Don’t fall for the wrong idea that God is a God of judgment but Jesus is a loving pushover. Who brought the infamous fire and brimstone on wicked Sodom? Would it surprise you to know it was the One who took the name Jesus when He entered the human race? How do I know? Because […]
Read More… from April 28, 2021 — It’s Going To Get Hotter Yet!
Is lasting spiritual influence an inside or an outside job? The answer may surprise you. What a study in contrasts we have in Genesis 18 and 19! Abraham lives near Hebron, the place that means “fellowship,” and has the Lord over for dinner! Imagine that! They discuss a matter of mutual interest—the plight of the […]
Read More… from April 27, 2021 — How To Influence Your World
Jesus wept over the unbelief in Jerusalem. Who weeps and prays over your city? In our last study, we quoted the Lord’s words: “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing…?” The answer is obviously No, because He does tell him. There is a form of speech called anthropomorphism. It occurs when God changes […]
Read More… from April 26, 2021 — God Is Looking For Intercessors
A classic example of God’s promise that angels have been “sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” The writer to the Hebrews (13:2) offers us this wisdom: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” That’s what our story today is about in Genesis 18. […]
Sometimes our overflowing joy shows itself in laughter. But sometimes laughter is a tell-tale clue to unbelief. The human race has the remarkable ability to laugh. As Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine.” The Mayo Clinic highlights their article on the benefits of laughter with the title, “Stress relief from laughter? […]
It’s a touchy subject, but the idea of “circumcision” is mentioned 73 times in the Bible, and 45 of them in the New Testament! In our last talk, we said that the stage was almost set for Isaac’s birth. But not quite! What more had to be done? Ah, this is a very delicate—but very […]
Read More… from April 21, 2021 — The Strange Mark Of Circumcision
Normally we think about new names when babies arrive—but new names for the parents? Hagar returned to Abram’s encampment, and when her time came, Ishmael was born. In the last verse of Genesis 16, we’re told that Abram was now eighty-six years old. More time passes. When chapter 17 opens, he is now ninety-nine! It’s […]
Read More… from April 20, 2021 — Time For Names To Be Changed
The Person called Jesus at His incarnation not only made the universe—He was very busy in the time in between. The “Angel of the Lord” who appeared to Hagar was obviously an appearance by God Himself. Obviously? How so? When we are introduced to such a heavenly Visitor, there are certain clues so we know […]
Had a visit from an angel lately? Here’s a fascinating story about an angelic visit, with a surprise ending, too. There are no less than 20 thrilling stories in the Old Testament where the Angel of the Lord shows up. Perhaps surprisingly, the first two occurrences are with this poorly treated Egyptian maid named Hagar. […]