“Whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” Matthew 23:3 The test of the effectiveness of following Jesus is not just in what we say but in how we live. Are we telling others God’s Word and doing […]
“Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7 Sinful choices create consequences. After King David committed adultery and murder, family discord followed. When we confess our sins to God, He promises to forgive and cleanse us (I John 1:9). The God of grace will give us wisdom in dealing with bad decisions from our […]
“You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church.” Matthew 16:18. When Jesus renamed Simon as Peter (John 1:42) it wasn’t a random choice. “Peter” means “the rock.” But it took a while for Peter to live up to his new name. The account of his life reveals him as a fisherman […]
“O Jerusalem…! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing”? Matthew 23:37. Few things are as heartbreaking as a barrier to love. Christ, the long-awaited Messiah of Israel, experienced a barrier to His love when His chosen people rejected Him. […]
“For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7. When Samuel was to select the next king of Israel from the sons of Jesse, he made a judgment based on first impressions. However, God’s chosen was not any of the older sons. The Spirit told Samuel, “Do […]