Category: Reflections Articles

You have heard the reasoning. “I have no problem with believing in God, if there was sufficient evidence.” Or put another way, “If God exists, why has he not made Himself clearly known.” What if He has, and is being ignored or dismissed by sinful man? I think that to be clearly the case in this situation. In fact, God has spoken and continues to speak to us clearly and loudly! Let me explain:

God Clearly Speaks Through His Creation

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4). Notice what is affirmed by our text. Looking at the physical universe tells us something. There are things we learn. No matter what language we speak, these truths are loudly and clearly understood. This is called the teleological argument: [It] “asserts that the order, complexity, and purposeful design observed in the natural world are evidence of an intelligent creator, God. The term comes from the Greek word telos, meaning ‘end,’ ‘goal,’ or ‘purpose.’” Continue reading “The Voices of God” →

We have lists of sins in several places in the New Testament, accompanied by phrases which express the end of the sinner. For example, 1 Corinthians 6:7-10. Which indicates that none who engage in these sins “will inherit the kingdom of God.” Note that this is not an eternal disqualification, but an indication that those who continue in these practices, never repenting, will be punished. In fact, in verse 11 Paul wrote, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” Continue reading “A List of Sins” →

Though not given the designation “The Lord’s Prayer”, Jesus’ prayer to His Father in John 17 deserves the designation above His model prayer given to His disciples in Matthew 6. This prayer, provided by John’s pen in its entirety, consists of three main sections. His prayer for Himself (1-5); His prayer for His disciples (6-19); and then His prayer for all who believe in Him (20-26). This latter section is especially relevant to us, as it applies to all Christians, past, present and future.

His Prayer for Himself (1-5)

“Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You…” The events immediately to come, His death on the cross, His resurrection from the death, His ascension into heaven, served to exalt Jesus. As Peter noted, God’s raising of Jesus from the dead after His crucifixion was proof that He was “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Jesus’ glorification brought glory to the Father as well. The scheme of redemption in God’s mind from the beginning was accomplished as He had proclaimed!
Continue reading “The Lord’s Prayer” →

A cursory examination of Paul’s life and ministry shows his great love for the brethren. From the time he became a Christian and began his apostleship, his desire to save souls cemented close friendships in his travels.

Everywhere he went he preached the gospel. This was either to save souls, to strengthen brethren, or to give needed admonition to those who were faltering that they might straighten their paths. He suffered privation, persecution and physical calamity with steady resolution in his efforts to convert and secure the salvation of as many as possible. Continue reading “An Apostle’s Joy!” →

I have often spoken of my experiences when teaching others about Jesus’ view on divorce. Most people that I have talked with on the issue (other than faithful Christians) have very little knowledge of how Jesus felt about the matter. When divorce is dealt with, it is usually regarding self-fulfillment, the nature of some grievance, or emotional turmoil. It is seldom that the topic arises because of a legitimate desire to know our Lord’s view.

There are several passages which deal with the subject. Perhaps the fullest discussion is found in Matthew 19. Let’s consider a few obvious truths that are revealed in that passage.

First, a little context. On this occasion the Pharisees were “testing” Jesus. There is no indication their motive was pure. Perhaps they desired (as was often the case) to find some slip up in teaching that would show Jesus to be mistaken or false in his treatment of God’s revelation. Continue reading “Simple Truths About Divorce” →

Our society has for a long time been at odds with God’s will concerning the home. Man has long shown willfulness before his Creator. This willfulness has led him to think his own preferences, his own ideas to be superior to God’s. In our own lifetimes there has been a big change. Divorce has become rampant. Radical feminism has changed views regarding the roles that husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, are to have in their familial relationships. Economic pressures have made it difficult to maintain the Bible model of the family. Children are more likely to be given what they want rather than what they need. Worship and fellowship has become the exception rather than the rule. Marriage is passé to many. Sexual promiscuity both premarital and extra-marital is ubiquitous. Even the participants in the marital relationship has been altered in our times to be inclusive of same sex unions. Continue reading “Order in the Home” →

I recently came across a post from another preacher, asking for ideas to help prepare a sermon on conspiracy theories. His premise: (which is true) is with the popularity of social media, there has been an exacerbation of mistrust for authority, and a willingness to entertain unfounded rumors. It is something I have noticed as well. It can paint us in an unflattering light to the world which we desire to influence with the gospel of our Lord! If we allow ourselves to express unfounded rumors and make contentions that can’t be defended, whether false or true, we are taken less seriously when defending our Lord. Continue reading “Conspiracy Theories” →

Recent teaching has emphasized what we all know, God’s grace is what makes salvation available for us today. God loves us, and sent His Son to die on the cross to deal with the cancer of sin that had enslaved humanity. Jesus died, and His sacrifice allows our redemption before God! “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11).

The Bible is clear that God’s grace, though extended to mankind, does not bring salvation to all men. A simple truth: All men have the opportunity for heaven, not all men will go to heaven. Hell is as real a place as heaven, our eternal presence before God. On the day of judgment at Christ’s coming, there will those on the right (who will go to heaven), and those on the left (who will go to hell). Continue reading “What Grace Doesn’t Do” →

The transfiguration of Christ before Peter, James, and John is a significant event in His life and ministry. It is related by Matthew (17), Mark (9), and Luke (9). Peter mention it as well during his second letter (1:16-18).

In relating the experience, Matthew notes that Jesus in the transfiguration had a face that shined like the sun, and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared before the apostles, and talked with Jesus. Peter marveled at the site, and proposed to erect three tabernacles, one for each individual. Though an understandable reaction, this was not what God wanted at all. Jesus was transfigured, and Moses and Elijah appeared, to exclusively magnify Jesus as the Son of God. When Peter made his suggestion, God took Moses and Elijah away, leaving Jesus alone. He said from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Hear Him!” (17:5). Continue reading “A Lesson from the Transfiguration” →

One of the most helpful studies that can be done in the Old Testament is God’s establishment of the concept of sanctification for His people. The principle of sanctification is a primary theme, and one that is established just as prominently for us as His children in Christ.

The Hebrew word for sanctified is qadosh, and is defined “to set apart, consecrate. To make hallowed.” As it refers to God, He sets apart objects, days, people, offices, as holy, or for a holy purpose. In this, what is sanctified belongs to God, and so it to be respected and revered. In this way, God demonstrated the proper attitude the people should have for Him. Continue reading “A Study of Sanctification” →

In Paul’s epistle to the Colossians, we are introduced to a diligent minister by the name of Epaphras. He was one who was with Paul during certain parts of his journeys. We know very little about him. He is referenced twice in Colossians, and once in Paul’s letter to Philemon, a personal letter which Paul wrote while imprisoned in Rome. In this letter he mentioned Epaphras, telling Philemon, “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you” (Philemon 23). So, he was with the great apostle at least part of the time Paul was under house arrest during his first imprisonment. Perhaps while there he was among the brethren, “having been confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:14). Continue reading “Epaphras – A Servant of God” →

Preparation is important for most things. It is important to prepare remarks before public speaking. It is important to train and practice before athletic events or dramatic performances. Preparation helps proficiency in almost every circumstance. There is nothing more humiliating than to enter any endeavor and show yourself to be ineffective simply because you did not put in the effort to succeed.

The importance of preparation is a central theme of Jesus regarding the coming judgment. The parable of the virgins in Matthew 25 is an example of His teaching. Five virgins went to a wedding feast without sufficient preparation. They had lamps, but did not take oil with them to replenish the vessel. The other five, took the time and effort to take oil in vessels in addition to their lamps. When the feast was delayed as the bridegroom had not arrived, their lamps all went out. The foolish virgins had to go buy more oil, and while they were absent, the bridegroom arrived, and the doors were shut to the feast. Jesus’ lesson from this simple illustration, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 15:13). Continue reading “Prepare!” →

The scripture reveals that Moses led the people of Israel to the promised land, but was unable to to enter the land of promise itself as punishment for his sin against God at Kadesh, Numbers 20. Moses in anger struck a rock to bring forth water, disregarding God’s words to speak to the rock. It is interesting to note that previously the striking of the rock was indeed God’s instruction. However, on this occasion He required something different from Moses. In response to this disobedience, in Numbers 20:12 God spoke to both Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

Moving forward in time to Joshua 12, a list of accomplishments is given both of Moses (who had died), and Joshua, the next leader of Israel. The text begins by noting kings who had been defeated on the east side of the Jordan. This is where Moses led the people. We are told, “These Moses the servant of the Lord and the children of Israel had conquered; and Moses the servant of the Lord had given it as a possession to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh‘’ (12:6). Then the narrative continues with Joshua’s leadership in Joshua 12:7. “And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel conquered on this side of the Jordan, on the west, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon as far as Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir, which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions.”

Such an interesting phrase, “on this side of the Jordan.” It is a contrast to the phrase used in 12:1 when Moses was in charge, “on the other side of the Jordan toward the rising of the sun” referencing the land just east of the river. It is not a surprising thing that the Jews having entered and conquered, would now refer to their promised land as “this side” of the Jordan and the land they had left as “the other side.” Canaan now belonged to them. Their perspective had been altered at the fulfillment of God’s land promise to Abraham back in Genesis 12, 15 and also in 17:8, where we read “Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

A worthy lesson for us. For the child of God, this side (the side God has promised and where we belong) is heaven. The other side is this physical world. It took a while for the children of Israel to get to Canaan, and it may take us a while to get to the place God has promised for us! We need to remember we are on a pilgrimage until we reach our place of rest. May we steadfastly go that way until we reach the gates!

We have recorded in the gospels various prayers of Jesus, offered up to His Father in heaven. For example, in Matthew 6 and Luke 11 we have what is called by many today, “The Lord’s Prayer.” It was in response to the request of one of His disciples who said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). The designation of “The Lord’s Prayer” is inappropriately given to this prayer. It was a model prayer designed to teach the disciples. There are other prayers much more personal to our Lord.

One example of this is the prayer that Jesus offered up in John 17. He first prayed for Himself (17:1-5), then His intimate apostles (17:6-19), then the rest who believe in Him which would include you and me (17:20-26). According to John, this prayer was offered on the same night of His most intimate prayer, recorded in Matthew 26, Mark 15 and Luke 22. It is this prayer in the garden of Gethsemane that we want to examine now. Continue reading “The Garden Prayer” →

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:1-4).

Our verse does a good job disclosing what is not evident from Jesus being born over 2,000 years ago. What had come before, all the prophecies and inspired writings compiled leading to that point, were a preamble to Jesus. As Paul so eloquently put it, “But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor” (Galatians 3:23-25). Continue reading “He Speaks Through His Son” →