The BIG Picture (Q&A)

QUESTION: The Bible says that "love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy," yet it also describes God as a "jealous God." How can this be reconciled, since love does not envy but God is described as being jealous? MY ANSWER: First, let's consider 1 Corinthians 13:4 in the KJV, where it says, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." Here, "charity" (agape love) does not "envy," indicating it is not resentful or covetous of others' possessions, achievements, or status. Envy, in this sense, is a selfish and sinful attitude. In contrast, the term "jealous" as applied to God in passages like Exodus 34:14 (KJV) has a very different connotation. It says, "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." God's jealousy is not rooted in insecurity or covetousness, as human jealousy often is. Inste...

Knowledge:  Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, information, and data. It's the starting point, the raw material of learning. Whether it's general knowledge or deep expertise in a subject, knowledge equips us with the "what." However, knowledge on its own can be superficial. A person may recite endless facts yet lack the ability to grasp their deeper implications or applications. Think of knowledge as the bricks with which you intend to build a house—necessary, but not the complete structure. Understanding:  Understanding connects the dots and takes knowledge a step further. It is the process of organizing and interpreting information, uncovering relationships between facts, and seeing patterns and connections. Understanding is the "how" and "why" behind the "what." It brings clarity and coherence, transforming isolated bits of information into a meaningful tapestry. For example, knowing the symptoms of a disease is knowledge; underst...

The Bible clarifies milk and meat based on the following scriptures, MILK: 1Cor.3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. [2] I have fed you with MILK, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear [process, understand] it, neither yet now are ye able. [3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife [conflict, friction, disputes], and divisions, [all 3 pertain to the natural realm and the emotions] are ye not carnal, and walk as men? Heb.5:13 For every one that useth MILK is unskilful [ignorant, incompetent, untrained] in the word of righteousness [grace doctrine] : for he is a babe [who’s mind, or understanding, is on visible things]. MEAT: Heb.5:14 But strong MEAT belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use [habit, practice, understanding] have their senses [spiritual discernment, perceiving truth] exercised to discern both good and evil [sou...

Social Media Question: Followers of Christ are grafted into the vine, correct? So that would mean that followers of Christ are Israel by faith, would it not? Jesus fulfilled the law. His disciples enter into the New Testament of Jeremiah 31, receive the Holy Spirit (Joel 2). So, under the new covenant we, gentiles, are technically Israel, sons of Jacob. Whereas the ethnic Jews who reject their Messiah are technically not God's Israel until they repent, like the rest of us. Do you agree? My Reply: One must take into account that there are two completely distinct programs in God’s redemption plan. The nation of Israel as per the Old Testament and gospels, and the Body of Christ as per Paul’s doctrine. Israel was under law, prophecy, and covenants. The Body of Christ is not under law or connected to prophecy and covenants. Thus, where many modern denominations today mix up and blend together all of the bible, thinking that since Israel has been blinded (Rom.11:25), that they are now t...