“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 We are all part of God’s handiwork in His creation. Our “good works” are not the cause of our salvation, but its result. Judaizers threatened most early Christian communities, teaching that…
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” Psalm 119:14 “Rejoice in following Your statutes” is the Psalmist’s confession that he takes more delight in the doctrines of God’s Word than he does in riches of the world. That which we have laid up in our hearts and upon which we…
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 The appearance and stature of Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab,…
“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 The “Word” is the Old Testament, since the New Testament was still being written, and the preaching and teaching of the Apostles. Believers who hear the Word of God must receive it with a teachable spirit and apply…
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114 This verse might make us think of dry, dead rules contained in God’s Word (the Bible) by which one has to live. Certainly, God’s Word proclaims rules for us to keep. However, Psalm119 repeatedly emphasizes that God gives…