Text: Colossians 2:15 In His death, Jesus made a “public display” of the civil rulers and “put them to open shame” (ESV). The full force of civil authority was against Christ (Acts 4:26), and they failed. But Jesus didn’t abolish civil authority (Romans 13:1). Therefore, we may live as citizens of an earthly country, but […]
March 12, 2012
Contraceptives, Abortion, and Infanticide
Text: Genesis 9:6; Psalm 127:3-5 These have become hot topics of late. When addressing these issues, it is important that we do so from a Biblical perspective Contraceptives Contraception refers to various things that are used to prevent pregnancy – no Scriptural argument to say all contraceptives are wrong in all cases Fall under realm […]
March 5, 2012
Moses Struck the Rock
Text: Numbers 20:7-12 As usual, the people were complaining about the conditions in the wilderness. God provided for them, as He had before (Exodus 17:1-6). It is important to note that the instructions to Moses were different – strike the rock (Exodus 17:6); speak to the rock (Numbers 20:8). Moses sinned in this instance. His […]
February 27, 2012
Fire in My Bones
Text: Jeremiah 20:7-13 Persecution Against Those Who Preach the Word (v. 7-10) “Lord, You have deceived me and I was deceived” (v. 7) – word means allured or enticed; Jeremiah was called by God to speak (Jeremiah 1:17; 2:1-2); Jeremiah chose to speak (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:32) Persecution arose against Jeremiah, just as it will […]
February 27, 2012
What the Lord Wants Us to Give Up
Text: Colossians 2:20-23 Lent is the 40-day period beginning with Ash Wednesday leading up to Easter. Those who practice it, give up something for forty days. No matter how well-intentioned, these man-made practices do not help. Instead of thinking we have some spiritual obligation to give up some insignificant luxury for forty days, let’s look […]
February 20, 2012
It Is the Hour for You to Awaken
Romans 13:11-14 After discussing a Christian’s obligations to their civil authorities and their neighbors, Paul addresses personal holiness and our responsibility to be wholly right before God. Know the Time (v. 11-12) These are matters of eternal consequence – many want to ignore these things and enjoy the here and now, but we cannot do […]
February 20, 2012
By the Grace of God
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 This chapter primarily deals with the resurrection. For a moment, Paul takes a break from discussing the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection to make a point about the grace of God. There are four points in these three verses that are related to grace. Humility Paul describes himself as “least of the […]
