These were lowly shepherds being rewarded for their humility with this incredible message. The humble shepherds out tending their sheep were given the gift of being able to observe and participate in this world-changing event. Luke 2:8: (NASB) “In the same region there were some [...]
1 Thessalonians consists of a letter from the Apostle Paul to the early Christian church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1). In chapter 1, Paul issues greetings to the church members. Chapters 2 and 3 continue his greetings and also offer an explanation for his [...]
Genesis chapters 1 and 2 outline God’s process of creating the earth, the plants, the animals, and finally human beings. Genesis 2:1-3 state that God finished this creative work, and on the seventh “day,” God rested “from all his work which he had made.” [...]
Yes!The key to seeing the Bible’s harmony is to understand that God has a plan that is currently in progress. Yes, Israel is God’s chosen nation and currently does not believe in Jesus. And yes, Jesus is the son of God and faith in [...]
The phrase born again is found in John 3:3: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. A more accurate translation for born again here is "begotten from above.” It does not describe a second birth; rather, it refers to the changed [...]
Jesus was a masterful teacher. He often used stories, known as parables, to convey concepts and lessons in a way that his audience could relate to and apply to their lives. Some parables have multiple levels of meaning depending on the listener’s level of [...]
James 5:1-6: (KJV) “5 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall [...]
Jesus used this opportunity to tell the Parable of the Good Samaritan.One of the traditional ways to communicate with the learned men of Israel was by asking questions. First, one would ask a question, and then the other man would respond to the question [...]
In a large sense the whole universe is God’s house, and the different planes and of life are the different “rooms.” My Father’s house: Again, in a large sense the whole universe is God’s house, and God Himself abides in the height of the heavens. [...]
John 2:1-11 records the account of Jesus, his mother Mary, and his disciples attending a wedding in Cana. During the wedding, Mary became aware that the hosts had run out of wine. Although the scriptures do not indicate Mary’s relationship with the hosts, she [...]
(Excerpted from the Herald Magazine)The Vine and Branches (John 15:1-11)The lesson of faith taught by the Apostle Paul (Hebrews 11:1) was to make the invisible things more tangible with their eye of faith. Jesus accomplished this with the parable of the vine and branches. He [...]
Hebrews 5:7 does refer to Jesus’ prayers in Gethsemane, as recorded in Matthew 26:36-39. This can be inferred from the surrounding verses. In verses 1-4, the Apostle Paul describes the role and characteristics of the Jewish high priests. Starting in verse 5, Paul shifts [...]
There are only three instances where speaking in tongues is recorded in the New Testament - Acts 2:1-11, 10:38-48 and 19:1-8. In each instance, those who spoke were apostles who had been given the gift of the holy spirit, done for very specific purposes [...]
In Old Testament times, the man, or father, was considered the head of the household. He had the responsibility for ensuring all within his care were provided for, including his wife and all of his children. The head of the household was meant to [...]
This incident, recorded both in Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4, is an example in practical terms of the way Jesus (and God) looks at giving. The world tends to be impressed with large gifts and grand gestures; the Lord looks at the heart. When [...]
Several texts can be cross read to interpret Paul’s meaning here. First, let’s address the “chief cornerstone.” There is only one kind of building that has only one cornerstone: a pyramid. The top stone itself is a perfect pyramid, and all other stones have [...]
Jesus knew his time on earth was coming to an end. Beginning in John 13:30 one of the last conversations between Jesus and his disciples is recorded. Jesus was preparing for both his death and his resurrection that would follow. He knew that having [...]
The need for self-discipline is as old as mankind itself. God created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, with free will. Free will is the capability of choosing right or wrong. In Genesis 2:16-17, God commanded Adam not to eat the fruit [...]
Naaman was a pagan army captain. 2 Kings 5:1: "Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man with his master, and highly respected, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man was also [...]
To set the context, on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, he prophetically explained what God’s spirit would do when it came to the disciples: John 16:7–11: "...it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the advocate ("comforter" in [...]
