Called to Conflict — Part 2 of 3 (Acts 16:19-24) Introduction The call to put our faith in Christ is many things. It is a call to forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:13-14; 2:13; 3:13; Romans 5:8). It is a call into the family of God (John 1:12-13). God the Father’s pleading to believe on Jesus […]
Called to Conflict — Part 1 of 3 (Acts 16:16-18) We want peace. And sometimes we will do almost anything to get or keep it. To keep peace we will avoid a conversation that promises to turn into an argument. To avoid conflict we will find ways around engaging with a group of people that […]
A Gift for God (Matthew 2:1-15) Introduction We are all familiar with the story and song of the kings that visit Jesus shortly after his birth. In the song there are three of them. In most depictions the three kings are from three different ethnic groups and come from the west to present their gifts […]
The Best She Could with What She Had (Luke 2:7,12) 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. …12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling […]
The Historicity of the Census (Luke 2:1-3) 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Have […]
The temptation to avoid difficult topics is always there for preachers. As social creatures we are fearful that delivering the whole message of Holy Writ will cause us to be ostracized, excommunicated, ridiculed, reviled, and perhaps even executed. “If I say these things the church will not like me anymore.” But the record of Luke […]
A few years ago my boys President and Chancellor came into my room with earrings. Over the years they have often asked if I am willing to pierce my ears; the answer has always been no. And the reasons have always been the same. However, this time they were able to convince me to don […]
Introduction Some days have passed (Μετὰ δέ τινας ἡμέρας) since the conflict concerning circumcision was resolved with a word from Jerusalem (Acts 15:30-31). The contention was settled with a letter from leadership delivered by four men: Barsabas, Silas, Barnabas, and Paul. The former two, Barsabas and Silas, are leading men from among the disciples of […]
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:21–22, NKJV) It is utter nonsense […]
Before we complain about the lateness of the Lord let us stop to consider a few possibilities that may underlie His delay. What possibilities? There are two that readily come to my mind. Maybe He has not come to save us from our tribulation because we have not called Him. In the Scriptures God responds […]
