The BIG Picture (Shorts)

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 ...

Deception thrives because it mimics truth with enticing words and partial truths, making it difficult to discern without a solid foundation. The ideas of the world, rooted in self-righteousness and human desires, may promise joy and purpose but are ultimately empty and destructive. These lies not only come from the ungodly but also from false teachers who mishandle the Word of God to promote works-based righteousness or other distortions of the gospel. In stark contrast, the Word of God is the only unchanging source of truth. It declares the sufficiency of Christ in all things—His grace provides complete salvation, spiritual growth, and all we need for life and godliness (Col 2:10, 2Pe 1:3). The treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ alone (Col 2:3), and no worldly philosophy, self-help method, or human teaching can compare to or add to what He has already accomplished. To guard against deception, we must actively study and meditate on Scripture. The truth of God's ...

Paul's message in Romans 14:5 and 14:22 focuses on the importance of individual conscience and convictions in matters of personal practice, without causing harm to another believer's faith and while upholding the doctrine of righteousness. In Romans 14:5, Paul acknowledges that believers may have different opinions on non-essential matters, such as the observance of special days. He encourages each person to be fully persuaded in their own mind, meaning they should thoughtfully and confidently hold their faith based on their personal convictions. Paul emphasizes that these differences in practice should not lead to judgment or division within the community, as long as they do not contradict the fundamental teachings of the faith. In Romans 14:22, Paul advises believers to keep their personal convictions between themselves and God, not judging a brother who might be weaker in faith or condemning another who might be stronger in faith. If an individual has faith before God that a...

FACT NO. 7 —The Grace COMMISSION that the Body of Christ is to work under is found in 2Cor.5:14-21 and Eph.3:9 and concerns reconciling the world to God through the cross of Christ and making known the fellowship of the mystery. The Kingdom commission of Matt.28:19-20 and Mk.16:15-18, concerning teaching all nations the kingdom gospel, baptizing them with signs and healings following does not belong to God’s present grace purpose. More FACTS concerning differences between these 2-programs can be found here... See this article for even more rightly dividing differences By Robert C. Brock (with minor modifications) Source:  https://bereanbiblesociety.org/seven-basic-bible-facts-every-christian-should-know-and-believe/print/ ______________ 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

FACT NO. 6 —That SIGNS belong to the Nation of Israel and its religion: “For the JEWS REQUIRE A SIGN, and the Gentiles seek after wisdom” (1Cor.1:22). Speaking in tongues is a SIGN: “Wherefore TONGUES are for a SIGN, not to them that believe but to them that believe not…” (1Cor.14:22). In Jesus’ day, those who sought after signs were called an evil and adulterous generation (Matt.12:39). The eight miracles of the Gospel of John are properly called SIGNS, which included the rising of Lazarus from the dead; and in the commission of Mark.16:15-18, water baptism is associated with SIGNS. This is proved in the book of Acts because everywhere water baptism is mentioned a SIGN is mentioned in the immediate context. This present age is a signless age. We have been blessed with all SPIRITUAL blessings in the heavenlies in Christ (Eph.1:3). This is where the emphasis lies for the Christian. More FACTS to follow... See this article for even more rightly dividing differences By Robert C. B...