Discussion of a biblical passage or topic.
This is a time for new beginnings, so I hope you will find greater prosperity and peace in the New Year than ever before. Remember, for those who follow Christ every day is a day in which we can begin again. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who…
When someone does something to you, in word or deed, that really bothers you, what should you do? First, take the time to answer two questions. Was what was done motivated by kindness and not malice? Is there some truth in what was done that you need to take to heart? The New Testament book of James says, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and…
Merry Christmas to you and your family! I hope you have a wonderful day. I am thankful that Jesus, the Son of God became the Son of Man. Jesus became one of us and he shared in our joy and pain. He understands what it feels like to be tired, rejected, shamed, beaten, and unjustly accused. Every time Jesus was sinned against was an opportunity for him to respond in a sinful way, but he…
When you consider the magnificence of the natural world whether it be oceans, mountains, forests, fields, rivers or the stars, you may feel insignificant by comparison. However, remember you can see God’s greatest creation when you look at your spouse, children, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even when you look in the mirror. The psalmist expressed this same conflict of perspectives in Psalm 8. Psalm 8:3-8 3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your…
Imagine that you are thirsty, your throat is parched, and your lips are brittle and bleeding. In fact, you are dying of thirst. You are surrounded by jars of fresh water, but you do not realize that water will quench your thirst and save your life. So you gorge yourself on salty pretzels and peanuts, hoping that they will satisfy. Sounds crazy doesn’t it, but that is how I envision Amos 8:11-12, if we apply…
John the Baptist preached repentance. Ordinary people were fascinated by John and his teaching. His listeners were not religious and many of them were far from God. John told them if they repented they would also do the deeds that reflected their repentance (Luke 3:8). So the people asked what they should do. John gave them very clear answers. Luke 3:11-14 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two…
After the Hebrew slaves came out of Egypt, God established his covenant through Moses with Israel. God gave Israel, The Ten Commandments and many other ordinances and statutes that formed the Law of Moses. However, even under the Law of Moses God expected his people to live by faith in him, and not in their ability to keep the law. The problem was that as a nation they did not have faith in God. So…