CHRIST the BELIEVER’S PASSION: “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him” (2 Cor 5:9). The passion of Christ is the only passion we can give ourselves to wholeheartedly and it won’t corrupt us. Instead, it will enlarge our hearts and refine our desires. Jim Elliot (1927–1956) […]
“After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight” (Hos 6:2). How desperately we need reviving! And what is its basis? How does God revive His people? Adam Clarke comments: “These words are supposed to refer to the death and resurrection […]
One of the reasons that sinful or worldly habits are so expensive is that they shut our mouths as gospel witnesses. King David knew this. In one penitential psalm, he wrote, “Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, […]
CHRIST our CHAMPION and the DEVIL’S CHIEF ADVERSARY: “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor 16:9). Notice the “and” in the center of this sentence. Paul does not write “but”; the “and” would indicate that these two ideas actually come together: great opportunities for the […]
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph 3:20-21). Who has not thrilled to the words by Edward Perronet, “All […]
“What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mk 8:37). Rowland Hill (1744-1833) had preached to large crowds before. Once, it is recorded, he preached to 20,000 at Calton Hill in Edinburgh. On this occasion, the scene is Moorfields Common and he is preaching when the carriage of Lady Ann Erskine approaches. Every […]
“…and, behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own” —J.R.L. Have we been noticing the story behind the story? Is it possible that this is a prototype of a much bigger plot and far greater victory? As noted earlier, there are just two Bible books named after women: Ruth […]
CHRIST the ANTIDOTE to FEAR: “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Heb 13:5-6). “I will not fear” reminds us of a similar line in Psalm 23. “Shall” would be […]
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience (endurance) of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (1 Thess 1:2-3). What a great work crew to have on […]