The problem with humanity is sin—our natural propensity to love ourselves and live for our glory rather than to love God and seek his glory. But when we finally become convinced of our lost and sinful condition—with all its deadly consequences—then we cry out for the kind of help that only God can give, saying,Continue reading “The Problem with Humanity”
Category Archives: Exposition
Back to the Garden
There is more. There is also mortality, because the wages of sin, finally, is death (Rom. 6:23). Death was the penalty that God first threatened for disobedience in the garden of Eden: “When you eat from it you will certainly die” (Gen. 2:17 NIV). Now we are mortal; having sinned in Adam, we also dieContinue reading “Back to the Garden”
A Promise from God Is a Fact
The Greek concept of knowledge was that it meant acquiring propositional truth-information gained and stored in the mind. But the Hebrews saw knowledge as having to do with relationship and experience. The Old Testament says that Adam “knew” his wife (Genesis 4:1). To “know” her meant that he had an intimate husband-wife relationship with her.The apostle PeterContinue reading “A Promise from God Is a Fact”
The Tragedy of the Human Condition
Christianity offers the most accurate explanation for all broken relationships by calling sin a sin. How depraved our desires have become, and how far we have fallen from the beautiful image of God! This is the tragedy of the human condition: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). IfContinue reading “The Tragedy of the Human Condition”
Green Pasture Action
Love and complete reliance on God are interrelated concepts. When we discover what love really means, we want to praise God for it. When we learn to rely on God for all our needs, we see just how loving He is as He takes care of all aspects of our lives. And this love makesContinue reading “Green Pasture Action”
The Power of His Goodness
Simeon the aged, when he held the child Jesus in his arms in the temple, prophesied that by contact with Him the thoughts of many hearts would be revealed; and this was one of the most outstanding features of Christ’s subsequent life. None who came near Him could remain indifferent. They might hate or theyContinue reading “The Power of His Goodness”
Were Women Treated Like Chattel In The Old Testament?
If you’ve ever spent time talking with skeptics about the Bible, they’ve more than likely brought up Old Testament laws that appear out of step with our “modern ideals.” For example, many suggest that the Bible treats women like chattel (property) and promotes misogyny. Then they’ll quote verses that appear, on the surface, to make women outContinue reading “Were Women Treated Like Chattel In The Old Testament?”
Counting the 10 Commandments
One of the most enduring elements of the Bible and the Judaeo-Christian worldview within Western culture is the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments. Even if one can’t recite them all, most people have seen the fiery finger of God etch the commandments into two stone tablets as Moses—for many of us, Charlton Heston—watches in awe. ItContinue reading “Counting the 10 Commandments”
God Does Not Give with a Closed Fist
Facing testing times with a mature outlook demands insight beyond oneself. One arrives at a necessary recognition: “if any of you lacks wisdom” (1:5). The qualifying “if” should not mislead anyone. The words should be understood to mean: Since individuals among you are deficient in wisdom. The text implies that some believers came short ofContinue reading “God Does Not Give with a Closed Fist”
Living with Change
The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people are grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but theContinue reading “Living with Change”
