The distinction that we should discern is actually between sinlessness and sinfulness. At creation and for some time beyond, creaturely life was without sin or violence. But now: a fallen and deeply compromised world. In the Scriptures, we see our perfectly holy God navigating the abominable practices that “self-sufficient” people have generated . . .
Read MoreIf each of us could see the end from the beginning, as does Jesus, we would doubtless grasp that He will never lead any of us in a direction other than what we ourselves would choose. It is because we cannot see the entire picture—as He does—that faith is an essential component of our sojourn through this fallen world.
Read MoreFrom the earthly ministry of Jesus, the New Testament church sprang into life. The carriers of the Good News believed the Scriptures (the Old Testament). Jesus came to make clear that which had been misunderstood, and the message spread like wildfire as the pure gospel in its simplicity went forth with power . . .
Read MoreThe now-famous woman at the well was ecstatic! Nothing in her dark past was hidden from Him with whom she had spoken. The love in the voice of Jesus as they conversed was clearly evident. He knew all about it, yet He loved her!
Read MoreJesus spent much of His earthly ministry healing those afflicted with every sort of terrible malady. He did it in various ways: a look, a word, the touch of a finger . . . or perhaps someone touching the hem of His garment in the midst of a crowd. His absolute authority and deep love for all that He has made was repeatedly demonstrated…
Read MoreFaithful among the faithless, Abraham’s course of action was inexplicable to his friends, associates, even kindred. Being immersed in idolatry rendered them unable to comprehend his motives, for spiritual things are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Read MoreOne can truthfully say that the freedom of every individual is sacred to Jesus. He is with each of us always who desire to be a “co-worker” in the great “co-mission.” Otherwise, to observe all things that I have commanded you, as Jesus says, would be impossible; and even more so to teach others . . .
Read MoreThe great “hall of fame” of the faithful in Hebrews chapter 11 is filled with declarations of hope, which sprang from the faith of these beloved brethren. “Beloved” is used in the present tense, for they were unappreciated among their peers for believing and sharing God’s truth, foreshadowing the end times of earth’s history.
Read MoreThe Savior’s victory over sin and death cannot be fully appreciated apart from believing that God meant what He said from the very start about the reality of death and its undeniable status as the consequence of sin, defined in the Bible as “lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Satan is behind the confusion about death; he has the world believing that dead people are alive, that souls cannot die, and that the punishment for the unsaved is eternal life in a fiery chamber of horror.
Read MoreThe great lengths of God’s love in action to redeem and restore us are unmatched! I ask myself why am I so reluctant to honor and obey Him? His love defies logic, but my willful disobedience is even more illogical! His willingness to redeem me from my own rebellion against Him and then to lead me in paths of righteousness is beyond amazing. He is the Lamb. He is the Shepherd.
Read MoreMany accounts in the Word are prophetic microcosms which point to future events that will come to pass on a voluminous scale. God’s obedient, loyal, faithful people will have His blessing of inner peace in the last days, even while knowing that the ire of Satan is aimed directly at them.
Read MoreAs the righteous King, Jesus desires for His kingdom to steadily grow. He longs for each of His children to be saved! The figure of Jesus as a Lion tells us what He did, while the figure of Jesus as a Lamb tells us how He did it.
Read MoreScripture tell us: The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. (Revelation 13:2b) The dragon is Satan. His plan is to eclipse Jesus and the truth of His Word with substitute ideas, altered commandments, and earthly grandeur. In this way, Satan deceives people into worshiping him instead. Beloved, thank Jesus for His Word! He speaks with impartial honesty on every subject.
Read MoreGod’s Spirit spoke through Daniel, who saw in vision the efforts of Satan to usurp the roles of Jesus and deceive people into worshiping him. It is similar to a “bait and switch” scheme. The word “antichrist”(used by John in the New Testament) is usually taken to mean “against Christ”, but it also means “in the place of Christ.” This power claims to speak for God.
Read MoreThe conversation between Jesus and Pilate bears many haunting similarities to the watered-down thinking in the world of today. The great question “What is truth?” is asked, but Pilate leaves without pursuing, or even waiting for, the answer. Impatience, willful ignorance, or laziness can all be behind coming very near the kingdom of God yet failing to enter.
Read MoreThe priest caught the blood and “recorded” the confessed sin in the Holy Place. God’s record-keeping is flawless. Confessed sins are forgiven sins, recorded and covered in blood: the precious blood of the Lamb who has become our Advocate. When the Accuser points out our sin, our Advocate says, in effect, “Ah! Here it is right here: Forgiven!”
Read MoreLet us take a look at the office of prophet that Jesus fulfilled while on the earth. He was made manifest in human flesh to speak the words of life. Those who heard and believed Him were persuaded to leave behind their sinful pasts and pursue life!
Read MoreThere is a popular and dangerous teaching that has gained much traction in recent decades. In it, our enemy has injected procrastination into his web of entanglements; he would have us believe that there is an additional seven years beyond the return of Jesus for those who have rejected Christ.
Read MoreIt is fascinating to think of Jesus calmly stooping down to write with His finger in the dust on the temple floor. In the scene of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), we see the power of Jesus, and the power of His Word. Satan was ever about the business of securing the ruin of Jesus (and now, of course, His followers).
Read MoreOur compassionate God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah of a future day in which He will not remember my sins. Such a thought is too wonderful for me!
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