Read more about the article Jesus, A Man Under Authority
Christ and the Centurion, by Paolo Veronese, 16th century
Who is Jesus / Church History

Jesus, A Man Under Authority

In first-century Rome, a centurion was a military officer in charge of a centuria,[1] the smallest unit of soldiers within a legion.  Each centurion was ranked and assigned various levels of authority and responsibility, with the first ranking centurion of the first ranking cohort, being called the primus pilus or first spear.[2]  The centurion was said to be in the middle of the Roman military hierarchy, having men who ranked in authority both above and below him.[3] We see this hierarchy referenced in an exchange between…

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April 6, 2020
Read more about the article Did Jesus “Return” to the Father?
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

Did Jesus “Return” to the Father?

There are certain verses in John's gospel, John 1:1-3 and John 17:5, for example, that are considered proof that Jesus pre-existed in heaven.  There's another passage, depending on the translation you read, that appears to support the notion as well: John 13:3 (NIV) Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God  (emphasis added) Did Jesus Return to the Father? The phrase "returning to God" or "going back to God"…

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March 19, 2020
Read more about the article Jesus, The Great Teacher, Had a Teacher
The Sermon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch, c. 19th century
Who is Jesus

Jesus, The Great Teacher, Had a Teacher

Those who encountered Jesus during his earthly ministry may have debated whether or not he was the Messiah,[1] but few, if any, debated his ability to teach.  On the contrary, crowds were astonished by his teaching: Mark 11:18 (NASB) The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching. (emphasis added)Many people, including Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, recognized that Jesus' teachings, and the signs…

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March 14, 2020
Read more about the article My Father’s Kingdom
Benediction of God the Father, Luca Cambiaso, c. 1565
Who is God / Who is Jesus

My Father’s Kingdom

Many Christians believe Jesus will rule the kingdom for all of eternity because he is God, and therefore, the kingdom inherently belongs to him.  Scripture, on the other hand, reveals a different picture about the coming kingdom, who it belongs to, and the reason for Jesus' rule. The Kingdom Belongs to the FatherThe Psalms often speak of God in terms of royalty:Psalm 47:2 (NASB) For the LORD Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth.Psalm 103:19 (NASB) The LORD has established…

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March 8, 2020
Read more about the article Is the Holy Spirit a Separate Person From the Father and the Son?
Who is the Holy Spirit

Is the Holy Spirit a Separate Person From the Father and the Son?

The doctrine of the Trinity hinges on the Holy Spirit being a separate person from the Father and the Son.  Without this determination, there is no Trinity.  What does Scripture have to say about the matter?  Has belief in the personhood of the Spirit always been a foregone conclusion? What does the historical record reveal?  You may be surprised at what you're about to read.Survey SaysIn 2014, Lifeway Ministries and Ligonier Ministries surveyed evangelical Christians in America.  While the vast majority of the respondents (96%)…

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February 29, 2020
Read more about the article 10 Biblical Truths About the Holy Spirit That Contradict Orthodoxy
Who is the Holy Spirit

10 Biblical Truths About the Holy Spirit That Contradict Orthodoxy

As we endeavor to build our lives on the foundation of God's word, it's important to know what the Bible says and what it doesn't say about the Holy Spirit. We've been taught that the Holy Spirit is God, a separate person from God the Father and Jesus the Son, and the third member of a triune being.  The Spirit is understood to be co-equal, co-eternal, and co-essential with the Father and the Son.  If this is the case, we should find ample evidence of these…

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January 29, 2020
Read more about the article Christ Belongs to God
Who is Jesus

Christ Belongs to God

From ancient times, the Jews understood that the coming Messiah would be a servant or agent of God who would rule on God's behalf.[1]   Just as King David was referred to as God's anointed[2], so the coming king would be called the same: Psalm 2:2 (NASB)  The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed (emphasis added) The Christ of God To be sure, throughout Scripture, Jesus is referred to as being of or belonging…

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January 22, 2020
Read more about the article Does Jesus’ Authority to Forgive Sins Prove He is God?
Christ and the Palsied Man by J. Kirk Richards
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

Does Jesus’ Authority to Forgive Sins Prove He is God?

A paralyzed man and his friends went to see Jesus but were unable to reach him because the house where he was teaching was too crowded.  So the man's friends lowered him through the roof.[1]  When Jesus saw their faith, he forgave the man's sins: Luke 5:20-26 (NASB) Seeing their faith, He said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." 21  The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" 22 But…

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January 16, 2020
Read more about the article Who is The Almighty God of Scripture?
Christ Pantocrator, St. Catherine's Monastery, Mt. Sinai, 6th century
Who is God

Who is The Almighty God of Scripture?

Who is the Almighty God?  Does the title refer to the Trinity--the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--as orthodoxy requires?  Or does Scripture provide a different answer?  Let's examine the definition of the word almighty, as well as its usage in Scripture and in creedal history. What does Almighty mean? The first occurrence of the word almighty in Scripture is found in the book of Genesis: Genesis 17:1 (NASB) Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD [Yahweh] appeared to Abram and said to him,…

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January 7, 2020
Read more about the article Who Do Demons Believe Jesus Is?
Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld c. 1860
Who is Jesus

Who Do Demons Believe Jesus Is?

Demons are a reality.  Scripture is replete with references to these spirit beings who are said to have rebelled against God and are now under the authority of Satan.[1]  Although we're never given a formal description, we're told that demons, also known as unclean or evil spirits, can cause sickness[2] and violence,[3] perform false signs and wonders,[4] propagate deceitful doctrine,[5] and possess and oppress people.[6]  In addition, we learn from Scripture that demons are aware of or are knowledgeable about certain people.  For example, when…

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December 29, 2019
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