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. […]
The Wise Man wrote, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” How true! This lesson is titled: “Good Ideas or God’s Ideas?” Remember the proverb: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”? This […]
The nation that came from Abram have known more than their share of dark times, but more of heaven’s glory light, too! The second part of Genesis 15 is one of the strangest scenes in the Bible. As God and Abram discussed both the seed and the land promised, faith sprang up in Abram’s heart, […]
Read More… from April 14, 2021 — The Light Shining In The Darkness
Never confuse the gospel being free for you, and how expensive it was for God. We ended our last talk with the question, “Have you?” Have you—what? Have you just simply taken God at His word? Though they may be well-meaning, unfortunately many religious leaders complicate the Bible’s gospel. They want you to attend services […]
Read More… from April 13, 2021 — Are You A Child Of Abraham By Faith?
Take it slow and steady here: this is the prototype for God’s only way of salvation. Back now to God’s conversation with Abram in Genesis 15. There we read that the Lord “brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said […]