Today the cross is an accepted symbol of love and sacrifice. But in Jesus’ day the cross was a horrible means of capital punishment. The Romans would not mention the cross in polite society. In fact, no Roman citizen could be crucified; this terrible death was reserved for Rome’s enemies....
Paul had written the Corinthians a stern message (2 Corinthians 7:8-9), and then had regretted it. But the letter achieved its purpose and the Corinthians repented, and this made Paul rejoice. Their repentance was not merely a passing regret; it was a true, godly sorrow for sin. The difference is...
When my wife and I visited the Tower of London and saw the royal jewels, we noticed that the crowd was kept moving—and the guards stood still. They were constantly watching the visitors; nothing could move them from their appointed places. Similarly, you and I are helping to guard the...
A man should “prove his own work,” Paul wrote in Galatians 6:4, and it should be proved in the light of God’s will and not in the shadows of somebody else’s achievements. There is no place for competition in the work of God, unless we are competing against sin and...
The Canaan rest for Israel is a picture of the spiritual rest we find in Christ when we surrender to Him. When we come to Christ by faith, we find salvation rest. When we yield and learn of Him and obey Him by faith, we enjoy submission rest. The first...
Walking in the light involves honesty, obedience, and love. That means following the example of Christ, walking as He walked when here on earth—and as He does right now in Heaven. This has extremely practical applications in our daily lives. For example, what should a believer do when another believer...
Dr. George W. Truett, who pastored the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas for nearly fifty years, told about an unbelieving couple whose baby died suddenly. Dr. Truett conducted the funeral and later had the joy of seeing them both trust Jesus Christ. Many months later, a young mother lost...
If God saved people only on the basis of their righteousness, nobody would ever be saved. God’s mercy and compassion are extended according to God’s will, not man’s. All of us deserve condemnation—not mercy. To illustrate these points in Romans 9:15, Paul quotes Exodus 53:19, which describes Israel’s idolatry while...
Love is the badge of a believer in this world. Especially in times of testing and persecution, Christians need to love one another and be united in heart. This love should be fervent. The word fervent pictures an athlete straining to reach the goal. It speaks of eagerness and intensity....
Many people have the idea that God is not reigning today—that Satan is in charge of things, and God will not rule until Jesus returns. I have heard sincere teachers say, “In the past, Jesus was the Prophet. Today in heaven, He is the Priest. When He returns, He will...