Because the creature [creation] itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now (Romans 8:21-22, KJV).Tragedies such as the Las Vegas massacre refocus the issue of evil in a very striking way. If God is loving and good, why does He allow such horrendous acts of evil to take place? Why doesn't He stop or prevent such acts of wickedness? … Continue Reading ››
Praise the Lord
The triumphant nations went wild with joy at the defeat of Germany. The noise of drums, horns, and other things was deafening. The sights were indescribable. It was V Day.
Psalm 33 sends out a clarion call to go wild with joy, the joy of the Lord. "Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully … Continue Reading ››
His Name is Wonderful
"[A]nd his name shall be called Wonderful..." (Isaiah 9:6).
Among the many names in Scripture referring to the Lord Jesus Christ, certainly this name is cause for rejoicing. It would do all of us good to pause occasionally and concentrate on the many things God is in Himself and the things He has done and is doing for each and every one of us.
I'm sure that almost every child of God and church choir has sung songs like "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" and "His Name Is … Continue Reading ››
Genuine Freedom
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32).
As we celebrate Independence Day on July 4, I am reminded that there is a greater liberty than that which we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. I am speaking, of course, of the liberty we enjoy as believers in Jesus Christ. Spiritual freedom from sin can be viewed in three distinct ways.
First, when we believe upon Christ as our … Continue Reading ›› The Best Is Yet to Come
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. ~ I John 3:2The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ will bring to reality all that our hearts have longed for as believers. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know … Continue Reading ››
Elevators Can Let You Down!
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Deuteronomy 31:6).Have you ever heard someone say, "I just find it hard to believe in a God I cannot see"? Such folks do not realize the implications of what they are saying. These are the same people who often accept the daily weather forecast, believe the news stories, use bridges … Continue Reading ››
Remove Not the Ancient Landmark
Proverbs 22:28, "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."
The historical record is clear - America was founded upon Christian principles. America's founding fathers believed that a widespread faith in God was the true source of America's greatness. They would see today's war against Christianity by our government, our educational institutions, the media, and throughout our popular culture as a grave threat to America's survival as a free nation. Here is what America's founding fathers believed:
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too … Continue Reading ››
Who Are We Trying to Please?
"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:4).A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed … Continue Reading ››
Incorruptible
Incorruptible \ adjective (14th century): incapable of corruption: as a : not subject to decay or dissolution b : incapable of being bribed or morally corrupted" (Merriam Webster's Deluxe Dictionary, Tenth Collegiate Edition).Several times the Bible uses the word "incorruptible," "uncorruptible," or not corruptible. Here are a few things for you to think about today as we consider this term:
- We are born again of incorruptible seed, by the Word of God - I Peter 1:23.
- We have an incorruptible God - Romans 1:23.
- All who are born again will receive an incorruptible … Continue Reading ››
The Joy of the Lord
What do we mean when we talk about "the joy of the Lord"? Joy is listed second, just after love, in Paul's list of manifestations of the Spirit's fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Real joy is not some superficial, giddy, fleeting sort of happiness, but a deep-down, abiding sense of well-being that is the result of genuine faith in Jesus Christ. As such, it rises above all the difficulties and storms of life.
The apostle Peter wrote to believers who were scattered by persecution and … Continue Reading ››