Ask CSM – common sense ministries http://commonsenseministries.com Teaching the simplicity of the Bible Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:40:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 Is common sense a biblical term related to the Bible? http://commonsenseministries.com/2014/09/02/is-common-sense-a-biblical-term-related-to-the-bible/ http://commonsenseministries.com/2014/09/02/is-common-sense-a-biblical-term-related-to-the-bible/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:00:35 +0000 http://commonsenseministries.com/2014/09/02/is-common-sense-a-biblical-term-related-to-the-bible/ Read more "Is common sense a biblical term related to the Bible?"

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Ask CSM:
Is common sense a biblical term related to the Bible? -Ludora

Dear Ludora,

Is common sense a biblical term related to the Bible? Your question strikes at the very core of our ministry’s mission: “To teach the simplicity of the Bible.”  We truly believe that if you’ll just read the book, God’s Holy Word, you’ll find it full of commonsense, practical advice, and you don’t have to be a theologian to understand it.

Let’s start by understanding what common sense really means. It’s the ability to think and behave in a sensible way and to make good practical decisions.

Common sense doesn’t come from specialized knowledge or training. It’s just a levelheaded, practical way to think and act — that’s what the Bible is all about.
I don’t know of any other book you could turn to for such wonderful practical advice. To me it is the original book of common sense. What makes this advice so special is that it is from God. Every word in the Bible is a revelation from God (2 Tim 3:16-17). God used forty men led by the Holy Spirit to write the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments over the course of 1,500 years.

In God’s Word, the Bible, we see common sense translated from the Hebrew word (verb) “bin” that is defined as “to discern or understand”.  This verb is used multiple times throughout the scripture. So to answer your question, yes, it is a biblical term related directly to the Bible.

Let’s take a look at some examples from the Bible that directly relate to common sayings we use today.

Common Saying:
If you keep hanging around those people you’re going to end up getting in trouble.

The Bible already tells us:
“33 Do not let anyone fool you. Bad people can make those who want to live good become bad.”  1 Corinthians 15:33 (NLV)

Common Saying:
No sense trying to talk to him about it, he won’t listen. All he thinks about is himself.

The Bible already tells us:
“Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.” Proverbs 18:1 (NLT)

Common Saying:
She’s nothing but a gossip and a troublemaker; all she wants to do is break up our friendship.

The Bible already tells us:
“A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.”  Proverbs 16:28 (NLT)

Common Saying:
With all that is going on in my life, I doubt if God even knows I exist or cares.

The Bible already tells us:
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  2 You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.  3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do.  4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me.  You place your hand of blessing on my head.  6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”  Psalms 139:1-6 (NLT)

Common Saying:
What’s the use, God could never love a person like me. With all that I’ve done in my life, I know I’m headed straight to hell in a hand basket.

The Bible already tells us:
“9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”  Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

Let me close with this piece of advice concerning the Bible. When you’re reading Scripture and a verse seems to jump out that makes common sense to you, don’t try looking for another meaning. The Holy Spirit inside of you has unlocked your understanding of that verse, so take it at face value in the context that it’s written.

I hope I’ve answered your question. Common sense is a biblical term related to the Bible. The Bible is the only book we have written by God, and we can trust it without question.

]]> http://commonsenseministries.com/2014/09/02/is-common-sense-a-biblical-term-related-to-the-bible/feed/ 4 Is the Book of Mormon true? http://commonsenseministries.com/2014/08/10/is-the-book-of-mormon-true/ http://commonsenseministries.com/2014/08/10/is-the-book-of-mormon-true/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:42:52 +0000 http://commonsenseministries.com/2014/08/10/is-the-book-of-mormon-true/ Read more "Is the Book of Mormon true?"

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Ask CSM:
Is the book of mormon true? -Claudia

Dear Claudia,

Is the Book of Mormon true? Before I answer this question, let’s review some important scriptures from God’s Word, beginning with who wrote the Bible and why. That answer can be found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
“ 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV)

This verse has several important takeaways:

  • Every word in the Bible is a revelation from God. He used forty men led by the Holy Spirit to write the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments over the course of 1,500 years.
  • The Bible teaches us to do what is right and helps us to realize what is wrong in our lives.
  • By using the scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. The Bible is complete; there is nothing else we need.

God gives us a final warning about His Word in Revelation 22:18-19. From this we learn that we are not to add or remove any new books or verses to the Word of God.

“18-19 I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book. “ (MSG)

In the mid-1800s, Joseph Smith founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and authored the Book of Mormon. Smith claimed to have had a vision of God the Father and God the Son where they denounced modern Christianity and appointed Smith to reveal and restore “true” Christianity.

The Book of Mormon alleges to be a new revelation — one that Mormons believe is part of the new covenant to Israel and “another witness” to the truth of the Bible.

But when compared to the Bible, the Book of Mormon denies the following biblical truths:

  • Mormons believe that God is merely an exalted man who earned his position by good works.
  • The Bible tells us that God is spirit John 4:24
  • Mormons believe that Jesus was a god, but not God Himself.
  • The Bible tells us that the Father and I are one. John 10:30
  • Mormons believe that they can attain salvation through works.
  • The Bible tells us “8 you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.” Ephesians 2:8-9

God has already said that the Bible, His Word, is complete and told us that we are not to add anything or take anything away. However Joseph Smith tells us he was given a new revelation.

If Joseph Smith’s claim is true, then that makes God a liar. We know that is not possible because God is truth (John 3:33), and therefore cannot lie.

Finally Claudia, let me share with you what the apostle Paul said to the members of the church in Galatia.

6 A short time ago God chose you to follow him. He chose you through his grace that came through Christ. But now I am amazed that you are already turning away and believing something different from the Good News we told you. 7 There is no other message that is the Good News, but some people are confusing you. They want to change the Good News about Christ. 8 We told you the true Good News message. So anyone who tells you a different message should be condemned — even if it’s one of us or even an angel from heaven! 9 I said this before. Now I say it again: You have already accepted the Good News. Anyone who tells you another way to be saved should be condemned!  Galatians 1: 6-9 (ERV)

What is the Good News?

8 This is what it says, “The Good News is near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart.” This Good News tells about putting your trust in Christ. This is what we preach to you. 9 If you say with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved from the punishment of sin. Romans 10:8-9 (NLV)

I hope I’ve answered your question concerning the Book of Mormon.  The Bible is the only book we have written by God. When God says His Word is complete we can be assured it is complete, and we can trust it without question.

]]> http://commonsenseministries.com/2014/08/10/is-the-book-of-mormon-true/feed/ 0 How can I trust the Bible when man wrote it not God? http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/26/how-can-i-trust-the-bible-when-man-wrote-it-not-god/ http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/26/how-can-i-trust-the-bible-when-man-wrote-it-not-god/#respond Sat, 26 Oct 2013 16:00:33 +0000 http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/26/how-can-i-trust-the-bible-when-man-wrote-it-not-god/ Read more "How can I trust the Bible when man wrote it not God?"

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You have part of your question correct; it was written by man.  The Bible was written by 40 different men who wrote the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments over the course of 1,500 years.

The part you have incorrect is that God was not involved with writing His Holy Word.  Let’s take a look at what the scriptures have to say about it.

20Most important of all, you must understand this: No prophecy in the Scriptures comes from the prophet’s own understanding. 21 No prophecy ever came from what some person wanted to say. But people were led by the Holy Spirit and spoke words from God. 2 Peter 1:20-21 (ERV)

God used those 40 different men to write the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, but as the scripture tells us they were led by the Holy Spirit to write what they wrote.  Literally it was dictated to them by the Holy Spirit and they wrote it down.  Let’s look at another scripture.

16All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. 17Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (ERV)

Who gave us the Bible?  The Bible tells us that ALL scripture was given by God, not man.  Every word of the Bible was verbally and fully inspired by God; it is flawless and contains no mistakes. The Bible is the supreme and final authority for all Christian faith and conduct.

If you really think about it, this is the only book written about our Lord God, His love letter to us.  What would make you think God would allow man or woman to write it for Him?

I hope that answers your question my friend.  I encourage you to pick it up and start reading it, and find out for yourself how much God really loves you.

]]> http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/26/how-can-i-trust-the-bible-when-man-wrote-it-not-god/feed/ 0 Did Jesus have any brothers and sisters? http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/24/did-jesus-have-any-brothers-and-sisters/ http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/24/did-jesus-have-any-brothers-and-sisters/#respond Thu, 24 Oct 2013 22:30:03 +0000 http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/24/did-jesus-have-any-brothers-and-sisters/ Read more "Did Jesus have any brothers and sisters?"

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Yes, in fact Jesus had four brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (not the Judas who betrayed him) and a number of sisters’ which the Bible does not name.  If you wanted to get technical, I guess you could call them His half- brothers and sisters.  Read the story of Jesus’s return to His hometown of Nazareth.

53When Jesus finished teaching with these stories, he left there. 54He went to the town where he grew up. He taught the people in the synagogue, and they were amazed. They said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and this power to do miracles? 55 Isn’t he just the son of the carpenter we know? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56And don’t all his sisters still live here in town? How is he able to do these things?” 57So they had a problem accepting him. Matthew 13:55-56 (ERV)

The Apostle Paul met Jesus’ brother, James, in Jerusalem.

18Three years later I went to Jerusalem to meet Peter. I stayed with him 15 days. 19I met no other apostles—only James, the brother of the Lord. Galatians 1:18-19 (ERV)

]]> http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/24/did-jesus-have-any-brothers-and-sisters/feed/ 0 I understand the Old Testament is for the Jews to use and the New Testament if for the rest of us to use? http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/22/i-understand-the-old-testament-is-for-the-jews-to-use-and-the-new-testament-if-for-the-rest-of-us-to-use/ http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/22/i-understand-the-old-testament-is-for-the-jews-to-use-and-the-new-testament-if-for-the-rest-of-us-to-use/#respond Tue, 22 Oct 2013 16:30:54 +0000 http://commonsenseministries.com/2013/10/22/i-understand-the-old-testament-is-for-the-jews-to-use-and-the-new-testament-if-for-the-rest-of-us-to-use/ Read more "I understand the Old Testament is for the Jews to use and the New Testament if for the rest of us to use?"

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The Bible is God’s love letter to each of us, both Jewish and non-Jewish people.  He wrote the entire Bible through men from the Old Testament and New Testament to tell His entire story.  To separate the Old Testament from the New means that you only get half the story of God.  God loves each and every one of us with the same love and affection.

You need to read the Old Testament to learn about how you were created, how evil and our separation from God entered the world through Satan. You can learn from the lives of Abraham, Moses, David, Ruth, Isaiah and Daniel and all of the other Old Testament prophet about how they handled the same problems you and I are faced with today through their God.

You need to read the New Testament to learn about your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and how God sent him to earth to die for your sins so that you could be reunited with God your Heavenly Father.  Which Satan had blocked through sin.  You can learn from the lives of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul and James about all the wonderful things Jesus did through them.

The Bible is not just a “religious book” or “document.”  The entire book is a down-to-earth and important guidebook for daily living.

30There is only one God. He will make Jews right with him by their faith, and he will also make non-Jews right with him through their faith. Romans 3:30 (ERV)

14Christ is the reason we are now at peace. He made us Jews and you who are not Jews one people. We were separated by a wall of hate that stood between us, but Christ broke down that wall. By giving his own body. Ephesians 2:14 (ERV)

6And this is the secret truth: that by hearing the Good News, those who are not Jews will share with the Jews in the blessings God has for his people. They are part of the same body, and they share in the promise God made through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 (ERV)

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