FOCUS On The Bible

Our own human nature can lead us to wrong ideas about the Bible. Here are some mistakes to avoid in the search for Bible truth!The target of his ministry is to clearly communicate the gospel of grace to unbelievers and solid Bible teaching to believers in order to nurture them to grow and walk in fellowship with Jesus Christ. Josiah is the President of Focus Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. He is an evangelist and Bible teacher, communicating Christ with clarity in many places and settings. Josiah is supported through the financial support of churches and individuals who believe in the ministry that God has entrusted to him. He does not charge a fee for his speaking ministries, but trusts the Lord's people to care for and support him. For more information, you can visit femionline.com!

On the Focus Ministries YouTube channel, we occasionally address questions in shorter videos. This episode is a compilation of three such questions. To watch them in their original format, you can visit our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@focusevangelisticministriesinc

Are the hardships you're going through right now God's punishment for a past sin? Let's talk about the possibilities.The target of his ministry is to clearly communicate the gospel of grace to unbelievers and solid Bible teaching to believers in order to nurture them to grow and walk in fellowship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry, please visit femionline.com/donate.

We know from James 1 that everyone is tempted, and the same tricks the devil uses now he used from the fall of humanity. So what tricks are those? Let's check it out!The target of his ministry is to clearly communicate the gospel of grace to unbelievers and solid Bible teaching to believers in order to nurture them to grow and walk in fellowship with Jesus Christ. To support this ministry, please visit femionline.com/donate.

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But sometimes faith and love overshadow hope so much that we don't recognize what it means biblically! Let's talk about hope: the forgotten virtue.Focus on the Bible is made possible by supporters who care about the work we do. To learn more about making a donation, visit femionline.com/donate!

Todd White has been accused of behaviors that disqualify him from ministry leadership.Let's compare both his lifestyle AND teaching with scripture to see how they connect, where things went wrong, and what larger problem might be present that is not unique to Todd White alone.

There are a few things that might keep a saved person from producing good works. Let's check them out in the Bible. Stick around to the end for help on avoiding these issues! (Hint: it has to do with church.)To support this ministry, please visit femionline.com/donate.

If someone truly believes something, that belief should be evident in their behavior. Some would say it *will* be 100% of the time. Does that mean that faith is always manifested in good works? Let's look at what the Bible says. Related Episodes:What James 2 IS Actually Saying: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UfylszAE3VLf29SSfn1Cy?si=0b727fd2bec04444What You're Made to Do: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bIIrKinbsBXLlBY5zbr4F?si=a65f6f931b164651Why Do Good Works if They Don't Save?: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i1oUu6eYphohmDPMhNXqW?si=f45465492e13427e

Faith without works is dead. Even the demons believe and tremble. Faith alone can't save you. These statements are all from or based on one of the most misunderstood chapters in the whole Bible: James 2. Let's look at it.Related Episodes:Why do good works if they don't save?: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/FdRMeASwfRbHow Jesus Shared the Gospel: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/SS8ujBSwfRb

We often rush to James chapter 2 to quote "faith without works is dead" without so much as glancing at the larger context. Let's make sure we're being true to James's intent by actually looking at what it is!Related episodes:What James 2 IS Talking About: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UfylszAE3VLf29SSfn1Cy?si=7bb7cc88b1904d07Faith, faith, faith: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7M9gZwL5CPSH5I5ngL2ZFb?si=92bdbbe045684b06

1 John 5:16 mentions a "sin unto death." What could this be speaking of? Let's look for answers in the Bible.This episode is a follow up to ep. 250, "Why Do Good Works if They Don't Save?" You can click here to listen to it: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i1oUu6eYphohmDPMhNXqW?si=7688661d75914199More Related Episodes:Love and Liberty Part 1:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mKRgIVwQQOiX2Zw59urlI?si=27d917b9285b47daFaith, faith, faith:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7M9gZwL5CPSH5I5ngL2ZFb?si=e240b25648024002What James 2 IS Actually Saying:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UfylszAE3VLf29SSfn1Cy?si=986bcab51ea54585Can a Saved Person Sin? (Part 2)https://open.spotify.com/episode/5W73W34VkOUyhuKxwT0Au4?si=e0d0a51ec1bf4f58

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to be his representatives in the world, and as such to share the gospel. But that can be hard or feel unnatural to do sometimes, so how can we get our feet wet as messengers of good news?Enter: the gospel tract.

Is God done with Israel? Has the Church permanently replaced it as God's mechanism for reaching the world? Let's see what Paul had to say about this as we focus on the Bible.

Forgiveness is a simple concept in theory, but in practice it can be more difficult. How can we be forgiving people even when we don't feel like it?Related Episodes:When To Get Over It:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7dE009UA841ITDC14uNqOV?si=_i9vlXOkQzWTYO_h5je7vgWhy Do Good Works If They Don't Save?:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i1oUu6eYphohmDPMhNXqW?si=4437d943c4b942df

In this episode, Josiah shares a few practical ways to spot false teachers.Related Episodes:How Do I Approach Confrontation?: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6W9wI2ca4OBPpcDHnnrg2h?si=e4f06ea9a2264eaeOf Love and Liberty Part 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mKRgIVwQQOiX2Zw59urlI?si=GKwuFPe1TsWbNRJpVnVTdQ

So many people (Christians and non) feel that they are drifting through life. Does the Bible give help for this problem? Let's look at a few examples.*Note regarding point 3: Yes, we believe the rapture of the church is coming, and we should be looking for it. The sentiment remains, however. One day our time on earth will be over, be it by death or by rapture.*Ep. 238 | What You're Made to Do:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bIIrKinbsBXLlBY5zbr4F?si=e0e3088211d041d2Ep. 241 | Spiritual Gifts:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3TurLlACFI2118umQAwWkY?si=e9390ba0bcaa41a8

The Scriptures make it clear that salvation is through faith in Christ, not our works. But if this is true, why would any Christian be motivated to live a righteous life? Is eternal damnation God's only recourse for a disobedient child? Let's see what the Bible says! Salvation is by Faith: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7M9gZwL5CPSH5I5ngL2ZFb?si=gq-oYviJQoelcRgW1Y4BMg

The best thing I can share with anyone is that Jesus loves them and died for them to remove the barrier of sin between them and God. But some Christians can not honestly say this based on what they believe about the Bible. Did Jesus die for everyone? Is his atonement limited? Let's look to the Bible to seek the truth.

EVERY Christian should be able to deliver a clear explanation of the gospel. Let's look at how Jesus shared the gospel so that we can learn from his example!

If God is real, why doesn't he show himself once and for all? Let's look at three ways to engage with this question as we let the Bible guide us to the Truth!

Can a saved person lose their salvation by sinning? If so, how much sin can they get away with? What is the Biblical standard for Christians? Let's look at what the Bible says.

Some say that a 'truly' saved person can't willfully do wrong things. Does this idea come from a proper understanding of the Bible? In this episode we explore the question by examining places like Galatians 5 that are sometimes referred to in order to argue that truly saved people don't practice sin.

Thanks for joining us in 2024! Let's look back on some of the challenges and blessings of this year. This special episode is dedicated to Freddie Coile. May we be instruments of God's righteousness, just like he was. See all episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/3JTWkUpxspypxCJXLe9gql?si=6dc7e5c021b54926 Episodes Referenced: 193 | God is Thinking About You (Freddie) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2boEeAKI8Ke1bfewP1omP4?si=586df4bcf55d48b3What James 2 IS Actually Saying Growing in Grace (Freddie) https://open.spotify.com/episode/6r3nbVaZyNq6jpSOOyfbcd?si=915d26aca165408a 236 | Faith, faith, faith (Josiah) https://open.spotify.com/episode/7M9gZwL5CPSH5I5ngL2ZFb?si=83fc85c0a948496e 203 | Hope (Freddie) https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Ifr6XpjPbMRBHxQulb26g?si=f3d52bceca464fe7 237 | What James 2 IS Actually Saying (Josiah) https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UfylszAE3VLf29SSfn1Cy?si=df949015109e4964 235 | Beating Temptation (Josiah) https://open.spotify.com/episode/5J1FF9oEjI1qTzCj6xzJBF?si=e61eec5e696d4356 229 | Is Drinking Alcohol a Sin? (Robbie) https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZCRy1U5smEdaXF52ZvI4V?si=a5621fe16f0e4a09 200 | Don't Stop Believing! (Freddie) https://open.spotify.com/episode/6b2Wxs3KnX8M3rtegYZfQ1?si=a7d542e28f0a4c24

Merry Christmas from FotB! 2,000 years ago God gave us the best gift: Jesus, (and through Him, everlasting life)! Let's reflect on what Jesus's life means for us today.

The greatest liberty of all is found in Christ. But our love for others should determine how we use (and sometimes limit our use of) that freedom. Related Episodes: ⁠215 | Growing in Grace⁠⁠ - Freddie ⁠229 | Is drinking alcohol a sin?⁠ - Robbie ⁠226 | Should all my friends be Christians?⁠ - Josiah

Which do you value more, love or liberty? We have liberty in Christ, but we're called to use it in a specific way. Let's talk about it! Related Episodes: 215 | Growing in Grace⁠ - Freddie 229 | Is drinking alcohol a sin? - Robbie 226 | Should all my friends be Christians? - Josiah

As we draw closer to Christmas, gifts are on many minds. Did you know that God gives us spiritual gifts to help us meet the needs of the Body of Christ? Let's talk about them!

Some people believe that miracles are no longer performed today in the form of healings, prophecies, etc. Others believe that they are. Does the Bible give us an answer? Let's focus on the Bible today to see what our position should be.

The concept of thanksgiving runs throughout the Old Testament, is specifically commanded in the New Testament, and is a way to worship God and point others to Him. The holiday of Thanksgiving also presents us a unique opportunity to share our gratitude for God's everlasting mercy as well. Wherever you are, let's thank God right now as we focus on the Bible.

Plato said "An unexamined life is not worth living." When you examine your life, what do you think it is that you were made to do? Let's Focus on the Bible to find the answer.

Works are not required for everlasting life - the Bible is clear about that. But are those who have been saved meant to do good works? In episode 216, Freddie discussed what James 2 is not about, citing common errors that people make. In this episode, Josiah talks about what James 2 is about and how we're meant to have good works as saved Christians.

Let's go on the offensive for the gospel today. How many times does the Bible need to say that salvation is by grace through faith for it to be true? Just once. And yet, it says it over and over and over again to refresh us in that truth. In order to argue that salvation is by anything other than Jesus Christ, one must contend with dozens of verses that describe salvation without a mention of anything other than faith in Him alone. The good news of God's grace is something that we should never grow tired of hearing or talking about. We were allowed by God to be put in trust with the gospel (1 Thess 2:4), so let's both share it and repeat it! Related episodes: Does Baptism Save Me?https://open.spotify.com/episode/18qaF8TQAIjaSrsbKPJt9j?si=ca2ad8cd02764504 Redemption Through His Blood https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DiDujt0Xf3pv5PS95CH6G?si=69ed6bfea2fa4c3c Grace or Works? https://open.spotify.com/episode/4uhUMGsexbFl9G7npYTof0?si=9b83e17fdc794576

Every follower of Jesus faces temptation, just as Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden. When this happens, suddenly the line between right and wrong can seem so blurry. What can we trust when we can't trust our own judgment? Let's look at examples to learn these answers as we focus on the Bible!

Is it possible to be a 'Christian' who is not saved into everlasting life? Is it possible for a saved person to not be following Christ? Let's look at the Bible for answers in Ephesians 1-2!

Let's talk about Repentance. Some insist that a call to repent should be in every gospel presentation. Some believe that we should never use it. We can find the best answer when we focus on the Bible!

Sometimes we don't need to confront someone; we just need to get over it. Let's talk about some instances where moving on is likely the wisest move - based on what we see in the Bible!

Sometimes it's necessary to confront a brother or sister in Christ. Let's look at the purpose of this and how we should approach it according to what the Bible teaches.

To be modest (κόσμιος; kósmios) is to be well-arranged; seemly. What's more seemly than glorifying Christ with our appearance, speech, and lifestyle?

Is drinking alcohol a sin? Guest host Robbie Logan, a long-time friend of Focus Ministries, tackles this question by looking at what the Bible says and asking an even bigger question in response. If you feel led to support this podcast through giving, please consider donating here: https://www.freddiecoile.org/donate/

This episode is a tribute to the life and ministry of Dr. Freddie Coile, who's prayer was that every part of him would be an instrument for the glory of God. Join us as we contemplate the work of God through Freddie in both his life and death.

In this episode, we use three methods to investigate the meaning of Philippians 2:12, which says "work out your own salvation through fear and trembling." 1. Logical approach - understanding the interplay between parts and the whole of a text 2. Historical approach - understanding the historical factors that contributed to the authorship of the book 3. Grammatical approach - investigate the language to understand the author's original intent more completely

Some people think that most of your friends should be non-christians so that you can share your faith with them. Others think that non-christian friends will just drag you down. So what can we learn from the Bible on this topic?

Certain words and phrases are often shunned in the Christian community because of their cultural associations, but some of them describe issues of deep biblical significance. 'Inner peace' is an example of such a term. In this week's episode, we discuss what the Bible says on inner peace: Why it's biblical Why the world can't provide it How acknowledging God's authority helps us get it

In this episode, we discuss a benefit that's for members (of the Body of Christ) only: spiritual discernment.

"Judge not!" Is a very popular Bible commandment - particularly for someone who is being confronted about sin in their life! What does this passage really mean? Should we just shut up and sit down when we see a brother or sister in sin? Let's talk about it!

Last week Trump survived an assassination attempt by mere inches! Psalm 105 says "Touch not God's anointed..." Does this mean that Trump is anointed by God to lead America? Let's answer this question by looking through the lens of scripture.

What does the Bible say about going to church? Let's talk about it!

If we're saved by faith in Jesus Christ, how were people saved before Jesus came? Let's talk about it!

Let's talk about how to read, understand, and apply the Bible to our lives.

The Bible says we will "know them by their fruits," right? Does that mean we can tell who's saved by their actions? Let's look at the context of this passage.

Why should I believe that the Bible is true?