Sabbath observance was a binding ceremonial obligation for Israel and most Jews had no idea of the original purpose of the Sabbath. Jesus and His disciples were going through the grain¬ fields on the Sabbath, when His disciples began to pick the grain and eat it (v. 1). The pharisees immediately …
Jesus spoke these things while He was with the disciples, but His time with them was running out. The Holy Spirit would soon come to teach and to remind them of everything Jesus had taught them (vv. 25-26). This Helper is defined by holiness and truth (v. 17). Jesus was the Father’s …
The wicked often seeks to destroy other people with their words (v. 6) while the righteous try to encourage those who have been attacked by gossipers and slanders. In the end, the wicked will be overthrown but the house of the righteous will stand (v. 7) because it is built upon …
Enemies were pressing upon David. His world had fallen apart. His own son Absalom had stolen the hearts of the men of Israel. His throne that had seemed so secure had been snatched from him. The nation had turned against him. David asked that God would speak directly to him. He …
The Gentiles in Jesus day made prayers not to God but to false gods. These prayers consisted of long repetitive phrases (v. 7). The principal here is that a believer should not make a show of prayer or pray in such a way that it draws unnecessary attention to himself. God is not impressed …
This passage gives an introduction to the terms of the covenant (vv. 10-26) It starts out with the Lord promising to perform miracles that have never been seen before (vv. 10-11). He promises to display many wonders so that the people will see His power. These wonders include His…
Notice that John says it is love “perfected” which gives us confidence in the day of judgment (v. 17). The day of judgment is that time when all people will appear before Christ and be held accountable for their actions in this life. With God living in us through Christ …
The enemies who bring God’s judgment on Israel were as evil as Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 32). This points out the depth of evil into which Israel had fallen. Through this detailed analysis of the law, it has been made clear that God’s standards are absolute and that He will not tolerate sin. Even …
Paul wrote this letter to the Church in Corinth while he was visiting Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 19:1- 20:1). While in Ephesus he had heard about problems in the Corinthian Church. He knew it well because he had spent 18 months there during his second …
The Jews had become comfortable in their captivity and did not want to leave. They had followed Jeremiah’s suggestions (Jer. 29:4-7) and had families, houses and gardens. It was not easy for them to pack up and go to the holy land, but that was where they belonged and where God had a work …