In the early chapters of the book of Numbers, the author has invited his readers to consider three classes in the camp of Israel. The warrior enrolled at twenty years of age, the Levite enlisted at twenty-five, and the priest’s service opened on his attaining his thirtieth year. Each of these has its counterpart in […]
You guessed it! The prayer meeting. Treating the prayer meeting as optional cannot continue if we are going to be strong and healthy assemblies. A minority of readers might wonder what the fuss is about. In these rare assemblies, most of the believers are out to the prayer meeting. But sadly, a majority of local […]
In the epistles–Romans through Jude–the word “feast” or “feasts” is mentioned only four times. Three of these references evidently refer to collective gatherings that include the saints of God. There is significant teaching relevant to these three references. A feast in scripture is not an orgy of eating. Rather, as God ordained a feast, it […]
In Israel’s Song of Liberation (Ex. 15), beautifully simple and refreshing to the spirit, God is everything and satisfaction is the result. Even though you may have been a long time on the wilderness journey, yet you can turn back with joy to re-echo this song. And if you have just set out on the […]
Did some U. S. Christians cast their ballots for the incumbent in the recent election? Then surely they must have uneasy consciences about their choice for what ought to be obvious reasons. Probably more Christians voted for the Republican nominee. But do they wonder if they have voted contrary to the will of God when […]
The boldness of Jesus in breaking the Pharisees’ traditions had brought their growing suspicion and opposition to a head, and they determined to seize Him. Petty officers were sent to arrest him when he was present in Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacles (Jn. 7), and the appearance of these policemen led Jesus to say […]
Names in the Scriptures form an interesting study. For instance, the various names that God uses to describe Himself: Elohim, Jehovah, The Lord God, Almighty God, The Most High God, Father–all convey different truths about the same Person. And so it is with those in connection with the Saviour. Sometimes we read of Him as […]
Unity is not a feeling, but a fact. It was central in the prayer of our Lord in John 17. His desire was that believers should be “one” (Jn. 17:21). Paul picks up the theme in Ephesians 4 where we are given the fullest explanation of unity in the epistles. He describes unity as “the […]
Matthew Henry (1662-1714) was born into a model Christian home. When Philip Henry was courting Miss Matthews of Worthenbury, her family objected to the engagement because they did not know much about his background. When told that they hardly knew where Philip was from, she replied, “Yes, that is more or less true; but I […]