Each year in the week before Easter I like to contemplate the life of Jesus day by day of the week leading up to His crucifixion. This week as we study the following five stories from that all-important week, I will again contemplate these scenes. I will not only search the meanings and lessons, but I … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 26:1-16, Luke 12:48, Matt. 26:17-19, 1 Cor. 5:7, Matt. 26:36-46, Matt. 26:51-75. Memory Text:“‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me … ’” (Matthew 26:31, NIV). In this lesson, Jesus is now entering the final moments before the cross. The world, even the universe, begins … Continue reading –>
In the context of the events depicted in Matthew 24, Jesus also said, “‘Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place’” (Matt. 24:34, NKJV). This text has led to confusion because, obviously, all these things didn’t take place in a single temporal generation. Dr. … Continue reading –>
The second coming of Jesus is the culmination of all Christian hopes; it is the fulfillment of all that we have been promised. Without it—what? We would rot in the ground after death just as everyone else does. Without the Second Coming and all that it entails, everything else about our faith becomes a lie, … Continue reading –>
Jesus’ response here in Matthew 24 was in regard to “the sign of Your coming” (Matt. 24:3, NKJV); that is, of Christ’s coming to reign. What other warning does Jesus give in the context of events before His return, and how has this been seen through history? Matt. 24:23-26. Here’s Jesus, from a worldly perspective … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 24:15-22. What is Jesus talking about here? Again, what kind of picture does He present in response to the questions asked Him? “The abomination of desolation” is generally understood as some kind of sacrilege or desecration of what is holy. Jesus is obviously talking about the destruction of Jerusalem, which would come in … Continue reading –>
After Jesus rebuked the specific Jewish leaders who rejected Him, John 12:20-26 records a fascinating request. Christ is told about Gentiles who wanted “to see Jesus” (NKJV). Yet, these Gentiles first make their request to Jews who are faithful to Jesus. Before long, something similar would happen on a much larger scale: while some Jews … Continue reading –>
It was Jesus Himself who had led the children of Israel into Jerusalem, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. On eagle’s wings He had carried them out of Egypt and brought them to Himself. “‘Out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be … Continue reading –>
A survey of people in America taken a few years ago reveals a strong reaction to perceived hypocrisy in its Christian churches. A whopping 72% of people who believe in God, but who don’t attend church, said the church is full of hypocrites! Jesus noted that the leaders of the church of His time were hypocritical, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Exod. 19:5-6; Matthew 23; John 12:20-26; Matthew 24; 1 Thess. 4:16. Memory Text:“‘And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted’” (Matthew 23:12, NKJV). The second coming of Jesus is the climax of the Christian faith. The First Advent of Jesus and His death … Continue reading –>
