John 14.31reminds us that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what My Father has commanded Me.
When Jesus was wrapping up His earthly visitation He summarized His work as a world-wide example of love. Love for the Father and love for the people of the world past, present and future was to be how His work is defined.
Revelation 9.20-21records the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.
While most people believe if there is a God that He is loving and good, and He is, they extrapolate from this that He will not punish people for their disobedience against His will. Nothing could be further from the truth, at least the truth recorded in the Bible.
God appears to allow us to get away with our disobedience today because He desires us to ask His forgiveness and reconcile ourselves to Him before we die. It is God’s desire to restore us not condemn us but failure to seek Him for restoration in this life will result in eternal separation from Him in the life to come. (more…)
2 Chronicles 17.4 tells us he sought the God of his father and followed His commands rather than the practices of Israel.
What do you do when the previous administration created chaos, hard times and a smaller economy? The opposite of that administration!
Jehoshaphat watched his father’s kingdom crumble after he turned his back on God. Jehoshaphat resolved to seek God and do what He commands turning his back on the gods and ways of his wicked father. The result was a resounding success personally and for his kingdom. (more…)
2 Chronicles 16.9 promises the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
This declaration was made by the prophet to the king of Judah who had just exhibited unfaithfulness to the Lord. How was he unfaithful? By not seeking God for help but looking to others to rescue him during his time of need.
Its normal for us to solve our own problems or seek help from others when those troubles are larger than our own resources. This kind of living is defined by God as being wise in our own eyes. (more…)
Zephaniah 1.7observes the Lord has consecrated those He has invited.
Concern over the end of the world has been a fairly common issue for the people of God. When God lived among us and addressed this issue He said we should be less concerned about when that day will happen and more concerned with being ready when that day does happen.
While we may want to know when Jesus will return we can know if we are ready for His return. (more…)
Habakkuk 2.13-14 asks, has not the Lord Almighty determined that the people’s labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing? For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
God repeatedly warns us in the Bible that we cannot love God and money because our devotion will always be to one or the other of these two ‘masters.’ Too many Christians dabble in loving both. (more…)
Luke 18.42comments your faith has healed you. God begins His teaching in this section by telling us to pray with perseverance.
When Jesus makes His comment it is to a man who persevered in crying out to Him despite rebuke and demands to stop, in the end, His perseverance was rewarded. What’s interesting is that God said it was the man’s faith that healed him. Jesus did not say it was his persevering prayer or the power of God but faith that caused his healing. (more…)
Luke 16.31 warns if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.
Jesus rose from the dead. This is the most fundamental and crucial teaching of the Christian faith. It separates Christianity from all other religions. (more…)