Before sin (defined as lawlessness – see 1 John 3:4) entered this world, the indescribable beauty of creation was beyond anything our eyes have seen. The radiant health of all living things was vividly evident. There was not so much as a single withered leaf.
Read MoreEnfeebled as the church may appear, it is nevertheless earth’s embassy for Heaven. Through every century, through every conflict and persecution, the church has never been forsaken by God nor has the world ever been left without a witness.
Read MoreWe are in the season of jury selection. If you truly understand that you are the object of the LORD’s love, you should also be certain that He has a host of enemies. These enemies are out to deceive and bribe the prospective jury.
Read MoreThe rejection of the long-awaited Messiah by His people, and His crucifixion through the alliance between religious leaders and the Roman government—just as foretold by the prophets—sharpened into focus: perfect prophetic proof of the Messiah’s identity!
Read MoreGod’s gentle pursuit of His children necessarily develops into a full-blown crisis if they choose to live in rebellion.
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 time 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. He is deeply offended by sin yet exercises incredible patience—divine restraint—in order to lead the objects of His great love into harmony with His eternal principles.
Read MorePeter may have thought that his question regarding forgiveness up to seven times sounded like a beautiful gesture on his part. But we must be reminded of the extreme generosity on the part of God Almighty in His forgiveness towards us, the depth of which we have yet to fathom…
Read MoreGod has had a faithful people in every age and stage of this earth’s history. Even though the great deceiver has succeeded in tripping every one of us up, God’s hope-filled “love letter” provides His wonderful counsel, including a vivid description of His intended bride.
Read More“The disciples were but humble men, without wealth, and with no weapon but the word of God; yet in Christ’s strength they went forth to tell the wonderful story of the manger and the cross, and to triumph over all opposition.”
Read MoreOver these past few years, the divine power that attended his preaching had effectively brought many other Jews to Christ, but these assembled leaders were only angered as their former followers moved their loyalty to Jesus.
Read MoreThose 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. It is a very practical strategy.
Read MoreThe words cut off are an English translation of a Hebrew expression meaning killed. How poignantly painful for the truly repentant to behold the precious baby Jesus while anticipating the agony of the cross He was to endure!
Read MoreOur Redeemer did indeed come at exactly the right time, in the fullness of time; the time chosen by God and foretold by the prophets of old. Jesus was born of a woman, both literally and symbolically. Symbols are thoroughly developed in God’s Word in order to express greater truths that can be quickly understood in the end time, the time in which you and I live today.
Read MoreBut, more important than answers to our questions, is our need to allow the Lord into our areas of stubbornness and willful ignorance. Getting alone with Him is key. Be still.
Read MoreReceptive hearts are divinely enabled to respond to His nearness. In our fallen world and its negative influences, I must daily ask for a tender, honest heart to receive what He wants to teach me.
Read MoreWhen Jesus was born as a baby, His professed people were not prepared: a cautionary tale of our situation today.
Read MoreWhat is the role of the Holy Spirit in my life? He speaks to my conscience, reinforcing the unchanging nature of God. The truth that our God is unchanging is a great source of comfort if I will believe it. This truth also reveals how fickle I can be.
Read MoreWhen worldly pursuits or problems seem to captivate or close in upon me, I need to ask myself: Do I believe that the Everlasting Father gave His Son, the Prince of Peace, to rescue me? Do I heed the wonderful counsel of the Wonderful Counselor?
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