Introduction: In taking a book of the Bible a week, we are not really doing justice to any of them. We can certainly give an orientation. We can describe the basic themes. We can perhaps give you a taste for the book, such that you want to pursue a deeper reading on your own. But …
The Potency of Right Worship
INTRODUCTION: Many of the problems confronting modern Christians are the result of diligently trying to do the right thing . . . in the wrong categories. They try guitar fingering on a mandolin; they try chess rules on a backgammon board; they apply the rules of French grammar to English. And for us to draw …
Confession and Works
One of the things that is very much part of the DNA of our public ministry is the teaching that Christians need to keep short accounts with God, confessing their sins regularly and honestly. The teaching of Scripture on the subject is plain enough. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth …
Three-Fold Fellowship
Grace and Peace “At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” …
What Cannot Remain
I was struck by something the other morning as I looked at the beginning of Luke 9. “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said …
Surveying the Text: Lamentations
Introduction: This short book is a powerful expression of godly grief. It is also a highly disciplined work of art, and there is something very important that we can learn from this. The authorship of this book is not certain, but a strong tradition connects it to Jeremiah. The Text: “This I recall to my …
The Meaning of Amen
Introduction: Amen is probably the most universally-used and universally-recognized word throughout the world. Each of us probably uses it daily, and perhaps we even understand it. But when we consider what it means, and reflect on how we usually say it, or respond to it, we may have to reevaluate. Jerome commented that in the …
The Coronation of Christ
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the …
Kings and Priests With Him
Grace and Peace “At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus …
Surveying the Text: Jeremiah
Introduction: Like Isaiah, Jeremiah is a vast mountain range, rich in ore. But while Isaiah has mines all through it, the number of times that the New Testament quotes Jeremiah is fairly limited. But using the analogy of precious metals, Jeremiah is where the largest gold nugget ever found is located (Jer. 31:31-34). The Text: …