Introduction: Here is the last of the psalms attributed to Asaph. You might recall that we discussed how this could be Asaph himself, or someone descended from him, in the “school” of Asaph. This psalm is likely written by Jehaziel, a Levite descended from Asaph (2 Chron. 20:14). From the internal evidence, the episode referred …
Christiany Decorative Elements
One of the reasons why it is obvious that we need revival in our nation is the fact that we do not rejoice in God the way we need to be rejoicing in God. “Wilt thou not revive us again: That thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psalm 85:6). But as we pray for reformation …
A Proud Stomach
Jesus teaches that all men whom the Father gives to Him will in fact come. He also says that no one can come on his own authority, at his own initiative. This meal is an “invitation only” event. At the same time, the whole world is invited—Jesus Christ is the bread of God which gives …
Apostolic Dumpster Scrapings
Introduction: Some time ago, at our weekly Sabbath dinner, my father said something like, “No sense dying with a good reputation.” I forget what brought that on, but my daughter Rachel asked, “So you have a good reputation?” And he said, “Better than it ought to be.” Two Cautions: In emphasizing what I am about …
Federal Vision No Mas
Introduction: I have decided, after mulling over it for some years now, to discontinue identifying myself with what has come to be called the federal vision. It used to be that when I was asked if I held to the federal vision, I would say something like “yes, if by that you mean . . …
Psalm 82/God Among Gods
Introduction: We come now to yet another psalm of Asaph. Unlike many psalms, this one is not directed to God. It speaks of Him, but the import of what is said is directed at rulers. This is an Old Testament instance of “teaching and admonishing one another,” although in this case directed at wickedness outside …
Trespasses and Debts
Some of you may have been curious about the different versions of the Lord’s Prayer. Is it supposed to be debts or trespasses? The word in v. 9 should be rendered as debts, and that is the best strict translation. Wycliffe rendered it as debts. But then later, Tyndale translated it as trespasses. The argument …
Food of the Gospel
Jesus commands us to labor for the food which endures more than just a short time—food which endures to everlasting life. He tells us also not to give ourselves in idolatrous labor for that food which necessarily perishes. Jesus says that the Son of man will give us the bread that does not perish because …
A Jim Nance Timeline
Timeline on the timeline: Before getting down to business, I need to say something about the date that this was posted, marked above. I saw one commenter online trying to make something nefarious out of it, trying to fit it into the timeline of the events in question themselves. But when controversy breaks out over …
Psalm 81/Open Your Mouth
Introduction: There is only one God, and so for a creature there are only two ways to go—toward Him or away from Him. We can listen to Him, or we can ignore what He would tell us. We can surrender to Him, or rebel against Him. This psalm describes the consequences of each kind of …