Explore the Bible

Theologists and religious leaders have long discussed and debated the phrase, “The Kingdom of God.”

It’s one of the phrases Jesus himself consistently uses in his teaching and one of the most important tenants of Christianity. It’s also one of the more mysterious phrases, drawing opinions from religious experts and others.

Here are 10 things you need to know about understand about the Kingdom of God.
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I guarantee you Jesus will help you and change you. You may not see drastic changes from day to day, but I promise you that 5 years from now you will say to me you can’t believe how much Jesus has changed you.

It is theologically accurate to say and to insist that the Christian must always seek to live by faith. The problem is that this is not what the text says, nor what it means.

While I’m all for being radical for Jesus, we need to think carefully about what being radical really means. Fortunately, it’s spelled out pretty clearly in scripture.

This side of heaven all of us do it and most of the time we do it without knowing that we are. It is such a natural thing for sinners to do. Perhaps every day, someplace, at some moment we want what someone else has.

Recently, while reading through the minor prophet Haggai in the LXX (the Greek Old Testament), I noticed a phrase that looked familiar.

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Saints and scholars of every generation have discussed the nature of God’s image in mankind. It is a difficult question to answer.

Sometimes, it may not seem like “all things work together for the good,” especially in hard times. But you’d be amazed how God is working—even where you wouldn’t expect it.

But how do we know if we are hoping for the right things? How do we know if our big dreams are from God?

I confess that I’m one of the millions of Christians who regularly recites Philippians 4:13. How can you not love this uplifting, soul-stirring, take-on-the-world promise? But there’s actually more encouragement in this verse than you might think at first. Here are 3 surprising ways we can truly do “all things” through Christ.

“God is love.” (1 John 4:16) Through Christ, we have access to His wisdom through the living Word of Scripture, providing us wisdom to practically live out a life of love, over fear. Love is always bigger.

The meaning of life is connecting with the purpose, and for that purpose to guide us into development and service. We have this intrinsic, burning desire to know what we are made to do, but before can get on board with developing into that, we need to understand why we are here.

The first time I read through the book of Leviticus, my constant thought was, “Say, What?”

I understand why some authors and actors mock this Old Testament book. It’s often labeled boring, harsh, and legalistic. It can seem so strange and out of context in today’s sensitive, politically-correct culture.

But that’s exactly the problem. Most people look at this book out of context.

Properly understood, Leviticus is a shadow of things to come in the New Testament. It’s a clear, detailed directive about the nature of God’s “otherness” and His distinction from His sinning creation – man. It’s about holiness and sanctification, proper worship, and social behavior. While it feels burdensome at times, it prefigures the need for a Savior. The sacrificial system God set up allowed for repentance and fellowship with Him before the promised Messiah’s arrival.

It’s been said , “The book of Leviticus was the first book studied by a Jewish child; yet is often among the last books of the Bible to be studied by a Christian.” But it’s time Christ-followers tackled this book—controversial topics and all—because there are important lessons to learn.

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Humanly speaking, this is crazy talk. Count it all joy whenever I meet a trial? James sounds like some sort of sadistic masochist who loves pain. But James sees things from God’s perspective.

What Were Jesus' Last Words?

The Bible says in John 19:30, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” 

In Mark 15:37 we read, “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.” According to Bible scholars, this “loud cry” may have been those very last words that John records, “It is finished.”

He spoke it out loud. He declared it for all to hear. He uttered a loud cry to His Father in heaven for the whole world to know, and for every evil force to have to flee, for Christ’s work on the cross was complete.

Done.

Accomplished.

Paid in full.

Last words have power. And often, deep meaning and significance.

And if, like me, any of you have ever been at the side of a precious friend or family member who was whispering final words in their last moments here on earth, you know the incredible heart connection they hold for you, personally. We often find ourselves clinging to those words as we think about a loved one who has passed away. We treasure what they said and we remember…

There’s no doubt that Jesus knew what His last words needed to be here in this life. He knew the power those final words would have for generations still to come. And He had great purpose in them, which still breathe such life and meaning for our lives today.

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We’ve all heard it, and most of us have either thought it or even prayed it. “God, if You [do this thing I currently want], then I’ll [do something I probably should do but haven’t].” But there’s a problem when we try to barter with God.

Sometimes prayer can feel like a waste of time. Surely I’m not the only one who feels like this. But then I read quotes like the this one by Martin Luther.