Before dwelling on Israel’s future cleansing, Ezekiel reminded the exiles of their past sin which caused their judgment. When they were … in the land, they defiled it by their conduct and actions (v. 19). This profaning was like a menstrual discharge that rendered a wom …
The old prophet announced the fate of the younger prophet (vv. 20-22). He had disobeyed the Lord’s command and God’s judgement would be severe. The severity of this judgement was due to the importance of this young man’s mission. Even though the old prophet had sinned, the w …
A person’s behavior reflects his character. Even a child’s actions and conduct reveal what they are like We all must do the things that please God (v. 11). That is why it is important to not only listen to what people say but also to observe with our eyes what people do (v. 12). Sleeping when …
This is one of the most noted and best-loved chapters in the entire Bible. At the same time, few chapters have suffered more misinterpretation and misapplication than I Corinthians 13. Divorced from its context, it often becomes a sentimental sermon on Christian brotherhood. It is easy to …
At this point large crowds are following Jesus and He wants to make it clear that they need to examine why they are following Him (v. 25). When it comes to personal discipleship He is more interested in quality than quantity. He is looking for followers who will be willing …
Isaiah describes Babylon’s fall to the Persians more than 150 years before the event took place. The prophet sees a time when the imposing conqueror, Babylon, shall be defeated and he pictures her as one who can do no more than sit in the dust (v. 1) This is an interesting …
Noah obeyed even when he experienced rejection from others around him (v. 7). Although it seemed foolish to the people, God commanded Noah to build a huge boat in the middle of dry land. Since no one at that time had ever seen a flood, Noah’s actions must have generated a great …
This last of the seven churches, Laodicea, is located about 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 90 miles east of Ephesus the city in the first letter. It was a large city specializing in the manufacture of wool and a center for making medicines. Pride and self-satisfaction characterized …
Walking in liberty is not the freedom to do as we please but to do as we ought to. This liberty can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is not a liberty to do what we want to do but a freedom to serve and obey the Lord. If we are going to walk in liberty, we must be…
Jesus had been with the disciples for a period of training and now they were ready to go out and preach. He sent them out in pairs so they could encourage one another (v. 7). He gave them power over unclean spirits and with this He gave them instructions for their journey (vv. 8- …