I wonder if the shepherds collapsed to the ground during this overwhelming experience. We know they felt fear, of course, but imagine the flood of emotions as they begin to realize that the angel of the Lord is proclaiming the news of the arrival of the Messiah!
In Acts 16, the Philippian jailer asked Paul, "What must I do to be saved?" (v. 30). And he said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (v. 31).
But there's another question. "What must I do to be lost?" Answer: absolutely nothing. Don't turn to Christ. Don't make a choice. Put it off. That's why I say atheism has slain its thousands, but procrastination, its tens of thousands.
Leaving your first love is seldom a blowout. It's usually a slow leak, like a car tire. You air it up, and a couple weeks later you've got to air it up again. So it is in our priorities with the Lord. We can get distracted gradually and leave slowly. We leave that first love.
There are some people who see the Bible as this outdated, antiquated book that's not relevant anymore. That's not how King David saw it. David loved it because God spoke to him in it.
Rebekah’s actions speak to me about what our reaction should be regarding the coming of Jesus Christ for His bride, the Church, at the Rapture. Our attitude, words, and actions should all be calculated in the light of our soon departure to meet the Lord face to face.
The cross was intended to not just bring agony and death, but to do so in such an obscene, traumatic, humiliating, and public fashion that everybody knew the punishment they would receive should they disobey Rome.
The Gospel of salvation through Christ is endlessly fascinating, I believe, because it is profound and simple. The brightest scholars exhaust their stock of adjectives in attempting to depict it, yet a child may understand the love of Jesus, too.
If you want to please God—if you worry about what God thinks of you—you don't have to worry about what anybody else thinks of you. The fear of the Lord frees you from the snare of the fear of man. If you get on your knees before God, you can get on your feet before any man.
Throughout the ages, people have pleaded, “God, just give me a sign.” Not Moses. He desperately wanted something more. He wanted to see God in all His glory—the fulness of His splendor and majesty.
Change is a constant in life, but it can sometimes feel unnerving. Instinctively, we tend to draw our circle a little tighter for comfort’s sake, but if we do, we become resistant to the dynamics that living for Christ demands.
Savior. Healer. Lord. King. Messiah. Christians associate these names with one Man: Jesus Christ. He is the culmination of our hopes and the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus the Messiah is our greatest hope and joy in this life! Jewish people also believe the Scriptures speak about a Messiah. Their interpretation of messianic prophecy differs significantly.
Many of these same people who were weak in their walk were refusing to grow. They had a knowledge of Jesus and identified with Him, but they refused to mature in their faith and apply it to their lives. They had not progressed from “milk” (basics) to “solid food” (applying the Scriptures).
Jesus promises, “Seek, and you will find.” But in this 21st-century culture of hurry up and rush, we are often distracted by things that rob us of the seeking He desires. We lose so much of that which has value to the moment’s frantic urgency. Here in this verse, there is a hint, perhaps even a great shout in our direction, announcing that God has so much more for us—an infinite amount of more.
And make no mistake: These things are beginning to happen. Even secular futurologists are sounding the alarms as they see converging lines of danger and instability around the world. So, what does it all mean to us? How should we prepare for Christ’s imminent return?
But to fully understand Christ’s finished work on the cross, we must equally consider each of these pivotal moments. Combined, they change history, life, and eternity.
In the gloom of Good Friday, the disciples could only read: “Jesus defeated!” But in the bright light of Easter morning, the glorious truth of Jesus’ resurrection shone into their despair.
It's always about a lamb—a substitute. The blood on the doorposts was the sign that a death had already occurred in that house and the penalty for sin had been meted out, allowing the wrath of God to be turned away. The cross is the sign that payment has been made for sin, because the Lamb of God has taken our punishment upon Himself.
Think about those around you who have not made a decision for Christ. Think about your mom or dad, your brother or sister, your neighbor, your co-worker. Tell me—are they worth it?
Sin doesn't seem irresistible until you want a break from it. Then you discover its very strong grip. In Colossians 3:1-15, we can find some steps from the apostle Paul to breaking that grip.
According to the Bible, there’s a generation that will not see death. Instead, the Lord will remove them from the face of the earth in what we call the rapture of the Church.
The culture has had much success in infiltrating people’s minds by centering thoughts on themselves. The Bible is filled with testimonies of those who, by God’s grace, were victorious over Satan’s power. No one is beyond the reach of God.
When you move from God toward His enemy, you are, in effect, declaring war on God. And the enemy James spoke of is not only the devil, but also the world. It's the world of ideas, the system of values that is opposed to the values of God and His kingdom. So, if you're a friend of the world, you are making yourself an enemy of God.
Will you unashamedly represent Him? If so, shed every form of rude and cold-hearted religiosity. Be a genuine, uncompromising follower of Christ and show the world that the cross you wear is more than a symbol. May you wear its message well.
The word “tribulation” in John 16:33 means “anguish, burdens, persecutions, and troubles”. It does not mean “wrath”. Jesus was not saying, as many propose, that the church will go through the Great Tribulation.
Jesus asked her the same question, "Woman, why are you weeping?" Then He asked a follow-up question, "Whom are you seeking?" She replied, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away" (v. 15). One word changed her life. One word changed her from sorrow to joy. One single word, and she went from despair to the heights. I'm sure Jesus used a special tone with her when He said, "Mary." Then she turned and said, "Rabboni!" (my teacher).
If the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to everyone who comes to faith in Christ, then everyone who comes to faith in Christ has the power to be a witness for Christ.
It occurs to me that life—especially in our current culture and world—can be like that treacherous, obscured journey through the fog. As we follow God’s Word, we know that we’re ultimately on the right path, but everything around us appears sin-sick and confused.
They want peace without the Prince of Peace and they want the Millennium without having to repent. They claim that they want a world in which righteousness dwells, but they want righteousness redefined.
Living righteously virtually guarantees that not everyone will like you or agree with you, and some will even come against you. Walking with Christ is not for the faint of heart.
Have you ever pondered over the striking paradox that the Messiah, the mighty ruler, was also prophesied to be a man of sorrows in Isaiah 53? Why was the expected deliverer, portrayed as the suffering servant?
Some Christians ask questions like, "Hey, can I do this or that and still be a Christian?" Some believers sail so close to the lake of fire that their sails get singed. You don't want to live the way Samson did.
Jesus warned His followers to count carefully the cost, and that certainly does not speak of an easy way. But there is no good thing that comes without cost.
We must never forget that prayer is not only for petition, but it’s also for protection and preparation. Prayer not only gives us what we want, but it also prepares us for and protects us from what we don’t want.
The book of Nehemiah is a story of courage, boldness, steadfastness, and faithfulness in spite of incredible and growing opposition to the work of God.
Even the richest among us have finite resources. Not so with God. Yet He didn’t reach into His infinite resources when He gave something so incalculably precious that the angelic host sang out. God gave Himself.
There is no power in a compromised life. Compromising people reach no one. Mary, however, lived a godly life in an ungodly place. Lot was a thermometer, but Mary was a thermostat. Unlike a thermometer that is affected by its surroundings, a thermostat controls the environment around it.
In John chapter eight, a group of sinners brought a single sinner to Jesus (see vv. 1-11). You could call it a tale of two sinners: the rank sinner and the religious sinner. One was obviously a sinful person; the others were sinful persons, but not so obviously.
If so, it’s OK to be troubled, but I invite you to do as Mary did and rejoice in the midst of your pain. Lay it all at the feet of the One who came to save you, whose birth we celebrate. Despite the struggles, Mary considered herself blessed because of what God did for her, and you can, too, as you ponder how He has blessed you.
God often speaks to His people when they are busy doing their daily tasks. For example, when God called Moses to lead Israel out of Pharaoh’s bondage, he was tending sheep. When God called David to run an errand that would result in the death of the mighty Goliath in the Valley of Elah, he, too, was tending sheep.
His warning is addressed to all Christians. We need to be wide awake because time is short. We’ve never been closer to the return of Jesus than we are right now.
Continue “the good fight.” Realize that we are still in a spiritual battle zone. Finish “the race.” Don’t relax too soon. Fulfill God’s calling in your life. We will soon be going home, either by death or by rapture. What we do in this world, we must do quickly.
Too many people pursue happiness and search for pleasure, finding only emptiness instead of fulfillment. Those who trust Jesus find meaning and purpose—and realize His joy. Only when we let go of selfishness and worldly lust do we understand true joy.
The end of John 5 is like a courtroom scene, with Jesus as both the judge and the one on trial. The word witness shows up eight times in this passage. Like a lawyer, Jesus brought in three witnesses, because Jewish Law said, "by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established" (Deuteronomy 19:15).
What a joy and privilege it is to serve Him! There is nothing quite like it, yet our service can be hindered or even corrupted by thoughts of grandeur. Such was the condition of the prophet Jeremiah’s co-laborer Baruch.
Never underestimate one conversation. You might walk away thinking, "Nothing's going to come of this." But I've talked with many people I never thought would come to Christ. Years later they told me they came to Christ because of that one conversation. The Lord will use the seeds you plant, the words you speak, and the truth that you sow.
Beyond the familiar closing doxology, many Christians know little about the book of Jude. Yet a careful study of Jude’s exposé of the wickedness of apostates and their destructive heresies is greatly needed today. Jude’s brief, one-chapter letter is a powerhouse of theology coupled with tender exhortation. I appreciate that about the Bible. God never gives us truth without showing us what to do about it.
Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for not discerning what the signs of His first coming had been, and then He told Peter, Andrew, James, and John that the same thing will again occur prior to His Second Coming. Again, people will ignore or deny the signs.
I had an opportunity to speak at an event called Heal Our Patriots, which was sponsored by Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse. The experience was unforgettable. Many of the attendees walked forward and gave their lives to the Lord. The memories of it still bring me joy. It was an honor to serve those who have served our country.
What are we to do now that the election is over? As Christians, we go back to what we should have always been—and always should be—doing. And that’s living out our faith, being salt and light in the culture.
Warren Wiersbe has an interesting phrase for people like the superficial seekers in Jerusalem: "unsaved believers." Jesus knows what's in their heart. He knows they want a free meal, a miracle. He knows that they're not fully committed to Him with saving faith. They're just going along for the ride.
The Bible indicates that the Last Days will see an escalation in life-altering, potentially ruinous events, yet Scripture reminds us of a beautiful promise. When prayer replaces worry amidst life’s commotion and upheaval, God supplies a great abiding peace that surpasses human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
My friends, God’s existence, mercy, and goodness are not dependent upon our situations or sorrows. Those things are a part of life. Each of us will experience pain and death. In the end, the important thing isn’t when you stand before God, but where you stand with God.
The early Christians in Asia lived in a world (not unlike our own) where their belief in Christ often left them at odds with the political powers, the economic realities, and the social norms. They were surrounded by idol worship. The day-to-day choices were difficult and demanding. Would they stand firm, or would they give up under the pressure and the pain of following Jesus?
We may not always be in the majority, just as Paul wasn’t. But our input is essential. Because “when the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).
Prior to each Billy Graham crusade, the organization implemented a simple but effective outreach program. For decades, Operation Andrew has been training church congregants...
It’s easy to become cynical about government or feel that our vote is insignificant. But what happens if everyone has this attitude? What kind of leadership would we likely get then?
I think when you’re trying to climb that ladder of success, whatever you perceive it to be, you feel that once you get to the top, you’ll be happy and content. But when someone makes it to the top, they find out there’s nothing there.
When you hear Jesus speak, that's God talking. You're hearing the words of God spoken from the lips of the Messiah. When you see how Jesus treats people, like healing the sick, you are seeing God in action. You are seeing God's compassion, His love for people. That's what it means when John 1:18 says, "He has brought Him forth."
Let me ask you the same question I’ve asked others who say they aren’t going to the polls because their vote won’t matter: What would happen if everyone felt the way you do? You know the answer: In time, our democracy would come to an end.
Christians stop the spread of rot—or evil—in our culture today. Christians stand up for the rights of the unborn. Christians speak out against racism and try to bring about reconciliation. Christians help people in need. That’s what it means to be salt in our culture today.
"Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31). One of the hardest things we have to do in life is to wait on the Lord. You know it's true. We hate to wait on the Lord. But let me encourage you to do just that.
Does it surprise you that believers face these kinds of battles? It shouldn’t. We all struggle from time to time with feelings of hopelessness. But notice how the Psalmist begins to overcome the darkness. He preaches the truth of God to himself, knowing he will find strength and courage there.
The Lord’s Supper keeps us focused on the cross. It draws us into fellowship with God and the body of Christ. It gives us the hope of the resurrection, the promise of victory over Satan and sin, and the truth of Heaven.
This November, after months of media blitz, debates, a last-minute candidate switch and political intrigue, millions of us across the United States, and tens...
I believe Jesus can come back at any moment and I think it’s important we talk about this. It seems like it’s fallen out of favor to talk about end times events right now but, if you ask me, I don’t know of a more important time to talk about it than right now!
The door miraculously swung open for Peter and providentially stayed shut for Paul. And God was moving in both cases. That's a great lesson, isn't it? When you say, "God, give me a miracle," what if He says no? Then watch for His providence.
In God’s economy, it is not the voice of the masses that we need to hear, but the quiet voice of wisdom that the world tries to drown out with its shouts of foolishness. The popular school of thought is seldom the wisdom of God.
During His public ministry, Jesus had no problem reaching society’s down-and-outers. But amazingly, He had an almost impossible time reaching religious and moral people who were under the delusion that outward rituals and good living made them acceptable to God.
Now is the time to stand strong and confront the cancel culture crowd flexing its muscles. Patriotic symbols are in their crosshairs. They’ve deemed Dr. Seuss controversial and classics inappropriate. Will it be long before your Bible is banned because they find it offensive?
Sometimes, we look at certain sins that people fall into and think it’s the worst thing that can happen to them. But it isn’t the worst thing. The worst thing of all is to have a hardened heart.
Christ came once to suffer for our sins, but He is coming back to conquer His enemies. Why should He let into heaven people who hate Him and don’t want to go there? The blatant truth is this: The King is coming, and He will destroy all His enemies.
Paul was planning to go to Rome, but he had to go to Jerusalem first. And as he got closer and closer, everyone warned him not to go. But he trusted in God. In Jerusalem, he was beaten up and arrested, and later taken to Caesarea for trial. He eventually went to Rome—not as a preacher, but as a prisoner on a prison ship. That was the perfect will of God for the Apostle Paul.
Because of the degradation of our society and moral values, the word holiness sounds archaic, even puritanical, to our ears. The world is naturally directed toward destruction, and those following its path are racing headlong toward spiritual death. That is the condition Jesus delivered us from, and now, through Christ, God has declared us holy.
The messed-up, jumbled-up interpretation of marriage that we see today is not how it was meant to be. It is not God’s original design for the holy institution of marriage.
If you and I believe Jesus is coming back soon (and I hope today), then that means I am to be obedient and in my obedience to Christ, my light and my witness—your light and your witness—will punish disobedience.
The question is not whether or not we will be engaged in a spiritual war. That ship has already sailed. The question is, will we win or lose in this spiritual war? Will we advance or retreat? Will we gain ground or lose ground?
Paul moved on to Berea, and there the story includes one of my all-time favorite verses. I recommend you commit it to memory. "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so"
As for us, let’s take a lesson from Solomon. You may be the boss, or you may be an entry-level worker. You may be the mayor, or you may sweep the streets. Regardless, humble yourself before the Lord and worship Him, above and before everything else. Seek His wisdom and guidance.