For those who want a deeper understanding of God's plan and purpose for man and how we can make God a part of our lives, the studies in this section provide a deeper perspective of the Christian life and a plain understanding of what God instructs through the Bible. We let the Bible interpret the Bible. We can cast aside the traditions of men and seek the real truths of our Creator. Carefully study the articles in this Mini Study category. Click on a title below...

   A Covenant of Marriage

Few people realize that the Old Covenant was essentially a marriage covenant by which God "was a husband" to Israel (Jeremiah 31:32). In this covenant, Israel, the wife, had agreed to submit to God and obey His laws. But she did not. Israel's adultery with foreign gods was so heinous that God divorced His people except for a few who still tried to serve Him.
 

   A Forerunner of Mightier Works

A remarkable parallel to Moses' and Miriam's songs is found in the book of Revelation, immediately preceding the seven last plagues. This afflictions are part of God's intervention to save mankind from total destruction, just as He delivered Israel in the days of Moses and Miriam.
 

   A High Priest Eager to Help Us

The key to solving the problem of sin is the help we receive through Jesus Christ. Jesus was born not only to make possible forgiveness of the past, but to help us conquer the strongholds of sin, the entrenched habits that are so difficult to dislodge from our lives. He is our merciful High Priest in heaven (Hebrews 2:17-18; 8:1-2; 9:11-14; 10:19-23), interceding with the Father on our behalf (Romans 8:34).
 

   Acts Shows What the Early Church Believed and Practiced

The common view among most churches today is that Jesus came to abolish the Old Testament laws and that Paul taught that keeping these laws was no longer necessary for Christians. But what does the book of Acts reveal about what the early Church thought and did? Does it support this view, or does it show us something very different? Was it in conflict with typical Jewish custom and practice of the day as laid down in the Old Testament? Look at the evidence yourself?you be the judge!
 

   Additional conditions for answered prayer

Does God answer prayer? Have you ever experienced this first-hand? Under what conditions is this performed? Can we place demands on God?
 

   Alive Again Today and Forever

In an act of supreme sacrifice, Jesus of Nazareth gave His life for all mankind. Yet the grave couldn?t hold Him; He rose to life everlasting. What is He like today?
 

   Another fraudulent attack on the Bible doesn't hold water

Perhaps you've heard of the lawsuit filed against The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown, claiming he plagiarized much of his material from an earlier book titled Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent and two others. Baigent lost the case, but that hasn't stopped him from again trying to cash in on the massive publicity generated by The Da Vinci Code.
 

   Are God's Laws Obsolete?

Many people assume from Colossians 2:16-17 that Paul is saying that God's laws about the Sabbath, Holy Days and clean and unclean meats are no longer necessary. "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days?" he wrote.
 

   Are Some Tortured Forever in a Lake of Fire?

"The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Revelation 20:10). Does this verse say that the beast and false prophet will be tormented for eternity?
 

   Are There Different Gospels?

The gospel of God is God's good news about the Kingdom of God. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news Jesus brought as God's messenger. All are the same gospel; all are part of the wonderful news of what God has in store for humanity.
 

   Are There Mistakes in the King James Version?

Although the original texts of the Bible were inspired by God and are without error, the same cannot be said for later copies of the texts or translations made from them. Translators are human, and many have allowed their own religious biases to influence their work. Usually such mistranslations are relatively minor, but in some cases they are major blunders and promote erroneous teachings and doctrines.
 

   Are We in the Kingdom of God Now?

Some verse about God's kingdom, like Colossians 1:13, seem to imply that Christians are now in the Kingdom of God. Is this true?
 

   Are the Wicked Punished in an Ever Burning Hell?

"It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire?where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched'" (Mark 9:47-48). Did Jesus here warn of an eternal punishment in hellfire?
 

   Are there Saved Human Beings in Heaven?

"After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, 'Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power to the Lord our God'" (Revelation 19:1) What is that great multitude? Are these voices praising God those of saved human beings now living in heaven? Have any human beings ever ascended to heaven?
 

   Avoid Buying on Credit

This is not the time to purchase depreciable, nonessential items (such as new cars, clothing, furniture, appliances, boats, jewelry and other luxury items) on credit, or to borrow additional money.
 

   Back to (All) the Bible

The Roman Catholic examination of anti-Judaism has produced a wealth of commentary. The following details from official Vatican statements are significant with respect to some scholars' reevaluation of their view of Christ and the law.
 

   Bearing Fruit: A Crucial Part of Spiritual Growth

God expects us to be productive and get results. In some parables, spiritual accomplishment is compared to investing and earning a profit for our Master (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27). In some biblical passages it is compared to constructing a building or temple (1 Corinthians 3:9-19; Ephesians 2:19-22).
 

   Biblical Phrases and Terms for God's Special People

The Bible speaks of the people of God in a special way. Who are they and why does God give them consideration?
 

   Christ and Biblical Writers Compare Death to Sleep

What happens to a person when he dies? The Bible compares death to a state of sleep. It is not a normal "sleep," of course. It is a sleep in which there is no thought, brain activity or life whatsoever. Passages throughout the Bible show this to be the case.
 

   Christ's New Commandment

Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34). Did Jesus replace the clear definitions of the Ten Commandments with a new religious principle, that love alone can guide our lives?
 

   Christians in Name Only?

A 2003 poll of American adults found that while 91 percent "absolutely believe" or "mostly believe" Jesus Christ was a real historical person, they are much fuzzier on the implications of that belief. Of those surveyed, significantly smaller percentages actually believe He was born to a virgin, was resurrected from the dead, was the Son of God or was divine.
 

   Colossians 2:16 Shows Gentile Christians Kept the Holy Days

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come. . ." wrote the apostle Paul in Colossians 2:16?17 (KJV). This passage is often misinterpreted. What does it really say?
 

   Comparing Texts: What Was Written on the Cross?

A good example of how to compare texts that complement rather than contradict each other is found in the words that Pilate, the Roman governor, wrote and placed on the stake of Jesus' crucifixion.
 

   Computer Bible Helps

We now have available a suitable substitute for cumbersome and expensive books about the Bible: Bibles and Bible helps on computer diskettes and CD-ROMs (compact discs for computers). If you have access to a personal computer equipped with a CD-ROM drive, you can make use of Bible helps that would normally cost thousands of dollars for only $75 to $500. Some are available free or at minimal cost through online computer services.
 

   Confusion About the Kingdom of God

Eerdman's New Bible Dictionary, in discussing the Kingdom of God, traces views and interpretations of the concept of the Kingdom through history. The early Roman Catholic Church developed the belief that the Kingdom had already come in the form of the church. Its leaders were seen as leaders of the Kingdom; where the church spread its power and authority was viewed as synonymous with the boundaries of the Kingdom.
 

   Confusion About the Trinity Teaching

Many assume that the Holy Spirit, along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, form what is commonly known as the Trinity. This traditional doctrine expresses a belief in one God who exists in three distinct but equal persons. Did this doctrine originate in the Bible or in the early Church?
 

   Confusion Over Legalism

The religious authorities who accused Jesus Christ of breaking the Sabbath have been described as having a legalistic approach. But what does the term "legalism" mean? A dictionary definition of legalism is "a strict, literal or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code."
 

   Controversy Over the Term Brother

One long debated issue that has resurfaced with the recent ossuary discovery is whether James was really the half brother of Jesus. To maintain the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary (which holds that Mary remained a virgin even after Jesus' birth and had no more children), Roman Catholics teach James was only a "cousin" of Jesus.
 

   Current Confusion Over Christian Freedom

In countering the Galatian heresy, Paul sometimes refers to Christian freedom. But the freedom he describes is very different from the way his words are commonly interpreted today. Paul's reasoning regarding grace, law, justification and freedom has been so twisted out of context that today his meaning is rarely correctly understood.
 

   Did Abraham Keep the Same Commandments God Gave to Moses?

Most religious teachers say that God's commands given through Moses applied only to ancient Israel and are not for us today. But in drawing that conclusion, most of them overlook the full significance of what God said about Abraham's obedience in Genesis 26:5, hundreds of years before God spoke to Moses and Israel at Mt Sinai: "Abraham obeyed my and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws".
 

   Did Elijah Go to Heaven?

A biblical event many cite to support belief that the righteous go to heaven when they die involves the prophet Elijah. Elijah was a prophet of God in the ninth century B.C. The Bible states that "Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (2 Kings 2:11). But does this contradict the testimony of Jesus, who was to state some 900 years after Elijah's time that "no one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man"?
 

   Did Jesus Do Away With the Law?

Did Jesus do away with the commandments of God? Many turn to the Sermon on the Mount to point to "conclusive proof" that Jesus retired the Ten Commandments en masse by fulfilling our need to keep them by His death. But in fact, far from doing away with the law, the sermon Jesus gave is a confirmation and deepening of the understanding of the intent of God's holy commandments.
 

   Did Paul Teach That All Days of Worship Are Alike?

Does what the Apostle Paul say in Romans 14:5-6 mean that the Fourth Commandment, telling us to remember the seventh-day Sabbath day and keep it holy, is no longer necessary for Christians? Did Paul teach that the Sabbath is no different from any other day or that we are free to choose for ourselves whatever day we wish to observe?
 

   Did Paul Tell the Romans One Thing and the Corinthians the Opposite?

Many people assume that Paul was dismissing any need to keep the Sabbath and other biblical Holy Days when he wrote in Romans 14:5-6: "One person esteems one day above another, another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it."
 

   Did the Apostle Paul Abolish the Sabbath?

Traditional Christian belief is divided into two camps on the Sabbath issue. Some insist that the Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath, are still obligatory for Christians. Most who hold this view teach that Sunday is the New Testament Sabbath, based on the claim that the early Church, or specifically the apostle Paul, changed the day.
 

   Did the Apostle Paul Expect to go to Heaven?

"For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you" (Philippians 1:23-24). Is Paul saying in these verses that he wants to depart from earth and be with Christ in heaven? What did he mean when he expressed his desire to be with Christ?
 

   Did the Ten Commandments Exist before Moses?

Many people assume that the Ten Commandments and the covenant God established with ancient Israel are identical and that both were abolished by Jesus Christ's death. They believe that the Sinai Covenant and God's commandments came into existence together and went out of existence together. But is such reasoning biblical?
 

   Do All Churches Get Their Teaching From the Bible?

The global influence of the Roman Catholic Church, more than a billion strong, presents a number of challenges to students of the Bible. OUr material regularly discusses popular religious beliefs maintained throughout Christendom that aren't found in the pages of the Bible and that contradict its teachings. Further, the question may be asked: How does the Roman Catholic leadership view itself in relation to the Bible?
 

   Does God Keep His Word?

Does God keep His promises and commitments even when humans fail to abide by theirs? God's character and values never change. Therefore He could never have abandoned His promises to ancient Israel. Are those promises in effect today?
 

   Does God Set Conditions on His Gift of Eternal Life?

In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul explains that "by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Eternal life comes as a result of God's grace. It is His gift, unearned and undeserved on our part. No one will ever be able to boast that he or she has earned or deserves the gift of eternal life. But can we do things?or not do things?that will disqualify us from receiving that wonderful gift?
 

   Does Romans 14 Abolish Laws on Unclean Meats?

Many believe Romans 14 says that Christians are free from all former restrictions regarding the meats they may eat. They cite as proof verse 14, in which Paul wrote, "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean."
 

   Does the Bible Contain Errors?

Does the Bible contain errors? Often the answer depends on the eye of the beholder. For those determined to undermine Scripture, yes, it does contain errors and no answer will satisfy them. For others, though, careful study and patience usually resolve any problems.
 

   Does the Bible Speak of Hellfire That Lasts Forever?

A scripture that many assume proves the wicked are to be eternally tortured in hellfire is Matthew 25:41. But does it? Let's take a closer look.
 

   Does the Bible Teach That We Have an Immortal Soul?

Some believe that various scriptures support belief in an immortal soul. Let's consider some of these passages and understand what they really say.
 

   Does the New Covenant Abolish the Commandments?

The Bible tells us that Christ same as the Mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). The popular belief that the New Covenant abolishes God's law reflects a misunderstanding of both covenants. God tells us that He altered the original covenant and made "a better covenant, which was established on better promises" (verse 6). But it was not established on different laws. The law stayed the same.
 

   Enemies of Faith

Have you ever wondered why we don't see more evidence of faith? The Bible identifies several tendencies that undermine faith.
 

   Even So, Come, Lord Jesus!

Terror of all kinds fills our world today. Suicide bombers, anthrax, radioactive "dirty" bombs, killer epidemics, kidnappings, gangs, rapes, murders, wars. Everywhere we look, the trend is downward. Man's inhumanity to his fellow man is growing worse. And even the most optimistic can find it harder to fight the feelings of foreboding that our world is on a course of self-destruction. How will it all end?
 

   Faith and Works

Anyone who carefully studies James 2 can plainly see that James teaches that Christian faith is more than mere good thoughts. He demands that a Christian believer prove his faith by his actions.
 

   Following the Footsteps of a Different God

The Bible makes it clear that civilizations and societies are influenced by Satan. John writes that "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19). The entirety of civilization has been seduced by this cunning being through his persuasive deception and insidious lies.
 

   Four Biblical Keys to Understanding World Events - Key #1

Most geopolitical experts would agree that we have witnessed three tectonic shifts in world politics in the last three decades. Now we are witnessing a possible fourth tectonic shift?the worldwide financial crisis, described by many economists as the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. How are we to make sense of things? Surprising as it may seem to some, the best place to start is the Bible?the written revelation of the Creator God. The Bible encourages us to consider world news in the light of scriptural teachings, including prophecy of what is to come. But how are we to go about this?
 

   From Sabbath to Sunday

So when did Sunday, the first day of the week, come to be seen as a substitute for the seventh-day Sabbath?
 

   Galatians 4:9-10: Are God's Laws Bondage?

Some view Galatians 4:9-10 as condemning Old Testament laws. Those who argue against God's laws see Paul's reference to "days and months and seasons and years" as pointing to the Sabbath, festivals and sabbatical and jubilee years given in the Old Testament. They view these God-given observances as the "weak and miserable principles" to which the Galatians were "turn[ing] again" and becoming "in bondage". But is this so?
 

   God Cares For You

Caring and compassion is one divine attribute that people sometimes overlook in considering our Creator.
 

   God Is Eternal

God the Father and Jesus Christ are eternal - without beginning or end. The Bible reveals this to us. Some attempt to show that Jesus a created being but that is not the case according to scripture. Read this mini study for the evidence of their eternity.
 

   God and Satan: Truth and Life vs. Lies and Murder

Jesus says of Satan?"the Spirit that is ruling the world"?that "He has nothing in common with me" (John 14:30, Twentieth Century New Testament). The Scriptures draw sharp contrasts between God and Satan that help us better understand the profound differences between their character, motivations, goals and actions.
 

   God is a Family

God is not a closed trinity but an expanding family. Regrettably, the Trinity doctrine has been a major barrier to clear comprehension of the biblical truth that God is a divine family.
 

   God: Ruler of the Universe

Although the Bible identifies Satan as the "prince of the power of the air" and ruler of this world (Ephesians 2:2, John 12:31, 14:30; 16:11), God maintains overall control as "Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25). He gives the devil considerable latitude in what he does, but God retains the right and power to intervene.
 

   God's Many Names Reveal Much About Him

The Bible uses a variety of names for God. He calls things what they are, and He calls Himself what He is. Some of His names describe His attributes and characteristics. Others are His titles of position, power and authority. What can we find out about God from His names?
 

   God's Plan of Redemption

God gave us physical, temporary life. Since we are physical, we all eventually die. This is no accident of evolution but came about as a result of circumstances knowable only from the Bible and from decisions made by our first parents in the Garden of Eden.
 

   Gods Law: Is It a Burden or a Blessing?

The most common teaching today about the law God gave to ancient Israel is that it was a burden?one that Jesus Christ had to remove. In essence, advocates of that view claim that God freed the Israelites from Egyptian slavery merely to enslave them again to a system of law so strict and unreasonable that they claim it is actually oppressive. Is something seriously wrong with this reasoning?
 

   Gods Laws, Statutes and Judgments

When God organized the people of Israel into a nation under the Sinai Covenant, through the human leadership of Moses, He authorized an administrative system that included not only priests but also judges to keep them on the path of righteousness.
 

   Gods Nature and Character

In any discussion about who and what God is, we must not lose sight of the most important truth about God--that God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son are beings of infinite love. John perfectly summarized Their divine character and nature when he wrote that "God is love".
 

   Government will show breathtaking progress and achievement

In the Kingdom of God, Christ will structure government to empower our human potential for astonishing personal achievement and progress in every aspect of society. The outcome will be a utopian civilization beyond the imagination of modern man or ancient philosophers.
 

   Grace and Law: Why Are They Inseparable?

The word grace is regularly used by some religious people as if it replaces all need to obey God's law. That conclusion is not only inaccurate, it is also diabolical!
 

   Grace, Faith and Law

Paul taught that salvation is a gift from God by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). The Greek word for "grace" is charis, meaning a gift or favor. In the New Testament it can refer either to God's gift of mercy or to His gracious favor.
 

   Grammar Confuses the Nature of the Holy Spirit

Much of the confusion among English-speaking peoples (and in English translations of the Bible) regarding the nature of the Holy Spirit centers on the Greek language's use of gender pronouns. Greek, like the Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian and others), uses a specific gender for every noun. Every object, animate or inanimate, is referred to as being either masculine, feminine or neuter.
 

   Great Men and Women Who Highly Respected the Bible

Historically, the Bible has been held in the highest esteem by many great men and women?presidents, prime ministers, monarchs, scholars, scientists, philosophers and more. If these people have respect for this book, shouldn't you? We have quotes you will want to read.
 

   Great Themes of the Bible

The Bible is unified by profound themes running through it. Although it contains a number of major themes, there are three that are most important.
 

   How Are We 'Translated Into the Kingdom'?

Colossians 1:13 describes physical saints as already having been "translated" into the Kingdom. As such, this passage seems to imply that Christians are now in the Kingdom of God. However, this clearly isn't the case, since 1 Corinthians 15:50 tell us that "flesh and blood [physical bodies] cannot inherit the kingdom of God."
 

   How Baptisms Meaning and Method Are Related

What is the correct method of baptism: sprinkling, pouring, immersion or some other technique? As most Bible dictionaries show, the word translated into English as "baptize" is the Greek word baptizo, meaning "to dip into" or "immerse." The Greek language uses different words to express sprinkling or pouring, none of which ever refers to baptism.
 

   How Can We Obey God's Commandments?

Many sincere religious people lament, "Oh, I wish I could live up to the Ten Commandments, but I know I can't." In their minds, keeping God's commandments is an unattainable goal. Underlying this perception is a major misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of God's Ten Commandments.
 

   How Can We Resist Satan?

In addition to identifying Satan's methods of deceiving people, God gives us specific guidance to counteract the devil and his influence. God's Word assures us: "Resist the devil and he will fee from you" (James 4:4). This promise, however, is clearly directed toward those willing to "submit to God" (same verse) and is immediately followed with the instruction, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
 

   How Does Justification Relate to Salvation?

In understanding the relationship between justification and salvation, we need to realize the different senses in which these terms are used. Let's start with the meaning of salvation. Perhaps someone has asked you, "Are you saved?" This should actually raise another question: Saved from what?
 

   How God Balances Justice With Mercy

God is not only the God of justice but also the God of mercy. Both His justice toward those who willfully disobey Him and His mercy toward those who respect Him enough to seek His help so they may obey Him are expressed in the second of His Ten Commandments.
 

   How Paul Put the Law on Firmer Footing

A comment by Paul that many lift out of context and misinterpret is Romans 3:28: "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law". What did he mean by "apart from the deeds of the law?" Was he saying that one who follows a pattern of life that is apart from?or contrary to?the teachings of the law is pleasing to God?
 

   How Should We Interpret Scripture?

The apostle Paul wrote to a fellow elder, ?All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work? (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When Paul wrote these words, the Scriptures he referred to were those we now call the Old Testament. The writings that would be known as the New Testament had not been canonized; some of them had not even been written yet.
 

   How Were Original Biblical Practices Replaced in Christianity?

At sunrise every Easter Sunday, millions of people assemble to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ who?according to what they have been taught?was raised from the dead at that exact time almost 2,000 years ago. Yet very few of them will realize that associating Christ's resurrection with the rising of the sun on that morning is not supported by the Bible.
 

   How is the New Covenant New?

In the New Testament the Greek word translated "new" in "new covenant" is, with one exception, kainos. It means "'new'" as to form or quality, of a different nature from what is contrasted as old" (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985, "New," emphasis added).
 

   How to Read, Study and Understand the Bible

Author Bruce Barton called the Bible The Book Nobody Know. That is practically true, but you can know it. How should you read and study the Bible? The overall answer is any way that works for you! Just do it! Starting something new seems strange and difficult. So new Bible students are the ones most likely to become discouraged and give up altogether.
 

   Is Today the Only Day of Salvation?

Is our present age the only time during which people can repent and be saved?
 

   Is the Church the Kingdom?

Some think the Church is the Kingdom of God. Although there is a connection between the two, they are not identical. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22), which is the body of believers called by God to proclaim the coming Kingdom.
 

   Is the Holy Spirit a Person?

The Scriptures speak of the Holy Spirit in many ways that demonstrate that it is not a divine person. For example, the Holy Spirit is referred to as a gift (Acts 10:45; 1 Timothy 4:14). We are told that it can be quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19), that it can be poured out (Acts 2:17; 10:45), and that we are baptized with it (Matthew 3:11). It must be stirred up within us (2 Timothy 1:6), and it also renews us (Titus 3:5). These are certainly not attributes of a person.
 

   Is the Kingdom Here Now?

Shortly before His arrest, trial and crucifixion, Jesus Christ prophesied of a worldwide period of upheaval and unrest unparalleled in human history. This time would be characterized by religious deception, warfare, earthquakes, famines and disease epidemics, along with other great catastrophic events (Luke 21:7-28). In this discourse, Christ made it plain that the Kingdom of God was not here yet.
 

   Is the Kingdom Within You?

Many people believe Jesus Christ taught that the Kingdom of God is something that exists only in the hearts and minds of believers. They base this on Luke 17:20, 21, which says: "Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.'" Such assumptions are incorrect for several reasons.
 

   Is the Whole World Deceived?

If you were the devil and wanted to deceive the entire world, how would you approach such a challenge? You first would probably convince people that you don't exist and that the only source of information that reveals your motives and methods is little more than a collection of fables that have nothing to do with their lives. We have seen exactly that.
 

   Jesus Christ Enhances the Law

How many people over the years have accepted the idea that Jesus came to do away with the law? Let's get a perspective from the Bible on what God the Father inspired to be said about how His Son would look at the law.
 

   Jesus Christ: The Rock of the Old Testament

The apostle Paul affirms that the God the Israelites of the Old Testament knew?the One they looked to as their "Rock" of strength (see Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:2)?was the One we know as Jesus Christ.
 

   Jesus Christ's Disciples Considered Him the Creator

John confirms that Jesus was the divine Word through whom God created the universe: "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made".
 

   Jesus Was Sent by the Father

The preexistent Word, who later became Christ, was sent to earth by the Father in heaven. The Gospel of John bears record to this truth many times.
 

   Jesus and Paul Emphasize the Laws Correct Focus

By the time of Jesus and Paul, some Jewish religious leaders had distorted the focus of God's law. They were trying to impress God with their righteousness by paying more attention to the smallest details of the physical aspects of the law than to its spiritual purpose.
 

   Key Elements of the Sinai Covenant

The Sinai Covenant's total package of law, the entire five books written by Moses, was designed to cover in principle every major aspect of national life in ancient Israel.
 

   Keys of Unlocking Understanding of the Bible

Recognize that the Bible is inspired. The entire Bible, both Old and new Testaments, is the inspired Word of God. When studying, keep in mind that He inspired the words you are reading; God is directly speaking to you through them.
 

   Lazarus and the Rich Man: Proof of Heaven and Hell?

When we look at this account in light of other scriptures and in its historical context, it becomes apparent that this is an allegory, a familiar story of the age that Jesus used to point out a spiritual lesson to those who knew the law but did not keep it. It was never intended to be understood literally.
 

   Liberty Through God's Law

A society without law inevitably succumbs either to total anarchy or to an oppressive dictatorship. Untarnished law, willingly obeyed, is the glue that cements stability and assures fairness for all. Supreme liberty is possible exclusively through laws that are equitable and a citizenry that willingly submits to them from the heart.
 

   Marking Your Bible

The Bible looks formidable, with its hundreds of pages of small print. However, the Bible is a book designed to be used. To familiarize yourself with key verses, it is a good idea to mark your Bible to help you relocate particular passages. The methods used by studiers of the Bible range from one color to elaborate color keys, arrows, notes and brackets and the underlining of words, phrases and sentences.
 

   May the Force-God's Power-Be With You

In the Star Wars series, some of the movies' heroes draw on a supernatural power called The Force, which enables them to perform feats that normally would be impossible. Did you know that an analogous power really exists?
 

   Mini Study: A Surprising Truth: Jesus Wasn't Resurrected on Sunday Morning!

There's much more to Christ?s resurrection than watching a sunrise on Easter morning, probably the only occasion when most people even think about the resurrection!
 

   Misunderstood Scriptures

There are several scriptures that are generally misunderstood by Christianity today. Explore some of these in this mini study.
 

   Must We Obey Gods Commandments?

Obedience to God begins with accepting the Ten Commandments as the permanent standard for our values and behavior. But our obedience must extend beyond just keeping the Ten Commandments.
 

   Other Important Ways Jesus Fulfilled the Law

The law required perfect obedience and pronounced a death sentence on any who broke it. Paul tells us that "the wages of sin is death?"
 

   Other Names for the Kingdom

Although most often called the "Kingdom of God," occasionally other terms are used in describing the Kingdom. Three of the writers of the Gospels?Mark, Luke and John?use the term "Kingdom of God" to refer to the Kingdom by name. What is this kingdom?
 

   Our Window of Opportunity

Closer than ever to the end of this present evil age, we have an unusual window of opportunity to search out the hidden purpose of our existence, to find our way back to God. In short, mankind desperately needs to be reconciled to God.
 

   Paul Imprisoned Over a Man-Made Taboo

Both internal and historical evidence indicates that Paul was in prison when he wrote his epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians. The reason for his imprisonment probably explains why he chose to use the term middle wall of separation in Ephesians 2:14 to represent man-made and discriminatory decrees that alienate and divide people.
 

   Paul's Example of Joy - Even in Persecution and Prison!

Joy comes not from what happens to us, but how we respond - the kind of attitudes we have about those experiences. We need not feel like helpless victims of circumstance.
 

   People Believed in Going to Heaven Long Before Christianity

The idea that "souls" go to heaven at death long predates Christianity. A brief look at ancient history reveals that the people of Babylon and Egypt, as well as subjects of other ancient kingdoms, held similar beliefs. Do you believe you are going there?
 

   Praying for a Right Spirit and New Attitude

Responding to God involves not just repenting of individual sinful acts. It also involves a recognition that our hearts and minds have been corrupted by the world and the devil, "the prince of the power of the air".
 

   Proofs of the Bible

God doesn't want blind faith. He wants you to have faith based on solid evidence. "Test [prove] all things; hold fast what is good." He tells us (1 Thessalonians 5:21). You can prove the divine origin, authenticity and accuracy of the Bible.
 

   Repentance, Penance and Grace

It's essential to understand that God is pleased with repentance but not penance. An ascetic form of penance is to act penitent or remorseful and punish oneself (see Colossians 2:18-23). Another form of penance is trying to do enough good deeds to outweigh and make up for one's sin. Both imply that we must pay for our own sins?but none of us could ever do enough to pay for even one sin.
 

   Rightly Understanding 'Justification' and 'Righteousness'

The words righteous or righteousness in English translations of the Scriptures describe primarily personal character as demonstrated in appropriate behavior. But justify, justified and justification have a slightly different focus.
 

   Salvation Is Entrance Into the Kingdom of God

Typically, Jesus' mission to earth is characterized something like, "Jesus came to die for us so we can have salvation." But to leave the purpose of Christ at this is incomplete. Salvation is hardly ever explained the way Jesus explained it. Jesus expressed the idea of salvation and eternal life in terms of entrance into the Kingdom of God.
 

   Satan: An Angel of Light?

If you could see and meet the devil face to face, what would he look like? He is commonly depicted as a cartoon character in a red suit with a pitchfork or as a hideous-looking ghoul. But neither of these characterizations is anywhere close to the truth.
 

   Satan: The Great Counterfeiter

As a deceiver, Satan has no equal. In addition to being the world's greatest con artist, he is also its most accomplished counterfeiter.
 

   Seven Keys to Understanding the Scripture

Many people are unaware of several basic themes that, when understood, open our understanding of the Scriptures. We present seven themes vital to piecing together a more-complete understanding of the Bible in this mini study.
 

   Seven Truths From Jesus Christ About the Real Secret

Christ said the real secret of the universe, on which all of the past, present and future depends, is the Kingdom of God. Explaining His famous parable of the sower, He called descriptions of the way to enter the Kingdom of God and its principles ?mysteries??secrets or hidden truths most people don't understand.
 

   Should You Observe the Sabbath Day?

The most misunderstood and misapplied of God's Ten Commandments is the instruction to "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). Many view the Sabbath as a quaint relic of history, perhaps a nice idea at some time in the past but altogether impractical in today's busy world.
 

   Some of the Freedoms God Offers Us

Consider the many wonderful freedoms God offers us. He offers us a life of freedom - what are some of these?
 

   Talk to God as A Family

How do we pray to God? Can we do this as a family? Does God hear our feeble attempts to communicate with Him?
 

   Teach Your Children Money Management - Use Opportunities to Teach

Life begins countless opportunities to teach our children about money. Spend a few minutes explaining to them how you obtain your money and you don't have an unlimited supply.
 

   The Ascetic Philosophy

Paul warned the Christian gentiles in Colosse, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ". Some believe Paul here was telling them to avoid those teaching that God's laws regarding the Sabbath, festivals, dietary restriction, etc., were still in effect. This notion is false, as Paul himself elsewhere taught that Christians' Jew and gentile alike should keep these laws.
 

   The Bible's

What is true love? How does God define love? We have various interpretations of what love is. But what does the Bible say about love. An entire chapter of the Bible is devoted to describing God's love.
 

   The Corruption of Apostolic Christianity

Almost immediately after the Roman armies destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its temple in A.D. 70, intense prejudice against Jewish beliefs and customs spread like wildfire throughout the Roman Empire. Then, following the deaths of Paul and John, that prejudice led to the first great "falling away" from the New Covenant teachings as explained by Christ's apostles.
 

   The Day of Atonement

Following the Feast of Trumpets of God's appointed times is a solemn day of drawing near to Him through fasting (Leviticus 23:26-32). On this day, the Israelites were to sacrifice a goat to represent the Lord. The high priest was take its blood into the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle (the only time he went in during the year). He also was to confess the people's sins over a live goat, which was then driven off into the wilderness (Leviticus 16).
 

   The Delights of Obedience

A joy and peace of mind come from making right choices, from knowing you are conscientiously obeying God's instruction in the pages of the Bible. Have you experienced these?
 

   The Eighth Day

On the day following the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles-the eighth day-the Israelites were to observe a final Holy Day in the annual cycle God gave (Leviticus 23:36-39).
 

   The Enduring Importance of Christ's Sacrifice

What has Christ's sacrifice done for humanity? How did He show love for all people? How do we develop a relationship with Him?
 

   The Feast of Tabernacles

As pictured in the Feast of Trumpets, Jesus will take over the rule of this world (Revelation 11:15). Satan will be deposed and incarcerated, as shown in the Day of Atonement (Revelation 20:1-3). Then Jesus and His resurrected and transformed saints will reign on the earth over all nations for 1,000 years, a millennium (Revelation 5:10; 20:4,6).
 

   The History of the Immortal Soul Teaching

The words immortal soul is found nowhere in the Bible. Where did the idea of an immortal soul originate? Do you believe in an immortal soul? Why?
 

   The Holy Spirit: God's Promise of His Divine Help

A cornerstone of the New Covenant is God's promise to "put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:33). In Ezekiel 36:26-27 He tells us how He will accomplish this: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws". How will this be accomplished?
 

   The Importance of the Old Testament

Why was the Old Testament so important to the writers of the New Testament, and why is it important to mankind today? This mini study briefly summarizes some of the things it reveals to us.
 

   The LORD Our God Is One

"Hear O Israel: The Lord our God the Lord is one!" This simple declaration by Moses in Deuteronomy 6:4 has caused considerable consternation to many who try to understand who and what God is.
 

   The Lord's Supper

When and how often should Christians partake of the Lord's Supper as directed by Jesus to remember His death for the sins of the world? Does your church teach you to take communion on a weekly or regular basis? What scriptual grounds are there to support this action?
 

   The Meaning of Faith

Many people think of "faith" as either a feeling or a collection of ideas that represent one's convictions. Although both of these concepts involve elements of faith, the full definition is much broader. What do you know about faith?
 

   The NEW part of Jesus Christ's NEW COMMANDMENT

Did Jesus replace God's previous commandments with just this one "new commandment"? Many teach that is exactly what He meant. But their reasoning doesn't take into account all that Jesus said. Most of what He said was not new.
 

   The Role of God the Father

Jesus called His Father "Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25). What do those words mean? They tell us that the Father is the Supreme Ruler over the whole universe!
 

   The Ruler of a Kingdom of Spiritual Darkness

The sad fact remains that this is not God's world. God's Kingdom is still not of this world, as Jesus Christ made clear in John 18:36. It is even more tragic that another being is ruler of this world, right here and right now-Satan the devil.
 

   The Sabbath Day in Summary

Jesus Christ kept the seventh day and worshiped God on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16). Indeed Christ Himself is the "Lord of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27-28)?directly linking our Savior with this period of holy time. Do you keep Sunday or the Sabbath?
 

   The Sabbath in the Scriptures

Most people have given little thought to what God says about the Sabbath in His Word. This mini study considers some highlights.
 

   The Ten Commandments: Keys in a Law of Love

What is love? Most people think of love as a strong emotional feeling toward another person. And to an extent that's true. However, the "love" most often spoken of in the Bible is an outgoing concern for others as demonstrated by our actions (1 John 3:18). And being demonstrated by our actions, it is far greater and more meaningful than mere feelings. Do you have God's love?
 

   The 'Curse of the Law'

Galatians 3:10-13 is one of the most frequently misused passages in the Bible. In both writing and preaching, scholars and pastors alike turn to this passage to support a badly misguided assumption that Paul viewed God's law as a curse. But how could he view it as a curse since he stated in Romans 7:12 that God's law was holy?
 

   There Remains a Sabbath Rest for the People of God

The book of Hebrews uses creative comparisons to emphasize to its Jewish audience that the weekly Sabbath is a reminder of something more than just that God was the Israelites' Creator and the One who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
 

   Things to Keep in Mind About the Bible

"Today there is not a language in the civilized world into which this word of God has not been rendered." This mini study details some quotes of famous people regarding the Bible.
 

   Understanding Biblical Kinds

Critics have asserted that the number of animals aboard Noah's ark would have been in the tens of thousands if not more. But this assumes that biblical kinds are equivalent to scientific species. This is not necessarily the case.
 

   Understanding Unclean in Romans 14

Does Paul's statement in Romans 14:14 that "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself" mean that there was no distinction between clean and unclean meats in the early Church? An understanding of Greek terminology can help us here.
 

   Warnings of Change in the Church

Is it possible that Christianity may have been radically transformed in previous centuries? Surprising as it may seem, both Jesus Christ and the apostles warned of changes that would come in the Church. Were these empty warnings, or did Christ foretell a subtle yet deadly threat to the religion that bears His name?
 

   Was Enoch taken To Heaven?

Some people believe Genesis 5:24 and Hebrews 11:5 declare that God took Enoch to heaven. But is that what these verses say?
 

   Was God's Law Abolished in the New Testament?

Jesus Christ said that ?one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law? until all is ?fulfilled,? or has completely filled its purpose (Matthew 5:18). Various passages, including entire chapters of the New Testament, make clear the spiritual purpose behind such practices as animal sacrifices and temple worship. Are animal sacrifices needed today? Why or why not?
 

   Was Jesus Created?

John 1:3 contains two direct statements that tell us that it was the pre-existent Jesus who created all things. "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." Notice that John is not content to say only that all things were made through Him, but John adds the fact that "without Him nothing was made."
 

   Was Jesus the Promised Messiah?

What was Jesus Christ's purpose? Why did He come to earth? Why will He come again? The answers to these questions will become evident when we examine the concept of the Messiah.
 

   Was Sunday the New Testament Day of Worship?

Three scriptures lead some people to believe that Sunday was the day of rest and worship for the New Testament Church. Let's briefly examine each of them to see if this is true.
 

   We Must Count the Cost

Baptism represents the most important commitment we can make. It signifies our willingness to surrender our lives fully and completely to our Creator, putting to death our old self and rising from a watery grave to live a new and transformed life. Since this decision is such a major commitment, the Scriptures tell us not to take it lightly.
 

   What About Matthew 28:19?

Matthew 28:19 is a sometimes misunderstood biblical passage with regard to the Trinity doctrine. "Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in ['into,' Greek eis] the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Remember the important principle that the Bible interprets the Bible.
 

   What Did Jesus Teach About Sin?

Most would rather bask in nice stories about Christ, in the knowledge of His grace and forgiveness of sin without acknowledging the requirements of obedience to Him and His law or the consequences of sin. Yet, far from honoring his or her Savior, the Christian who does this actually demeans the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and shows a lack of understanding of what sin is and what it costs.
 

   What Did Paul Mean by 'Christ is the End of the Law'?

In Romans 10:4, Paul's words are translated: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." Regrettably, most translators render the Greek word telos simply as "end" instead of giving Paul's intended meaning of that word in this context. Reasoning incorrectly that faith makes the law void, they have adopted an illogical assumption that Paul plainly rejected in Romans 3:31. This passage reads: "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law."
 

   What Does God's Spirit Do for Us and in Us?

What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Is it a person or a power? God's Spirit is both powerful and practical. It is powerful for it comes from God. It is a part of Him.
 

   What Does SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME Mean?

Paul explains in Colossians 2:17 that God's weekly Sabbath day and sacred festivals are "a shadow of things to come" (verse 17). Many think he was saying this to demean them and show why they are unnecessary for Christians. The reality is just the opposite. Paul was acknowledging their abiding significance for us.
 

   What Does the Bible Say About God's Judgment?

God has always existed as judge over His creation. But we need to understand how He judges, when He judges and why He judges. Knowing how, when and why He judges helps us understand the kinds of judgment described in the Bible.
 

   What Does the Holy Spirit Do For Us and In Us?

What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Is it a person or a power? God's Spirit is both powerful and practical. It is powerful for it comes from God. It is a part of Him.
 

   What Is the True Gospel?

What was Jesus Christ's message? He preached "the gospel of the kingdom of God" (Matthew 4:23; 9:35; Mark 1:14-15). The Old English word gospel, or "good spell," means "good news." The good news was the centerpiece of His message.
 

   What Was Wiped Out by Jesus Christ's Death?

The inadequate and misleading translation of a passage in Colossians 2 in some Bible versions is often used to support the flawed belief that God's law was "wiped out" by Jesus Christ who is improperly alleged to have "taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross".
 

   What Was the Main Weakness of the Sinai Covenant?

What was the problem with the Sinai Covenant? Most people assume that the problem was in the laws God gave to Israel, that they were flawed and that Jesus Christ came to abolish or annul them. But does this square with the Scriptures?
 

   What do Messiah and Jesus Christ Mean?

What do 'Messiah' and 'Jesus Christ' Mean? The term Christ is an English derivative of the New Testament Greek word christos, which means "anointed." The equivalent Hebrew word in the Old Testament is mashiach.
 

   What is True Worship?

A theme in the Sunset to Sunset book is the concept of "worship." In most people's minds, worship involves some sort of public service with hymns of praise, prayers and a well-planned liturgy. Such services epitomize for many what is involved in worshiping God. Yet this provides only a partial picture.
 

   What is a Biblical Covenant?

God's covenants contain two especially important components: terms and duration. Although humans may reach covenants or other agreements through their own devices, God's covenants with people are usually unilateral. He alone determines the terms and conditions; humans choose whether to accept them.
 

   Whats So Bad About Sin?

One of the Bible's fundamental principles helps us understand why God wants us to quit sinning and turn to Him. That basic principle is this: We reap what we sow! What are you sowing?
 

   When is the Sabbath to be Kept?

Our convention of starting a new day at midnight is an arbitrary, humanly devised practice. God, who created the heavenly bodies and set them in motion to mark the passage of time (Genesis 1:14), counts time differently?from evening to evening.
 

   Who Is Responsible for Religious Deception?

While it's clear that the scribes and Pharisees of the first century were Jesus' enemies and that false teachers soon began altering His message, the real author of the campaign to destroy Jesus is a spirit being the Bible calls Satan.
 

   Who Resurrected Jesus Christ?

No dead person can resurrect Himself. Death is the complete absence of life and consciousness. Only someone alive and gifted with supernatural powers could have performed such a wondrous deed. The New Testament plainly reveals in many passages who it was that raised Jesus from the dead.
 

   Who is Given Protection?

Who will escape the worst of the Great Tribulation during the prophesied dangerous times ahead? Is it some particular group or denomination? Will those who study the prophecies of the Bible have a greater advantage? Does knowing about God's plans bring any special favor to a person?
 

   Why Are There Differences in Ancient New Testament Manuscript?

In the ancient world, copies of the New Testament books were made in several major locations. The manuscripts originating in these locations are grouped in what are called families of texts. Manuscripts from these locations generally have variations common to other texts from the same location.
 

   Why Bible Study Is Necessary for Spiritual Growth

Paul scolded the Corinthian Christians for their unspiritual attitudes and conduct (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). He explained that their problems were caused partly by some of them having too little knowledge of God's ways. How do we develop the knowledge of God's ways?
 

   Why Can't Theologians Explain the Trinity Doctrine?

Many people assume that the Holy Spirit, along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, form what is commonly known as the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity expresses a belief in one God who exists in three distinct but equal person. Is the Holy Spirit truly a third divine person, along with the Father and Jesus?
 

   Why Does God Allow Satan to Influence Mankind?

God is all powerful. Yet He allows Satan to carry out his deceitful and destructive activities "within certain limits" for a purpose. To understand that purpose, let's begin with an example from the book of Job.
 

   Why Is the Holy Spirit Called He and Him?

Many people assume that the Holy Spirit is a personal being based on references to that Spirit as "he," "him" and "himself" in the Bible. This confusion arises because of the use of gender pronouns in the Greek language in which the New Testament was written.
 

   Why Jesus Wasn't Born on December 25

History convincingly shows that Dec. 25 was popularized as the date for Christmas, not because Christ was born on that day, but because it was already popular in pagan religious celebrations as the birthday of the sun. But is it possible that Dec. 25 could be the day of Christ's birth?
 

   Why Paul Used the Term 'The Whole Law' in Galations 5:3

When the apostle Paul said, "And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law" (Galatians 5:3), was he implying that the gentiles? exemption from physical circumcision also exempted them from having to obey any of the laws of God? That is what is commonly taught concerning this passage. But that is not what Paul meant!
 

   Why is the Sabbath Commandment Not Repeated in the New Testament?

Some people believe that, since the Sabbath commandment isn?t explicitly repeated in the New Testament, it is no longer binding. The Sabbath commandment did not have to be repeated in the New Testament simply because the people to whom Jesus Christ and the apostles preached would not have imagined that it needed to be repeated.
 

   Why the Early Church Observed the Biblical Festivals

Why do some Christians keep the biblical festivals that most of mainstream Christianity patently rejects? Most churches celebrate Easter and Christmas, although the Bible and the example of the apostles and early Church show that we should observe other annual days of worship.
 

   Will the Wicked be Tormented Forever?

"He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. At first glance, this may seem to confirm the traditional idea of a seething, sulfurous hellfire, mercilessly and eternally tormenting helpless immortal souls. But, if we don't already hold to that mental picture of hell, we can see that this passage describes a quite different circumstance.
 

   With Justice for All

During the golden age under David and Solomon, Israel's efforts to promote fairness and justice for its citizens rivaled modern efforts toward these noble ideals. Both kings were known for administering justice to their people (2 Samuel 8: 15; 1 Chronicles 18:14; 1 Kings 3:3). As a model nation, Israel attracted international leaders seeking to view its prosperity and culture firsthand. One such dignitary was the queen of Sheba.
 

   'Church' and 'Congregation' in the Scriptures

The exact relationship of the New Testament Church (Greek ekklesia) to the congregation of Israel in the Old Testament can best be understood when we learn the different interpretations placed on the two Hebrew words for "congregation": 'edah' and 'qahal'.