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...

Social Media Statement: Paul told us there is no division in 1 Corinthians 3. We are to submit to Christ above all teachers, including Paul himself. I have an issue with the claim that we are not expected to follow the commands Jesus himself spoke in Matthew. Are you saying we can ignore the law because Paul said we are free from the law. If I am not accurately reflecting your post, please elaborate. My Reply: The Bible clearly tells us that the earthly ministry of Jesus was to Israel only, as mentioned in Matt.15:24 and Rom.15:8. Jesus, a minister of the circumcision (Jews), promoted and taught according to the Mosaic law, which is a doctrine and dispensation we are not under today. Consider that we do not sacrifice animals. We do not have to do ritual washings. We are not under the Sabbath law/covenant. We do not have Kosher dietary limitations. All these and more are what Jesus taught during His earthly ministry. On the other hand, Paul was called and separated by God to be the apos...