In Genesis 18, when the Lord determined that He would go down and see whether the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had “done altogether according to the outcry against it” (verse 21), Abraham stood still before the Lord and petitioned Him repeatedly on behalf of his nephew Lot, not wanting to see the righteous destroyed … [Read more…]
“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ Pilate said … [Read more…]
When purchasing an item, we are usually concerned with the cost of it. When taking on a home improvement project, we want to determine the cost. Jesus taught that the cost of being His disciple deserves consideration: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, … [Read more…]
There are three things every man must recognize and resolve in his mind about the commands of the Lord if he is going to do the will of the Lord. First, every man needs to come to this point about the commands of the Lord: “I must.” A “must” is a requirement, an obligation. By … [Read more…]
According to the first chapter of Proverbs, the book provides instruction (verses 2, 3), knowledge (verse 4), understanding (verse 5), prudence and discretion (verse 4). Indeed, the Proverbs are part of the Old Testament, and we know that the Law of Moses was nailed to the cross, abolished at the death of Christ (Colossians 2:14). … [Read more…]
The New Testament is filled with instructions to the Christian to watch, to be attentive, to beware. Paul admonished the Corinthians to “watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (I Cor. 16:13). Spiritual alertness must characterize the Christian. But watchfulness is not always easy or popular. Watchfulness is required to avoid being … [Read more…]
In the fourth year of King Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet with hope that Judah “may return every man from his evil way” (Jeremiah 36:3). Baruch recorded on a scroll the words of God, and they were read in the temple and among the princes. The … [Read more…]
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who … [Read more…]
“Then the Lord said: ‘I have pardoned, according to your word; but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord— because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the … [Read more…]
Genesis 19 records the story of God’s judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Although completely destroyed, Sodom and Gomorrah continue to be mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The occasion of their destruction is significant. Let us consider some of the lessons we learn from their destruction. Homosexuality is sin The destruction … [Read more…]