The Bible uses some very pointed language. In our passage for today, Galatians 5, for example: 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to … More Too far?
Today we read Mark 15:33-41 in our Bible reading plan. And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some … More Two miraculous events. Both with deep meaning.
When the psalmist cried out, “What shall I render to the Lord for all of his benefits to me?” the reply was, “I will lift the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12-13). ….. Jesus gives us the gift of himself and we ask, “Now what can I render … More What kind of gift does Jesus love to receive?
Bob Deffinbaugh’s comments on our Bible reading passage today, 2 Samuel 21- David’s dealings with the Gibeonites, at its roots, is a matter of keeping covenants. Israel had made a covenant with the Gibeonites. Even though this covenant was 400 years old, it was still to be honored. Saul broke that covenant by trying to … More He is a covenant keeper
In our passage in Galatians today (chapter 4) we read of our identity in Christ as sons of the “free woman.” What IS freedom, truly? John Piper has an analogy that demonstrates what true, full freedom means: Full freedom is what you have when no lack of opportunity, no lack of ability, and no lack … More Who are the freest people in the world?
Martin Luther called Christ’s death in our place “The Great Exchange”. Jesus took our sin and bore the wrath of God, and we received His perfect righteousness as a gift. Here is J.C. Ryle on Mark’s account of the Crucifixion of Jesus in chapter 15: We shall find it useful to examine separately the several … More Our Substitute: The Great Exchanger
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. (Psalm 115:1-3) In our … More Trust Him: For the glory of our faithful God
Today we read 2 Samuel 18-19. Here is a poem by John Piper, at DesiringGod.org King David’s son, Absalom, had killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar. Then he led a rebellion against the king and drove him out of Jerusalem. As we enter this poem, it is the night before the battle … More Absalom and David, Part 2
And though this world with devils filled Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure For, lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. John Piper … More One little word shall fell him
Coty Pinckney comments on today’s reading in Mark 15:1-15: Note here the irony of the release of Barabbas: Jesus is falsely accused of leading a rebellion against Rome; Barabbas did lead a rebellion against Rome. The guilty one goes free; the innocent man dies. Pilate’s preference for not executing an innocent man is just that … More The guilty one goes free; the innocent man dies.
