In my studies of Romans, I have often enjoyed Paul’s enthusiasm for his topic. This is evident in that Paul ends his sections with climaxes. For instance, after Paul’s personal introduction in Romans 1 he triumphs by saying, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one […]
» Read moreShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced similar threats as Daniel did, but at least they had each other. Daniel apparently only had himself. (Of course, we will see that this wasn’t his mentality). Where will we be when all our moral support is gone and everybody except our own self turns against God and therefore against us? Now, it may be […]
» Read moreWe are normally quick to hail the bravery of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego and try in some superficial measure to learn from them; but we should admit to ourselves that we often view their situation as being long ago and far away, thus lacking true potential for changing our lives. But the reality is, these men existed. These men had […]
» Read moreFrom a large-scale perspective, revival and persecution are very close in purpose for the people of God. Revival restores them to spiritual vitality and an impactful collective testimony. Persecution purges them to spiritual purity and singleness in affection toward God. Revival positively raises us toward spiritual maturity. Persecution negatively cleanses against spiritual complacency and immaturity. Persecution pushes Christians together; revival […]
» Read moreIn examining revival lessons from Acts 19, the first thing we notice is that only Paul and not Apollos had the privilege in God’s sovereign purposes to see revival in Ephesus. Apollos had his work in Corinth. Paul had his in Ephesus, and it was there that the Word spread like wildfire. Was the work in Corinth of less dignity? […]
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The concept of faith is quite extensively dealt with in Scripture with various examples, exhortations, and elaborations centering around a fuller understanding of its place in our lives. A book could easily be written on the subject, and indeed many have been. For our purposes, however, we will have to be limited to a basic, yet comprehensive overview of the […]
» Read moreWhen was the last time you appreciated it when an acquaintance angrily snapped at you simply because of a misunderstanding of your words? When have you rejoiced over someone’s folding under the pressure of a trial? On the other hand, how can we not have joy in our hearts when we see a faithful believer endure until the end of […]
» Read morePaul exhorted Timothy, “Therefore, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, endure hardship.” The implication from this verse is that if one does not endure hardship, he is not a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is essential that we as believers count the cost of our service, for it will be filled with trial and hardship. Paul could […]
» Read moreLife is basically, in a simple definition, the sum total of our circumstances. Our accomplishments are successful responses to various circumstances and opportunities. Our mistakes are negative responses to our circumstances and opportunities. And if we are going to be faithful with the life God has given each of us, we must have a firm understanding of this subject. Throughout […]
» Read moreWe must admit it: most of us have wondered if we will be bored in Heaven. After all, all we will be doing is singing – right? Well, not quite. God has given us a wonderful glimpse of what will be going on throughout eternity in the last two chapters of Revelation. Please note that this is not a prophetic […]
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