Right around this time of year, or a little before, the Jews had a national time of rejoicing and giving thanks to God. This was the final festival in the Jewish calendar, the Feast of Tabernacles. Of this time we are told, “now the people came with their tributes of thanksgiving to God, who had thus richly blessed them.” Patriarchs …
John’s gospel begins with the familiar, sublime words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1, 3. John describes Jesus as “the Word.” John returns to this description of Jesus as he sees …
The Bible is filled with beautiful prayers of the heart’s burdened cry seeking help from above. These prayers are recorded so that we can unite our prayers with those of the Biblical authors of long ago. Like David we can plead, “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin…. Create in me a clean heart, O …
“Standing by a purpose true, Heeding God’s command, Honor them the faithful few! All hail to Daniel’s band! Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.” How true and striking are the words of this familiar children’s song, but how often unheeded do they go. As another familiar …
As I write, it is the morning of July 4th. For those of us who have grown up in this country, many images come to mind: fireworks, parades, picnics, the Declaration of Independence and more. The lamblike principles of freedom contained in the Declaration of Independence declare immortal truths that “all men are created equal” and bestowed by God with …
I hope this last month found you coming closer to Christ and gaining fresh new victories in your life. As we witness the events that are taking place in the world around us, we know that Jesus is coming soon. Soon our liberties will be taken away and our work of spreading the Three Angels’ Messages will become increasingly difficult. “The …
Have you ever wrestled with temptation until it hurt? When temptation comes upon us, we have the mighty promises of Scripture to be our defense! “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also …
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. The task can seem overwhelming, but is no more daunting than the same task that was given to a handful of discouraged believers two thousand years ago:but just as they fulfilled their mission, so can we today! As time has passed and “every creature” has …
This morning I was thinking and studying about Jesus’ last words to His disciples. After He had washed their feet and instituted the Communion service, He gave to the eleven faithful disciples some of the most precious instruction of His ministry. John records the beautiful words in his gospel, chapters 14-17. He assures them that He even though He will …
One of the most fascinating mountains of the Bible is the Mount of Olives—a major geographical landmark of Jesus’ ministry. Just east of Jerusalem, it served as a refuge from the machinations of the wily scribes and Pharisees where Jesus could came apart and commune with His Father. (John 8:1; Luke 21:37) From its crest Jesus triumphantly rode into Jerusalem. …
