Tag: Scripture

A Warning from the End of the Bible

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AMY TURNER

In the closing words of the Bible, we find one of the most serious cautions God gives to His people. Revelation 22:18–19 tells us that anyone who adds to the words of this book will face the plagues written in it. Some readers worry this may apply to moments when they have misunderstood the Bible.

Misunderstanding God’s Word is always harmful because it can lead us away from truth, but that is not what Revelation is addressing here. The warning is about deliberately adding new ideas or teachings to the Word of God. This command appears at the very end of the Bible to remind us that nothing should ever be placed alongside or beyond what God has spoken.

Even though people sincerely want to know the Bible, false teaching can still lead them astray. The responsibility of every believer is to stay close to God’s Word as it is written, without changing or adding to it. The judgment described in Revelation is for those who attempt to expand or alter what God has completed.

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.

1 Corinthians 4:6

Finding Strength in Weakness: A Different Perspective

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

In today’s world, strength is often celebrated, and weakness is viewed with disdain. Phrases like “pain is weakness leaving the body” or “we’re only as strong as our weakest link” reflect a culture obsessed with winning and uncomfortable with vulnerability. Yet, the message from scripture offers a completely different understanding: true strength is often found in our weakness.

The Bible reveals a profound truth about the human condition: we are all weak. We need breaks, rest, and rely on many things to navigate life. This inherent weakness isn’t something to be hidden or ashamed of; instead, it’s the very place where God’s power can be most evident.

Consider the apostle Paul’s experience, as shared in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. After receiving extraordinary revelations, Paul was given “a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited”. Three times, Paul pleaded with the Lord to take it away, but God’s response was: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. This divine reply shifted Paul’s perspective. He declared, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong”.

This passage teaches us that God often allows or even causes pain and suffering in our lives, not necessarily as punishment for sin, but to keep us humble and draw us closer to Him. Spiritual pride is a significant danger, and God’s commitment to our spiritual growth means He will ensure we don’t become self-sufficient. Our weaknesses can serve as a constant reminder that we need to depend on Jesus.

Think of individuals whose weaknesses became platforms for God’s power:

  • J.I. Packer, despite a childhood accident that left a permanent mark and potential for brain damage, became a sharp theological mind and influential author.
  • Joni Eareckson Tada, a quadriplegic since a diving accident, has a widespread ministry sharing hope through her own hardship.
  • John Bunyan wrote the timeless classic “Pilgrim’s Progress” while imprisoned for his faith, his suffering becoming a source of strength for countless Christians.

These examples echo the sentiment of John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease”. It’s in our diminishing, in acknowledging our lack, that Christ’s glory can shine through. We are encouraged to let our weaknesses be a stage for His power to be displayed.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us in Isaiah 40:28-29: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength”. God’s strength is available precisely when we recognize our own lack.

The story of Gideon in Judges 7 further illustrates this principle. God intentionally reduced Gideon’s army from thousands to a mere 300 men to defeat the Midianites. This was so that Israel could not boast that their own strength had saved them; the victory would clearly be attributed to God’s power. God does more with less, demonstrating that the power to overcome doesn’t come from human might but from Him.

Instead of hiding our weaknesses, we are invited to acknowledge them and turn to God. Our greatest need is not to be pain-free, but to gain spiritual strength through reliance on Jesus. When we feel weak, we are in the very place where the Lord’s power can work most effectively. The simple prayer, “Jesus, help I need you,” is often all it takes to experience His sustaining grace.

For those who do not yet know Christ, the first step is to recognize our fundamental weakness – our sinfulness – and the need for a Savior. The Bible says we have all sinned, but Jesus died for our sins and rose again. Believing in His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection is the way to experience God’s amazing grace.

For believers facing pain, suffering, and weakness, the message is clear: you are not alone, and you are right where the Lord wants you to be. Even if the pain doesn’t disappear, God’s grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in your weakness. Embrace your weaknesses, for they can become the very platform where God’s strength is displayed.

Saved and Surrendered or Selfish?Acts 8:5-24

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JEFF TURNER

The story in Acts 8:5-24 presents a striking contrast between true salvation and selfish ambition. It begins with Philip bringing the gospel to Samaria following persecution in Jerusalem. As he preached Christ, many believed, and miracles confirmed the power of God. The people rejoiced, but as history shows, whenever God moves, Satan seeks to counterfeit His work. One such deception came through Simon, a sorcerer who had long held influence over the people. They believed he had divine power, yet his miracles were born of deception, not truth.

Simon appeared to believe in Jesus. He was baptized and followed Philip, captivated by the signs and wonders. However, belief alone is not enough—many profess faith, yet their hearts remain unchanged. Jesus Himself warned that not all who say, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).

The arrival of Peter and John in Samaria marked a significant moment. As they laid hands on the believers, imparting the Holy Spirit, Simon’s true motives were exposed. He saw this power and desired it—not to glorify God, but for his own ambition. Offering money, he attempted to purchase what only God freely gives. Peter rebuked him sharply: “Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money” (Acts 8:20). Instead of genuine repentance, Simon sought only to avoid consequences, revealing his unchanged heart.

Consider these verses a warning: true salvation is not about power, experiences, or outward displays. It is about humble surrender to Christ, trusting in His finished work on the cross. Many pursue religion for personal gain, but Jesus calls us to a relationship with Him. Satan may counterfeit miracles, but he cannot counterfeit a transformed heart. The challenge for every believer is to ask: Have we truly surrendered to Christ, or are we merely seeking blessings?

If you are unsure of your salvation, remember that Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Faith in Him brings true transformation, not just outward change but a renewal of the heart. In a world filled with spiritual deception, we must hold fast to our faith, love one another sincerely, and remain steadfast in Christ.

From the Old Testament to Matthew

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament is marked by a period of approximately 400 years of seeming divine silence. After the prophet Malachi, there were no prophetic voices or explicit divine messages recorded in scripture. However, this era was far from uneventful; it was a time of significant transformation and change for the Jewish people and the world stage. Understanding this period is crucial for properly interpreting the New Testament.

During these 400 years, often referred to as the Intertestamental Period, the world underwent considerable shifts. The dominant powers of the Old Testament, the Medo-Persian Empire and Egypt, gradually faded in prominence. World power shifted westward, from Asia to Europe, and from the Medo-Persian Empire to Greece. By the time the New Testament begins, Rome had risen to become the dominant world power.

In 480 BC, Xerxes of Persia was victorious against the Greeks at Thermopylae. However, his defeat at the Battle of Salamis marked the end of the East’s bid for world dominion. In 333 BC, Alexander the Great emerged from the West, leading the united Greek forces to victory over the Persians at Issus. In 332 BC, Alexander visited Jerusalem and, after being shown the prophecies of Daniel that spoke of him, he spared the city. Following Alexander’s death in 323 BC, his empire was divided among his four generals. Judea, located next to Egypt, came under the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty. In 320 BC, Seleucus, the founder of the Seleucid kingdom in Syria, attempted to take over Judea, turning the small country into a buffer state between Syria and Egypt.

In 203 BC, Antiochus the Great took Jerusalem, bringing Judea under Syrian influence. In 170 BC, Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the temple in Jerusalem. In 166 BC, Mattathias, a priest of Judea, led a revolt against Syria, marking the beginning of the Maccabean period. This era was marked by immense suffering and heroism for the Jewish people. Judas Maccabeus, known as “the hammer,” organized the revolt. In 63 BC, Pompey of Rome took Jerusalem, placing the Jewish people under Roman rule, where they remained at the time of Jesus’ birth and throughout the New Testament period. In 40 BC, the Roman Senate appointed Herod as King of Judea, initiating the rule of a notoriously wicked family. In 37 BC, Herod took Jerusalem and killed Antigonus, the last of the Maccabean king-priests. In 31 BC, Caesar Augustus became emperor of Rome, and in 19 BC, the rebuilding of the Herodian Temple began. Jesus was born in Bethlehem in 4 BC.

During this period, several distinct parties emerged within Jewish society, none of which are mentioned in the Old Testament. The Pharisees were the dominant party, arising to defend Jewish traditions and practices against foreign influences. They were strict legalists, believed in the Old Testament, and were nationalistic in their politics, seeking to restore the kingdom to the line of David.

The Sadducees were composed of wealthy, socially minded individuals who sought to reject tradition. They were liberal in their theology, rejected the supernatural, and were closely akin to the Greek Epicureans, who believed in pursuing pleasure.

The scribes were professional expounders of the law, stemming from the days of Ezra. However, they became overly concerned with the letter of the law rather than its spirit. They possessed knowledge of the law but often failed to translate it into practical action.

The Herodians were political opportunists who sought to maintain the Herods in power.

This period also saw significant literary activity. The Old Testament was translated into Greek in Alexandria, Egypt, between 285 and 247 BC. This translation, known as the Septuagint, was used by Paul and quoted by Jesus. The Apocrypha of the Old Testament was also written during this era.

This period was marked by God’s silence, yet it was a time when He was preparing the world for the coming of Christ.

The four Gospels are directed to different groups of people. The Gospel of Matthew was written primarily for the nation of Israel, a religious people. The Gospel of Mark was directed to the Romans, who were men of action and believed in law and order. The Gospel of Luke was written to the Greeks, the thinking people. The Gospel of John, while written for believers, was indirectly aimed at the Orient, where people were seeking deliverance.

The Gospel of Matthew, written by a publican named Matthew, was originally written in Hebrew for the nation of Israel. God prepared the nation for the coming of Christ.

The Gospel of Matthew is a key book because it connects the Old Testament prophecies and moves into the New Testament. Matthew mentions the church by name, unlike the other Gospel writers.

The Gospel presents the program of God, the kingdom of heaven. The term “kingdom of heaven” is specific to this Gospel, appearing 32 times, and the word “kingdom” appears 50 times. Understanding the phrase “kingdom of heaven” is essential for interpreting this Gospel and the Bible. The kingdom and the church are not the same, but the church is in the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven is the reign of the heavens over the earth.

The theme of this Gospel is the Lord Jesus, who will establish the kingdom on earth. The three major discourses in Matthew concern the kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount presents the law of the kingdom, the mystery parables in Matthew 13 concern the kingdom, and the discourse in Matthew 24-25 looks forward to the establishment of the kingdom on earth.

The movement in the Gospel of Matthew includes the person of the king, the preparation of the king, the propaganda of the king, the program of the king, the passion of the king, and the power of the king.

Finding Fulfillment: Jesus as the Bread of Life

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JEFF TURNER

Life often leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled. We might chase after success, money, or relationships, thinking these will fill the void inside us. But even when we achieve these things, we can still feel a deep hunger for something more.

Jesus spoke about this emptiness and offered a solution. He called himself the “bread of life,” using a metaphor his listeners could easily understand. In those days, bread was essential for survival. By comparing himself to bread, Jesus was saying he’s just as crucial for our spiritual well-being.

Jesus challenged people to look beyond their physical needs and focus on what truly matters. He said, “Don’t work for food that spoils, but for food that lasts forever.” He wasn’t telling people to stop earning a living, but rather to prioritize their spiritual health alongside their physical needs. Jesus claimed he could provide a kind of spiritual nourishment that would satisfy people’s deepest longings.

The people listening to Jesus were skeptical. They wanted proof that he was as special as he claimed to be. Jesus responded by saying that believing in him was the most important thing they could do. He promised that anyone who comes to him would never be spiritually hungry or thirsty again.

This message is still relevant today. Many of us feel empty inside, even when our lives seem successful on the outside. Jesus offers a different path to fulfillment, one that doesn’t depend on material possessions or worldly achievements. He invites everyone to come to him, promising that he can satisfy our deepest needs in a way nothing else can.