Mark Ballenger | AGW MINISTRIES

Why Is Gay Marriage Wrong in the Bible?

December 15, 2015September 23, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Bible Verses: Romans 1:25-26

We know that the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality (Romans 1:26-28, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), but why? Why is homosexuality, and therefore gay marriage, wrong in the Bible?

Why is Gay Marriage Wrong in the Bible: Gay Marriage Does Not Reveal God’s Character

Foundationally, it is important to note that all of God’s commands in the Bible are a reflection of his character. God commands what he has commanded for the same reason he has created everything in its original state before the fall – to glorify himself. To glorify means to exalt, to make known, to cast a light on, to make visible, or to reveal. Just as God made people in his image (Genesis 1:27), he thus made them for his glory (Isaiah 43:7), as bearing the image of God and glorifying God are the same.

Proof the Bible is God’s Word: The Clear, Consistent Call of the Gospel

June 11, 2016September 23, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

proof the bible is Godsword_ telephone — Bible Verses: 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. – Galatians 3:7-9

What proof is there that the Bible is truly inspired by God? Is there any concrete evidence that the message of Scripture is truly divinely authoritative in a way no other book is? What support do Christians have for claiming the Bible is really God’s written, perfect, infallible word?

Have you ever played the game “telephone?” If not, you start with a large group of people sitting in a circle.

Proof the Bible is God’s Word: Joseph was a Prefiguring of Jesus in Old Testament Scripture

December 15, 2015September 23, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

The whole Bible is ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ and his gospel work. As we look at the life of Joseph, you can’t help but see how God was pointing us ahead to the life of Jesus.

Proof the Bible is God’s Word: Scripture Has Never Disappeared

October 7, 2015September 22, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Bible Verse:
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.-Mark 13:31

(Note: This blog is part of a series of blogs, “Proof the Bible is God’s Word.” Since the Bible claims to be the supreme authority on truth, logically, the Bible must be self-authenticating. If it really is the word of God, it must prove itself true as no other authority could if the Scriptures are the supreme authority on truth. As Charles Spurgeon stated, “Defend the Bible? I would as soon defend a lion! Unchain it and it will defend itself.”)

Throughout the history of the world, God’s word has been under attack.

Proof the Bible is God’s Word : Using Man to Write the Scriptures

December 15, 2015September 22, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Bible Verse:

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.-2 Peter 1:21

One common objective to the Bible being the perfect and divinely inspired word of God is that it was written by the hands of men. Why would God use imperfect people to write his perfect Scriptures?

Proof the Bible is God’s Word: Scripture is Consistently All About Christ

September 29, 2015September 22, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Bible Verses: John 5:39, John 15:26, 2 Peter 1:21

Why do I believe the Bible? What proof is there that the Bible is true?

What Does Friendship With The World Look Like?

August 28, 2018September 21, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

What does frienship with the world look like? — James 4:4, 1 John 2:16, John 3:16

Bible Verses:
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. – James 4:4

What does friendship with the world look like? Why is friendship with the world wrong? If God loves the world (John 3:16), why does he tell us if we are friends with the world we are an enemy of God? How can you love someone without being their friend? And how can Christians evangelize to the lost if the lost don’t know we love them?

While Scripture is clear that believers should “not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14), it also clear that Christians should seek to serve and love the world, for as Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). These two commands are not in contradiction. While it may seem like we must be friends with the world to love the world, this is not truly the case. Therefore, its important to truly know what friendship with the world really looks like and what it does not look like.

How to Apply God’s Word to Your Life

December 15, 2015September 21, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

As Christians, we know we are to obey God, to grow spiritually, and to actually apply the Bible to our lives. But applying God’s word to your life can be a challenge. Thankfully the word of God itself gives us an understanding on how to best apply God’s word in our everyday life.

While these truths are huge topics within themselves, here are five practical steps found in Scripture on how to apply God’s word.

Statement of Faith

September 26, 2015September 19, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

We believe . . .

Scripture, the Word of God Written
We believe the Bible, consisting of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is the infallible Word of God, verbally inspired by God, and without inaccuracy in the original manuscripts. It was written by men under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. The meaning of biblical texts is a fixed historical reality, rooted in the historical, unalterable intentions of its divine and human authors.

Biblical Advice for an Unhappy Christian Marriage

January 13, 2019September 19, 2015 by Mark Ballenger

Bible Verses:

31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. – Ephesians 5:31-33

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. – Romans 12:9-10

There are so many “solutions” in the world to help an unhappy marriage? Marriage counseling, retreats, advice, tips, marriage mentoring, and so many others really can offer some good wisdom. All of which can be used by God, but none of which will truly help if the spouses lack this one thought: How can I love my spouse?

If that’s the question we are asking, God will always help us find the answer.