Following their 70-year captivity in Babylon, the Jews began to return to Jerusalem. They were excited to be rebuilding their temple, but as the foundation was laid, those who remembered Solomon’s magnificent temple realized that this second temple wasn’t going to be anywhere nearly as nice. Thus, they “wept aloud” (Ezra 3:12, NIV). The people … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Zech. 9:9, Matt. 21:1-46, Rom. 4:13-16, Rev. 14:7-12, Acts 6:7, Matt. 22:1-15. Memory Text:“Have you never read in the Scriptures:‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’S doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’ ? ” (Matthew 21:42, NKJV). In Matthew 20:27-28 … Continue reading –>
Through the centuries some people have argued for what is sometimes called “natural law.” Though it comes in many shapes and forms, the idea is that we can derive from the natural world moral principles that can help guide our actions. In one sense, as Christians who believe that nature is God’s “Second Book,” we … Continue reading –>
To truly appreciate today’s story about James and John (and their mom) in Matthew 20:20-27, first read Luke 9:51-56. This event occurred when Jesus and His disciples at first set out for Jerusalem, just days before James and John asked if they could sit on Jesus’ left and right in the kingdom. Read Matthew 20:20-27. … Continue reading –>
Right after the incident with the rich ruler, what happens? “Then Peter answered and said to Him, ‘See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?’” (Matt. 19:27, NKJV). Nothing in the text says what prompted this question, but it could easily be in direct response to the rich man’s departure … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 19:16-30. As New Testament Christians, how are we to relate to this story today? What lessons can we take from it for ourselves? Though not much is told us specifically about this man, we can pick up a few salient points. He was rich, a ruler (see Luke 18:18), and apparently a very … Continue reading –>
One of the worst consequences of the Fall is seen in interpersonal relationships. From Adam trying to blame Eve for his sin (Gen. 3:12) to this moment on earth today, our race has been ravaged and degraded by conflict between individuals. Unfortunately, conflicts are not just in the world but in the church, as well. … Continue reading –>
I recently listened to Professor Patricia Greenfield from UCLA describe how television shows watched by pre-teenagers have shifted from community-based issues to fame-based issues during the last fifteen years. Our young people are now encouraged to aim for fame while their sports heroes engage in “trash talk” that displays no humility but only arrogance and pride. … Continue reading –>
Who doesn’t aspire to greatness? That is, who doesn’t want to be great or do great things? This desire doesn’t always have to arise from selfishness or from ego or arrogance. It could simply be doing the very best that you can at whatever you do, hoping perhaps that what you do could even bring … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Eccles. 9:10; Matt. 18:1-4; Matt. 18:21-35; Matt. 19:16-30; Gal. 3:21-22; Matt. 19:27. Memory Text:“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’” (Matthew 18:1, NIV). As human beings, we are products of our environment, of our culture. These greatly … Continue reading –>
