“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” Psalm 119:7 It is difficult to date this Psalm as no author is given. However, the Law’s central role in the author’s life and the opposition he faced fit well with the sixth or fifth century BC, so King David could…
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 “Not ashamed of the gospel” implies that the Gospel is foolishness to the world, which may ridicule or persecute Christians, but Paul (and…
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” John 15:10 Jesus’ obedience to God the Father is a central theme of the Gospel of John. Christ loves believers unconditionally. As believers obey Christ’s Word and abide in His love,…
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11…
“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 The phrase “it is written” is used by Jesus often to emphasize the Word of God. Here, Jesus quotes Moses’ explanation to Israel of why God had let them hunger…
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17 “Arm” in Israelite culture was an image of strength. God would begin His answer to Jeremiah’s prayer by restating his words in the form of a rhetorical question later…
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 “Being confident” indicates that Paul had become convinced some time in the past that God would complete His good work among the Philippians. The description “in you” is…
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 Psalm 18 is attributed to David. The text of this psalm is also found in 2 Samuel 22 with some variations. The superscription indicates that this psalm was David’s hymn of celebration to…
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 Though the delay of Christ’s second coming might lead some to conclude that He will not appear, His promised return will indeed come to pass. Then, everything else will fail. In contrast, Jesus’ Word will stand forever since the words…
“In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:4 The Lord’s people break out in song because of their salvation, proclaiming God’s deeds to all people. Those who know the Word are…