Why I Use Different Translations and Paraphrases

Over the years I have used several translations and paraphrases in my study of God’s Word and its application to my life. From time to time, I am asked about why I use different translations and paraphrases when I teach God’s Word. Here’s my answer. Read the rest of this entry »

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Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom

Proverbs 24:3-4 says, “A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure” (HCSB). To help us understand this truth let’s examine three key words: knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Read the rest of this entry »

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Improving your Marriage with Christ

Everyone wants a stronger and healthier marriage. For that to happen, Christ has to been the Lord of your marriage. He must be the leader of your home. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recommended Commentaries

From time to time I am asked to recommend commentaries for studying the Bible. This request comes from small group leaders, Sunday School teachers, or someone just wanting help to understand the Bible in greater detail. To help give you some direction, here is my recommended list of commentaries and the one’s I often find myself returning to again and again. Read the rest of this entry »

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The Benefits of Justification

Let’s take a look at some of the primary benefits of justification. What can you expect to receive from God when you are brought into a right standing before Him? When God declares you not guilty and righteous, what are some results? Read the rest of this entry »

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Overlooking an Offense

Offense can be described as “the act of provoking, annoying, irritating, or causing pain or injury.” It is also related to the feeling that an offense can create, such as, indignation, resentment, or anger. When someone offends us we usually want to strike back with a word or look that usually doesn’t honor God or ourselves. Read the rest of this entry »

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The Method of Justification

When we talk about justification we are talking about God declaring us righteous and seeing us as if we have never sinned, but how does that happen? How can God declare me righteous when I know I have sinned and will sin in the future? Read the rest of this entry »

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The Meaning of Justification

A basic definition of justification is “a legal act by which God declares righteous those who believe in Jesus Christ.” This is a divine verdict given by God to those who believe in Jesus Christ. I say “verdict” because “justify” means to announce a favorable verdict or to declare righteous. It is a legal term taken from the courtroom. Read the rest of this entry »

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What is the penalty for sin?

What are the consequences of our sin? God’s Word is very clear about the cost of sin. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” Death in the Bible never means the end of existence. Death means separation, and the Bible talks about three kinds of death, all of which have come about as a consequence of sin. Read the rest of this entry »

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What Has Sin Done To Me?

How has sin affected you? How has it corrupted you? To understand how you have been affected and corrupted by sin you need to know the word depravity. Depravity means that every facet of human nature has been polluted, defiled and contaminated by sin. Read the rest of this entry »

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