In “judgment” over the congregation at Rome, the Apostle Paul told them “not to judge.” For “we will all stand before the judgment seat of God… then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10, 12). Paul was not contradicting himself but operating from this worldview: God gives us different […]
Romans, Lesson 24: Who Authorizes You to Judge?
March 19, 2017 by
After dealing with the topic of paying taxes, about not owing the Government taxes, Paul now transitions to a new topic through the word, “owe.” True Love Fulfills All Read Romans 13:8 Paul starts out, “No one, no one owe,” using command, imperative language. How can someone “no one, no one owe”? What […]
Genesis 32:22-30: Best of Luck or Blessing?
March 19, 2017 by
A saying we use in our everyday lives is “Best of luck.” Through those words, we wish another well—whether on the phone, at work, or somewhere else. The idea behind a blessing is to encourage. Still, do you wonder what “luck” is? In wishing another “the best of luck,” you are voicing a belief in […]
The Passion and the People: Peter
March 9, 2017 by
John 18:4-11: Not by Sword but Cross Perhaps, you faced some inconvenience to be here today. Did you miss a TV show or needed to change a mealtime? The food may still be waiting for you when you step back into your home. Perhaps, you scurried to finish some task to arrive here on time. […]
Matthew 4:1-11: Not By Bread Alone
March 8, 2017 by
Such a generous offer the Devil makes, proposing to share the stage of God with Jesus Christ. The Devil can be such a charmer, offering our Lord bread, glory, and sparing Him the suffering yet to come. Why? So we will be without our Savior’s Word. The Deceiver whispers, “You don’t need to do this, […]
Romans, Lesson 23: Living with Authorities
March 8, 2017 by
In Chapter 12, following 11 chapters on salvation being a result of God’s grace and doing, Paul delved into living the Christian life. He described how one Christian responds to another in the Church but also life with the non-Christian. As individuals, we “do not overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:23). […]
Romans, Lesson 22: Life with Others, Both Christians and Non-Christians
March 8, 2017 by
In Chapter 12, Paul brought us to his great “therefore” in the book of Romans. This “therefore” followed his presentation on God’s grace for our salvation, since all things are “from [God] and through Him and to Him.” Paul continues his exploration on what this means on how we live as God’s people, listing a […]
Romans, Lesson 21: God’s Mercy and Grace Propels the Christian Life
March 8, 2017 by
With his use of an olive tree, Paul compared people to tree branches, using “cut off” to show that someone is removed from the tree (the Church) through unbelief. Through faith, God will “graft” in those branches, whether “natural” (of Jewish ancestry) or “contrary to nature (of Gentile ancestry). Paul provides a warning not to […]
The Passion and the People: Judas
March 2, 2017 by
John 12:1, 3-6; Luke 22:2-6 Such a mystery is unbelief. The unbelief of Judas goes deeper. For Jesus calls him to be His disciple, and he follows. One of the Twelve, the teachings of Jesus come to him firsthand. Still, he betrays the Son of God and dies in despair, committing suicide. Is Judas’ betrayal […]
Exodus 33:17-23: Transfiguration: The Cross Before the Glory
February 26, 2017 by
What is glory? Whatever glory is, rock stars exude its essence, inspiring many a teenager to pick up a guitar or play the drums. So also top athletes, with an aura of mystery with its drawing power—as long as they are winning. Earned by their sacrifices, others also hold such an allure. Do we not […]
