The Holy Spirit and Miraculous Powers
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND MIRACULOUS POWERS By: Randy Kea What was the purpose of the miraculous signs and wonders present in the first century church? The design and purpose of miracles was confirmation and verification. This purpose is stated in at least two passages in the New Testament. In Mark 16:20 we read, “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming (proved, verified) the word that was being proclaimed.” The parallel passage is Hebrews 2:1-4 where the exact purpose is stated again. We further note in I Thessalonians...Continue reading→
The Conversion of Cornelius
THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS By: Randy Kea The conversion of Cornelius and his house is recorded in Acts 10. Peter relates the account to his Jewish brethren again “by order” (Acts 11:4) in Acts 11:1-18. Later in Jerusalem, Peter alludes to these events again (Acts 15:7-11). The case of Cornelius is special and unique. Nothing like it had ever happened before or since. Please study carefully the following points: Cornelius was a good man, but he was a Gentile and needed to hear the Gospel (Acts 10:1-2, 28; 11:14-18). Until this case, the apostles...Continue reading→
The So-Called Sinner’s Prayer
THE SO-CALLED SINNER’S PRAYER By: Randy Kea Essentially all of the denominational world and their preachers believe in and practice “The Sinner’s Prayer” instead of gospel obedience as plainly taught in the Bible. The following is an example: “Oh God, I know I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sins, and I want to turn from them. I trust Christ alone as my Savior, and I confess Him as my Lord. From this moment on, I want to serve Him and follow Him in the fellowship of His church. In Christ’s name, I...Continue reading→
Mistakes Commonly Made When People Interpret the Bible
MISTAKES COMMONLY MADE WHEN PEOPLE INTERPRET THE BIBLE By: Randy Kea There are three mistakes commonly made when people interpret the Bible. First, there is the failure to distinguish between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Although we should study the Old Testament (Romans 15:4), the details of the Old Law are not binding upon anyone today (Hebrews 9:15-17; 10:9). Secondly, there is a failure to distinguish between information addressed to non-Christians and information addressed to Christians. Acts 2:38 is addressed to a non-Christian; Acts 8:22 is addressed to a Christian. This distinction...Continue reading→
How Do You Worship God?
HOW DO YOU WORSHIP GOD? By: Randy Kea How do you worship God? Will God accept just anything as worship? Can we worship any way we please? First, consider the fact that under the Old Testament God never allowed anyone to worship Him on their own terms. Cain’s worship was rejected; Abel’s was accepted. Why? The New Testament explains that Abel offered his worship “by faith” and “faith comes by hearing” the word of God (Genesis 4:1-7; Hebrews 11:3-4; Romans 10:17). In other words, Cain followed his own way in worship and Abel followed God’s...Continue reading→
Some Things God Never Promised in the Bible
SOME THINGS GOD NEVER PROMISED IN THE BIBLE By: Randy Kea 1. God never promised that Jesus would set foot on this earth again. There are many who claim this. The Bible teaches that we shall meet the Lord in the air (I Thessalonians 4:13- 18) and that this world would be burned up (II Peter 3:9-11). Right before Jesus ascended back to his Father in heaven He said, “I am no more in the world.” (John 17:11). 2. God never promised to save everybody. The Bible teaches that provisions for salvation have been made...Continue reading→
But They Have Not All Obeyed the Gospel
BUT THEY HAVE NOT ALL OBEYED THE GOSPEL By: Randy Kea “But they have not all obeyed the Gospel” (Romans 10:16). Why? The Bible itself gives us insight as we try to deal with this question. Some apparently think they are “good enough” and do not need the saving power of the Gospel (Romans 1:16). However, Paul affirms “All” (accountable) people are lost in sin (Romans 3:9, 19, 23). Secondly, some have believed and are following false doctrine, thinking that they are obeying God (Matthew 7:15, 21-23; Proverbs 16:25). You cannot believe error and obey...Continue reading→
Repentance
REPENTANCE By: Randy Kea What does repentance mean? In the Old Testament there are two words for repentance ~ “to grieve” in Genesis 6:6 and “to change” in Ezekiel 14:6. In the New Testament there are two words as well ~ “regret” in Matthew 27:3-4 and “to change” in Acts 17:30. Repentance does not simply mean regret or sorrow. It does mean, simply, to stop doing what is wrong. It does mean to simply start doing what is right. It is more than just going forward at an invitation song. It is not merely being...Continue reading→
“Once Saved, Always Saved” Is False
“ONCE SAVED ~ ALWAYS SAVED” IS FALSE By: Randy Kea A person cannot live wrong and die right. In a vain attempt to try to substantiate the doctrine of Once Saved ~ Always Saved, several so-called “proof-tests” are sometimes used. Let us examine some of the main ones: John 6:37-39 – “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And...Continue reading→
Why Attend Bible Classes?
WHY ATTEND BIBLE CLASSES? By: Randy Kea To obey the scriptural command to study. II Timothy 2:15; II Peter 1:5-11; II Peter 3:18; I Timothy 4:13; John 5:39; Colossians 3:16; I Peter 2:2; Matthew 4:4. To imitate the first century church. Acts 2:41-42; 17:11 To protect and maintain our good influence. Matthew 5:13-16; II Corinthians 3:1-3; Romans 14:7. To keep our affections in the right order. Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 6:33; I John 2:15-17. To fortify our faith. John 5:39; Romans 10:17 To guard and protect from error. Acts 17:11; I Thessalonians 5:21; I John 4:1;...Continue reading→