By David M. FreemanWhen a scribe asked Jesus to name the most important commandment, Jesus responded by identifying not only one but two commandments that encapsulate God’s will for mankind. Jesus said,“The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou …
As a result of Adam’s sin and the fall of the human race, man is born with a rebellious nature. He is self-willed, self-seeking, and not inclined to submit himself to the law of God. But even here our corrupted thinking often comes to light.As in the case of Pharaoh, many today ask, “Who is the …
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:6-8). These words of Jesus stand in stark contrast to the opinions that dominate the …
The Apostle Paul had a burning desire to preach the gospel of the grace of God. In fact he said, “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). He preached in synagogues to the religious, he preached at Mars Hill to philosophers, he preached in courtrooms, and he preached in …
In chapter 53 of his prophecy Isaiah writes about the humiliation, the suffering and the death of Jesus Christ — and also informs us that he was not disappointed or defeated but was satisfied because he accomplished the work he came to do. The prophet gives us a vivid picture of what would …
In Acts chapter 24, we see a vivid contrast between Paul and the other men who come center stage at his trial. On the other hand we see Tertullus, the attorney bringing charges against the Apostle seeking favor by using flattery, the Jewish leaders claiming that the false accusations were true and …
The Scriptures abound with declarations that God will bring down the proud. “He hath put down the mighty from their seats” (Luke 1:51). “Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased” (Luke 18:14). “God resisteth the proud” (1 Peter 5:5). We see this principle vividly illustrated in the …
How beautifully the grace of God is set before us in Ephesians chapter two. We see man in his fallen state living under the influence of Satan, fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, dead in trespasses and sins. But, by the mercy of God, the dead are raised and the rebel is subdued. It is grace that …
“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:1-4). There are those who hold the idea that there is no real devil, just a spirit …
A philosophy that is popular among many in our day says, “Love yourself, esteem yourself, believe in yourself.” Some have gone so far to suggest that the greatest need of the human race is to build self-esteem. One Christian writer says, “…the human being is a glorious, dignified creature with …