The BIG Picture (Shorts)

Many people wonder why God no longer speaks through visible signs and wonders like He did in the Bible. Has God gone silent? Has He withdrawn from the world? The Scriptures actually explain this clearly. God did reveal Himself through mighty miracles during the prophetic dispensation with Israel (Ex.34:10). But when Israel rejected their Messiah, God paused that program and revealed a new dispensation through Paul — the dispensation of the mystery (Rom.16:25-26). Today, God is not working through outward signs. He is working through His written Word and in the heart of those who believe (2Cor.5:7). This is a time of faith, not sight . God hasn’t stopped speaking. He speaks through Scripture — and through the inner work of His Spirit as His Word takes root in us. When this dispensation ends, God will again reveal Himself openly in power during the tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom. But for now, our calling is simple: Believe His Word. Grow in understanding. Walk by faith...

This was a question asked on social media. My Answer: The Bible does not portray Eve as the primary cause of humanity’s fall or Adam as an innocent man misled by her. Scripture is clear that Eve ate the fruit first, but the New Testament consistently places the responsibility for sin entering the world on Adam. Romans 5:12 teaches that “by one man sin entered into the world,” and 1 Corinthians 15:22 affirms that “in Adam all die.” The Fall is traced to Adam because he was the covenant head—the one who received God’s command directly in Genesis 2:16‑17 before Eve was created. The Bible also distinguishes the nature of their sins. Eve was deceived by the serpent, but Adam was not deceived at all. Paul states this plainly in 1 Timothy 2:14. Eve sinned through deception; Adam sinned knowingly. That makes Adam’s guilt greater, not lesser. He abandoned his responsibility, failed to guard and teach, and chose disobedience with full awareness of what he was doing. For these reasons, Scripture ...

This was a question asked on social media. My Answer: When the Bible describes God using human‑like traits, it is not because God is patterned after us. Scripture teaches the opposite: we are patterned after Him. In Genesis 1:26‑27, God declares that humanity is made in His image. This means qualities such as love, reason, will, justice, and moral awareness exist in us because they exist perfectly in God. What we experience in limited form reflects what God possesses in fullness. So, when Scripture speaks of God loving, speaking, seeing, or acting, these are not human traits projected onto God—they are divine traits expressed in human language. Because God is infinite and we are finite, the Bible often uses anthropomorphic language—human‑like expressions—to help us understand His actions. Phrases such as God “stretching out His hand” (Exodus 3:20) or God “remembering” (Genesis 8:1) are not literal descriptions of God’s nature. They are accommodations, ways of communicating divine truth...

Paul warned in 1 Timothy 4:1 that in the latter times some would depart from the faith because they start listening to the wrong voices. We’re watching that happen. People don’t abandon Scripture in one moment — they drift because something else has captured their attention. Then in 2 Timothy 4:3–4, Paul shows the next step. When people no longer want sound doctrine, they go looking for teachers who tell them what they prefer to hear. Truth becomes uncomfortable, so they trade it for stories and opinions that feel easier. These two passages describe the apostasy we see growing today: a steady move away from Scripture, a rising impatience with truth, and a desire for teaching that never confronts the heart. The Bible said this would happen, so we shouldn’t be surprised — but we should be alert and anchored in the Word. But it’s important to understand this: What we’re seeing now is not the “falling away” Paul speaks of in 2 Thessalonians 2. That event is a specific, worldwide rebellion ...

Most people read “all things work together for good” as if Paul promised a better tomorrow, smoother circumstances, or quick fixes to today’s problems. But Romans 8:28 is not about your next week. It’s not even about your lifetime. Paul is talking about God’s eternal plan , stretching from before the world began all the way to the glory that will be revealed in us . The “all things” are the entire sweep of God’s purpose for the Body of Christ—past, present, and future—working together toward our final glorification , not our temporary comfort. Before Genesis 1:1, God ordained a hidden wisdom “unto our glory” (1 Cor. 2:7). In Christ, we were predestinated according to the One who “works all things after the counsel of His own will” (Eph. 1:11). That means God has been working “all things” for our good long before we existed—and He will continue until we stand in the fullness of Christ’s glory. This is why Paul contrasts: Sufferings vs. Glory (Rom. 8:18) Vanity vs. Hope (Rom. 8:20)...

Question: As a Christian who determines what is and is not a ceremonial law, can you explain why Luke 22:8–20 is or is not considered a ceremonial law? Additionally, was a Temple necessary for the Messiah to keep the Passover and exemplify its observance? Answer: When someone asks whether Luke 22:8–20 is a “ceremonial law,” they are starting from a framework that Scripture never uses. The Bible does not divide the Mosaic Law into moral, civil, and ceremonial categories. Those divisions were created by theologians long after the Bible was written, and they are often used to keep parts of the law alive for Christians today. But when we rightly divide the Word of truth, we see that the Body of Christ is not under the law in any category. We are not Israel, not part of Israel’s covenants, and not governed by Israel’s feast system. Our doctrine comes from Christ through Paul, not from Israel’s Torah. Luke 22:8–20 is not a ceremonial law. It is a historical record of Jesus, as Israel’s Messi...

Replacement Theology teaches that the Church has replaced Israel and now receives all her promises. This is false doctrine because Scripture shows Israel’s promises are not cancelled but only paused during the present Dispensation of Grace. Paul explains in Romans 11:25-29 that Israel is “blind in part” until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, and that “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Jeremiah 31:35-37 further proves that Israel will remain a nation before God as long as the sun, moon, and stars endure. This teaching must be avoided because it denies dispensational truth, confuses Israel’s earthly program with the Church’s heavenly program, and spiritualizes literal promises that God gave to Israel. It also questions God’s integrity, for if He abandoned Israel, how could we trust Him to keep His promises to the Church? Scripture declares that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18), and His covenants with Israel will be fulfilled when Christ returns to establ...

 QUESTION: How do we know that the “grace dispensation” doesn’t coincide with the “everlasting gospel” and that both have been present since the foundation of the world? ANSWER: The present dispensation is called “the dispensation of the grace of God” (Ephesians 3:2). This message was a mystery hidden from ages and generations (Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:26), not revealed since the foundation of the world but made known through Paul after Christ’s ascension. Paul affirms that his gospel came “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12). Its content is the finished work of Christ: “how that Christ died for our sins… and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Salvation today is by grace through faith, “not of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Since this gospel was kept secret until revealed (Romans 16:25), it cannot have been present from the foundation of the world. By contrast, the “everlasting gospel” appears in Revelation 14:6-7, whe...

Opening: Today, November 18, is recognized as Entrepreneurs’ Day — a time to honor those who persevere through challenges, take responsibility for what they build, and lead with moral clarity. These traits are admired in business and society, but they are even more significant when understood through the lens of Scripture. That is why we write about them today: to show how perseverance, responsibility, and moral clarity are not merely human virtues, but spiritual truths that must be rightly divided in God’s Word. Mans Claim: “Perseverance, responsibility, and moral clarity are universal values that anyone can live out if they try hard enough.” Biblical Correction: These traits are not about human striving. They are about living out the truth of Christ’s finished work in this dispensation of grace. When rightly divided, they cease to be burdens and become blessings. Perseverance  This is not striving under the law, but enduring in grace. “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that...

QUESTION: Christians, did Paul teach that salvation is through faith in Messiah, not through works of the law as a means of justification while also emphasizing obedience as in upholding the Law which remains essential to faith: Romans 3:31 & Galatians 2:16? ANSWER: Paul’s teaching about salvation and the Law is simple, but it is also very important to understand clearly. He says in Galatians 2:16, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” This means that no one can be made right with God by keeping the Law. Salvation is not earned by what we do. It is given freely when we put our trust in Jesus Christ. Justification—being declared righteous before God—is by faith alone. But Paul also says in Romans 3:31, “Do we then make void the law through fait...

Rightly dividing is the key to proper contextual and accurate interpretation of Scripture. Without it, the Word is mixed together, blended across programs, and ultimately skewed. Passages meant for Israel under the law are wrongly applied to the Body of Christ under grace, and promises given to a nation are confused with instructions for the church. The result is spiritual instability, because truth has not been handled in its proper context. Yet notice this: rightly dividing is not the starting point, it is the outcome of study. Paul says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). When we truly labour in the Word, comparing Scripture with Scripture, we begin to see the distinctions God Himself has made. We see the difference between prophecy and mystery, between law and grace, between Israel’s earthly kingdom hope and the church’s heavenly calling. One will never truly grasp the importance ...

Many believers stumble over Paul’s words in Romans 6:14. The verse is often misused to suggest that Christians can live however they please because they are “under grace.” Yet this is a distortion. Paul is not excusing sin; he is declaring its defeat. Why is it misunderstood? Some interpret “not under the law” as freedom from all moral responsibility, while others wrongly blend law and grace, teaching that believers must keep Israel’s commandments to maintain favour with God. Both errors miss Paul’s dispensational point. What does it mean? The law was given to Israel to expose sin and prove man’s inability to please God in the flesh. Grace, revealed through Christ’s finished work, provides righteousness apart from the law. Under grace, sin’s dominion is broken because believers are identified with Christ’s death and resurrection. Our standing before God is secure, not by performance, but by His gift. The correction: Romans 6:14 is not a licence to sin, nor a call to return to ...

 “Sell that ye have, and give alms” (Luke 12:33). Is this a command for Christians today? It was Jesus who said it — but He was speaking to Israel, preparing them for the earthly kingdom. They were to sell their possessions and live communally, trusting God to provide (see Acts 2:44-45). Why? Because their hope was earthly, and their programme was prophetic. But Paul never gave this command to the Church. He taught believers to work, provide, and give freely — not under compulsion (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Why the difference? Because the programme changed. Israel’s kingdom gospel required readiness for Messiah’s reign. Our gospel of grace reveals a heavenly calling, not an earthly one. The Body of Christ isn’t waiting for a kingdom — we’re seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Under the Law, giving was commanded — fixed amounts, strict timing, and visible compliance. It was about obligation, not overflow. But grace changes our reality and response. We give ...

In Romans 13:11, when Paul says “for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed,” he is referring to the future aspect of salvation—specifically, the completion of our redemption at Christ’s return. Three Phases of Salvation in Scripture To understand this verse, it helps to see salvation as having three tenses: Past – We were saved from the penalty of sin when we believed (Ephesians 2:8). Present – We are being saved from the power of sin as we walk in the Spirit (Philippians 2:12). Future – We shall be saved from the presence of sin when Christ returns, and we receive glorified bodies (Romans 8:23; Philippians 3:20-21). Romans 13:11 points to this future salvation—the final deliverance of the believer at the rapture and the judgment seat of Christ, when our earthly walk ends and our heavenly inheritance begins. In light of contextual clarity, Paul is urging believers to wake up spiritually and live in light of the approaching day. The “night” of this present evil age is far s...

Romans 16:20 says, “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” This is a powerful echo of Genesis 3:15, where God first promised that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. Paul draws on that ancient prophecy to assure believers that Satan’s defeat is not only certain, but unfolding according to God’s plan. This “bruising” or “crushing” isn’t a single event—it’s a sequence of victories culminating in Satan’s final judgment. It began at the Cross and Resurrection, where Christ decisively broke Satan’s power over sin and death (Hebrews 2:14; Colossians 2:15). It continues now as believers walk in truth and resist deception—Satan is bruised underfoot through spiritual warfare and gospel proclamation (Ephesians 6:11-17). And it will be completed when Satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). Paul’s use of “shortly” signals certainty, not necessarily immediacy—God’s timing is perfect. But here’s the deeper truth: the Church is the Body of ...

The eyes of our faith are not to be fixed on the outer man—his health, his wealth, his circumstances, or his religious performance, as these things may change, fade, or even deceive. But the inner man, renewed day by day, is where the Spirit works and where truth dwells. Our faith is not grounded in what we see, feel, or experience. It is grounded in what we know—specifically, in the words of our sound doctrine: the gospel of Christ according to the revelation of the mystery, found in Paul’s epistles and rightly divided from prophecy. Not vague impressions, not mystical signs, not emotional highs. But the written Word of God rightly divided, believed with understanding, and held with assurance. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). That renewal comes not through external effort or change, but through spiritual truth. And spiritual truth is found in our doctrine. So, we do not chase the visible—m...

Did You Know… the word “baptism” in Hebrews 6:2 is plural—and it’s not about water? Hebrews 6:1-2 says: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection… Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” Most readers assume this refers to water baptism. But the word is baptisms —plural. And the context isn’t about Christian practice, but Jewish foundational teachings. Hebrews is written to Jews who had professed Christ but were tempted to return to temple rituals. The “doctrine of baptisms” refers to ceremonial washings under the law—ritual cleansings found throughout Leviticus and Numbers. This passage isn’t urging believers to be baptised—it’s urging Jewish readers to move beyond the shadow of the law and embrace the substance found in Christ. That’s why verse 1 says “leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ”—not rejecting them, but moving past the elementary, symbolic te...

It’s not always obvious. The weaker brother isn’t the one who skips church or struggles with prayer. He’s often the one who looks the most committed. He avoids meat, steers clear of certain days, and holds tight to rules that make him feel holy. He’s sincere. He’s serious. And in his own mind, he’s strong. But Paul says otherwise. The weaker brother is weak in faith—not weak in effort. He’s not rebellious, he’s just unsure. His conscience is sensitive, sometimes misinformed. He’s afraid of dishonouring God, so he builds fences where God gave freedom. He’s shaped by tradition, not truth. And while his heart may be in the right place, his understanding hasn’t caught up. He sees liberty and feels guilt. He sees others walking free and assumes they’re careless. He equates restraint with righteousness. And when someone enjoys a freedom he avoids, he’s offended—not because they’re wrong, but because he’s unsettled. Now here’s the twist: He thinks he’s the strong one. He sees his strictness a...

If a man seeks to be justified by the law, he must keep  all  of it. Scripture does not permit selective obedience: “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” —  James 2:10 “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” —  Galatians 3:10 “I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.” —  Galatians 5:3 The Law Was Made for the Unrighteous The law was not designed for the righteous, but to expose and restrain sin: “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners…” —  1 Timothy 1:9 The law reveals sin, but it cannot remove it. It condemns, but cannot justify. We Are Not Under Law, But Under Grace Through Christ, we are freed from the law’s condemnation—not to sin freely, but to live freely  from  sin: “For s...

Let’s talk stewardship. If you’ve received the Word of God—really received it—you’re not just a believer, you’re a steward. That changes everything. A steward doesn’t own what he carries. He manages it faithfully. He’s entrusted with something of value for the benefit of others.  Paul didn’t say, “Let a man so account of us as collectors of spiritual artifacts.” He said, “as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). So here’s the question: Are you faithful with what you’ve been given? Faithful to learn, yes—but also to teach, to distribute, to live it out. ______________ Please share these with friends and family. Use this WhatsApp channel to receive these quick Bible lessons on your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGag8iJP212QPSMmx2W

🌿 New Series: "Freed by a Better Law"  Too many believers live weighed down by guilt, failure, or fruitless effort—because they’re still walking by the flesh, not by the Spirit. But God has given us something better: the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. This 5-day devotional series will walk you through Romans 8:2 and its surrounding truths. We’ll learn the difference between walking in death and walking in life. No hype—just truth that sets us free. Let’s rediscover who we are in Christ and how to live like it. Part 1/5 — The Default Law We’re Born Into We all start under the law of sin and death. You don’t have to be evil to be under it. You just have to be... you. Born in Adam. Living by sight, driven by emotion, trying to do your best. Sounds noble—but apart from Christ, it’s all flesh. And flesh profits nothing (Rom. 7:18; 8:8). Even good works, if they spring from self, cannot please God. That’s the tragedy: religion without regeneration is still death. Moral...

Romans 8:2 — “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” There are two laws at work in this world—and in your walk. The first is the law of sin and death . It’s the spiritual gravity we were all born under. You don’t have to rebel or shake a fist at God to be under it—just stay as you are. Be yourself. Live by your own understanding. Even your best attempts to be good, to be kind, to be religious—if done in the flesh—are still tangled in a law that leads only to death. It’s what Paul called “another law in my members... bringing me into captivity” (Romans 7:23). But there's another law. A higher one. A liberating one. It’s the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus . This law doesn’t rest on your strength, performance, or discipline. It flows from the life of Christ in you. The Holy Spirit empowers it, the Word of God reveals it, and faith activates it. It begins the moment you believe, but it grows stronger as you renew y...

Paul doesn’t merely begin his letter to Titus with a greeting— he flings the door open to eternity. With just a few lines, he lifts our eyes from the dusty paths of Crete to the vast timeline of God’s redemptive plan: from before the world began , to the present moment of gospel proclamation, to the unshakable hope of eternal life yet to come . Titus 1:1-3 isn’t just Paul’s credentials—it’s a testimony to the faithfulness of a God who plans with eternity in mind , acts in time , and secures our future . And remarkably, He entrusts this eternal promise to be made known through ordinary preaching, through our apostle, Paul, by divine command. Paul calls himself a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, and he shows us why he holds this role: according to the faith of God’s elect , and the acknowledging of the truth that leads to godliness . These two statements define his apostleship and act like firm foundations—they connect Paul’s ministry to a shared faith and to a truth that...

In Romans 11:13, when Paul says, "I magnify mine office," he is emphasizing the significance of his God-given role as the apostle of the Gentiles. The word magnify here carries the idea of giving weight, glory, or recognition to something—not for personal glory, but to highlight the importance of his ministry. Paul is addressing the Gentiles and explaining that, although Israel has temporarily fallen into unbelief, God is using his ministry to the Gentiles as part of His greater plan. By magnifying his office, Paul is drawing attention to the fact that his apostleship is divinely ordained, carrying great responsibility in God’s purpose—particularly in provoking Israel to jealousy so they too may turn to Christ (Romans 11:11-14). Paul does not take his calling lightly; he recognizes that being sent to the Gentiles is a crucial part of God's redemptive work. He wants both Gentiles and Jews to understand that his role is not secondary but central to God's unfolding pla...

Gal.4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, Paul’s heart ached for the Galatians. He had laboured to bring them the gospel of grace, yet now he found them drifting—attempting to serve Christ through their own efforts, clinging to the law as a means of righteousness. With deep sorrow, he likened his anguish to the pains of childbirth, longing for Christ to be formed in them—not by works, but by the Spirit. The Galatians had fallen into the trap of self-reliance, believing that obedience to the law could perfect what had begun in the Spirit. But Paul knew the truth: righteousness is not achieved by human willpower or fleshly striving. It is received by faith, through the Spirit, as the Word of God renews the mind and transforms the heart. Today, we face the same temptation—to measure our spiritual growth by effort rather than surrender. Yet Paul’s plea remains: Christ is formed in us not by our own strength, but by the Spirit working throu...

Many believers struggle with consistency in their walk with God. Distractions, struggles, and old habits pull them away. But Scripture gives the key: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). A heart rooted in God’s Word finds strength against temptation and discouragement. His commands are not burdens but divine wisdom that leads to a life glorifying Him. True obedience is not mere duty—it is the fruit of love, the response of a heart transformed by grace. God calls us to be a peculiar people, zealous for good works and purified by His truth. When we delight in His Word, obedience becomes a joy, not a struggle. Walk in love, seek His truth, and let His purpose be fulfilled in you! ______________ Please share these with friends and family. Use this WhatsApp channel to receive these quick Bible lessons on your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGag8iJP212QPSMmx2W

Acts 24:5 (KJV) — "For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:" Paul stood before Roman authorities, falsely accused by the Jews. Three serious charges were brought against him: 1️⃣ "A pestilent fellow" – They painted Paul as a troublemaker, but Scripture reveals him as a tireless worker for the Gospel (Acts 20:24). His "pestilence" was not rebellion, but a relentless passion for truth. 2️⃣ "A mover of sedition" – They claimed he stirred rebellion among Jews. Yet, Paul preached peace, urging believers to submit to authorities (Romans 13:1) and to live godly lives under grace (Titus 2:11-12). 3️⃣ "A ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" – They sought to undermine Paul’s leadership in the Body of Christ, but he was no heretic. He was entrusted with the revelation of the mystery (Ephesians 3:8-9) and stood firm on sound doc...

When Paul stood in the temple, accusations flew—he was charged with speaking against Israel, the law, and the temple, Act.21:27-28. But was this true? Absolutely not! Paul, an apostle of God, was entrusted with  a NEW dispensation , one not rooted in the law, but  in grace . A doctrine revealed  for all mankind , not limited to one nation or one place. The temple made of stone was no longer necessary, for  the true temple is the spiritual body of Christ . Today, God is not operating in Israel's kingdom program meant for another time—He is working in the dispensation of grace, for the Body of Christ, where  salvation is freely given to all who believe , Rom.5:15-16; Rom.6:23. Let’s be sure we understand this doctrine, as it is the doctrine for today.  Are you standing firm in the truth revealed to Paul?  Don’t hold onto an old program with old commandments when God has revealed something greater through Christ! ______________ Please share these with f...

At first glance, Philippians 4:22— "All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household." —may seem like an insignificant passing remark; certainly nothing inspired, 2Tim.3:16. But even in these words, we learn something profound about Paul's character and mission. Even in the heart of the Roman Empire, among servants, soldiers, and officials, the gospel was alive! Paul, imprisoned yet unwavering, preached the grace of God at every opportunity. He saw no barrier too great, no circumstance too limiting. He fulfilled the ministry he received from Christ— to testify to the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24). This seemingly small verse challenges us: Are we using every moment to testify of Christ? Do we see our workplace, our community, even our hardships as opportunities to advance the gospel of the grace of God? Like Paul, let’s boldly live our purpose, glorify Christ, and let His grace reach every corner, even places we least expect. ______________ Please ...

In the grand tapestry of life, it is easy to feel disheartened when we witness the wicked flourishing—accumulating wealth, power, and worldly pleasures. But as believers, we are reminded through Scripture that these fleeting gains mean nothing in the light of God’s eternal justice. The book of Job offers profound insights that reassure the righteous and caution the unrighteous, urging us to trust in God's sovereign timing. The Portion of the Wicked Job 27:13-18 paints a vivid picture of the destiny awaiting the wicked. Their riches, though amassed like dust, will ultimately be divided among the innocent. Their efforts to secure a legacy through their wealth are as fragile as a moth’s house—temporary, futile, and doomed to collapse. Even their descendants suffer the consequences, and the joy they sought through worldly gain turns to sorrow and despair. This truth reminds us that earthly riches obtained through unrighteous means hold no lasting value. As Job declares, “He may prepare...

The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times (Psalm 12:6). The purification process involves placing silver in an earthen vessel and heating it in the fire. Afterward, the vessel is removed, and the dross—the impurities—is scraped away. This is repeated seven times, until the refiner can see their reflection in the silver or gold. This signifies the purity of the metal. Likewise, the Bible serves as a mirror, reflecting a perfect image of ourselves and of God. James writes, "For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass" (James 1:23). The Scriptures show us both our flaws and the perfection of the divine. Just as gold in heaven is described as being so pure that it looks like transparent glass— "And the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass" (Revelation 21:21)—the Word of God is pure, clear, and refined, guiding us to see ...

Philippians 2:12 declares, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” At first glance, this verse might sound like a call to earn salvation, but that’s not what this verse teaches. It’s about living out what Christ has already done for us. Paul begins with “wherefore,” pointing back to Christ’s example in Philippians 2:6-11. Jesus humbled Himself, obeyed unto death on the cross, and was exalted by God. Because of His finished work—not ours—we’re saved by faith in the gospel of His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins (1Co 15:1-4). By faith, we are declared righteous and are at peace with God.  “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2 Salvation isn’t something ...