Why Am I Here youtu.be
Ever wondered, “Why am I here? What’s my purpose?” This question has puzzled humanity for centuries, leading to various philosophies and religions. The Bible offers a profound purpose: The word “God” is “Elohim,” a family name. God is a family of creators, and they are expanding their family. Genesis states, “Let Us make man in Our image.” Jesus Christ, the “Word,” became mortal, died, and…
Purpose Of Law: The Image of God – Staff Writers leadingtolife.org
Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Vision here means a prophetic understanding of future reality. Without purpose and direction, progress is impossible. Knowing our purpose is crucial. God gives humanity a purpose, a destination, and a path to get there, encapsulated in the Bible, including its laws. “Torah” is better translated as teaching or instruction. We must understand God’s purpose…
Are God the Father and His Son one being? One entity? – CGA Writers cogassembly.org
Jesus revealed there is one Godhead, or one God Family, working together with one mind and purpose. This Family includes God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The “Word” became Jesus Christ (John 1:14). Hebrews 1:1-4 confirms Christ’s divinity, showing He is worshiped by…
Pentecost, the Spiritual Connection – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
There are many lessons we can learn from God’s relationship with ancient Israel. By covenant, they became a called-out people destined to live by God’s law, with God dwelling among them (Exodus 25:8-9). However, this relationship was external. Israel did not have internal access to God’s Spirit; this changed with Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14-15). Through Christ, the new covenant involves God’s Spirit dwelling within believers,…
Not of This World – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36). The Jews of the first century, including Jesus’ disciples, expected a Messiah to overthrow the Romans and restore Israel’s kingdom (Acts 1:6). Instead, they got a Savior…
The Sermon That Launched the Church – Joel Meeker lifehopeandtruth.com
It was the morning of Pentecost, and Jerusalem buzzed with curiosity. Seven weeks had passed since Jesus’ crucifixion, dashing hopes that He was the Messiah. Stories of His resurrection circulated, but the disciples, who had seen Him alive, had no doubts. He had instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for power from on high (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8). On Pentecost, as the disciples gathered, a…
Bread: A Biblical Symbol – Roger Meyer tomorrowsworld.org
Symbols, like bread, hold profound meanings in society and scripture alike. From nourishment to unity, bread symbolizes sustenance and fellowship. In the Bible, it represents Jesus Christ as the “Bread of Life” and signifies spiritual truths, such as sincerity and truthfulness. During biblical feasts like Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, unleavened bread symbolizes purity and freedom from sin. Even the miraculous provision of…
What Does the Feast of Unleavened Bread Mean for Christians? – Vince Szymkowiak ucg.org
An increasing number of Christians worldwide are rediscovering the biblical festivals outlined in Leviticus 23, seeing them in the context of Jesus Christ’s life and mission. Jesus, the sacrificial Passover lamb, inaugurated the plan of salvation, while also starting His Church on the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2). Amidst these festivals is the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, occurring immediately after Passover. While significant events…
Blood on the Doorposts – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
The distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians became strikingly evident during the plagues preceding the tenth. From the flies to the darkness, God made it clear He protected His people while bringing judgment upon Egypt. However, for the tenth plague, a crucial change occurred. Although God assured the safety of the Israelites, they were required to mark their doorposts with the blood of a…
Is Passover on the First Day of Unleavened Bread? – David C. Grabbe cgg.org
During Jesus Christ’s lifetime, two methods existed to determine the Passover: one by the people in their homes on Abib 14’s evening and the other by Temple priests on Abib 14’s late afternoon. The Gospels portray Jesus and His disciples observing the Passover in a private home at the onset of Abib 14, known as “the Last Supper.” However, some Gospel verses seem to conflict…
The Passover Effect – Brian Orchard leadingtolife.org
In a world lacking clear leadership and purpose, many people lead aimless lives, unsure of their existence and the path they should follow. Isaiah 3:12 laments the consequences of misguided leadership. Meanwhile, society’s anger and rejection of God contribute to confusion and destructive thinking, as described in 2 Peter 2:1-3. Satan targets believers, seeking to disrupt their intimate relationship with God (1 Peter 1:2). Yet,…
Can Theology Define God’s Nature? – Earl L. Henn cgg.org
Over the centuries, debates over God’s nature have sparked theological controversies. Some argue that the Bible alone isn’t enough to fully grasp God’s essence, leading to the rise of theological speculation. While theology is often equated with doctrines, it’s essentially a structured examination of human reasoning about God. However, relying solely on human logic can yield flawed conclusions, contradicting biblical truths. Theological reasoning often starts…
Elohim: A Name Reveals God’s Nature and Plan – Joshua Travers lifehopeandtruth.com
The word “Elohim” in the English Bible, often translated as “God,” is intriguingly plural, derived from the singular “Eloah.” This plurality is evident in its use concerning idols, where it’s rendered as “gods” (Exodus 18:11). Though usually singular when referring to God, Elohim denotes a collective unity. In Exodus 20, while delivering the Ten Commandments, God identifies Himself as Elohim to Israel, emphasizing monotheism. This…
Five Essential Time Management Principles From the Bible – Becky Sweat ucg.org
In our hectic, fast-paced world, many of us echo these sentiments: “I’m swamped, can’t even catch a break!” “Always battling fires, never feeling accomplished.” “Work’s eaten family dinners, I can’t remember when we last sat together.” “Overwhelmed with tasks, don’t know where to start.” “After work, I just want to veg in front of the TV.” Time is finite, slipping away unnoticed amid our bustle….
You Shall Love Your Neighbor (Part One) – John O. Reid cgg.org
In Matthew 22, Jesus faces the Pharisees’ cunning questions, following his confounding of the Sadducees. The Pharisees aim to ensnare him, selecting a lawyer to probe his understanding of the law. Jesus, however, cuts through their legalistic approach, declaring the greatest commandment: to love the Lord with all one’s being. This emphasis on wholehearted devotion to God simplifies their complex disputes, emphasizing the essence of…
Do I Really Deserve to Be Here? – Jeremy Lallier sabbaththoughts.com
In this fourth addition, the author poses and then addresses the question, ‘Do I deserve to be here?’ It’s arguably the easiest among the three we’ve explored. No, you don’t deserve to be here. But that’s precisely the point. No one in the Church is flawless; none deserve to be here. Jesus Christ died for us because we couldn’t earn our place. However, when we…
5 Major Differences Between Passover and Easter – Isaac Khalil lifehopeandtruth.com
The distinction between Passover and Easter goes beyond the surface understanding that Passover is Jewish and Easter is Christian. Let’s explore five significant differences between these two observances: Difference 1: Passover’s biblical origin vs. Easter’s absence in Scripture. Passover originates from Exodus 12, commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lamb. In contrast, Easter lacks biblical grounding, with no legitimate references…
The Decline and Fall of the American Empire – Steve McCann leadingtolife.org
In his essay, Sir John Glubb identifies six stages in the rise and fall of empires, drawing from 3,000 years of historical data. These stages offer a lens through which to understand the trajectory of nations, including the United States. The first stage, the Age of Pioneers, parallels the Revolutionary War and the nation’s founding. Following this, the Age of Conquests symbolizes the Western Expansion…
Doesn’t "Lazarus and the Rich Man" prove that sinners will be tormented forever & ever? thebiblesaysthat.com
Many believe the parable of Lazarus and the rich man illustrates heaven and hell. However, it actually emphasizes the promise given to Abraham’s descendants. Abraham, though not having received the promise yet, will inherit it at the resurrection of the just. Lazarus represents Christians who share in this promise through faith. The rich man, depicted as emerging from Hades, faces the future destruction of the…
Is St. Patrick’s Day a Pagan Holiday? – Monica Ebersole and Erik Jones lifehopeandtruth.com
On March 17, millions will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, green attire, shamrocks, and festivities. Originating in Ireland, it’s now popular worldwide, particularly in the U.S. Yet, beneath the fun lies syncretism—merging pagan rituals with Christianity. St. Patrick, though venerated as a Catholic saint, used syncretism to blend native Irish customs into his teachings. These included symbolic nods to sun worship and Celtic superstitions….