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What does it mean that Christ is in us? Answer Many passages of Scripture communicate that Jesus Christ lives within those who trust Him for salvation (2 Corinthians 13:5). While this is an astonishing truth, it isn’t easy to grasp. Not only is Jesus Christ alive today, but through God’s Holy...

How do I know if I am a Christian? Answer Jesus taught that the condition of a person’s heart will manifest itself in his or her behavior: “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or...

What does it mean to be called by God? Answer The Bible often mentions people being called by God for a specific ministry or service. Paul was called by God: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:1). The...

What is confession of sin? Answer Confession of sin is the admission of what we did and the agreement with God that our actions or words were wrong. In a court of law, a person who confesses to a crime is agreeing that he or she did in fact violate a societal standard. When we confess our...

How can I know the heart of God? Answer The heart refers to the central part of a person. The heart is the nature of a person, and to know the heart of someone is to know that person’s innermost character, feelings, or inclinations (see Proverbs 4:23 and 16:1). The heart of God is the essence...

Does God want us to be happy? Answer Happiness is an emotion arising from an inner conviction that all is right with our world. It is a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment. Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness, as our ultimate goal, can be elusive. People may make decisions based on...

What is our spiritual food? Answer Food is vital for sustaining life. Without proper nourishment, the human body becomes weak and cannot function properly. People must take care of their bodies through eating right and consuming key nutrients, so they not only live but thrive in healthiness...

What is the conflict of flesh vs. spirit? Answer The New Testament speaks often about the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. Sometimes the issue is complicated because it is not clear whether the human spirit is in view or God’s Holy Spirit. Sometimes the contrast is between the body...

What does it mean to be a child of God? Answer The New Testament uses the phrase child of God or children of God several times. First John 3:10 explains what it means to be a child of God: “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does...

What is an “on-fire” Christian? Answer To be “on fire” is to be eager, zealous, or “burning” with enthusiasm. Sometimes we speak of “lighting a fire under” someone, by which we mean “motivating” that person or “urging” him or her to action. Related expressions used in the church include...

What is fellowship with God? Answer The Greek word translated “fellowship” in the New Testament is koinonia, meaning “partnership, sharing in common, or communion,” and the essence of partnership is agreement or unity of purpose. Fellowship with God is, at its most basic, agreement with Him in...

What is the meaning of coram Deo? Answer Coram Deo is a Latin phrase found in the Vulgate; it means “before the face of God” or “in the presence of God.” In the Latin Vulgate, the phrase coram Deo appears in Psalm 55:13 (Psalm 56:13 in modern translations). Translated into English, the verse...

How should Christians respond to someone who leaves the faith? Answer Our understanding of anyone’s situation is limited, of course, but when a “Christian” leaves the faith or renounces belief in God, we do have some general guidelines for how to respond. In many cases of high-profile...

What does it mean to have union with Christ? Answer While union with Christ is not a specific phrase found in Scripture, the doctrine presents itself in many other grammatical ways. For example, in Christ is found over ninety times in the New Testament. First Corinthians 15:22 is one example...

To what extent should we strive to be like Jesus? Answer Several years ago, there was a popular trend among Christians that encouraged them to ask, “What Would Jesus Do?” Merchandise featuring the WWJD logo was ubiquitous. What many people did not know is that the question came from the 1896...

What does it mean to speak life? Answer Many Christians have never considered the incredible impact their words can have on other people. God created us to be expressive beings, and the Bible tells us that our words hold the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Encouragement often comes...

What does it mean to be blessed? Answer Quite possibly, the most frequently used word in the Christian’s vocabulary is blessed. “Have a blessed day,” “blessed to be a blessing,” and “God bless you” are just a few of the ways we put it to use. It’s even common among unbelievers to describe...

How can I gain an eternal perspective on life? Answer Living with eternity in mind is the wisest way to live. An eternal perspective keeps us from chasing empty dreams and material gratification. It keeps us from wasting our years pursuing temporal things that we can’t take with us when we...

How should I decide how much to tithe? Answer The apostle Paul frequently taught the early church about giving. Jesus taught His disciples to give, as well. But neither Paul nor Jesus nor any other passage in the New Testament compels believers to tithe. Tithing is an Old Testament requirement...