HEBREWS 1:1–4 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe (Hebrews 1:1–2). There is no greeting at the … Continue reading “THE NEW WORD”
DID PAUL WRITE HEBREWS?
2 PETER 3:11–18 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him (2 Peter 3:15). First Peter is usually regarded as having been written to Jewish converts (1 Peter 1:1). Second Peter was written to the same people (2 … Continue reading “DID PAUL WRITE HEBREWS?”
A LETTER TO SOME HEBREWS
ACTS 6:1–7 So the Word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7). We find in our Bibles a letter called “Hebrews” right after Paul’s letter to Philemon. Nowhere in this particular book does it say to whom it … Continue reading “A LETTER TO SOME HEBREWS”
THE PEACE OF GOD
EPHESIANS 6:19–24 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 6:23) Having described how we are to stand firm in the armor of God, especially through prayer, Paul then asks for prayer for himself. At this point, Paul was no longer on the move, but … Continue reading “THE PEACE OF GOD”
FULLY ARMED
EPHESIANS 6:10–18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18) The Christian in complete armor is outfitted sevenfold: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the boots of peace, the … Continue reading “FULLY ARMED”
THE CHRISTIAN’S ARMOR
EPHESIANS 6:10–18 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16) The second part of our armor is the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate is the central part of our protective armor. Paul refers to our integrity. If … Continue reading “THE CHRISTIAN’S ARMOR”
CHRISTIAN WARFARE
EPHESIANS 6:10–18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10) We return today to our study of Ephesians. The whole point of the Gospel, according to Paul, is the salvation of the world. Nothing less than world conquest satisfies Paul, and he has shown us that in Christ we have … Continue reading “CHRISTIAN WARFARE”
COMPLIMENTS AND CRITICISM
PROVERBS 31:10–31 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all”. (Proverbs 31:28–29) Most of us have heard the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is perhaps one of the most … Continue reading “COMPLIMENTS AND CRITICISM”
SEXUAL PROBLEMS IN MARRIAGE
2 SAMUEL 13:1–22 But he refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her. Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, “Get up and get out!”. (2 Samuel 13:14–15) The two great sources of … Continue reading “SEXUAL PROBLEMS IN MARRIAGE”
INTIMACY AND SECURITY
GENESIS 4:1–2 Adam knew his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. (Genesis 4:1a) The ordinary way sexual relations are described in the Bible is by the use of the verb “to know.” This is not just some fluke of the Hebrew language, which happens then to carry over into New … Continue reading “INTIMACY AND SECURITY”