1. Intro Extended periods of darkness in our lives are difficult to understand much more to deal with. But the reality of the love of God is that he is always light, even in the tough times. This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 NASB 2. God is Light. The story of Bible is about God’s people...
In Exodus 18, Jethro counseled his son-in-law Moses about how he was leading Israel after they fled Egypt. But there is more depth to the story if you consider the rest of Jethro’s story: Jethro descended from Abraham by Keturah He was also called Reuel and possibly Hobab Is claimed by Islam as a revered prophet and a central figure in the Druze religion. According to Rabbinic literary...
Just watch and try to not be amazed at the simplicity of the Good News of Jesus Christ our Messiah.
The traditional interpretation of the parable of the Parable of the Hidden Treasure describes the value of the kingdom of heaven (treasure) and the process by which one acquires that kingdom (sell everything). But there is more to this short parable, when placed in context and in light of all teachings of Jesus the interpretation gets turned on its head. Jesus sold everything and bought us (the...
In this month’s issue, Sports Illustrated polled die hard football fans to gauge the mood on the potential NFL Lockout. The poll conducted by market research firm M&RR found that most believed a deal would be reached and there would be a full NFL season. But if there isn’t, the poll listed the activities that would take the place of football: Half of NFL fans (47.5%) say they...
Overview: Luke chapter 15 records an exchange between Jesus and some Pharisees who were critical of him because he “…welcomes sinners and eats with them.” He takes their criticism head-on with three parables, one about a good shepherd finding his lost sheep, another about a woman finding her lost coin, andl one about a loving father rejoicing over the return of a lost son. In his message...
In a random survey by The Christian Chronicle, more than 1,100 readers responded to this question: “What Bible version do you prefer to read?” New International Version: 41.5% New American Standard Version: 17.1% New King James Version: 10.3% English Standard Version: 9.5% King James Version: 5.8 % Revised Standard/New Revised Standard Version: 4.8 % New Living Translation: 3.6% Today’s New...
NOTE: This post was originally published as a bulletin article and on the merkelchurchofchrist.org blog “ [Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him.” Luke 4:16-17 (NIV) The congregational reading of scriptures in synagogues was a...
Jesus had a plan…and he executed it right on time. As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 (NIV) Short of the divine knowledge Jesus possessed, few of us would be able to deliver exactly on time with as far to travel and as many things to do. Along the way he taught parables, eased Martha to the better choice, confronted...