But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will anger you by a foolish nation." Truth to Learn God’s gentle prodding is to provoke us to action. If we continually resist Him, it may...
Romans 4:23 – Old Truths for Us
Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was accounted to him, Truth to Learn The Old Testament declares important truths for Christians. Behind the Words In Greek there are two different words translated “not.” One is ou and the other is mē. The second of...
Romans 3:29 – Non-Exclusive God
Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, Truth to Learn No group of people has exclusive rights to God and His truth. Behind the Words “Only” is translated from the Greek word monon....
Romans 3:17 – The Peace Path
And a way of peace they have not known." Truth to Learn Real peace is only experienced on God’s path. Behind the Words The word translated “peace” is eirēnē, which refers to “the absence of warfare and dissention.” It is also used metaphorically, as in this verse, to mean...
1 Peter 4:16 – Suffering Praise
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, he must not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name. Truth to Learn If you should suffer as a Christian, give God the glory! Behind the Words The word “Christian” is translated from the Greek word christianos. It is...
1 Peter 4:12 – Christian Suffering, Not Unusual
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing were happening to you; Truth to Learn Christians have suffered for their faith throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you. Behind the Words The...
1 Thessalonians 5:3 – Peace and Destruction
For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, like labor pains of childbirth. And they shall not escape. Truth to Learn The Day of the Lord will begin with a period of peace. Behind the Words Hotan is the Greek word translated “when.” It...
Ephesians 2:9 – Unearned and Secure
not of works, that no one may boast. Truth to Learn We didn’t do anything to earn our salvation. Behind the Words “Not” is translated from the Greek particle ou, meaning “no or not.” It expresses direct and full negation, independently and absolutely. The word translated “works” is ergon,...
1 Corinthians 1:17 – Preach The Good News
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. Truth to Learn All Christians need to share the gospel message to others. Behind the Words “Send” is translated from the...
2 Thessalonians 3:7 – Walk, or Just Talk?
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; Truth to Learn The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about. Behind the Words The word translated “know” is eidō, which means...
1 Thessalonians 5:3 – Peace and Destruction
For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. Truth to Learn The Day of the Lord will begin with a period of peace. Behind the Words Hotan is the Greek word translated “when.”...
Luke 2:8-10; Matthew 28:5-7 – He Is Risen!
8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10Then the angel said to them,...
Ephesians 2:9 – Unearned and Secure
Ephesians 2:9 - Unearned and Secure not of works, lest anyone should boast. Truth to Learn We didn’t do anything to earn our salvation. Behind the Words “Not” is translated from the Greek particle ou, meaning “no or not.” It expresses direct and full negation, independently and absolutely. The word...
Romans 11:2 – Securely Chosen
Romans 11:2 - Securely Chosen God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, Truth to Learn God does not reject or desert any of His children whom He has...
Romans 10:18 – Worldwide Music
Romans 10:18 - Worldwide Music But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." Truth to Learn The Gospel message continues to be proclaimed worldwide. Behind the Words “Have they not heard”...