That’s in the Bible? Part 1   Introduction In the continuation of this series, “Is it Scripture?” we’re going to look at things that are actually found in the bible that people may not have realized is in there. In Matthew 28:18-20 just before He ascended into Heaven Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” What does ‘all authority’ mean? We’ll discuss that in this article.   The Son of God We know from scripture that Jesus is the Son of God (Mt. 16:16); that He walked the Earth (Jn. 1:14) for about 3 ½ years; teaching, healing, leaving us an example. We also know that He purposefully went to the cross (1 Jn. 3:16) to die for our sins. Then He was raised from the dead (Lk...

  Things NOT found in the Bible, part 5   Introduction There are many things in the bible which are straight-forward and clear in regards to what must be done. I’m sure you know that Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” This states that belief in him in not enough. There is something you must do to show your love. Even those people who say, “All you have to do to be save is believe” will also agree that you have to repent of your sins. If that is true (and it is) then there is more to salvation that believing. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say, “Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace.” Meaning, you don’t have to be baptized to be saved, but can do it later on to show you have been saved. Although they’ll agree that repentance is necessary, as stated above, they don’t want to comply with the notion of baptism. Confused? In this article, I hope to clear up that matter.   Mark 16:16 In Mark 16:16 Jesus said, “He who beli...

  Introduction Before I start this article, if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self-harm, please call this number immediately 1-800-273-8255. There are a lot of troubled people in the world today who think their life is worthless. God shows the importance of life in Isaiah 42:5, Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it. In Jeremiah 1:4-5 it is written, Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." If God knows us and created us, then there is a reason for us to live.   Definitions of Suicide The definition of suicide, according to Webster’s Dictionary is, the intentional taking of one’s own life. Although the word isn’t used in the bible, the concept is not fo...

  Things NOT found in the Bible, part 4   Introduction In Galatians 6:1 the Apostle Paul writes, Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Essentially, if you see a brother committing sin, you are to admonish him and him get out of it while making sure you don’t fall victim to the same sin. For example, going to a bar to bring home someone while not participating in drinking. This includes something as harmless as soda. Although you’re not engaging in the drinking of alcohol, you are associating yourself with the location and the people that show patronage there. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Love the Sinner and Hate the Sin.” While it isn’t found anywhere in the bible, the message has been shown throughout the scriptures.   Babylonian Captivity One of the best examples of this is when Judah was carried away to Babylon in captivit...