WHAT DID GABRIEL EXPLAIN TO DANIEL? It is interesting to see the angel Gabriel mentioned in our Old Testament reading on this first day of December. For he will also be of great interest to us as we read the gospel accounts of Christ’s birth during this Christmas season. There are only two angels named
DANIEL’S VISION OF THE FOUR BEASTS Moving from Daniel 6 to Daniel 7, is like turning the TV from the History Channel to the SYFY Network–– one has to adjust to understanding images and concepts that are out of this world! Because in this chapter, God pulled back the veil on the world’s kingdoms and
ARE YOU GROWING IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS? The apostle Peter closed his second epistle, encouraging believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge” of Jesus. He warned against being led away by the error of the wicked, advising its alternative, namely, to grow in Christ. He understood that in spiritual life, as
IS IT TIME FOR THE LORD TO ACT? The psalmist saw the people of the world becoming more and more rebellious, ignoring the law of God. He called on the Lord to take action. This call was made especially acute by the fact that Psalm 119 was written as an ode to God’s Word. Usually
UNTIL WE LAY ASIDE THIS BODILY TENT Peter referred to his mortal body as a “tent,” recognizing its temporal nature and the promised hope of exchanging it for an eternal one at the Lord’s return. In the meantime, he was determined to continue stirring up the faith of those the Lord had entrusted to him.
A “ONE ANOTHER” FOR THANKSGIVING The apostle Peter reminded believers of the importance of loving and serving “one another.” This instruction included being “hospitable.” In other words, be friendly and welcoming to one another, giving of yourself and your substance as others have need. Open up both your homes and your hearts to one another.
OFFERING THANKS AND PRAISE TO GOD Nebuchadnezzer, king of Babylon, had a dream that troubled him greatly. He called his Chaldean wisemen in to interpret the dream. But to be sure of their interpretation, he refused to tell the them the dream. He wanted them to give both the dream and its meaning. After they
DO YOU SEEK THE BLESSING OR THE BESTOWER? The psalmist declared that the Lord Himself was his portion, his reward. He sought not the Lord’s hands, but His face. While others seek blessing, he sought the Bestower of all true blessings. Remember the parable Jesus told of the prodigal son? He said to his
THE DISTINGUISHING MARK OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY IS LOVE The apostle Peter taught that the foundation of being a Christ-follower is obedience to the truth, which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. For the one who has believed that Jesus died for their sins, was buried, and raised on the third day, has been cleansed of
WHAT IS THIS LIVING HOPE? The apostle Peter wrote of the “living hope” that we have by faith in the Resurrected One, Jesus Christ. But what is it? The word “hope” we understand. It is the expectation and desire for a certain thing to come to pass. Yet why call it “living?” The first