After the resurrection and before Jesus departed from this world, He told His disciples "As the Father hath sent me, so send I you" (John 20:21). Just a few simple words, so clear and plain that we are apt to miss their implication. The Father sent Jesus into the Jewish nation to teach and portray … Continue reading So Send I You
righteousness
Meekness
Meekness rhymes with weakness; modern English dictionaries defines it with words that sound like weakness. That is not what the Bible means by meekness. Meekness is a strength of character that is neither an inherited personality trait nor the work of the human will, but solely a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is an … Continue reading Meekness
The kingdom of God
In the Old Testament God selected the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to create a model of His kingdom. This kingdom attained the height of its glory, and the fulfilment of all the prophecies pertaining to the earthly kingdom, in the reign of Solomon. Yet as we look at the how that kingdom degenerated, … Continue reading The kingdom of God
The hoary head and wisdom
Today I am 78 years old – it’s surprising how normal that feels. I knew old people when I was a little boy, they seemed like regular people, but I couldn’t imagine myself ever getting that old. Now here I am. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is the fear … Continue reading The hoary head and wisdom
Introduction to the New Testament – 1
The Gospels Matthew - The writer calls himself Levi; the other gospels call him Matthew, perhaps a name given to him when he became a disciple of Jesus. He was a publican before his call, a man who collected taxes on all merchandise transported along the road where he was stationed near Capernaum. This was … Continue reading Introduction to the New Testament – 1
A holy appetite
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled Here is something more than mere vacuity, or penitence, or tranquil readiness. It is an ardent longing — a holy appetite for all that is right and good. Filled — The Gospel can fill the largest desire for the true … Continue reading A holy appetite
The weakness of the law – any kind of law
The confederate flag is disappearing all over the US South. That should make black folks feel more like they belong, shouldn't it? At least it's a symbolic act, one that shows that racism should not have any part in a society that calls itself civilized. Yet I fear that Mr. Roof is symbolic of a … Continue reading The weakness of the law – any kind of law
Context for apologetics
Happy are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted … Continue reading Context for apologetics
Obeying the Great Commission in a time of persecution
This is my only joy and the desire of my heart, that I may extend the borders of the kingdom of God, make known the truth, reprove sin, teach righteousness, feed the hungry souls with the word of the Lord, lead the stray sheep to the right path, and win many souls for the Lord … Continue reading Obeying the Great Commission in a time of persecution