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Can a Christian have a demon?

Partly covered in the sermons

Answer woven from Scripture (BSB) and the sermons

Thoughtful Christians have understood this question in more than one way, and no single verse answers it in so many words. What Scripture makes clear is that the struggle is real and that Christ is greater. It speaks of “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (BSB, Ephesians 6:11-12), and it also says “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (BSB, James 4:7) and “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (BSB, 1 John 4:4).

One view: a believer belongs to Christ

Some Christians point to passages about who a believer belongs to. God “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness” (BSB, Colossians 1:13), a believer's body is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and “the evil one cannot touch him” (BSB, 1 John 5:18). The preacher takes this view in one short remark, right after speaking of the power of the cross, in “Division Concluded Part 2”: “Nobody has more power than Jesus Christ.” He goes on, “That’s why a Christian can’t have a demon and a Christian, you know, is not under the influence of Satan because Jesus is in us.” ▶ Division Concluded Part 2 9:04

Another view: a believer can still be attacked or misled

Others point to warnings that believers can still be attacked or led astray: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (BSB, 1 Peter 5:8); “do not give the devil a foothold” (BSB, Ephesians 4:26-27); “your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ” (BSB, 2 Corinthians 11:3). Peter's question to Ananias is also cited: “how is it that Satan has filled your heart” (BSB, Acts 5:3). Christians read that verse in different ways. We did not find the preacher teaching this second view in the six messages on our site, so we are not putting it in his mouth.

Green = Scripture (BSB) · Gold = words from the sermons

Not covered in the sermons yet. How the preacher explains the difference, if any, between a believer being attacked or oppressed and being possessed. If he teaches that in another message, it is not on this site yet.

Scripture BSB

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:11-12 (BSB)

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 (BSB)

You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

1 John 4:4 (BSB)

He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Colossians 1:13 (BSB)

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (BSB)

We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him.

1 John 5:18 (BSB)

Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8 (BSB)

“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (BSB)

I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (BSB)

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?

Acts 5:3 (BSB)

Sermons that talk about this

Full messages: Division Concluded Part 2

How this sample answer was put together

The whole Berean Standard Bible was searched (keyword ranking over every verse pair, with OpenBible.info topic lists as an aid: demonic possession, demon possession, demonic oppression, demons, spiritual warfare, spiritual attack, demon possessed). Top Bible hits included James 4:7-8, Luke 4:32-33, Ephesians 6:12-13, Ephesians 6:11-12, 1 Peter 5:8-9, Mark 3:22-23, Luke 4:35-36, Mark 5:12-13. Sermon passages came from a keyword search over the six message transcripts. A person then chose what to show and wrote the summary, using only those verses and passages. Every Bible quote was checked against two copies of the BSB text, and every quote from the preacher against the transcript.

Answers are written by AI from the Bible (BSB) and the preacher’s messages on this site. Please read the verses and listen to the messages yourself.

Is church boring?

Covered in the sermons

Answer woven from Scripture (BSB) and the sermons

Lots of people feel this way, and it is fair to ask. The preacher says he felt the same as a teenager. In “Division Part 1” he says “church is boring — because I didn’t get involved”, and describes himself as “the clock watcher” ▶ Division Part 1 3:42.

He goes on: “Anybody that doesn’t want to get involved in the church, involved in God, are going to be bored.” ▶ Division Part 1 4:40 In “A More Excellent Way” he says “when people start taking responsibility to be involved in a church service, you will be shocked at what God can do” ▶ A More Excellent Way 22:20, and in “Division Concluded Part 2” that “the power of one member just being present, God uses to touch people’s lives” ▶ Division Concluded Part 2 17:41.

The Bible pictures gathering with God's people as something everyone takes part in. David wrote, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’” (BSB, Psalm 122:1) The first believers met “with gladness and sincerity of heart” (BSB, Acts 2:46-47). We are told, “let us encourage one another” (BSB, Hebrews 10:24-25), and Paul describes a gathering where “everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 14:26).

Green = Scripture (BSB) · Gold = words from the sermons

Scripture BSB

A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

Psalm 122:1 (BSB)

With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47 (BSB)

And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (BSB)

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:26 (BSB)

Sermons that talk about this

Related Shorts: Is church really boring? (short video)

Full messages: Division Part 1 · A More Excellent Way · Division Concluded Part 2

How this sample answer was put together

The whole Berean Standard Bible was searched (keyword ranking over every verse pair, with OpenBible.info topic lists as an aid: boredom, assembling yourselves together, going to church, gathering at church, worship in church, fellowship). Top Bible hits included Hebrews 10:25-26, Hebrews 10:24-25, Matthew 18:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11, Psalm 55:13-14, 1 Peter 5:13-14, 1 Corinthians 16:19-20. Sermon passages came from a keyword search over the six message transcripts. A person then chose what to show and wrote the summary, using only those verses and passages. Every Bible quote was checked against two copies of the BSB text, and every quote from the preacher against the transcript.

Answers are written by AI from the Bible (BSB) and the preacher’s messages on this site. Please read the verses and listen to the messages yourself.

What does the Bible say about love?

Covered in the sermons

Answer woven from Scripture (BSB) and the sermons

Love sits at the center of the Bible, and it starts with God. “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son” (BSB, John 3:16). “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (BSB, Romans 5:8), and “We love because He first loved us” (BSB, 1 John 4:19).

Jesus called loving God “the first and greatest commandment” (BSB, Matthew 22:37-39), with loving your neighbor as the second like it. He said, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (BSB, John 13:34-35). John writes, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (BSB, 1 John 4:7-8).

Paul says that without love even great gifts are “a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). He describes love this way: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). And “the greatest of these is love” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 13:13).

The preacher has a whole message on this, “A More Excellent Way”. Walking through 1 Corinthians 13, he says “love doesn’t demand its own way, in the family, in the church, or in the community. It demands the right way, the truth.” ▶ A More Excellent Way 6:24 Reading Paul's words to Timothy, he says “the goal of the word of God is love out of a pure heart”, which matches “The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith” (BSB, 1 Timothy 1:5) ▶ A More Excellent Way 23:07. He adds, “love is at the peak of divine character, and it’s at the beginning of the fruits of the Spirit” ▶ A More Excellent Way 8:22. In “Division Part 2” he says “love is not only spelled L-O-V-E, it’s spelled T-I-M-E” ▶ Division Part 2 21:18.

Green = Scripture (BSB) · Gold = words from the sermons

Scripture BSB

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (BSB)

But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (BSB)

We love because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19 (BSB)

Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:37-39 (BSB)

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35 (BSB)

Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:7-8 (BSB)

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (BSB)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (BSB)

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (BSB)

The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.

1 Timothy 1:5 (BSB)

Sermons that talk about this

Related Shorts: What is the real goal of God’s Word? (short video) · Does real love insist on its own way? (short video) · What if my gifts are just noise? (short video)

Full messages: A More Excellent Way · Division Part 2

How this sample answer was put together

The whole Berean Standard Bible was searched (keyword ranking over every verse pair, with OpenBible.info topic lists as an aid: love, love one another, love of god, love in corinthians, love is). Top Bible hits included 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 13:8-9, 1 Corinthians 13:3-4, 1 Corinthians 13:7-8, 1 John 4:7-8, 1 Corinthians 13:13, John 15:12-13. Sermon passages came from a keyword search over the six message transcripts. A person then chose what to show and wrote the summary, using only those verses and passages. Every Bible quote was checked against two copies of the BSB text, and every quote from the preacher against the transcript.

Answers are written by AI from the Bible (BSB) and the preacher’s messages on this site. Please read the verses and listen to the messages yourself.

Do I have to speak in tongues?

Covered in the sermons

Answer woven from Scripture (BSB) and the sermons

This is a gentle question with a long history. We did not find a place in the six messages where the preacher says you must speak in tongues to be saved. Scripture ties salvation to something else: “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (BSB, Romans 10:9-10), and “it is by grace you have been saved through faith” (BSB, Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Bible does describe tongues as a gift of the Spirit. One gift is “speaking in various tongues” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11), and the Spirit “apportions them to each one as He determines” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Paul asks, “Do all speak in tongues?” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 12:29-30) and writes, “I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5). In Acts, believers were “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues” (BSB, Acts 2:4), and “they spoke in tongues and prophesied” (BSB, Acts 19:6). Jesus said the Father will “give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (BSB, Luke 11:13).

Two things the preacher holds together

He recommends being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks in tongues himself. In “Division Part 2” he says “I highly recommend the baptism of the Holy Ghost” ▶ Division Part 2 6:36, and of his own experience, “I was filled with the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues” ▶ Division Part 2 5:50. But he also says it is not the goal. In “A More Excellent Way”: “That’s not the goal of the commandment. That’s one of the attributes that gives you power to live for God.” He says “God is the one that distributes these things as he wills” ▶ A More Excellent Way 24:24, and that “love is more important than both of those” ▶ A More Excellent Way 0:00. Of a Baptist pastor who does not share his view on tongues, he says “I would unite with this guy any day on Bible morals” ▶ Saving a Nation 26:56.

A view he disagrees with

Some Christians teach that tongues have ceased, pointing to Paul's words that “where there are tongues, they will be restrained” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 13:8-10) (other translations say they will cease). The preacher tells of Baptist leaders who said this and says he answered, “Knowledge is there. And it says knowledge ceased.” ▶ A More Excellent Way 11:10

Green = Scripture (BSB) · Gold = words from the sermons

Scripture BSB

that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10 (BSB)

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (BSB)

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (BSB)

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

1 Corinthians 12:29-30 (BSB)

Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (BSB)

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:4 (BSB)

And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Acts 19:6 (BSB)

So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Luke 11:13 (BSB)

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 (BSB)

Sermons that talk about this

Full messages: Division Part 2 · A More Excellent Way · Saving a Nation

How this sample answer was put together

The whole Berean Standard Bible was searched (keyword ranking over every verse pair, with OpenBible.info topic lists as an aid: speaking in tongues, baptism of the holy spirit, gifts of the spirit, gifts of the holy spirit, tongues). Top Bible hits included 1 Corinthians 14:4-5, 1 Corinthians 14:12-13, Acts 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 14:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12:29-30, 1 Corinthians 12:3-4, Hebrews 2:4-5. Sermon passages came from a keyword search over the six message transcripts. A person then chose what to show and wrote the summary, using only those verses and passages. Every Bible quote was checked against two copies of the BSB text, and every quote from the preacher against the transcript.

Answers are written by AI from the Bible (BSB) and the preacher’s messages on this site. Please read the verses and listen to the messages yourself.

Why does the church have divisions?

Covered in the sermons

Answer woven from Scripture (BSB) and the sermons

Divisions are not new. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “there are quarrels among you” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13): people were saying, “‘I follow Paul,’ ‘I follow Apollos,’ ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13) He asked, “Is Christ divided?” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13) and pleaded “that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 1:10). He named the cause: “there is jealousy and dissension among you” (BSB, 1 Corinthians 3:3-4). James says the same: “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice” (BSB, James 3:16).

The preacher, in his Corinthians series, points to pride and to following people instead of Jesus. In “Division Concluded Part 1” he recalls the Corinthians saying “I’m of Paul, I’m of Apollos, I’m of Peter” ▶ Division Concluded Part 1 0:46, and says “It’s not the church group. It’s not the minister. It’s Jesus, his gospel and the cross.” ▶ Division Concluded Part 1 1:38 In “Division Concluded Part 2”: “It’s your own prideful thinking that makes you want to pick and choose.” ▶ Division Concluded Part 2 4:53 He sums it up, “He has showed us what causes it. He has showed us what cures it. And it starts with us.” ▶ Division Concluded Part 2 21:33

Both sides, one: stay together around Jesus

On how to respond, he teaches two things in different messages. First, stay united around Jesus and do not split over details: “Let’s keep the focus on Jesus, the gospel and the cross so people can grow.” ▶ Division Concluded Part 2 11:17 Of a pastor he disagrees with on several things, he says “But I would unite with this guy any day on Bible morals” ▶ Saving a Nation 26:56. Scripture speaks of “diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (BSB, Ephesians 4:1-6), says “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions” (BSB, Romans 14:1), and records Jesus praying “that all of them may be one” (BSB, John 17:20-21).

Both sides, two: some things are worth a line

Second, there are limits. In “Saving a Nation” he lists serious sins, following the list in 1 Corinthians 5:11, and says “A believer who wants to say it’s okay — we are not to fellowship with them.” while adding “Nothing to do with the second coming, nothing to do with a lot of these things that we divide over, how you’re baptized and all that stuff.” ▶ Saving a Nation 27:34 Scripture people point to here includes “watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them” (BSB, Romans 16:17-18) and “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition” (BSB, Titus 3:10-11).

Green = Scripture (BSB) · Gold = words from the sermons

Scripture BSB

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (BSB)

My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 1:11-13 (BSB)

for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?

1 Corinthians 3:3-4 (BSB)

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

James 3:16 (BSB)

As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1-6 (BSB)

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.

Romans 14:1 (BSB)

I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

John 17:20-21 (BSB)

Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Romans 16:17-18 (BSB)

But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

1 Corinthians 5:11 (BSB)

Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Titus 3:10-11 (BSB)

Sermons that talk about this

Related Shorts: Who was really crucified for you? (short video) · Can a divided home still stand? (short video)

Full messages: Division Concluded Part 1 · Division Concluded Part 2 · Saving a Nation

How this sample answer was put together

The whole Berean Standard Bible was searched (keyword ranking over every verse pair, with OpenBible.info topic lists as an aid: division, divisions, unity, unity in the church, unity among beleivers, church conflict, church conflicts). Top Bible hits included 1 Corinthians 1:10-11, Ephesians 4:3-4, 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, 1 Corinthians 3:4-5, Galatians 5:20-21, Jude 1:18-19, 1 Corinthians 3:3-4, Titus 3:9-10. Sermon passages came from a keyword search over the six message transcripts. A person then chose what to show and wrote the summary, using only those verses and passages. Every Bible quote was checked against two copies of the BSB text, and every quote from the preacher against the transcript.

Answers are written by AI from the Bible (BSB) and the preacher’s messages on this site. Please read the verses and listen to the messages yourself.

Is Jesus the only way to God?

Covered in the sermons

Answer woven from Scripture (BSB) and the sermons

Jesus said this Himself, and the apostles repeated it. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (BSB, John 14:6) He also said, “I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.” (BSB, John 10:9) Peter said, “there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (BSB, Acts 4:12). Paul wrote, “there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (BSB, 1 Timothy 2:5), and John, “Whoever has the Son has life” (BSB, 1 John 5:11-12). The same Scripture tells us why He came: “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son” (BSB, John 3:16).

The preacher teaches this plainly. In “Division Concluded Part 2” he says “Jesus is the only way.” and asks, “Doesn’t the Bible say he is the only way, the only truth and the only life?” He says “The unity is around Jesus, his gospel, his word and the cross” ▶ Division Concluded Part 2 8:11. In “Division Part 1,” where he also speaks about other religions, he says “Jesus is God. If you know Jesus, you know God.” ▶ Division Part 1 19:17, and in “Division Concluded Part 2,” “He’s supernatural. He is God.” ▶ Division Concluded Part 2 12:49

Green = Scripture (BSB) · Gold = words from the sermons

Scripture BSB

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:6 (BSB)

I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.

John 10:9 (BSB)

Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12 (BSB)

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

1 Timothy 2:5 (BSB)

And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:11-12 (BSB)

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (BSB)

Sermons that talk about this

Full messages: Division Concluded Part 2 · Division Part 1

How this sample answer was put together

The whole Berean Standard Bible was searched (keyword ranking over every verse pair, with OpenBible.info topic lists as an aid: salvation, born again, jesus). Top Bible hits included John 14:6-7, John 14:5-6, 1 Timothy 2:4-5, Galatians 3:20-21, Ephesians 2:9-10, John 5:43-44, Psalm 25:4-5, John 4:22-23. Sermon passages came from a keyword search over the six message transcripts. A person then chose what to show and wrote the summary, using only those verses and passages. Every Bible quote was checked against two copies of the BSB text, and every quote from the preacher against the transcript.

Answers are written by AI from the Bible (BSB) and the preacher’s messages on this site. Please read the verses and listen to the messages yourself.

Can God really change a person’s life?

Covered in the sermons

Answer woven from Scripture (BSB) and the sermons

Yes. Scripture says so again and again. “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” (BSB, 2 Corinthians 5:17) God promised, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (BSB, Ezekiel 36:26). Jesus said “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (BSB, John 3:3). Paul says to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (BSB, Romans 12:2), that we “are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory” (BSB, 2 Corinthians 3:18), and that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (BSB, Philippians 1:6).

The preacher tells his own story of this. In “Division Part 2” he says “I went to that altar and I really experienced salvation. It was real.” ▶ Division Part 2 5:25 and later, “I remember leaving the church that night in love with everybody.” He adds, “A changed person. And we keep changing.” ▶ Division Part 2 5:50 Of the Corinthians, he says “The power he’s talking about is the changed life.” ▶ Division Part 2 3:53 In “Division Concluded Part 1” he says “the gospel births you. If you will receive it and embrace it, it will give you life that keeps growing.” ▶ Division Concluded Part 1 17:40 And on 2 Corinthians 3:18 in “A More Excellent Way,” he says “we don’t have to wait for his return.” ▶ A More Excellent Way 14:42

Green = Scripture (BSB) · Gold = words from the sermons

Scripture BSB

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (BSB)

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26 (BSB)

Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

John 3:3 (BSB)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 (BSB)

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (BSB)

being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6 (BSB)

Sermons that talk about this

Full messages: Division Part 2 · Division Concluded Part 1 · A More Excellent Way

How this sample answer was put together

The whole Berean Standard Bible was searched (keyword ranking over every verse pair, with OpenBible.info topic lists as an aid: new birth, new creation, new creation in christ, changed heart, transformation, born again, change). Top Bible hits included 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Romans 12:2-3, Ephesians 4:23-24, Ephesians 4:22-23, John 3:3-4, Colossians 3:9-10, Psalm 51:10-11, Romans 12:1-2. Sermon passages came from a keyword search over the six message transcripts. A person then chose what to show and wrote the summary, using only those verses and passages. Every Bible quote was checked against two copies of the BSB text, and every quote from the preacher against the transcript.

Answers are written by AI from the Bible (BSB) and the preacher’s messages on this site. Please read the verses and listen to the messages yourself.

Why does God allow suffering?

Not covered in the sermons yet

Answer woven from Scripture (BSB) and the sermons

This is one of the hardest questions there is, and we want to be honest: the sermons on our site have not covered it yet, so this answer comes from Scripture only. These passages do not explain every hardship, but they show how God meets people in it.

The Bible says God is close to people who hurt. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (BSB, Psalm 34:18-19). David wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (BSB, Psalm 23:4). God is called “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (BSB, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5), and Jesus “was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin” (BSB, Hebrews 4:15), so He understands our weakness.

It also says suffering is not the end of the story. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (BSB, John 16:33) Paul wrote, “our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us” (BSB, Romans 8:18), and Peter, “after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace” (BSB, 1 Peter 5:10) will restore you. In the end, “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (BSB, Revelation 21:4).

And Scripture says God can work in us through hard times: “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (BSB, Romans 5:3-5), and “the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (BSB, James 1:2-4).

Green = Scripture (BSB) · Gold = words from the sermons

Not covered in the sermons yet. Why God allows suffering. The preacher may teach on this elsewhere, but it is not in these six messages, so we have nothing of his to show you. We would rather say so than guess.

Scripture BSB

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

Psalm 34:18-19 (BSB)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 (BSB)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (BSB)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 (BSB)

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

John 16:33 (BSB)

I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 (BSB)

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10 (BSB)

‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:4 (BSB)

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

Romans 5:3-5 (BSB)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 (BSB)

Sermons that talk about this

How this sample answer was put together

The whole Berean Standard Bible was searched (keyword ranking over every verse pair, with OpenBible.info topic lists as an aid: suffering, sufferings). Top Bible hits included 2 Corinthians 1:5-6, Psalm 34:18-19, Psalm 107:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:3-4, 2 Corinthians 1:4-5, Revelation 2:9-10, 2 Corinthians 1:7-8, Psalm 34:17-18. Sermon passages came from a keyword search over the six message transcripts. A person then chose what to show and wrote the summary, using only those verses and passages. Every Bible quote was checked against two copies of the BSB text, and every quote from the preacher against the transcript.

Answers are written by AI from the Bible (BSB) and the preacher’s messages on this site. Please read the verses and listen to the messages yourself.

Questions may be reviewed to improve answers. Bible topic lists courtesy of OpenBible.info (CC BY). Sermon text is from the full messages on this site.

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