To the Jews, the Gentiles were “uncircumcised dogs.” The tragedy is that the Jews depended on this physical mark instead of the spiritual reality it represented (Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 9:26; Ezekial 44:9). A true Jew is one who has had an inward spiritual experience in the heart, and not merely...
What is there about legalism that can so fascinate the Christian that he will turn from grace to law? For one thing, legalism appeals to the flesh. The flesh loves to be “religious”—to obey laws, to observe holy occasions, even to fast. Certainly there is nothing wrong with obedience, fasting,...
What is it that tempts people into unfaithfulness and dishonesty? The Lord stated that they want the praises of men instead of the approval of God. These words of Jesus are really convicting: “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). Does...
The heart of every problem is a problem of the heart. The people of Israel (with exceptions like Moses, Joshua, and Caleb) erred in their hearts, meaning that their hearts wandered from God and His Word. They also had evil hearts of unbelief; they doubted that God would give them...
God is not going to replace suffering with glory; rather He will transform suffering into glory. Jesus used the illustration of a woman giving birth. The same baby that gave her pain also gave her joy. The pain was transformed into joy by the birth of the baby. The thorn...
As Christians, we must live a day at a time. No person, no matter how wealthy or gifted, can live two days at a time. God provides for us “day by day” as we pray to him (Luke 11:3). He gives us the strength we need according to our daily...
Doctors tell us that some people are “morning people,” while others are “evening people.” That is, some people are wide awake before the alarm clock rings. They hit the floor running, and never have to yawn or throw cold water in their faces. Others, like myself, wake up slowly—first one...
It is not wrong to fast if we do it in the right way and with the right motive. Jesus fasted, and so did the members of the early church. Fasting helps to discipline the appetites of the body and keep our spiritual priorities straight. But it must never become...
Paul wrote to Timothy about the danger of the love of money and added a special “charge” for Timothy to give the rich (see below). We may not think this charge applies to us, but it does. After all, our standard of living today would certainly make us “rich” in...
A pastor got a phone call from an angry woman. “I have received a piece of religious literature from your church,” she shouted, “and I resent your using the mails to upset people!” “What was so upsetting about a piece of mail from a church?” the pastor asked calmly. “You...