Not Convenient October 11, 2011 “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” (Ephesians 5:4) It seems surprising that “foolish talking” and “jesting” would be condemned as things that should “not be once named among you” (v. 3). Yet here it is, and commentators usually assume that […]

Never Alone October 15, 2011 “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” (Psalm 27:10) There may be more people alive today than ever before, but there are also more lonely people today than ever before–divorced spouses, homeless street people, many elderly parents and, perhaps saddest of all, […]

My Lord and My God September 25, 2011 “And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28) Thomas has been called “doubting Thomas” because of his initial reluctance to believe in the Lord’s resurrection, but neither the Lord nor the other disciples ever viewed him in such a light. His […]

A Bondslave and a Freeman March 15, 2012 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.” (Romans 1:1) Paul identified himself as a “servant (literally, ‘bondslave‘) of Jesus Christ” as he began several of his epistles; and it is significant that he began the epistle to […]

Abel’s Timely Testimony February 10, 2012 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” (Hebrews 11:4) Abel, Adam’s second son, was a faithful, God-honoring man, but he was murdered […]

A New Song January 4, 2012 “O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.” (Psalm 98:1) The theme of singing is frequently found in the Bible. Probably the first song ever sung was by God’s angels at […]

AltarBuilding January 20, 2012 “And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.” (Genesis 12:7) This is the first reference to Abraham building an altar in Scripture. Building an altar and making sacrifice to God […]