For centuries Jews have broken bread and taken the cup of salvation without knowing the real reason. Let’s take one more look at Psalm 116. It plays a strategic role in history. Recall that this psalm is included in a collection of six psalms (Ps 113–118) known as the Egyptian Hallel, sung by the Jewish people on […]
CHRIST the MAKER—and REMAKER: “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (Jn 1:3). But our Lord was not finished MAKING when the world was finished! Through His precious sacrifice, “He has MADE US ACCEPTED in the Beloved” (Eph 1:6). And as a result, “now in Christ Jesus […]
“Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name” (Ps 119:132). The Lord has a long history of coming to the aid of His friends. They are described as “those who love Your name.” What exactly does that mean? His name is descriptive of His character. […]
It is indifference, not honest opposition, that is the enemy of salvation. Multitudes who have taken God’s Word in hand to disprove it have been won by its winsome power and light. One example is Christian Gerson (1569-1622), a Jewish scholar who bought a copy of Luther’s translation of the New Testament for eight schillings. […]
God wants us to be real with Him. “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Ps 103:14). Here is a simple outline of Psalm 116. 1. The Psalmist’s Cry (vv 1-2). Every prayer should have a point, and this one certainly does. The psalmist needs the help only God can give. 2. The Chance to Die (vv […]
JESUS, SUFFERER with HIS PEOPLE: “…if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Rom 8:17). Wandaro, whose father was a witch doctor among the Wolayto people in southern Ethiopia, was invited one day to take shelter in a clinic from a sudden downpour. Earl Lewis, recently arrived missionary, began to […]
“… making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are […]
“All things were created by Him, and for Him” (Col 1:16). Albert Einstein recognized the impossibility of a non-created universe: “I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts—the rest are details.” […]
CHRIST in the NOW: “But the hour is coming, and now is…” (Jn 4:23). So was the hour coming, or had it arrived? The answer is, both. Time is a process, constantly changing. But time meets us in the moment, and all we really have is NOW. We should not live for the present, but […]