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Be Very Careful Mike Johnson Ephesians 5:8-14 emphasizes the importance of walking in the light, as opposed to darkness (9), which manifests itself in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Paul tells them they were to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (11). Verses 15-16 then admonishes, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not […]
WHAT IS TRUTH? Mike Johnson What is truth? This question is critical. Pilate asked it at Jesus’ trial in connection with the accusation made that Jesus was a king in a civil sense and thus a rival. It seems he asked it with scorn rather than with a quest for knowledge. Regardless, this question is […]
THE CONSISTENCY OF TRUTH Mike Johnson Truth is always consistent; it does not contradict itself. Thus, if the Bible is truth, there will be no contradictions in it. Sometimes people say, “You can prove anything by the Bible.” This statement is degrading to the Bible, and it reflects on the integrity of God. If it […]
ARE ALL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE CHRISTIANS? Mike Johnson Many people today are religious. They may belong to a particular denomination and attend services regularly. Others, while not belonging to any specific religious group, may believe in God, read their Bibles, and pray from time to time. These are all “religious,” but does the fact that they […]
Precious in the Sight of the Lord Mike Johnson Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” We think of death in many different ways. The death of a loved one is one of the greatest agonies a person can face in his/her life. Typically, we think of […]
The Authority of the Apostles Mike Johnson Many acknowledge the authority of God and Christ, but do not accept or understand the authority of the Apostles. Some people today say we only need the words of Jesus to guide us. Christ certainly has authority (Mt. 28:18, 17:1-8), but we must understand the authority, which also […]
The Authority of the Bible Mike Johnson The Bible teaches about the authority of God, Christ, and the apostles (Ps. 50:10-12; Heb. 1:1-2; Mt. 16:19, 17:5, 18:18; II Cor. 5:20; Phil. 4:9). Also, the Holy Spirit played a role as he guided the apostles “unto all truth.” Consider now the authority of God’s Word, the […]
Abide in Christ’s Doctrine (II John 9-11) Consider a warning found in II John 9-11. These verses say, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not […]
DIVINE AUTHORITY Mike Johnson “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” These questions were asked of Jesus in the Jerusalem temple by certain chief priests and elders of the Jews (Mt. 21:23). Although not sincerely motivated, these questions bring out two principles. First, there is a need for authority in religion; second, authority must come from one who has the right to grant it. […]
Contend Earnestly for the Faith (Jude 3) Mike Johnson It is clear from the Old Testament that God intended for us to adhere to His Word, and the Scriptures should not be violated (Deut. 4:1-4, 5:32-33; Josh 1:7; Num. 22:18, 24:13; Pb. 4:26-27, 30:5-6; Lev. 18:4-5). Consider now the same concept from the standpoint of […]
The Authority of Christ Mike Johnson Many people today do not understand the importance of having Bible authority. In previous articles, we have noted that we must follow divine authority instead of trying to direct our steps. We discussed the authority of God and noted that God certainly has the right to reign over humanity. […]
Adding to or Taking Away From God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19) Mike Johnson Revelation 22:18-19 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 this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, […]
The Authority of God Mike Johnson Everyone is subject to authority today. Many are employees and are subject to the rule of their employers. We are all under the authority of our government, whether we want to be or not. There is authority we put ourselves under by choice, and there is authority we find […]
Do Not Preach Any Other Gospel! (Galatians 1:6-9) Mike Johnson In Galatians 1, Paul said he marveled because the Galatians were “turning away so soon” to “a different gospel.” He also pointed out there were some who had troubled them and wanted to pervert the gospel of Christ. Then (v. 8) he warned, “But even […]
The Importance of Biblical Teaching Mike Johnson The Bible emphasizes that it is essential for our teaching to be in a very bold and straightforward manner, and preaching must be in strict compliance with the Bible. The early church received a great deal of teaching, and the Bible describes the instruction done then and that […]
“O Lord, Our Lord…” (Psalm 8:1) Mike Johnson Psalm 8:1 says, “O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens!” Christians often incorporate this beautiful verse as an introduction to their prayers. In the Psalm, David speaks of the greatness of God compared […]
HOW EXCELLENT IS YOUR NAME (Psalm 8) Mike Johnson Some consider Psalm 8, “the most well-known psalm people have never read.” Understandably, the tendency today is to focus more on the New Testament, which results in people having less familiarity with the Old Testament. Yet, quotations of Psalm 8 occur so much in the New […]