinue reading “God’s Will And Our Prayers”
Managing Your Children Well
Someone has asked about the guidelines for deacons (1 Timothy 3:8ff). Specifically. he is inquiring about the practice in some places of making someone a deacon as soon as they have a child. He writes, “It strikes me as difficult to determine how well a man manages his children when the child in question isContinue reading “Managing Your Children Well”
Why Pray For Forgiveness?
If in Christ sins aren’t charged to our account (Romans 4:6-8,15,5:13), then why are disciples to ask for forgiveness? It was Christ in the model prayer who told us to seek God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:12), so it won’t do to say that this isn’t something we need to do. Yet at the same time, there isContinue reading “Why Pray For Forgiveness?”
The Principle Of First Mention
Kevin has a question about the principle of first mention. Here is quote he sent that summarizes this approach to Scripture. The post I took it from can be found here. “The law of first mention” is another most important principle involved in the Scriptures. What is meant by it is that the first mentionContinue reading “The Principle Of First Mention”
Spirit And Fire
Brandon wants to know, “What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire?” John baptized in water but he tells his audience that the Messiah will baptize with Spirit and fire (Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3, John 1). What does this mean? Answering this question involves digging into quite a few passages of Scripture so I encourage youContinue reading “Spirit And Fire”
How Often Should We Take The Lord’s Supper?
How often should disciples take the Lord’s Supper? We have several passages of Scripture that address this question, but none do so absolutely or exhaustively. Nonetheless, if we patiently work with these texts, we will end up with a more than satisfactory answer to our question. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is a goodContinue reading “How Often Should We Take The Lord’s Supper?”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 