This marvelous encounter had a quickening effect on Saul’s mind. Saul already possessed an extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, yet their intended purpose had been obscured, twisted, and misdirected in the direction of Satan’s work.
Read MoreWith considerable power at [Saul’s] disposal, he brutalized the infant church. In order to carry this out, he placed his education and prejudices, his great respect for his former teachers, and his pride in his own reputation and popularity ahead of the voice of conscience and the gentle grace of God.
Read MorePhilip was welcomed in Samaria and a rich harvest was gathered from among those who had earlier been the bitterest of enemies. Only a brief few years earlier, both Jews and Samaritans would have said that such could never happen.
Read MoreThese new hearts were supple and able to contain the new doctrines without bursting. They readily received the teachings of Jesus and recognized the sparkling purity and power that they contained. The precepts of the Word of God are actually not new at all. They are older than the old wine.
Read MoreThe 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!
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