ARE YOU “IN” CHRIST JESUS? When judgment fell on the earth during the great flood, only those “in” the Ark were saved. The rain of God’s wrath fell on the Ark, but Noah and his family were kept safe inside. This is a foreshadowing of Christ. For Christ Jesus is our Ark. There is no
THE NEW WAY OF SERVING IN THE SPIRIT We don’t serve God by following a checklist, but by living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Legalism does not please God as it only reveals our unrighteousness and prideful hearts. This new way of living is not about effort or earning, but believing and receiving.
PETER’S FIRST SERMON TEXT This psalm of David was quoted by the apostle Peter (Acts 2:25-36) as a biblical proof that Jesus Christ, Son of David, was prophesied to rise from the dead without seeing “corruption.” Peter preached this sermon on the day of Pentecost and 3,000 Jews from all over the world came to
THREE LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES AND ONE PROMISE David gave his son, Solomon, instructions on how to build the Lord’s Temple. Along with the building instructions, David gave him three important spiritual leadership principles and one promise. This three-part instruction with a promise is found throughout Scripture (See Joshua 1:9, Haggai 2:4-5). THE THREE PRINCIPLES: 1.
GOD IS DEBTOR TO THE ONE WHO GIVES TO THE POOR This is an astounding proverb! God willingly makes Himself a debtor to the one who shows pity on the poor, giving to them. Someone may hesitate to give to a poor person, but who would not lend to the Lord? Surely the One who
MEDITATION ON THE REDEMPTION AND PROPITIATION OF CHRIST Two important words concerning salvation are named here: “Redemption” and “propitiation.” Redemption means that we have been purchased out of slavery to sin by Christ, who gave Himself as our ransom. He took our sin, so that we might receive His righteousness. Propitiation means that Christ satisfied
RELYING ON GOD’S GREAT MERCY When David sinned against the Lord by calling for a census of Israel, the prophet Gad brought a word of warning to him from the Lord. God was going to judge Israel because of David’s sin, but He allowed David to choose from three possible judgments. David chose to put
DOES YOUR WALK MATCH YOUR TALK? Paul warned those who taught the Word of God about the hypocrisy of applying it to others without first applying it to themselves. For just knowing God’s Word does not make one just. For it is the “doers of the law that will be justified” (Rom. 2:13). Therefore, teachers
THE FATHER TO THE FATHERLESS The psalmist began by questioning where God is when the wicked persecute the poor. For the wicked appear to prosper and take advantage of the poor. Like a lion they attack the helpless who have no apparent protection. But God does observe their trouble and grief. The helpless are
I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, he announced his readiness to visit them and preach the gospel. He got his desire towards the end of his life, though not as he probably planned. For he was brought to Rome in chains, having appealed to Caesar. Yet