The apostle Paul was actively opposing the church when Jesus stopped him dead in his tracks and turned him around. He was on a war against Christianity. He was not seeking after the truth. He was convinced that he knew the truth. But Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Paul described his conversion … More Unlikely converts
Today we read Matthew 19:23-26. “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they … More Impossible. HIM-possible.
Here is Psalm 43:3-4, part of our Bible reading plan today: Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the … More Authentic joy in God will overflow with praises
In a sermon, “As Far as the East is From the West”, a sermon on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), on Leviticus 16 by Coty Pinckney, The Scapegoat This sacrifice, while different and more detailed than the usual sin offerings, nevertheless is similar to that daily ritual. The next act on the Day of Atonement, however, … More To the wilderness of forgetfulness
In our Bible reading passage for today, we come to Paul’s testimony before Agrippa in Acts 26. In a message, “Christ’s Purpose in Evangelism,” Dr. John Piper said: When Jesus looked into the future and predicted what would happen to his disciples, he said something very sobering, but also very encouraging. He said (in Luke 21:12–13), … More God is the master evangelistic planner
Here is an article by John Piper regarding Matthew 19, in our reading for today: Pondering Children as Pride Detectors One thing to watch for when assessing a person’s spiritual fitness for ministry is how he or she relates to children. Put a child in the room and watch. This is what Jesus did to … More Jesus and the Children
As a deer pants for flowing streams,so pants my soul for you, O God.My soul thirsts for God,for the living God. Charles H. Spurgeon writes on Psalm 42 in the Treasury of David: The next best thing to living in the light of the Lord’s love is to be unhappy till we have it, and … More Spurgeon: Thirst is a perpetual appetite
Limits of the law: It could point out a persons unclean condition, but had no means to clean. Bob Deffinbaugh explains, in a sermon on Leviticus 12-15, “Offending God: The Clean and the Unclean” It is at this point that the Israelite of Moses’ day came to a very sobering realization. While the Law could pronounce a … More Limits of the law
We can learn alot from the experiences of Paul. God has given His precious promises to us, too. Some are promises for all people for all times, while others may be only for certain people of a certain time in history. But we can be sure that just as God fulfilled all of His purposes … More Comedy of errors or “all things for good”?
And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” … More No forgiveness for unforgiving people
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 