The Acceptable Time

“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened…” Luke 3:21 Dear Ones: It is remarkable how many times authors of the New Testament writings refer to those of Isaiah.  In particular, the Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul used Isaiah’s words…

The Permanency And Provision Of Preaching

“…And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” 1 Corinthians 2:4 Dear Ones: In the economy of God, or rather His kingdom, there are certain truths that we might consider to be “bedrock truths,” with regard to giving us assurance…

To Truly Live

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:23 Dear Ones: We are apt to think that because Paul was one of the Apostles, and had seen the Lord in some measure, that his experience of truly living is a particular one.  In one sense it is, as God desired…

So Great Salvation

“God…has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son.” Hebrews 1:2 Dear Ones: Perhaps the greatest statement that has ever been made is this:  “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…” (Jn. 3:16)  With regard to the entirety of recorded history, how can we make such a…

The Confirmation Of God

“Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor.” 1 Kings 22:34 Dear Ones: One of the ways that God has put before us to enable us to grasp something of His sovereignty in history, is to declare an event years before its…

The Eternal Lamb Of God

“…Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” 1 Peter 1:20 Dear Ones: Throughout the relatively short life of John the Baptist, we note that he had an amazing amount of spiritual discernment.  This was certainly due to the fact that he was a…

An Honorable Vessel

“…he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and fit for the Master’s use.”  2 Timothy 2:21 Dear Ones: In the Old Testament, there are at least two stories which concern vessels which contain oil, specifically oil that one would use to make food.  The first one has to do with Elijah and a widow…

The Gospel’s Power To Save

“…our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world.” Galatians 1:4 Dear Ones: In the letter of Paul to the Galatians, he uses some very strong language concerning the preaching of “another gospel,” different from the true one.  (Gal. 1:9)  John, in the book…

Seeking Things Above

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:2 Dear Ones: It was Watchman Nee who wrote that the Christian life begins with SITTING down, not running or walking.  What did he mean by this?  In sitting, it is as…

Those Blessed Of God

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 Dear Ones: It is one thing to be blessed in heaven in Christ.  It is quite another to know the blessedness of Christ in our hearts on this earth. …