Ray Stedman on Lamentations, to be continued over the next few days: What a description of the utter despair of the human spirit in the grip of deep distress and sorrow! And yet, in each of these chapters an insight is revealed, a lesson that God teaches through sorrow that otherwise would never have been learned. … More Lessons through sorrow
1 Peter 3:14-15 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; … More Picture this text as a sandwich
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. In reference to John 6:44, does God compel people to come to him? R. C. Sproul gives some background on biblical languages that helps us understand: That passage, of course, is very controversial. In an older translation of it, … More What does it mean “to draw”?
A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed. Song of Solomon 4:12 From “TODAY IN THE WORD” Despite evidence that indicates they are effective, abstinence programs continue to be a controversial approach to sex education in many public schools. Most abstinence programs do not use the Bible to convince … More This garden of secret delights locked to all but one’s spouse
And in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he became king, graciously freed Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. And he spoke kindly to him, and gave … More Graciously freed
You are my hammer and weapon of war: with you I break nations in pieces; with you I destroy kingdoms; with you I break in pieces the horse and his rider; with you I break in pieces the chariot and the charioteer; with you I break in pieces man and woman; with you I break … More He chooses and uses the hammers He pleases.
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9) John Piper, in a sermon, “Your Calling … More Go on trusting in God’s future grace.
J.C. Ryle on John 6, “I am the Bread of Life!” Our Lord would have us know that He himself is the appointed food of man’s soul. The soul of every man is naturally starving and famishing through sin. Christ is given by God the Father, to be the Satisfier, the Reliever, and the Physician … More The Bread of Life
“In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve” (Jeremiah 50:20). Charles H Spurgeon, in “Faith’s Checkbook” A glorious word indeed! … More Perfect pardon from the God of pardons
Song of Solomon 4:7 You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. In today’s reading, Solomon summarizes his impression of his bride by declaring that there is no flaw in her. Is love blind? Perhaps when we look through the eyes of love, we gain such a perspective. If we look at this passage from a spiritual … More Perfection is a gift and a responsibility
