Don’t Forget to Be Thankful (Luke 17:11-19)
While Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem ten lepers see Him and cry out to Him for mercy. He promptly heals them, but only one of them turns around and thanks Him. We do not see what we are apart from Christ Lepers were complete outcasts from Jewish society, but Samaritans were even more despised. The other lepers were not grateful for healing, but the Samaritan showed immense gratitude. One of the reasons we are not grateful is because…
Suffering – Introduction
One of the most difficult questions that we face as human beings is, “If God is good why doesn’t He stop all the pain and suffering in this world?” This line of thinking has caused many people to abandon their faith, fall into sin, stumble in their walk, or even become atheists. As compassionate followers of Christ we must seek to know and understand God and how this knowledge of God relates to human suffering. Genesis 1:31 And God saw…
How to be Happy (John 13:1-17)
Judas has already made arrangements to betray Jesus. Jesus knows that tonight He will be betrayed by Judas, abandoned by the rest of the disciples, and denied by Peter. He knows that He will be illegally tried, brutally beaten, and tortured to death on the cross while bearing our sins. This would make most of us depressed, cynical, bitter, angry, and detached. However, this is not how Jesus responds. Jesus loves the disciples John reminds us that Jesus is doing…
Economics – Poverty (Part 4)
What is the church’s obligation to the poor? For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature 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…
Faith in the Divine Savior (John 12:44-50)
In this passage, Jesus gives us a summary of His teachings. Jesus is God Many people believe that they are right with God because they believe in God. However, Jesus is very clear that it is only through Him that people can come to God. He is God. To reject Jesus is to reject God. To receive Jesus is to receive God. Jesus saves from sin Jesus did not come to save people from hell and take them to heaven…
Economics – Poverty (Part 3)
What does the Bible say about alleviating the poverty of family members? Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.Genesis 2:24 In Scripture the man was responsible for his wife and children. The man was responsible for taking care of all those who bore his name. This is where we get the idea of the man’s last name being passed on to the wife and children.…
The Truth Behind Our Excuses (John 12:42-43)
There were many Jewish leaders who believed on Jesus, but they did not say this openly because they would lose their positions, be kicked out of the Synagogue, and ostracized by the Jewish community. They had “good” reasons Spurgeon once listed the “good” reasons Moses should have stayed an Egyptian as opposed to identifying himself with the people of God. The same thing applies here. There are many “good” reasons these people had to stay secret Christians. Think of all…
Economics – Poverty (Part 2)
How do we handle cases where the person’s poverty is not because of their own poor decisions or character? Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword;…
Are You Blind? (John 12:37-41)
Any honest reader of John’s Gospel would be asking the question, “Why don’t these people believe in Jesus after seeing all these miracles?” John answers this question. Their unbelief is a fulfillment of prophecy The people did not understand that the Messiah would die to deliver His people. In Isaiah 53, Isaiah prophesied that that is exactly what the Messiah would do; however, he begins that prophecy by stating that no one would believe his report. Through the inspiration of…
Economics – Poverty
What is a biblical approach to relieving poverty? And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:Genesis 2:15-16 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that…
Walk in the Light (John 12:32-36)
Jesus proclaims that as the Son of Man, He is going to be crucified. The people are confused and ask Him two questions. One, doesn’t the Bible say that the Messiah will reign forever? Two, what do you mean by Son of Man? Jesus does not answer their questions As a student of the Bible, I personally find these questions to be very compelling. I personally would like to hear Jesus go through the Old Testament and give a detailed…