In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus shared a parable directed at those who trust in themselves (Luke 18:9). While the tendency to trust in oneself was not exclusive to the Pharisees, they are the first group that comes to mind when we hear that Jesus was addressing those who relied on self. Why is that? Because they […]

Hebrews 3:1 (ESV) 1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, As Christians, nothing or no one should be considered more than Jesus.  He is the goal at which we aim “for the prize of the upward call of God” (Philippians 3:14).  […]

That we are saved by grace through faith is a clearly taught truth set forth in the Word of God.  Paul put it like this: Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)  8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result […]

Paul often contrasted the righteousness that faith could obtain with righteousness based on the law.  Righteousness obtained by faith has been made available by Jesus dying on the cross for our sins.  This is why the Bible affirms that we are justified by faith, as well as by the blood of Christ. Romans 5:1 (ESV) […]

“Please yourself” seems to be the mantra echoing through society today. While helping others is praised, prioritizing ourselves is the practical choice, or at least that’s what the world suggests. The shelves of bookstores are filled with books on self (self-love, self-care, self-improvement, self-development, self-made, etc.). Predictably, this emphasis on self leads to selfishness, culminating […]

This parable condemns those who are self-righteous and who treat others with contempt.  Self-righteousness was a common trait among the Pharisees, and it continues to plague people today.  When a person is self-righteous, he thinks he is not only better than he really is, but also better than the people around him.  In this parable, […]

Hezekiah was a godly man, doing what was right in the eyes of God (2 Kings 18:3). But what specifically did he do? Believing that there is only one true and living God, he removed the places of idolatry from the land. 2 Kings 18:4 (ESV) 4 He removed the high places and broke the […]

I have always promoted the position that we can be sure of our salvation.  We should have 100% confidence in the fact that if we, as Christians, died today, our ultimate end would be a home in heaven.  This is what hope fundamentally is—desire and confident expectation. Having said that, we need to consider the […]

That obedience is essential to the salvation of the soul is a foregone conclusion in scripture.  Anyone with a sliver of Bible knowledge knows that one cannot go to heaven without living in obedience to God. Hebrews 5:8-9 (ESV) 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being […]