Word Picture: Vine Another word picture to help us better understand God is that he is the vine and we are the branches. We can view God as a vine, as our vine. In this, God is revealed as the source of nourishment, the giver of life, and the means of support, sustenance, and existence. […]
The prophet Amos had some condemning words for the people of Israel. Through Amos, God unleashed a lament against his chosen people. He says he despises their religious festivals, and their assemblies are a stench to him. Yeah, I get that. Those people sure rebelled against God. They deserved his stern rebuke. They went through […]
John Points People to Jesus Luke 1:5–25 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God. (Luke 1:6) Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth have no kids. They’re old. Seriously old. Their chance to have a baby has passed. From a human perspective it’s ridiculous, yet they pray for the improbable. They’re a righteous pair, […]
A friend recently asked for advice about fatherhood. Over the years, I’ve done some things right and some things wrong. I had much to share, but I wanted to reveal the best, the most important thing. Here it is: There will always be time to work late, volunteer more, take it easy, or do the […]
A Troublemaker Leads to Downfall We know nothing about Gaal except what appears in this passage in the book of Judges. Though the text often mentions him as the son of Ebed, Scripture tells us nothing about his father either. What we do know is that Gaal moves with his family to the town of […]
We Are the Clay The Bible contains many word pictures that help us to understand better our relationship with God. I have eight of them that I will share in the coming days. Note that each offers but a partial picture into God’s character and none is all-encompassing, but they are highly illustrative. Here is […]
The widow of one of Elisha’s followers comes to him for help. Her husband left her with an outstanding debt, Since she has no means to pay off the debt, the creditor demands her two sons become his slaves. Elisha asks what resources she has. “Nothing,” she replies, “except for a small jar of olive […]
So That You May Know Today’s passage: Luke 1:1–4 Focus verse: . . . so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:4) It’s easy to miss the first four verses in the book of Luke. In many Bibles, this passage carries the heading of “Introduction.” Most people skip introductions. I know. […]
Pete’s Powerful Sermon The first sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 2:1-41 (specifically Acts 2:14-36). Setting: Jerusalem on Pentecost Speaker: Peter Audience: Jews from many nations Preceding Events: The Holy Spirit arrives and empowers the disciples to speak in other languages. Unable to comprehend what is happening, some in the crowd conclude that the […]
Discover Jesus, Justice, and Gentiles through the Prophet’s Timeless Words Unlock the Profound Insights of a Timeless Prophet Dive into the transformative truths of the Old Testament’s most beloved prophet in Isaiah Bible Study. This engaging Bible study takes you on an enlightening journey through Isaiah’s powerful messages during tumultuous times. Explore the life and […]