“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) It is comforting to know that …
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The world is filled with differences among men – races, cultures, governments, values, etc. Despite all these there are shared things. Among these are the necessities of human life. No matter the race, culture, up-bringing, or values, each member of mankind has the dire need for water, food, and oxygen. Without these elements, among others, …
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“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psalm 136:1, NASB). Psalm 136 is a great manifestation of the constancy of God’s lovingkindness. The concept of “lovingkindness” (ḥeseḏ) denotes the condescension of the transcendent Creator to His creation in love, mercy, goodness, and loyalty in fulfilment of their needs (“mercy,” NKJV; “steadfast love,” ESV, RSV; “faithful …
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There is a vacancy within every man. A cavernous and frigid darkness once occupied with the Presence essential for life, yet emptied by free-will. A creation seen as good, dwelling with the Good (cf. Matthew 19:17), turned to the antithesis, betrayed by one “more cunning than any” (Genesis 3:1). He boasts liberty and offers pleasure while the …
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“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7) It is a certainty that …
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“Consistency, thou art a jewel.” We crave consistency, but rarely get it. Even when we do it is understood as a relative concept with varying degrees. Some have differing views on what constitutes consistency, and even that varies regarding the respective context under consideration. Regardless, even when we think we find consistency we inevitably discover …
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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 physical hunger, but “because they …
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Despite the example of the northern nation of Israel (cf. Jeremiah 3:6-10), and numerous warnings from God with calls to repentance, Judah was carried into Babylonian captivity. In 586 B.C., Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed. Lamentations is a book of dirges reflecting on the destruction witnessed by the prophet. However, the darkness of the …
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Does doctrine matter? (Doctrine – didachē – teaching) Is it important? Do our souls depend on an accurate understanding of “doctrinal matters,” and an adherence to them? Many who claim to be believers in Jesus would answer with a negative to the former questions. We are familiar with mantras like, “The Man, not the plan,” or, “Relationship …
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The first epistle to the Thessalonians begins with a thankful remembrance of the faith displayed by the recipients of the letter. It impresses us with the power of our actions. Even the great apostle Paul was astounded by the faith of these brethren. Genuine faith can reach beyond the limits of our known geography. Paul …
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