This was the second time in His earthly ministry that Jesus cleansed the temple. His usual demeanor which can easily be described as “calm” or “never-in-a-hurry” is in dramatic contrast with these two episodes. These cleansings, which punctuated the beginning and the end of His earthly ministry, flashed an “EMERGENCY!” sign, illustrating the pressing urgency of making distinctions . . .
Read MoreThe tabernacle, on the outside, looked fairly plain. But inside it was gloriously beautiful, augmented by the glory of the presence of God manifested above the mercy seat of the ark. Likewise, Jesus appeared as an ordinary man. But bright glimpses of heavenly glory were perceived by those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness
Read MoreThis very prophetic passage from Psalm 74 shines a bright light for the student of God’s Word who understands the purpose of the sanctuary: to point toward, magnify, and testify to the work of the Son of God in the process of reconciling the world unto Himself.
Read MoreOur self-imposed separation from God is the reason for which He so faithfully and completely displays His divine plan of reconciliation. The complex nature of sin’s deception calls for our willingness to be immersed into the process.
Read MoreThere are many terrible, and yet truthful, accusations that our enemy desires to hurl at me before the throne of God.
Read MoreIn the days of the early Apostolic Church, the pure Gospel message was spreading in ever-widening circles. The life-changing, heart-renewing message reverberated throughout the known world.
Read MoreThe experience of the rescued children of Israel, as they moved away from Egypt and toward the Promised Land, is illustratively detailed in the earthly sanctuary.
Read MoreDuring their sojourn in Egypt, the Hebrew nation contained a remnant who actively passed down God’s law from generation to generation. Their minds were able to grasp and commit to memory the perfect word-for-word orations of the committed older generations.
Read MoreBeloved, today and tomorrow we will revisit the Exodus from Egypt in light of the pattern that God has given us in the sanctuary. By this map, God is leading His followers all the way back to Himself!
Read MoreToday let’s look again at the “map” that God has given us: His G.P.S. (Gospel Plan of Salvation). Each landmark on this map corresponds with the wounds of Jesus’ body upon the cross. Remember the outline of the cross that surrounds the six articles of sanctuary furniture.
Read MoreThis sounds like hide-and-seek, but it was not a game. The LORD was asking the question, not because He didn’t know where Adam was, but to make Adam aware that he had become lost. A lost condition precedes the instinct to run away from God, so He sought after His beloved people.
Read MoreThis sound principle is the basis for our court system. A case is tried by an impartial third party: a judge and a jury of peers. The day is coming when all of the true followers of Jesus will serve in jury duty.
Read MoreDoes 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.
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