The BIG Picture (Q&A)

The Natural Man: Spiritually Blind and Incapable “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” — 1 Corinthians 2:14 This verse is not a passing remark—it is a doctrinal pillar. It tells us plainly that the unsaved man—the “natural man”—is spiritually blind. He cannot receive the things of God. He cannot understand them. To him, spiritual truth is not merely confusing—it is foolish. This is not a matter of education or intelligence. It is a matter of spiritual incapacity. The natural man is dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1), and dead men do not see, hear, or respond. If the Gospel Is Hid, Who Then Can Be Saved? This raises a serious and necessary question: If the natural man cannot receive spiritual truth, how then can he be saved? If the gospel is hid to those who are lost, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, then what hope is there for the unregenera...

As we navigate the complexities of Christian living, we often find ourselves at crossroads, unsure of how to navigate the nuances of faith and practice. In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul addresses a crucial aspect of Christian relationships, urging believers to walk in love and unity amidst differing convictions. As we explore this chapter, we're reminded that our faith is not only a personal matter but also one that requires consideration for others. In this lesson, we'll dive into the heart of Paul's teaching, culminating in the profound statements in verses 22-23, which serve as a guiding principle for navigating disputable matters. The context of Romans 14 is centered around the issue of "weaker brethren" (Romans 14:1), those whose faith is not as mature or robust as others. Paul exhorts believers not to "despise" or "judge" these weaker brethren (Romans 14:3, 10), but rather to receive them with open arms, just as Christ has received us (Roma...

Paul tells us that our conscience can get  seared , 1Tim.4:2. This mostly applies to unsaved people, but it does not disqualify those who are saved but who have never grown up in the Word. The saints at Corinth are a good example, being saved, but flagrantly carnal and worldly as babes in Christ. Being seared in conscience means that we become insensitive to what is wrong, and it does not bother us when we fall in its traps. In direct contrast to this is a saved person who spends time in the Word, studying it, allowing it to renew their minds, and giving themselves over to obeying it. Such a person becomes  ‘unseared’,  being sensitive to the will of God and to godliness. The remedy to a seared conscience is not practicing law or having righteous willpower, but the knowledge of grace through the work of Christ which we find in the doctrine of Paul’s epistles. This can only come to us by spending time in the Word. It is the Word of God that prunes, and cuts away, discerns ...

QUESTION: Did Paul teach fasting? We see it in the 4-Gospels and the book of Acts but not in Paul's writing. Can you show me what I don't see or explain somehow? Is the fast also part of the Church actions or just for Jews? REPLY: What I am about to write is my view and standing in regard to fasting. Judge it according to your faith and conviction. Paul’s ministry focus is primarily on faith in Christ, the gospel, and living by the Spirit. Fasting is not a central theme in his teachings; thus, I believe the specifics of fasting are left to an individual's conviction and context. If you look at Paul's writings, the only time he mentions fasting is in these 3-verses, 1Cor 7:5   Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 2Cor 6:5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 2C...

When it comes to advice on choices or decisions in life, Paul provides some incredible information in Romans 14. Rom 14:5 Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Also, Rom 14:22-23  Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.  (23)  And he that doubteth is damned if he eat [do], because he eateth [does] not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. The above verses have nothing to do with feelings. They have to do with conviction. Feelings are fickle and can change depending on your mood. Conviction is stable, as it has to do with your faith, or an inner truth (conscience) of right or wrong. In addition, the above verses have nothing to do with laws or rules which is the very thing that brings condemnation. In your question, you mention condemnation, which tells me that you made some human rule in your mind about reading the Word and now because you failed to live up to the r...

My response to this question is specifically in context to judging others (especially believers) by your own standards. Many of us know the concept that when you point your finger at someone, there are three fingers pointing back at you. The moral is that we are never in the position to judge a person based on their moral actions because if it were not for the grace of God and personal circumstances or choices, we would be in the same boat as they. We all belong to the human race and we all are ravaged by sins imperfections. Paul says it well, Rom.14:4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. The problem with judging others is that we can never know the true circumstances that drove that person to do what you judge them for! What motives did that person have to do that deed? What desperate situation was that person facing? Are your moral standards truly of higher value than theirs ...

The bible clearly lists various things as sins and therefore it is easy to know that these things are morally wrong. Things like, idolatry, greed, covetousness, lying, gluttony, complaining, murder, bribery, stealing, gossip, jealousy, adultery, etc. These and many more are either a violation of God's moral laws or a violation of moral and ethical laws set out by an authority like a government or ruling entity. Violating these causes you to fall into sin and probably face some form of consequences. But what about things that are not so obvious? Is smoking a sin? Is drinking a sin? What about anger, or not giving to the needy, or hurting someone's feelings? Do I sin if I choose not to go to church or if I want that extra piece of cake? What happens if I get a speeding ticket? Have I sinned in God's eyes for violating a law on the road? The list can go on and on, so the question remains, how do I know when something is a sin , especially if it is not as obvious, and not neces...