Jesus in one of His parables talked about the possibility of a man being ridiculed by others for laying the foundation of a tower but not able to finish it. Others will say about him: “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.”
Jesus said this example to ask us to count … Read the rest
Our God is our guide. The Psalmist says that He will be our guide even to the end.
God’s guidance is clear and unmistakable.
When He guides there will be no room for doubt. For example, God guided Samuel to the home of Jesse to anoint David. When he was impressed by seeing the eldest … Read the rest
The Bible tells us of two important things regarding forgiveness of sins. One, man is a sinner and needs forgiveness. Two, God alone can forgive man the sins he has committed. Therefore, “Praise the Lord, O my soul, . . . who forgives all your sins.”
There is a cleansing experience in forgiveness. Through Prophet … Read the rest
Hebrews Chapter 11 is a great chapter on faith.
It describes faith as being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Thus faith enables one to know for sure what God holds for him in the future; both in this life and the life to come.
It tells … Read the rest
Obedience is the God-given step to blessing. In numerous places in the Bible, God has clearly said: “IF you OBEY,” then I will bless!
Obedience better than sacrifices
Many people think that God is pleased with sacrifices. But through Prophet Jeremiah God said that when He brought His people out of Egypt, He just did … Read the rest
Backsliding is a reality in many Christian lives. Those who had started their walk in Christ with great enthusiasm soon grow cold in their hearts. When difficulties confront them they find it easy to go back to their old ways of life.
Sometimes lack of encouragement from friends can cause a person to neglect God. … Read the rest
Jesus did not present a popular “good news.” Instead He pointed out that the road one has to travel is narrow. He said that only a few find it!
On the other hand there is a wide gate and a broad road. He said it leads to destruction. The Book of Proverbs notes that “There … Read the rest
The Book of Nehemiah records a beautiful moment in the history of the Israelites. The people who had returned from exile in Babylon were gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and dust on their heads. Then they were told: “Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting.”
The praise … Read the rest
The Bible tells us of a great story. It is exciting to read because you too are a character in it. “The Lord says: I have loved you with an everlasting love” tells you what this story is all about. It is all about “For God so loved the world.”
This story has a … Read the rest
God looks with favor on those who humble themselves.
The Bible gives us many examples of this. “Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed.”
About Manasseh, the wicked king, it is written that when he prayed, the Lord brought him back to Jerusalem from where he … Read the rest
The first thing to recognize is that God is the Lord of the harvest. But we are called to labor along with Him. It is Jesus’ desire that you remain in Him and bear much fruit to the glory of God.
Secondly the harvest is now. It is not “four months more and then the … Read the rest
Babylon stands as a symbol of three systems in the Bible. They are Political, Religious and Economic systems without God. The destruction of all three in the future are described in Revelation.
Chapter 17 describes the fall of the religious system, chapter 18 talks of the fall of the economic system and chapter 19 talks … Read the rest
In the Bible we find great kings unable to interpret dreams; but servants of God able to do so. Nevertheless two things have to be noted at the beginning itself.
One, none of these servants of God had sought to have a dream! Two, they trusted God to give them the right interpretation and were … Read the rest
Stephen said: “The Most High does not live in houses made by men.” Paul said: God “does not live in temples built by hands.” Naturally you will ask, “Then where does God dwell?”
Paul answers that question: “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, … Read the rest
Jesus spoke truth. Prophet Isaiah said of Him: “Nor was any deceit in his mouth.” So one has to seriously consider what He spoke of hell.
He said that those who says, “You fool!” to his brother will be in danger of the fire of hell. There the fire never goes out. He said that … Read the rest
From the time God planted the garden of Eden, rivers have played a major role in human history in every culture. The first mention is recorded in Genesis saying: “A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four head waters.”
The mention of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates could … Read the rest
One cannot read the Bible and miss its frequent records of prayer. Can you imagine the Bible without any mention of prayer? No. Why?
Because prayer is not a duty but the most natural way one expresses oneself to God. In that way it is something personal. Prayer therefore is carried forward on waves of … Read the rest
Paul writing to the Corinthians wrote that the people drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. As you know, God commanded Moses thus: “I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock and water will come out of it for people to drink.” Christ … Read the rest
Journeys seem to be part of life. They teach us much about life too. And also about how God relates to us.
The first journey of significance in the Bible is the journey of Abraham from his country to the land the Lord was to show him. That was a journey of obedience and faith … Read the rest
The great hope of a Christian is to bear the likeness of Jesus. This will become reality fully in the days to come. At the moment we “are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory!”
And Paul writing to the Corinthians about the resurrection affirmed: “And just as we have borne the likeness of … Read the rest
Heaven is a comforting reality.
Just before His death Jesus addressed His disciples and asked them not to let their hearts be troubled. He told that in His Father’s house were many rooms and He was going to prepare a place for them. And after doing so He would come back to take them to … Read the rest
One cannot escape noticing constant references to Egypt in the Bible. It not only stands for the nation but also for some sinful attitudes. And it also stands for God’s redeeming power which was displayed in the nation of Egypt to deliver His people Israel out of it.
First of all Egypt reminds us of … Read the rest
Paul writing to the Corinthians said that Christ is the wisdom of God! The world did not understand it. Therefore they crucified the Lord of glory.
Job quoted God saying to man: “The fear of the Lord–that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” In Psalms and Proverbs it is said that the … Read the rest
We are known on earth by our citizenship. Even though this is usually concerned about the nation we are born or live in; Christians need to be conscious about their better citizenship. It should reflect in their attitudes and behavior and planning for life and life to come.
Paul (ref. Philippians) wrote about people whose … Read the rest
Repentance is the only way man can turn to God. This is emphasized throughout the Bible. But what is repentance?
Repentance is a genuine meeting you have with God; but in God’s own terms. It happens when someone suddenly realizes that he has been rebelling against God and His authority, running away from His love … Read the rest
Is there a connection between obedience and God’s provision? The answer is yes. God provided a ram as burnt offering in place of Abraham’s son Isaac when he obeyed God.
Ultimately that provision pointed to Jesus the Lamb of God provided as sacrifice for our sins on the cross of Calvary.
God provided a means … Read the rest
The Book of Exodus records God telling the Israelites that “IF” they listened carefully to His voice and obeyed His commands He would not bring on them the diseases that He brought on the Egyptians: “For I am the Lord who heals you.”
So obedience to God is a precondition to healing though not all … Read the rest
It is written in the Book of Proverbs: “He who wins souls is wise.” It is the privilege, responsibility and divine compulsion of a Christian. That is why Paul said: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” For God is pleased through the foolishness of what is preached—the message of … Read the rest
Temptation is common to man. The Bible clearly declares that no temptation has seized you except what is common to man. But God, who is faithful, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your capability to bear it. He will also provide a way out of it for you:
In Joseph’s case, he was … Read the rest
This is a great reality and a great comfort to a Christian. Jesus is at the right hand of God. He represents you before God. He is interceding for you right now.
Think of it. You are constantly represented before God. In the Old Testament Aaron bore the names of the sons of Israel over … Read the rest
