John tells us (1 John 4:1), “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Paul said something like that, too. After saying that we should “not despise prophetic utterances,” he added, “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:20-21). Steven J.Cole … More The content of our theology matters greatly
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach … More Why is Jesus’ return delayed?
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is … More Intentional holiness
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18, in our Bible reading plan for today. Here are helpful words of context from John MacArthur in … More What kind of wisdom do you have?
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. —James 3:7-8 (verses 1-12 in our reading plan today) Pastor Steven Cole comments: On a windswept … More The battle to tame the tongue
Today we read Luke 23:26-31. In my research on Luke 23, I came across this wonderful sermon by Pastor Steven Cole, of Flagstaff, AZ. He tells of Simon of Cyrene through the eyes of his son, Rufus. The Roman soldiers in our day got a sadistic kick out of making a condemned man carry his … More Learning from the son of Simon of Cyrene
But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to … More Just like Barabbas?
Pastor Steven Cole begins and concludes a sermon on Hebrews 7:1-10 (our Bible reading for today) with these comments: Most of you would probably admit that you’re not highly motivated to learn about Melchizedek. You’ve got marriage problems, problems with your kids, financial problems, personal problems, and other practical needs. Why in the world would … More One gateway God has provided to tell you about Christ
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. Titus 1:16 (part of our Bible reading plan today) David Guzik comments at EnduringWord.com: b. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him: These difficult people Titus had to deal with were … More Spiritual facade
Steven Cole on Nehemiah 9, our Bible passage for today: God’s abundant mercy is the dominant theme of this prayer. It begins by exalting God and His glorious name (9:5) and then it starts where the Bible does, with God as the almighty Creator of everything, who gives life to every living creature. All the … More God’s grace is greater!
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 