How does Paul’s teaching on mutual submission in Ephesians 5:21 relate to his instructions on submission within specific authority structures just afterward (v. 22 — 6:9)? In Ephesians 5:21, Paul moves from general instructions for all believers to how these apply in specific relationships. To understand his words, we must read them in context. […]
How do we know what is abolished from the old covenant? Is Leviticus 19:19 still binding? We should recognize a basic tension in the New Testament. On one side, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable . . . for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). And Jesus says, “It […]
In a recent BA and quarterly, I’ve seen Sabbath described as a gift. Does this mean that Sabbathkeeping is optional? Let’s begin with the first part of the question. Are we justified in calling the Sabbath a gift? New covenant Christians consider not only God’s commandment but also His intent for the Sabbath. Similarly, […]
I’m feeling convicted that I should be reconciled with a brother in church, but I’m not sure how to do it. Will you advise me? Your situation sounds like it’s about two Christ-followers who have become distant due to personal offense, conflicts, or misunderstandings as spoken of in Matthew 5:22-26; Ephesians 4:31, 32; and […]
Does the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Christ in glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, long after their natural deaths, prove the immortality of the soul? The immortal soul doctrine many Christians believe is that all people are born with an internal, spiritual component (or soul) that cannot die, but departs the body at […]
Is a religious service or legal certificate necessary for a couple to be truly married in God’s sight? What about common-law marriage? Marriage is not the invention of men, nor is it under the authority of human governments. The Bible lays down the essential elements of marriage, declaring it an institution of God from the […]
Why does our Statement of Faith (#10) on Christian Living in This We Believe keep repeating “As a result — not a cause — of redemption, believers should. . . .“ Doesn’t this water down the importance of obedience? With you (the questioner), the Church of God affirms the high value Scripture places on […]
Paul told the Corinthians to follow (“imitate,” NKJV) him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1). Why not just follow Jesus directly, instead? Why follow Paul? You may be assured that Christians do not follow Paul in the same sense that we follow Christ. In the ultimate sense, we have only one Teacher-Rabbi-Leader […]
I think my family is addicted to their smartphones. How should I address this problem? Electronic devices are addictive and damaging to people when their use becomes a way of avoiding people; you hold them in one hand and drive with the other; their use means that you are often inattentive to others; you […]
I can’t believe God really cares about what we put in our mouths. Aren’t the unclean meat laws so old covenant? The Bible is a big book with many pieces of truth. As we study to fit its various pieces dealing with food into a harmonious whole, we avoid over emphasizing one truth-piece while […]
