How important it is to begin by aligning ourselves under God. This issue is the result of a deep exercise that seems to have been growing simultaneously in the hearts of many North American believers. It cannot be stressed enough that if this burden is going to bear fruit for God (rather than being a […]
In 2 Corinthians 9, the Spirit of God brings before us in a very impressive manner our responsibility to give of our means both for the support of the Lord’s work and in order to meet the necessities of Christians who are in distressing circumstances. Our Lord enjoyed in a peculiarly rich way the happiness […]
It is a rare chapter in the book of Acts that does not prominently remind us of the strategic influence of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of the Church. The early chapters emphasize the once-for-all baptism of the Spirit, a (partial) fulfillment of Joel 2 and of the promise of John the […]
This small section is not intended to bring before the Lord’s people the vital importance of prayer. I believe that the prayer life of many Christians (the writer included) as well as the prayer ministry of many assemblies could be greatly improved. But I think we know that. It is not a truth we have […]
A key element in the work force of the New Testament Church. Peter, in his discussion of priesthood, never mentions either gender or gift (1 Pet. 2:5-10). Every believing woman is as fully a priest as any man. She has equal access to the Spirit and to the truth of the Word. She is welcome […]
Good works and the gospel are the winning combo. Let’s team up! When Mother Teresa and Princess Diana died within days of each other, it was evident that their lives had virtually nothing in common, except this: they both were known for doing good works. It was obvious from its response that the world still […]
An excellent evangelistic Bible study guide! Jesus insisted that children be given access to Him. “Permit the little children to come unto Me, and do not forbid them,” He said. Somewhat confused, the disciples stepped back and gave way to these seemingly unimportant little people. Jesus picked one of them up, held the child in […]
It is always instructive to note likenesses between similar passages in the Bible. In Matthew 25 and Luke 19 we have two similar parables. In each parable a rich man, about to go on a journey, calls his servants to him and entrusts them with a part of his wealth, expecting them to invest it […]
Some passages of Scripture—and some preachers—give the impression that Christians should actually give up everything they own. But is that true? What Christians should do is give up ownership of everything they have. Therein lies a subtle but crucial difference. Paul would describe it in this cryptic paradox: “as poor, yet making many rich; as […]