The time of mourning is a necessary element in God’s overall plan: that of drawing sinners into a state of genuine repentance and mourning for their sins. Jesus included this element of the plan at the beginning of His first public address . . . .
Read MoreInstead of gaining relief and forgiveness, such a one is only adding sin to sin. Merely going through the motions of sanctuary activities actually makes an idol—a meaningless thing—of that which God intended to bring home a transformational truth.
Read MoreAs the sustainer of all life and the entire universe itself, God is not dependent upon us for a place of residence. But, even as His love for us draws us toward Him, He is drawn toward those who are poor in spirit. . .
Read MoreIsaiah is yearning for all of his brethren to understand just how ready and willing our God is to instruct, to bless, and to save.
Read MoreIn order to thrive, belief and acceptance of divine instructions are essential. To cast the divine precepts aside is to open the door to disaster and tragedy.
Read MoreThe utter destruction of the second temple by the Romans in 70AD was prophesied by Jesus some 40 years earlier, and expected by His followers. Its thorough fulfillment served to bring to a halt the empty rituals carried on by the unbelieving Jews.
Read MoreThis inclusion points to the real possibility that Isaiah himself still had important things to learn. Such an attitude by all of us would swing open the door for the entrance of undiluted truth.
Read MoreThe anguish and urgency displayed in Isaiah’s words reveal his understanding that the Lord, who is longsuffering, will not indefinitely allow sin and rebellion to continue.
Read MoreTo truly learn of God is the greatest pursuit that man can undertake, because it leads to a relationship with Him. It is this relationship that culminates in our salvation at the close of this world’s history.
Read MoreMost of the “gates” that are opened to us for kingdom service are humble and lowly. But for the one who loves the Lord supremely, the most mundane act of service becomes a “bright and shining” moment—a secret one—just between you and Him!
Read MoreComplacency among fallen humans goes hand-in-glove with presumption. The great deceiver conditions people gradually to shift over to false “guidelines” that are not in accordance with God’s word. When he is successful, this conditioning is accompanied by a sense of outrage when hearing the actual truth.
Read MoreBefore He can rejoice over you (or me), He must be satisfied that He could take away all of our temporal possessions and so-called wealth without us failing to cite Him as the Source of all blessings, tangible and intangible.
Read MoreJesus is expressing His zeal for His beloved bride. She has been lied to by the archenemy, almost since the beginning of earth’s history. Our risen Savior serves as High Priest, the Mediator of the new covenant — the covenant whereby He writes His law upon the hearts of His people.
Read MoreThe key is to fully rely on the only Eternal Authority, the Author of salvation as presented in the pages of His word. Such reliance makes messengers of His followers, with glorious and illuminating, indeed life-saving, messages.
Read MoreThough each individual is responsible only for his or her own sins and cannot control the decisions of others, the opening phrase here is meant to spark intercessory prayer. Most believers will admit that their own decision to accept the Lord’s offer of salvation came on the heels of the prayers of others who faithfully prayed for them.
Read MoreThe mission of Jesus also includes the process of being saved: willingly submitting to the transformation of walking with the Holy Spirit. Being redeemed means confidently casting out — day-by-day — the defective character traits which do not belong in your life as a follower of Christ.
Read MorePaul (formerly Saul) joined the earthly mission of Jesus. He had been “imprisoned” by a wrong understanding of God’s character before his encounter with Christ. But after accepting divine correction, he was faithful to point out that misguided, sinful people have all been recipients of God’s mercy . . .
Read MoreHaving the scroll opened to the desired passage, the assistant chose Jesus and handed Him the scroll. But Jesus had a different passage in mind. . . . As He read aloud the written words from the scroll, the presence of the Holy Spirit piqued the watchful attention of every worshiper present. It was clear that Jesus was referring to Himself.
Read MoreThough Isaiah’s gaze reaches into eternity, we are also able to get some clear ideas in chapter 60 of things that will occur before the Day of the Lord’s return.
Read MoreThe irony here is that foreigners who had been diligent students of God’s word possessed a greater awareness of the arrival of the promised Savior than His own people.
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