August 1, 2008

No One Is Good Except God Alone

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

Luke recorded the occasion when a rich young ruler came to Jesus with a question: “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18).

When we talk about this passage, we often begin with Jesus instructing this man to keep the commandments contained in the Law of Moses (Luke 18:20). The man responded that he had done this from his youth (Luke 18:21). So Jesus told him what else he needed to do to inherit eternal life: “Sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor…and come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22). This man was unwilling to do this and departed (Luke 18:23).
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August 1, 2008

In the Days of Those Kings

While in Babylonian captivity, Daniel had the opportunity to meet with King Nebuchadnezzar and interpret the king’s dream. The magicians and sorcerers of the land were unable to interpret the dream for the king because he required them to first tell him his dream. Daniel, however, was able to both tell and interpret the dream by the power of God. All of this is recorded in Daniel 2.
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February 11, 2008

A Better Sacrifice

First Offering of Aaron

“Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).

Throughout this book, the Hebrew writer demonstrated why Jesus Christ and His new covenant are better than the system put in place by God through Moses. The above passage continued in this theme. It contrasted the work of the Levitical priests and the work of Christ.

The contrast is a simple one. The priests of old stand daily. Jesus sat down.
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January 1, 2008

Another Jesus

Two Jesus

There are certain times of the year when the religious world pays special attention to Jesus. One is the Christmas season in which they celebrate the birth of Christ. The other is Easter when they focus on His death and resurrection.

Why is there such a focus on these things about Jesus? Remembering a baby Jesus reminds people of the grace of God in sending Him to earth – not to mention the fact that nearly everyone loves babies. In the death and resurrection of Christ, we see a Savior who died for our sins and gives us the hope of heaven. It is no wonder why people celebrate these events. These things make people feel good. Anymore in religion, if something makes people feel good, that is what they choose to believe and practice.

But the Bible has much more to say about Jesus than just these things. Sure, we must remember the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But by only focusing on these things and ignoring so much of what the Bible teaches about the Christ, many in the religious world have accepted another Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4). They have molded Him to suit their desires. For this study, let us consider some of the other things the word of God has to say about Jesus that many have forgotten, ignored, or have never known.
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December 27, 2007

Unless You Believe

“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Belief in Christ is essential for salvation. But the belief that Jesus mentioned here is more than just a belief that he existed, came to earth, died for our sins, rose again from the dead, and ascended back into heaven. Yes, we must believe those things about Jesus, but if that is the extent of our belief, we will die in our sins.
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December 9, 2007

Why was Simon Called to Bear Jesus’ Cross?

Simon Carrying Jesus' Cross

“As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross” (Matthew 27:32).

Why was Simon made to perform this task? It was because Jesus stumbled as He carried the cross, right? That is what so many people believe. But if you look at the gospel accounts, there is no mention whatsoever of Jesus stumbling while on the way to be crucified.
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November 1, 2007

The Unchanging Standard of Truth

Bible Text

“What is truth?” This is the question Pilate asked of Jesus when He was brought to him (John 18:38). Throughout the ages, people have searched for and inquired about the truth. Truth is that which is right, that which can be believed and accepted. The Bible helps define truth for us.

Jesus told His disciples, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). We see some irony in Pilate’s question. He asked what was truth while he had the one who was the embodiment of truth standing before him. Before this question, Jesus told Pilate, “For this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). Notice in each of these verses the singular nature of truth – “the truth.” There is only one truth, not different truths for different people, places, or times.
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