How should we interpret the warning passages in Hebrews? The warning passages in Hebrews contain some of the most ominous threats in all of Scripture and have undoubtedly troubled the consciences of the sincerest believers. They raise questions about the possibility of losing one’s salvation and stress the necessity of…

There’s a clear difference between believers and unbelievers, a difference that is as stark as that between black and white, light and darkness. The source of this difference is God himself, since he is light and there is no darkness in him at all. John tells us that this difference…

How would you describe Paul’s approach to evangelism? Intense words like zealous or courageous or fearless may immediately come to mind. Those are definitely good descriptions of his approach to evangelism, but have you considered how Paul describes his approach? He says that what marks his approach to winning others…

The apostle James often exhorts his readers with stark contrasts. For example, he contrasts the man of faith with the double-minded and unstable one who doubts (1:6–8). Or he contrasts our sinful desires that lead to death with God’s good gifts that lead to a new birth (1:14–18). Another contrast…

Through the prophet Isaiah, God promised that one day his people would be fruitful beyond all measure. Their shame, disgrace, and vulnerability would be taken away and their joy restored. Let’s see how God uses the picture of the barren, widowed, and divorced woman to show his people that their…

Most scholars recognize that Matthew’s gospel places a strong emphasis on showing that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Scriptures. R. T. France, in his commentary on Matthew in the New International Commentary series, actual says that fulfillment is “the central theme of Matthew’s gospel.” Let’s look at how Matthew draws…