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...

Online Question: I want to know the difference between living by law and living by grace. What are the works that come under law? How does the grace of God through His Son Jesus supersede law? Jesus came to fulfill the law. Can you explain this? My Reply: Living by law (or by the letter of the law) is an act that you do by your strength and ability. It does not take faith to obey the law. You know what the law is, since it is defined, and you labour to obey the law by strict adherence and discipline. The law can be the moral law, the Mosaic law, or your own made-up laws to appease your conscience. Though following the law can have an outward appearance of righteousness, there is no change in the inner man. The law cannot make you righteous and it cannot save you. In addition, the law condemns one because it gives power to sin that resides in the nature of man. Rom 7:21-24 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. [22] For I delight in the law of God after ...

Fill in the blanks and learn to memorize God’s Word. How familiar are you with God’s Word and the passages of scripture it contains? These are the words inspired by our Creator; words we cannot ignore, and we cannot live without. How can we walk in faith if we do not know these words and if they do not live in our mind and heart. So, let us study them diligently. AMEN!

SOCIAL MEDIA QUESTION: What do I do if I’m far from God? MY ANSWER: Assuming you have received and trust in the gospel of Christ: that Jesus died for your sins and was raised again for your justification, then the following scriptures will increase your relationship with God. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God MUST BELIEVE that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. In order to come to God, to grow in Him, to trust Him, and to fall in love with Him, you have to come in FAITH. You do not form a relationship with God in your flesh. God is not a human and a relationship with Him does not work on a human level with touch and feelings and emotions. You cannot see God and be swept off your feet by His charming looks. The only way you can connect with God is through FAITH; believing that He is, and diligently seeking Him. Colossians tells us that as we initially received Christ, in like manner we must walk in Him, C...