And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47 Though I may be wrong, I think few Christians would deny that the Church is important. However, when you ask some people what they think the Church is, it becomes clear that what they think the Church is, and what God says …
The glorious gospel of the blessed God. 1 Tim. 1:11 The text literally reads, "the gospel of the glory of the blessed God." In these words, we see why the gospel is so wonderful. It is wonderful, first, because it is about God. Beware the peddlers of false gospels. One of the ways you can detect a …
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Ps. 18:35 Is it not surprising that the verse refers David's greatness to God's gentleness rather than to God's power? Now of course God's power is at the disposal of …
O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. Ps. 69:5 I find this very encouraging, that God knew the folly and wrongs of David. Why? Because, despite this, David still knew he could pour out his heart to God. He didn't think he had to hide or ignore his sins in order …
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:10 Or, as the ESV translates it: Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. One of the ways the love commanded in verse 9 is manifested is in a family spirit …
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Luke 23:56 What do you do when your world comes crashing down and God's purposes seem hidden? I don't think it would be hyperbole to say that this is probably what these women (ver. 55; …
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Phil. 3:8 It struck me when I last read this passage that to gain Christ, Paul first …
Thou hast seen it. Ps. 10:14 The wicked pretend as if God doesn't hear their blasphemies or see their sins. They act as if there is no God, and carry on in the confidence that they will get away with injustice and evil. This was true in the Psalmist's day and it is true in our day. Generation after …
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psalm 9:10 King David is speaking from experience here; he is arguing that those who seek the Lord will find that God will not forsake them. Again and again, David had found this to be …
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. 1 Thess. 1:6 The apostle Paul is recounting in the first chapter of his letter to the church in Thessaloniki, the conversion of the church there. It is interesting how the …