It is interesting to see how Paul approached this problem of division in the church. First, he pointed to the unity of Christ: there is one Savior and one body. Then he reminded them of their baptism, a picture of their spiritual baptism into Christ’s body (v. 17). The true condition of the Corinthian …
Hezekiah was an excellent King although he had a very vicious father. Praise the Lord that the Proverb like father, like son is not always true. In the first month of the first year of his reign he opened the doors of the temple. In this chapter there is a vivid summary in which …
An undisciplined child will bring shame to his mother and ruin to himself (v. 15). When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases (v. 16). Proper discipline includes both verbal instruction and spankings. Failure to discipline results in a society overrun with wickedness and lacking in …
God tells Moses that he and his people were led out of Egypt and they now need to move out of Mt Sinai and go toward the promised land (v. 1). He promised to send an angel with them and defeat their enemies but said He would not go with them (vv. 2-3). Because of their sin …
Even though the temple lay in ruins and the people were exiles in a foreign land he encouraged his soul with a defense of the truth (vv. 12-17).When God does not answer in the thunder and the storm it is not because he can not but because it is to His glory to act in a gentler, b …
God used dreams to reveal His will, and yet not every dream is God’s revelation, nor is everyone who dreams a prophet (v. 25). The dreams in this passage were designed to make Judah forget God’s name much as earlier prophets did through Baal worship (cf. v. 13). False …
Everyone believes that love is important, but love is usually thought of as a feeling. In reality, love is an action. God loved us enough to sacrifice His Son for us (v.7). His love involves an action, and our love should be like His. Much that is called “love” in moder …
At the time of Nahum’s prophecy, Assyria was at the height of its power. Sennacherib had done much to increase the strength and magnificence of Nineveh, its capital, by building great temples, palaces, and fortifications. Nineveh was confident that it could not be overtaken but Nahum …
Every attempt to revive true religion will stir up the opposition of Satan, and of those in whom he works. The adversaries were the Samaritans, who had been planted in the land of Israel. It was plain that they did not mean to unite in the worship of the Lord, according to His wo …
Chapter 18 deals with the sanctity of sex. The Lord told Moses to tell the people of Israel: I am the Lord your God (vv. 1-2)! So don’t follow the customs of Egypt where you used to live or those of Canaan where I am bringing you (v. 3). I am the Lord your God, and you must obey …