Does the Bible supply us with historical information from a time previous to the creation of our world? The answer is yes. We are given glimpses that reveal the beginning of the great controversy: the war that began all wars.
Read MoreOne of the many endearing aspects of the written Word is the faithful reporting of the failings of men, including—and especially!—God’s professed people. This peculiar aspect of Scripture provides just one of many positive proofs that the Bible is not propaganda . . .
Read MoreGod’s plan to make His chosen people the message-bearers of salvation to the world was underway; a distinct and “peculiar” people, blessed of God.
Read MoreAs we are being drawn closer to Him, He awakens us to the reality of His continuous intervention on our behalf. He initiates salvation; then He invites each of us to participate with Him in the continuing process…
Read MoreThe entire Passover lesson, in contrast to the Exodus story, points to the death of the Lamb of God—His firstborn, His one and only begotten Son. The indescribable pain and cost of our salvation is a powerful display of the divine, pure Love that is beyond our comprehension.
Read MoreIt was because the Israelites were so disposed to connect themselves with the heathen and imitate their idolatry that God had permitted them to go down to Egypt, where the influence of Joseph was widely felt, and where circumstances were favorable for them to remain a distinct people.
Read MoreWhen the conflict was renewed upon the earth, Satan again won a seeming advantage. By transgression, man became his captive, and man’s kingdom also was betrayed into the hands of the arch-rebel.
Read MoreJesus mingled among the people and spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven. He was never in a hurry, and often surprised His disciples with His conversations and exchanges with individuals. His sterner words were usually reserved for those in leadership who had full access to divine instructions, yet had subordinated them to other influences.
Read MoreAn acute awareness and recognition of the “ways of the world” that work against God’s desire for holiness in each of us will save incalculable time and heartache, including negative influences upon others, if we will choose to develop it.
Read MoreBeloved, are you building your spiritual “house” on bedrock? It is a healthy practice to check your foundation regularly. Our entire existence hangs on the fact of God’s benevolence in creating a beautiful world for people to inhabit, followed by His creation of people.
Read MoreThe LORD God has many names and titles applied to Him in the Scriptures. Each one brings to mind a facet of His glorious character. We can learn something of Him while contemplating His various names; His mighty and unlimited power, His tender care in the smallest details…
Read MoreUnity is good if it is in Truth. God confused the languages at the Tower of Babel (see Genesis 11) because the people were uniting in apostasy. Their best chance to be saved was to be separated, that they might seek the Lord.
Read MoreGod has unexpected ways of bringing His people face to face with tests on particular points of faith. Faith is a noun that points to another noun: faithfulness. It should mean a belief, a conviction, that moves one into the action known as obedience.
Read MoreGrasping the type/antitype principle in Scripture is easy.... except when the implied message gets personal and calls for changes!
Read MoreJesus paid fully the price, or wages, of our sin. He died the death of total separation from God. He willingly bore that terrible cost out of a love we cannot comprehend. Sin, our greatest burden, has been lifted. Salvation, our greatest need, has been provided. The only proper response for a true believer is to live for Him.
Read MoreThe angel who had been given a high place of leadership in heaven also had a choice. There was a time that he served the LORD joyfully, but a tiny seed of covetousness was cherished in his heart. He desired to be worshiped in the place of God.
Read MoreSafety is a scarce commodity in today’s world. For someone who senses danger and comes to Jesus, the truth of Proverbs 18:10 brings such a flood of joy and relief! Its pure simplicity sums up the essence of our greatest need met.
Read MoreDaniel and his three friends would rather die than disobey their God. Chapter one hinted at their inclination to stay committed to His Word, making distinctions between unhealthy and healthy food and drink. They did not go in search of the test, but the test came to them. The essence of all such tests is: to whom do you give your allegiance?
Read MoreStrong, godly leadership is essential in the collective life of God’s people. This is by God’s design. He has made us social beings. There is no substitute for true fellowship within the community of faith. Throughout Biblical history, we find individuals who chose to love and obey God.
Read MoreGlorious names, symbols, and metaphors are given by God throughout Scripture. These literary devices serve a wonderful purpose. A single word can instantly bring to mind an entire scenario of God at work on our behalf.
Read More