Faithful to the End

Psalm 119 is a masterfully constructed work of writing that exalts God by expressing the majesty of his Word. It reminds believers over and over again that God has spoken to us and it can and should impact our lives and our living. God has given us clear instruction on how to respond and live each day. In this section of Psalm 119, the Psalmist highlights the guidance provided by the Word of God f...

Often at Christmas, we can miss the glory of the appearing of God in the flesh. It is astounding to think that God put on flesh and lived among humanity for 33 years in the person of Jesus. He was born as a baby, needing the help and care of his mother and the protection of his father. The incarnation - the appearing of God in the flesh changes everything for believers. It changes our lives now an...

The Advent of Jesus calls you to present yourself daily as a sacrifice in serving Jesus by serving others! Advent is a wonderful time each year to consider both the first Advent of Jesus, his birth in Bethlehem, but also, his second Advent - Jesus is coming again and he is coming for his own. This Advent season, consider with us all that we possess because of Jesus and his coming, his life, his de...

Throughout the Old Testament, the concept of Shalom carries the idea of wholeness, completeness and satisfaction. In the New Testament, it also becomes a Christological idea through which humanity can truly enjoy Shalom. The Advent of Jesus offers you Peace with God, assuring you of present grace and future glory! Advent is a wonderful time each year to consider both the first Advent of Jesus, his...

Throughout Romans, Paul addresses several elements of the gospel. These elements together give us a better understanding of all that we possess as followers of Jesus. Why is the gospel essential? What is the gospel? What are the elements of the Gospel? These questions are essential for God's people to understand and Paul addresses them throughout this letter. This connects to Advent because Je...

Isaiah turns from the sins of the people to the comfort that God will provide them despite their sin. The anticipation for the first Advent of Jesus had been building for centuries. It is a wonderful relief for followers of God to know that he is present with them, that is a gracious shepherd caring for them personally. God can be trusted and we must trust him.  Advent is a wonderful time each yea...

As we consider the Advent season, we are looking at the larger themes across Scripture and their connection in Romans. We considered Sunday the subjects of Creation, Sin and Judgment. God as Creator of his creation shapes and informs the rest of Scripture, including Paul's approach in Romans. Sin is addressed quite extensively in Romans, where Paul initially offers sin as our problem, but move...

As Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians, he revisits a few of his points that he has addressed and calls them again to respond appropriately to the truth of the gospel. Our standing, as believers with God, is not based on merit - it is based solely on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Paul asserts, that is his boast - that alone is what he glories in, the cross of Jesus. The impact of...

As Luke concludes this amazing history of the early church and its spread from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and finally to Rome (to the ends of the earth) itself, he concludes the journey of Paul to Rome. There Paul meets with Jewish leaders and proclaims the truths of Jesus to them. As Acts concludes, Luke reminds us of the original message of Jesus in Acts 1:3 - the kingdom of God. The final...

As Paul continues his discussion of the Holy Spirit and his intended influence in our lives, he challenges the Galatians with the right approach to dealing with one caught in a transgression. Paul addresses carrying the burdens of the weak, not judging them because of their weakness, but instead reflecting our own weakness and potential for sin. Ultimately, we will all stand before God one day and...

As Luke continues the narrative of Acts, he very precisely relays the journey of Paul from Caesarea to Rome. Acts 27 is an incredible account of God’s provision, his protection, and his faithfulness to his promises. God is at work to bring Paul safely to Rome, despite incredible obstacles and hardships. As Paul confidently believed, God is faithful to his promises. For us as his people, we must al...

Luke continues the account of Paul, his trial now continues with Festus. Festus again does not make a decision, Paul appeals to Caesar and Agrippa comes to congratulate Festus on his position as governor. Festus consults him about Paul and his case and Agrippa asks to hear Paul for himself. Paul again speaks in his defense, offering the truths of the gospel to Agrippa and calling him to a response...

Paul continues to develop his argument with the Galatian believers. He now offers two personal pleas with them; first Paul shares his concern that their faltering may cause them to be fruitless. Second, Paul is confused by their initial acceptance of him, but now they have seemingly turned against him. Paul continues on to address the opponents in Galatia. Paul concludes this strong argument with...

In Galatians 5, Paul summarizes his arguments throughout the book and formulates them into a coherent whole. The end result is a strong admonition that all believers grasp the true meaning and function of Christian liberty.

Paul continues to defend himself before the leaders from Jerusalem and now before the governor Felix. Paul again asserts the importance of the resurrection, and he states that he has a blameless conscience with God and his fellow man and has worked to keep it that way. As believers, we should also strive to have a blameless conscience as we engage with God and those around us.  Acts is a unique bo...

As Paul continues to develop his case with the Galatians about the true gospel, both its meaning and implications for them, he moves to their position as heirs, as children of God through faith in Jesus. In verses 4-7, Paul very succinctly expresses the truths of the gospel message: the incarnation of the second person of the trinity, the humanity of Jesus - as demonstrated by his birth from a wom...

As Luke continues this account of Paul coming to Jerusalem, honoring the request to be purified in the temple, being dragged out and beaten because of the Jews from Asia, and his arrest by the Romans. Here the Roman tribune asks the Sanhedrin to gather and rule on Paul's case. They do gather, but cannot agree because of the foundational issue of the resurrection - a key issue to Paul in messag...

Paul continues to develop his argument with the Galatian believers about the true gospel in opposition to the false gospel of "the works of the law" proposed and advocated by his opponents in Galatia. Paul moves from his first assertion (10-14), that everyone is under the curse of the law and only Jesus can remove that curse by taking on himself, to a second assertion; the promise came b...

Luke continues the account of Paul, now being held by the tribune, he asks to address the crowd that has just tried to beat him to death outside the temple. Paul initially addresses the tribune in Greek and then addresses the crowd in the Hebrew dialect, which was most likely Aramaic, which was spoken in Palestine during the first century. Paul speaks to this crowd and offers his testimony of Jesu...

As Paul continues to explain the danger of the false gospel of doing "the works of the law" to merit God's favor, he continues by addressing the curse of the law. Throughout Paul asserts that the curse of the law is only removed by the cross of Jesus, so faith alone is the pathway to a right relationship with God. The major theme of Galatians is the gospel – the message of salvation!...

Luke continues the account of the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth, here as Paul returns to Jerusalem. Paul is warned about returning, but is persistent in his obedience and commitment to God. We too, must be committed to God’s purpose & determined to obey, despite danger, opposition or misconceptions! Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of hist...

As Paul continues to develop the propositions given in chapter 2:15-21, Paul now addresses the issue of faith vs. works of the law. Faith alone saves, not works of the law!  Works of the law cannot save anyone, and this has always been the case! By God's grace, through faith in Jesus alone, we are or can be rescued from our sins. The major theme of Galatians is the gospel – the message of salv...

In the final section of Acts 20, Luke reports the meeting of Paul with the elders, the pastors of Ephesus. Luke focuses primarily on the words of Paul to them, the instructions and examples that he offers them, as he prepares to depart from them for the final time. Throughout, Paul focuses on the example of his own ministry, his focus and emphasis throughout his time with them in Ephesus. Paul off...

As Paul continues in Ephesus, Luke records a riot that arises from idol makers. It turns the city into chaos and the mob moves into the Theater of Ephesus. God uses the city clerk to calm this crowd. Afterwards Paul comforts and encourages the believers in Ephesus with an emphasis on their continued growth and endurance in the faith. He does the same in Macedonia and Greece. In Troas, while preach...

As Paul finishes his confrontation of Peter here in Galatians 2, he wants to make clear the following points: Paul acknowledges the normal mindset of Jews toward Gentile "sinners," he then points to the common ground held by both sides - justification if by faith alone and not by any works of the law. Paul then offers two conditional statements that address the issues of sin related to t...