February 2, 2016

This World Is Not My Home

Old House

“For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).

As Paul wrote to the brethren in Corinth, he described the fact that our lives on earth are temporary, yet we have an eternal home in heaven. It is important that we understand this – this world is not our home. Our real home is in heaven. In this article, we are going to contrast these two homes and consider how an understanding of the difference between them should cause us to live here.
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January 5, 2016

Choosing the Good Part

Bible on a park bench

In Luke’s gospel we read of an occasion when two sisters received a visit from the Lord. Those two sisters made two choices – one of these choices reflected the right priorities. Both of these women provide important lessons for us today.
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September 8, 2015

Imagining Jesus

Jesus and the moneychangers

“The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables” (John 2:13-15).

When Jesus came to Jerusalem for the Passover, He “cleansed” the temple, driving out the money changers and those selling animals. His actions must have been quite a shock to those who were driven out that day, as well as to those who were there to witness the event. Of course, many today would also be shocked to read this in the Bible.
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June 2, 2015

“Lord, To Whom Shall We Go?”

Signpost

“As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘You do not want to go away also, do you?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life’” (John 6:66-68).

Public opinion can quickly change. This chapter in John’s gospel began with Jesus miraculously feeding five thousand people – and this number only included the men (John 6:1-13). As a result, the people concluded, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:14). Believing this, they were ready “to come and take Him by force [and] make Him king” (John 6:15), even though this would require them to do battle against the powerful Roman army. But by the end of the chapter, all of them had left except for His twelve disciples (John 6:66-68).

Why did the crowd leave Jesus? There are at least two reasons for this:
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May 6, 2015

If You Have Been Raised Up with Christ

Sun and clouds

The resurrection of Christ is one of the matters “of first importance” in the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It provides us with hope beyond this life (1 Corinthians 15:17-22). We should always remember and give thanks for this event.

As Christ was raised, we must be “raised up with [Him]” (Colossians 3:1). When Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians, he was writing to those who had been raised with Christ. He explained what this obligated them to do. Let us consider what our responsibility is after being “raised up with Christ.”
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April 1, 2015

Is Divine Revelation Ongoing Today?

Looking toward heaven

“For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief” (Ephesians 3:1-3).

Paul told the Ephesians about the mystery he received by revelation. He was referring to divine revelation – a message that came from God. As an apostle (Ephesians 1:1), the Holy Spirit guided him “into all the truth” (John 16:13) so that he could say, “The things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment” (1 Corinthians 14:37).

Does this type of divine revelation still occur today? Many people claim to receive messages directly from heaven. But does God reveal His will directly to people today like He did with Paul and others? It is important that we know the answer to that question. So let us consider it here.
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February 18, 2015

Great Faith and Little Faith

Walking on Water

Jesus spoke of some as having great faith and others having little faith. What is the difference between these two types of faith?

As Christians, if we examine ourselves, we will likely find similarities in both categories. Where we have great faith, we must continue. Where we have little faith, we must improve. The Hebrew writer said, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11:6). Let us consider the differences between great faith and little faith so that we can learn how to best please the Lord.
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