Spiritual birth must lead to spiritual growth as we become more like Jesus Christ (vv. 14-16). If we are maturing in Christ, we will show it by being able to speak the truth in love. Satan is a liar and a murderer (John 8:44) and has a difficult time being successful when believe …
John mentions how Diotrephes likes to be the number-one leader in the Church and refuses to welcome any of the Lord’s followers who come by (vv. 9-10). The ancient world had a system of “guest-friendships” whereby families undertook to give each other hospitality when …
After fasting for three days, Esther took off her mourning clothes, puts on her queenly garb, and made her appearance before the king (v 1). When the king saw Esther, he extended the golden scepter to her, which meant she was free to come before him, having found favor in his sight …
These commandments were inscribed by the finger of God on tablets of stone. Four of them have to do with our attitude toward God and six with our attitude toward human beings. Jesus condensed them into two; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind,&qu …
The next eight chapters of Genesis are about Jacob. We see God saving Jacob (Chap. 28), subduing him (Gen. 29-32), separating him (Gen. 33-34), and sanctifying him (Gen. 35). Isaac gave Jacob some advice. He told him not to marry a pagan but to walk in the ways of the Lord. The reason for …
After Moses and Aaron (both in their eighties) had talked with the Jewish leaders, they went to Pharaoh and asked him to let the people go (v. 1). In those days Pharaoh was the most powerful king on earth. He must have been very surprised that anyone would dare to speak to him th …
The apostles plus other believers met together to discuss what had happened and as they shared with each other, Jesus Himself appeared in the room (v.36). As Jesus stood in their midst, he said to them, “Peace be unto you.” Instead of becoming excited and singin …
This chapter begins with notes of sorrow (vv. 1-6) and ends with hope (vv. 7-20). Micah watched as society rotted around him. Rulers demanded gifts; judges accepted bribes; and corruption was everywhere. But God promised to lead the people out of the darkness of sin and int …
Rehoboam had serious intention of quelling the revolt by force but was stopped by the Word of the Lord through the prophet Shemaiah. He then turns his attention to fortifying the cities, which were in existence before Rehoboam’s time. The purpose of Rehoboam rebuilding the cities …
Jacob arrived at a well used by the local shepherds to water their flocks (vv. 2-3). The well had a large stone placed over it. Jacob chatted with the shepherds and asked about his uncle Laban (vv. 4-6). He also asked them why they waited to water the sheep. They said they had to wait for the …