The love and mercy of God are never ending. But He makes it clear that there is a limit to His tolerance of sin. God, who is deeply offended by sin, exercises incredible patience and divine restraint in order to lead His creatures to repentance.
Read MoreIf we are to learn about ourselves from the Scriptures, we must recognize our own tendency to be “stiff-necked and stubborn.” His Holy Spirit gently brings to our attention the habits or traditions that are placed ahead of His will. Too often, instead of agreeing with Him and altering our course, we test His patience! It is a precarious way to live, beloved!
Read MoreWe may wonder why events are not always laid out in chronological order. This is because we are under the influence of the modern, Western mind-set which often differs from the ancient way of describing events. Think of it as a newspaper headline followed by the article.
Read MoreIn Jerusalem, where the deepest prejudice existed, and where the most confused ideas prevailed in regard to Him who had been crucified as a malefactor, the disciples continued to speak with boldness the words of life, setting before the Jews the work and mission of Christ.
Read MoreThe Jewish nation was witnessed to by Jesus Himself for the first half of the 70th week. The covenant-maker was personally confirming it! But what about the second half?
Read MoreThis instruction by Jesus to the twelve Apostles is a direct fulfillment of God’s timetable as shown to Daniel. Those familiar with the written Word would be the ones to comprehend God’s intended message most readily, and thus have an advantage in bringing the message to the rest of the world.
Read MoreThe final week of the seventy weeks (490-year) period determined for the Jews was deliberately set apart from the first sixty-nine to emphasize its vital significance in the plan of salvation.
Read MoreAt the time that Jesus was born, the vast majority of the leadership had become completely entangled in their own rules and traditions (hundreds of which were burdensome, man-made rules about Sabbath-keeping).
Read MoreBut with those problems are also glorious opportunities to showcase the “long arm” of God’s salvation, His endless mercy, and the hope instilled in those who believe the message.
Read MoreJohn the Baptist took his assignment seriously and was very compelling at calling people to repentance. He was not afraid to name specific sins.
Read MoreUnderstanding the nearness of our God to us at all times, especially in trying times, is essential for our spiritual health and continual growth. Receptive hearts respond to His nearness.
Read MoreAs we celebrate Immanuel, “God with us” let us recognize the unmatched value of the gift of freedom He has given us to choose to join with Him . . . or not. The wedding theme throughout God’s Word illustrates just what an intimate relationship with each of us our God desires.
Read MoreO holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today!
Read MoreThe land of Egypt had been abundantly blessed with natural resources. As is so often the case, rich material blessings have a way of blinding men to their need of God. But the purposes of God have never been hindered by the blindness of men.
Read MoreThe feeding trough of hay where the Baby Jesus lay was a foreshadowing of the lack of welcome He must face throughout His earthly life, just as the rude swaddling cloths foreshadowed the burial clothes with which His tortured and dead body was to be wrapped. Yet, knowing all of this and more ahead of time, Infinite Love came into our world . . .
Read MoreHe who made all things became nothing, purposely placing Himself under the judgement, condemnation, and penalty that results from breaking His law. Yes, the Creator and Redeemer is also the Lawgiver!
Read MoreBeing in possession of the Scriptures is not the same thing as laying hold of them. Our Redeemer came into the world to “lay hold” of each of us by the power of His love.
Read MoreAnd suddenly there came a quickening that closed the long distance between him and the Lord. The man fell on his knees in the snow and, with a heart full of gratitude, thanked the God of Heaven for sending His Son into this world.
Read MoreWhat good would it do to receive forgiveness only to continue in the very same things that hurt Him? He died to provide forgiveness, and He lives to intercede for us in the heavenly sanctuary.
Read MoreDuring the days before Joseph understood the truth as to Mary’s pregnancy, even though they were betrothed and had not yet come together physically, a divorce was required in order to break the relationship.
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