The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. Proverbs 16:21 NIV People of high intelligence and learning enjoy the benefits of their intellectual development. Their reputations are enhanced and their value to the community is well known. But Solomon’s words...
We also all once lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive...
Jesus answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.” John 13:7 WEB Jesus spent a great deal of time and effort preparing his disciples for their eventual task of spreading the gospel message. He had given them power to cast out demons and heal the sick. Jesus...
We know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 1 John 4:16 WEB The early church suffered losses of membership due to false doctrine. False teachers led many away from the faith leaving a remnant of orthodox...
Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?” John 10:32 WEB During the “Feast of the Dedication” better known as Hanukkah, Jesus is confronted by religious Jews as he walks Solomon’s porch at the temple in Jerusalem. They...
The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ. He is Lord of all. Acts 10:36 WEB In the days of the apostles, like today, people made clear distinctions between different groups, races, and ethnicities. The Roman Empire in which Jesus lived...
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 NIV In this verse, King David associates the strength God gives to his people with the blessing of peace. This is an important concept to grasp. David’s words reveal that strength and peace are derived from...
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV God is the source of all of creation. He is the supreme intelligence of the universe. When we put our trust in him...
Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14 WEB The first part of this chapter in Luke’s gospel account is often read around Christmas time. Luke describes the...
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, Galatians 4:4 WEB When Paul preached the gospel message to the Galatians, many received it with enthusiasm. However, after Paul left them, some confusion arose concerning the circumstances of...
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13 WEB In truth, we cannot conceal our sins from God. He already knows our thoughts and misdeeds. It is neither likely that we conceal our sins from ourselves as our conscience intervenes to...
Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” Acts 23:1 NIV After leaving Ephesus, Paul returned to Jerusalem. While attending the temple in Jerusalem, Paul is assaulted and beaten mercilessly for spreading the...
