Here in this middle section of the chapter, Paul steps away from the main topic of marriage to give some general guidance to his readers. The same principles that can be applied to marriage can also be applied to other areas of life, namely your physical apearance and your social status. In the …
The Lord asked Moses to tell the Israelites when they eat food they shall set apart a portion of it for the Lord called a heave offering (vv. 17-21). If they have erred or not observed these commandments they will have to make a sin offering (vv. 22-23). The sacrifices described …
Moses warned Israel not to tolerate Canaanites in the land because their very presence would tempt them to fall into idolatry. Instead, He told them to destroy their enemies (vv. 1-2). He also told them not to inter-marry with the Canaanites (vv. 3-4) and to tear down their altars (v. 5). Israel …
In Samuel’s day the Philistines lived along the Mediterranean Sea near present day Gaza. They were constantly at war with Israel. During one particularly devastating battle the Israelites lost 4000 men (v. 2). The elders decided to bring the ark of the covenant closer …
The selection of the twelve Apostles was made after Jesus spent a night in prayer (v. 12). Jesus had a large number of disciples and from those He picked 12 who were to be Apostles (vv. 13-16). A disciple is a learner or an apprentice, while an apostle is a chosen messenger sent …
When Jesus and the three disciples returned from the mountain they found the other disciples trying to cast a demon out of a young boy but not being able to do so (vv. 37-40). They had the power and authority but apparently they had not relied on God in prayer to cast out the d …
The Scribes and Pharisees joined forces and sent a delegation from Jerusalem to Galilee to investigate the ministry and teachings of Jesus and His disciples (v. 1). These religious leaders accused them of failing to observe the ceremonial washing of hands before eating (v. 2). This had …
Absalom, son of David, had a beautiful sister named Tamar. Amnon, David’s son also and Absalom’s brother, fell in love with Tamar his half-sister (vv. 1-6). Frustrated because he failed to win her favor, Amnon sought the counsel of his cousin Jonadab. He advised Amnon …
The Lord told Moses to say to Aaron and his sons (vv. 1-2): I am the Lord God, and I demand that you honor my holy name by showing proper respect for the offerings brought to me by the people of Israel. If any of you are unclean when you accept an offering for me, I will no longe …
Some people try to make verse 12 say we need to “work for our salvation” instead of “work out our salvation.” Paul is writing to people who are already Christians. He is telling them to put into practice in their daily living what God has already worke …