In His incarnation, Jesus spoke many things of which His apostles heard, both in public and private settings. He spoke of His nature, and relationship with the Father. He spoke of the impending kingdom, of its law and blessings. However, His humiliation was intended to be temporary, and His glorification was soon to come. He …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: John 14:25-31
Jesus had effectively communicated the severity of causing offenses. The Pharisees and scribes are historically notorious for such. They refused to submit to the evidence of Jesus as the Christ, and were dedicated to influencing His followers. With high and venerable positions in the Jewish faith they exploited “little ones” and caused them to be …
Continue reading Article: The Power of Faith Offenses, or stumbling blocks, are a part of life. Temptations befall every man, and every man has the grave task of overcoming them. “It is impossible that no offenses should come” (v. 1). They may arise on a personal level in which one lacks self-discipline and is led away by his own folly. Yet, there …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Luke 17:1-4
“God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies; The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and …
Continue reading Article: Judgments and Whirlwinds
A recent article on ESPN’s website disapproved of an infographic posted on the University of Washington’s Facebook Cheer page. The graphic depicted “Do’s” and “Don’t’s” of tryout attire. This “checklist” of the cheerleader appearance is not surprising, but is nonetheless an indication of the impiety in our society. Some of the “Do’s” include “Bronze, beachy …
Continue reading Notable News: Cheerleader Checklist Six days after Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ (8:29), and Jesus spoke of His death and resurrection (8:31-33), and encouraged His disciples and the people to follow Him (8:34-9:1), “Peter, James, and John” experienced something wonderful. After being led up a mountain, they saw Jesus transfigured, or change form. His countenance was “exceedingly white, …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Mark 9:2-10
John 6 – Jesus, having performed signs on the diseased (v. 2), attracted a great multitude. And as He sat elevated on a mount He saw that famished mass of souls coming toward Him – “in number about five thousand” (v. 10). The perceptive Savior was “moved with compassion for them,” not because of their …
Continue reading The Patternists: Seeking Bread and Fish Jesus stated in Matthew 19 the original design of marriage by God – “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). This is what God intended for mankind. Nevertheless, divorce was rampant among the nations – Israel included. Thus, God permitted …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32
How far can a husband or wife venture with another before the door of infidelity is opened? Such a question reveals an improper mindset in the first place. In marriage one is bound by God to another (cf. Romans 7:2). There is no leniency! Those who understand this would never give a “free pass” to …
Continue reading Article: Spiritual Infidelity Some suggest the New Testament is only relevant for those who have been given kingdom citizenship – aliens are not subject to the law of Christ. In part, this concept has been used to nullify unscriptural divorces for those who are not Christians. They are told they can remain in an adulterous marriage upon obedience …
Continue reading The Patternists: Violations of the Pattern: The Law of Christ Only Applies to Christians