Do Only Christians Go To Heaven?

This is a loaded question.  The answer can start a firestorm of outrage over one’s intolerance and close-mindedness.  Let me say that I am not intolerant or close-minded, at least not in the traditional sense.  However, I do believe in absolute truth.  Also, I do believe in logic.  Finally, I believe that the Bible is true and, as a result, that Jesus Christ is the perfect incarnation of God.  That said, let’s answer the question, “Do only Christians go to heaven?”. Continue reading

The Purpose of the Law

A large portion of the Old Testament is devoted to the Law of Moses and its practice.  However, we are told that the Law cannot make anyone righteous (justified) before God (Galatians 2:16).  So, what was the purpose of giving the Law and practicing the aspects of it if that did not gain favor with God? Let’s look at what the Apostle Paul wrote on this subject. Continue reading

What Do You Expect When You Pray?

Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.  6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.  7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

In Acts 12, we find an incredible testament to the power of prayer.  Peter was in jail and the church prayed for him unceasingly.  God sends an angel to release Peter.  But that’s not the end of the story.  What is really interesting is the reaction of the Christians who were praying for Peter’s release. Continue reading

How God Justifies Sinners

Justification is a key doctrine in Christianity.  The basic problem is: (1) all human beings are sinners and (2) God is holy and must judge sin.  Justification has to do with how God justifies sinners (declares them to be righteous) so that they can be accepted by Him.  The following is one of many verses that address this doctrine.

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Continue reading

Getting Direction for Your Life

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

These two verses are among the more familiar ones in the Bible.  As I was reading these verses recently, one word jumped out at me.  Used twice in this passage, the word “all” is of particular importance. Continue reading