In Acts 2, we see the long-awaited arrival of the Lord’s church. Isaiah prophesized about it hundreds of years before (Isaiah 2:2-4). Jesus had promised to build it during His ministry on earth (Matthew 16:18). Now it is here. As we go forward in this study, we will see the church in both of its […]
The first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ, recorded for us in Acts 2, was one of the great days in human history. It was the day that the Lord’s promise to build His church came to fruition (Matthew 16:18). Isaiah prophesied about this day. Isaiah 2:2–3 (ESV) 2 It shall come to pass in […]
The book of Luke closes with Jesus speaking to His apostles just before His ascension back to heaven. This was His message to them— Luke 24:45–49 (ESV) 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third […]
In last night’s blog, we saw that the church is a part of God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:11) and that it would be purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Jesus came to this earth for one reason—to reconcile man to God by paying the price for sin through His death on the cross. […]
The church of our Lord, Jesus Christ, is a huge part of God’s scheme of redemption. It is not, as some have suggested, plan B, only necessary because Jesus failed to set up the kingdom when He came the first time. Instead, it is a part of God’s eternal purpose. Ephesians 3:10–11 (ESV) 10 So […]
We can all look back on our lives and think of things we regret; things we do or say, or maybe even a pattern of life that we spent far too many years following. While Paul did not make the mistake of living in the past (Philippians 3:13-14), he did occasionally reflect upon some of […]
Psalm 115:13 (ESV) 13 He will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great. Godly fear is one of the most important characteristics that we can have. With it, we will please God by living a life that is according to His will. Without it, we will live according to […]
Have you ever refused help and later regretted it? Those of us who are men seem to be more prone to this than our counterparts. Sometimes pride just will not allow us to admit that we need help. A lot of pain and problems could be avoided if we were humble enough to accept help […]
When we live lives that are pleasing to God, it can make life easier. I understand that such is not always the case when the church is under some kind of persecution, especially when that persecution comes from ruling powers targeting Christians, as it was for the people of God in the first few centuries. […]
The children of Israel were a stubborn and rebellious people. This mostly stemmed from their lack of faith and trust in God, and its most glaring manifestation was their continual practice of idolatry. It is hard to fathom a people who saw so many variations of the power of God firsthand turning to false gods […]