More results...
THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH Mike Johnson The Bible clearly teaches that Christ came and built His church. In Matthew 16:16-18 he said that he would build His church, and in Acts 2 we can read of its establishment. Does the church have a particular purpose for being in existence? If no purpose for the […]
HOW WELL DO YOU LISTEN? Mike Johnson How well do you listen? We would not remember some of the most famous statements ever made if someone had not listened carefully to what was said. Listening correctly is very important to learning. One person put it like this: “Talk, and you say what you already know, […]
The Book of Mark Mike Johnson The writer of the book of Mark is probably “John Mark,” who is mentioned several times in God’s Word. He was a cousin of Barnabas, and his mother was named Mary. Mary was a faithful Christian in Jerusalem who owned the house where the Christians met for prayer while […]
A Lesson from Luther Mike Johnson Luther was quite slow from a mental standpoint. He was well-liked in the community, and it was easy to get along with him. However, some of the young men in the neighborhood could not resist having some fun with him from time to time. At the little store where […]
THREE GREAT QUESTIONS Mike Johnson Where do we come from? What are we doing here? Where are we going? These are three great questions that always have concerned humanity. Philosophers have tried to answer these questions but have been unsuccessful. However, since God has chosen to speak to us through the Bible, we can […]
Love For God Mike Johnson The Bible teaches we are to love God. Matthew 22 reveals a case where some Pharisees were questioning Jesus. A Scribe asked Him what the greatest commandment was. In verse 37, Jesus replied, “. . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and […]
IGNORING SIN Mike Johnson An often made statement made by people today is, “I just don’t let it bother me.” In many areas, we would all be better off taking this approach. With sin, however, this is very dangerous. Many people are very complacent regarding their sin, and instead of seeking a remedy, they ignore […]
Hate Sin! Mike Johnson The Bible has a great deal to say about the subject of hate. People typically think that Christians are not supposed to hate, and generally, this is true. However, the Bible teaches that Christians are to hate sin! Many passages speak about hating evil or sin. Romans 12:9 says that we are to […]
GO AWAY FOR NOW Mike Johnson Luke tells us in Acts 24 of a time when Paul, who had earlier been seized by the Jews, was brought before the governor of the area—a man named Felix. Charges were brought against Paul, and he presented his defense. Felix, hoping to receive a bribe, refused to let […]
FLATTERY Mike Johnson At a reception in Washington, a widow asked a young man to guess her age. “You must have some idea,” she said, as he hesitated. “I have several ideas,” he admitted with a smile. “The trouble is that I hesitate whether to make it ten years younger on account of your looks […]
Evil Surmising Mike Johnson I Timothy 6:4 speaks of the sin of “evil surmising.” The passage says, (KJV) “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings.” What is evil surmising? We need to know what it is to see if we are guilty […]
THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM & ACTS 9:17 Mike Johnson If baptism is for the remission of sins, why did Ananias call Saul “brother” previous to his baptism? This objection is sometimes raised regarding Saul’s conversion. Acts 22:16 does point out that Saul was baptized to wash away his sins. However, the response of the objector […]
The IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH Mike Johnson What is truth? This is a very good question. Pilate asked it in John 18:38. He may, however, have asked the question with scorn rather than with a thirst for knowledge. Nevertheless, it is still a significant question. Jesus said in John 17:17 in his prayer to God, “ […]
TRUTH IS NARROW Mike Johnson Truth is narrow. This concept is easy to see, and most people understand it. Consider an illustration from science. We know under ordinary conditions, water freezes at 32 degrees at sea level. Suppose a scientist says, “I am very broad in my scientific beliefs. I am not one of you […]
The Book of John Mike Johnson The book of John adds much to our understanding of the mission and life of Christ. There is much evidence, both internal and external, to show that John was the author of the fourth Gospel. John was an apostle and was a son of Zebedee, and James, another of […]
Jonah & the Great Fish Mike Johnson Most are familiar with the story of Jonah, which is in the book of the Bible called Jonah. Jonah was fleeing from God in a ship and was eventually cast into a stormy sea. There he was swallowed by a great fish, and he lived in the belly […]
LESSONS FROM NAAMAN Mike Johnson 2 Kings 5:1-14 tells us about one of the more well-known cases of healing in the Old Testament. This story tells of Naaman, who was healed of leprosy by God. In this article, we will discuss the story of Naaman and then draw some valuable lessons. The Story Naaman was […]
BUY THE TRUTH & SELL IT NOT Mike Johnson Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth, and sell it not . . .” This passage shows the extreme value of truth. We are to spare no pains or costs to obtain it; once we have it, we are to keep it safe. We should not be reasoned […]
AN IMPORTANT CHOICE Mike Johnson Life is full of choices, and we must make decisions every day. Some decisions we must make are not as important as others are. However, the most important choice we face is in the spiritual realm. Jesus spoke of options that every person faces in Matthew 7:13, 14. Here he said, […]
CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE ALIKE? Mike Johnson If we can understand the Bible at all, we can understand the Bible alike. The Bible is truth, and truth does not contradict itself. If two people disagree on a Bible passage, both cannot be correct, as the Bible does not teach two different and conflicting concepts. We may misunderstand the […]
Two Mandatory Appointments Mike Johnson There are very few things in life that we absolutely must do. A person does not even absolutely have to eat. A person, of course, must eat if he wants to live, but he can stop eating and die if he wanted to. However, we cannot avoid two future […]
WARN THE UNRULY Mike Johnson In I Thessalonians 5:14, Paul gave some critical teaching for all Christians. He stated that Christians are to “be patient toward all men,” they are to “uphold the weak,” and they are to “comfort the fainthearted.” However, the first responsibility he urges is to “warn those who are unruly.” This responsibility, in addition […]
Wise Men & Fruit Mike Johnson Here are two questions I would like for you to answer. 1. How many wise men came to visit Jesus when he was born in Bethlehem? 2. What kind of fruit did Adam and Eve eat when they sinned in the garden? Most would probably say three wise men […]
GOOD FROM BAD (Philippians 1:12-14) Mike Johnson Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in prison. His trial had probably already taken place, and he seemed to be waiting for the verdict. It appears he expected to be released but was uncertain about it. Paul, no doubt, did not enjoy being imprisoned. Nevertheless, it is […]
A FAITHFUL MAN WHO FEARED GOD ABOVE MANY Mike Johnson The book of Nehemiah tells about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. This work was done by the Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity. After completing the walls, Nehemiah appointed Hanani, his brother, and Hananiah as rulers of Jerusalem. It is interesting to note the […]
How Do We Acquire Faith? Mike Johnson There are many views concerning how people acquire faith. Some people say the alien sinner is to pray for faith. Others may say that God miraculously strikes a person with faith, and they may cite how they received “theirs” one day in a cornfield. We need to consider what the Bible has to say […]
ARE ALL GOOD, MORAL PEOPLE CHRISTIANS? Mike Johnson George is a good, moral man. He is faithful to his wife and an excellent father to his children. Geoge does not use profanity or drink alcohol. He coaches youth baseball and is a pillar in the community. George, however, is not religious; he has never even become […]
Watch Out for That Lion! Mike Johnson Proverbs 22:13 says, “The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” If a lion were outside of a person’s house, he would be wise to stay inside. However, in that it is a slothful (or lazy) man speaking, it is clear that […]
WORDS OF THE APOSTLES AND JESUS Mike Johnson Are the words of the Apostles of equal authority with the words of Jesus? Some people view the words of Jesus as being that which a person must accept while viewing the words of the Apostles, and other writers of the New Testament, as less important. Some […]
INSTABILITY Mike Johnson “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away.” (Hosea 6:4) Hosea uses two figures in this verse to describe the spiritual condition of Ephraim (Israel) and Judah. Their […]
BY WHAT AUTHORITY? Mike Johnson “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority“? These two questions, asked in Matthew 21:23, were asked of Jesus by certain chief priests and elders of his day who were trying to trap him. Their motives were not good, but their questions showed they […]
Some Facts About the Judgment Mike Johnson What does the Bible teach about the Judgment Day? It is frequently mentioned in God’s Word and was often preached (Acts 24:25; 10:42). Consider some facts found in the Scriptures about the judgment, which everyone should know. It Is Certain Few things in life are absolute. The judgment, […]
“I WOULD BE WET ALL THE TIME” Mike Johnson The Bible teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and, thus, is essential for salvation. Sometimes people object to what this passage says about baptism by saying, “If baptism is for the remission of sins, then it would be necessary to […]
The Spirits in Prison Mike Johnson I Peter 3:18-20 is a passage, which has prompted many questions. It speaks of Jesus having gone to preach to the spirits in prison. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the […]
Respect for God’s Word Mike Johnson Revelation 22:18-19, a passage found near the end of the Bible, is a very significant passage. It says: “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written […]
IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS (I Thessalonians 5:18) Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks. . . .” This teaching occurs during a series of short admonitions near the end of the book of I Thessalonians. Earlier, Paul told them they needed to “rejoice always,” and they were to “pray without ceasing.” We might […]
IS IGNORANCE AN EXCUSE? Mike Johnson Some people seem to think that God will not punish those ignorant about what the Bible teaches. However, many passages teach that ignorance is not an excuse (Hos. 4:6, Rom. 10:1-2). The Bible even commands us to add “knowledge” (II Pet. 1:5), and it commands “growth” (II Pet. 3:18). […]
“I’M NOT AS BAD AS HE IS” Mike Johnson Consider a case where an officer pulls someone over for speeding. He then approaches the stopped car, and the driver responds by saying, “I know that I was going over the speed limit, but I have probably been passed by three hundred cars in just the […]
The Inspiration of the Bible Mike Johnson Many people do not believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures, and this number seems to be growing. There are even some religious people who deny “inspiration” in the sense that the Scriptures teach it. They define inspiration to mean only that the Bible bears the marks of literary […]
God’s Promises Mike Johnson Promises are prevalent in our society. Some try to keep their commitments, and others do not. The promises made by many people are often not very dependable. We see this with politicians, salespeople, employers, and in some cases, even with friends. It is also true that the passing of time makes […]
GOD IS OMNIPOTENT Mike Johnson Do you know that God is omnipotent? Well, He is, which means He has ALL POWER. Jeremiah 32:27 says, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (NASB) One way we see God’s power is due to the forces of nature being […]
God and Temptation Mike Johnson A view held by some is that God tempts us to sin. Others feel that if God does not tempt us, He is at least to some degree responsible. Does God tempt people to sin? Is He responsible for our sins? A critical passage to examine is James 1:13. This passage […]
THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY Mike Johnson Consider this question. Can one who has been born again, i.e., one who has entered into a proper relationship with God, conduct himself in such a way to be eternally lost? Many say a person cannot. They hold a doctrine known by such names as “Once Saved, Always Saved,” […]
YOU CAN ONLY LIVE SO LONG Mike Johnson You can only live so long.” According to an AP article, these were the last words of a tenor as he performed at the Metropolitan Opera House, in New York City, during a production. The man was standing at the top of a ten-foot ladder when he […]