1 Corinthians 12:4-11 states: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills."
Read MoreJude writes an inspired epistle in which his original purpose was to write about the common salvation that he and the Christian audience shared together. Yet he had a more pressing concern to write about contending for the faith (Jude 1:3). But how exactly do Christians contend for the faith?
Read MoreMany denominations teach that faith alone is sufficient for salvation. They often cite Romans 10:9-10 to support their false doctrine. However, Romans 10:9-10 involves two acts of obedience, which simply means that faith plus confession leads unto salvation. Not only is such a position negated by Romans 10:9-10, but it also opens the door for other acts of obedience that lead unto salvation.
Read MoreSome believe the thief died under the new covenant and not the old covenant because the thief died after Jesus died (John 19:30-33; Hebrews 9:15-17). While it is true that the thief died after Jesus died, the terms of the new covenant were not issued until Jesus taught the commission to the apostles after His resurrection (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:44-49; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:1-8). Part of obeying the gospel under the new covenant is not only water baptism for the remission of sins but also believing/confessing that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised Jesus from the dead (not that God “would” raise Jesus from the dead, but that He already raised Him from the dead, Romans 10:9-10). The thief died while the old covenant was still in effect.
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