Sermons and Biblical Studies

LUKE 12:47–48 “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows” (Luke 12:47–48a). All sin is cosmic treason against God, … Continue reading “DEGREES OF COSMIC TREASON”

ROMANS 5:12–21 Therefore, … sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned (Romans 5:12). Can I be held responsible for what someone else does? More particularly, can I be held responsible for what someone else does for me? The answer … Continue reading “OUR FIRST REPRESENTATIVE”

PSALM 51 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me (Psalm 51:3). Because of our sinfulness, we tend to interpret the sinful actions of other people in the worst possible light, while we make excuses for our own sins. When somebody hurts me, my tendency is to believe this person stayed … Continue reading “THE BLINDING POWER OF SIN”

GENESIS 3:12–24 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it” (Genesis 3:12). In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Jesus pointed to the power of sin. Following this parable is an account of the ruler who asked Jesus what he … Continue reading “TRYING TO PASS THE BLAME”

LUKE 18:15–17 “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Luke 18:17). People were bringing babies to Jesus for His blessing. The disciples felt that Jesus was too important for this, so they rebuked the crowd. Jesus, however, called the children … Continue reading “THE GIFT OF CHILDLIKE FAITH”

LUKE 18:9–14 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable (Luke 18:9). Jesus continued to interact with the Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy. This time He used the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. He told this parable to a group of men … Continue reading “THE PHARISEE AND PUBLICAN”

LUKE 18:8 “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8b). Jesus had told the parable of the persistent widow to encourage His disciples to persevere in their faith. It would be a while before His return, and He did not want His people to lose heart. Instead, … Continue reading “A HAUNTING QUESTION”

LUKE 18:1–8 “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” (Luke 18:7). Jesus told His disciples a parable to illustrate why they should never quit praying or lose hope. He had been talking about His return, and since … Continue reading “GOD’S PERFECT JUSTICE”

LUKE 17:28–37 “Remember Lot’s wife!” (Luke 17:32). The Pharisees had asked Jesus about the coming of the kingdom. Jesus had told them that the kingdom’s first appearance was without fanfare. In fact, the King was in their midst (Luke 17:20–21). Jesus then predicted a sudden and glorious coming of the kingdom at His return. Jesus … Continue reading “DECIDING OUR LOYALTIES”

LUKE 17:20–27 “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21b). Luke now turns our attention to the coming of the kingdom of God. He tells us that on one occasion the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom would come. Jesus said that as carefully as we might study the coming of the kingdom, we … Continue reading “THE KINGDOM IN OUR MIDST”