Living With Purpose Through Faith truthsum.org
Faith is one of the most commonly used words in religion, yet its meaning is often misunderstood. Many think of faith as a vague feeling, a comforting belief, or an abstract idea. True biblical faith, however, is much more specific: it is belief plus trust in God, demonstrated through our actions. Faith grows from knowing God’s commands, learning His ways, and making choices aligned with…
Did Jesus Fulfill the Law—or God’s Instruction? truthsum.org
For centuries, many Christians have viewed the Old Testament law as something fulfilled—and therefore no longer binding—by Jesus’ sacrifice. The confusion often begins with a single translation choice: rendering the Hebrew word Torah as law. When we hear “law,” we think of legal codes, penalties, or regulations. But Torah means far more. It derives from a root meaning “to instruct” or “to guide.” In its…
A Reunion Beyond Time: The Promise of the Last Great Day truthsum.org
As we all watch the stories on social media, a collective gasp of relief and celebration filled the world as captives were finally returned to the arms of those who had waited for them for years. The tears, laughter, and raw emotion in those moments offer a small but powerful glimpse of a far greater reality – the promise of the Last Great Day. Spiritually,…
The Lesson Behind Wool and Linen: Understanding God’s Distinctions truthsum.org
A common tactic used to dismiss God’s law is pointing to minor commands, like Deuteronomy 22:11: “You shall not wear cloth of wool and linen mixed together.” Critics often say, “You don’t strictly follow this, so how can the Sabbath or other commands still matter?” From there, they conclude that because Jesus “fulfilled the law,” all of God’s commands are optional. At first glance, it…
Who Is Jesus? A Personal Exploration truthsum.org
Growing up, I never realized how many different views exist about Jesus’ nature. Beyond simply asking, “Do you believe in Him?” there are deeper questions: Who is He? Where did He come from? What is His relationship to God? Most of us adopt one view early and assume it’s universal. Researching and reading different perspectives revealed how vastly beliefs vary—some see Jesus as fully God…
Faith as Action: How Cognitive Science and Scripture Reveal a Pattern for Spiritual Growth truthsum.org
Faith is not merely believing — it is acting. Humans operate through a natural cognitive loop: evaluate, act, and reflect. This loop shapes how we learn, solve problems, and grow — not just in skills but in spiritual life. Scripture shows that faith follows this same pattern: trust expressed through obedience, refined by reflection, repentance, and guidance. The Human Cognitive Loop People naturally gather information,…
The Thief on the Cross — The Lesson Everyone Misses truthsum.org
Every few months, debates flare online about the thief on the cross. Was he saved without works? Was baptism necessary? Did he truly repent? Most miss the real lesson. When the thief said, “Remember me when You come into Your Kingdom” (Luke 23:42), he referenced the very message Jesus preached from the beginning: the coming Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14–15; Luke 4:43). Even in His…
Did Paul Teach Righteousness Without Law-Keeping? cbcg.org
Many believe Paul taught that Christians are made righteous apart from any obedience to God’s law—especially when reading Romans 3:20–21: “By the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified… But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested.” On the surface, it sounds as if Paul dismissed law-keeping altogether. But is that what he meant? A closer look at the Greek…
The Unseen Role of the 5th Commandment: Honor Parents and Reflect God’s Kingdom truthsum.org
The 5th commandment—“Honor your father and your mother”—is often understood narrowly as respect, obedience, or caregiving. Yet its purpose extends far beyond interpersonal duty. Honoring parents connects generations, supports godly governance, and reflects our ultimate honor toward God. At the micro level, honor is relational. Children and adults show respect through words, actions, and care for their parents. Ephesians 6:1–3 emphasizes obedience paired with a…