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“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). “Spirit and truth” worship are discussed. It is imperative that …
Continue reading Sermon: True Worship“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace“ (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus as the Prince of Peace is considered, and that peace of which He is prince is …
Continue reading Sermon: The Prince of Peace 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 FishMatthew 19 records Jesus being tested by the Pharisees. They questioned Him on the subject of divorce. Jesus appealed to Genesis to show that marriage is for life, and divorce was never to be considered. He then explained His law concerning marriage, divorce, and remarriage. The only exception to the rule – one man, one …
Continue reading Sermon: Bound in Marriage – “Let not man separate” 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