A Biblical View of God’s Love
Many people describe God’s love as “unconditional,” but this is a concept not found in the Bible. If God’s love were truly unconditional, there’d be no need for the cross, no judgment for sin, and everyone would be saved regardless of their beliefs or actions. This idea has led some churches to a dangerous and…
Distinguishing between Topic, Subject, and Theme
The distinctions between topics, subjects, and themes are incredibly useful in sermon preparation and delivery. They provide a structured approach to ensure your message is clear, impactful, and deeply rooted in biblical truth. Here’s how they can be applied: 1. Topic (the broad “what”) In Sermon Preparation: In the Sermon: In Sermon Preparation: In the…
Doing Business Till Jesus Comes: The Call to Profitable Servanthood
The words of Jesus often challenge our preconceived notions, and His parables are particularly potent in this regard. In Luke 19:11-15, Jesus tells the parable of the minas, a story that serves as a powerful reminder of what it truly means to be a follower of Christ. The core message is clear: if you have…
The Normal Christian Life, by Watchman Nee
This book, “The Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee, explores the essence of Christian living, arguing that it’s often misunderstood and lived far below God’s intention. The book systematically unfolds key aspects of the normal Christian life, drawing heavily from the Epistle to the Romans, particularly chapters 1-8, and other New Testament passages. The core…
Methods of Bible Study
Studying the Bible can be approached in many ways, and using different methods can unlock different layers of meaning and keep your study fresh and engaging. Each method has a unique focus and helps you interact with the text for a specific purpose. Here are some of the most effective and widely used methods for…
The Mystery of Christ and The Blessing of the Gentiles
In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul, writing as “the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1), unveils one of the most profound truths of the Christian faith. He speaks of a “mystery,” a divine secret kept hidden for generations, which has now been revealed in his time. This mystery, central…
Types of Bible Dictionaries
Studying the Bible would often require one to have access to Bible dictionaries. There are least 3 types of Bible dictionaries. Understanding the differences between these resources is key to building a useful study library and knowing which tool to reach for when you have a specific question. While they can sometimes overlap, their primary focus…
Faith is Works Expressed, by W. M. Branham
Overview Delivered on November 26, 1965, in Shreveport, Louisiana, “Works Is Faith Expressed” is a foundational sermon by William Branham. It seeks to reconcile the apparent conflict between the teachings of the apostles Paul (justification by faith) and James (justification by works). Branham’s central thesis is that genuine, God-given faith is an internal revelation, and…
The Overflowing of Life: Rivers of Living Water
Text: John 7:37-39 “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ ” But this He…