Bible Verse Devotionals

  Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 WHAT DOES IT SAY? The text states an absolute spiritual truth: it is impossible to please God without faith (6a). Therefore, anyone who desires to come to him (approach or have a relationship with God) must meet two essential belief requirements (6b). Requirement one: they must believe that God exists (6c). Requirement two: they must believe that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (6d). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? Theological Context What exactly is the nature of the "faith" that is impossible to please God without? Is it merely intellectual assent, or does it require a certain level of action or commitment? Linguistical Context What does the term "sincerely seek him" imply in the original language, and how does it differentiate this act from a casual or ...

BIBLE VERSE Mark 9:23-24  "Anything is possible if you have faith."The father instantly cried out, "I do have faith; help me overcome my unbelief!" (NLT) Mark 9:23-24  WHAT DOES IT SAY? Jesus tells someone that having faith makes anything possible (9:23). A father immediately responds to Jesus, affirming his belief (9:24a). The same father then asks Jesus for help with his lack of faith or doubt (9:24b). WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS? a) Historical Context : What was happening right before this interaction? What kind of situation would lead to this statement from Jesus and this response from the father? What was the common understanding of "faith" in Jewish culture at that time? b) Cultural Context : What would it mean for a father to "cry out instantly" in this setting? Was it common for people to openly express both belief and doubt to a religious teacher like Jesus? c) Theological Context : What does "anything is possible...