O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for You have indeed done for us all our works. (Isaiah 26:12 ) This simple statement raises a profound question: How can they be “our works” if the Lord has “indeed done them for us”? Moses says to the people: Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and...

Some years ago when I went snorkeling off the coast of Hawaii, I was surprised by the vast abundance of aquatic life just below the surface, even in shallow water. Of course it was there all the time; I just hadn’t taken the time to look below the surface. The scriptures are like that. If we...

The scriptures describe two different world ages. Jesus speaks of the age to come: And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. (Matt. 12:32) And the apostle Paul speaks of...

In a famous passage from C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew, two of the characters are discussing the behavior of Aslan, (the Christ-character in the story): “Wouldn't he (Aslan) know without being asked?' said Polly. 'I've no doubt he would,' said the Horse (still with his mouth full). 'But I've a sort of an idea he likes...

One of the most important questions we can ever ask is: “What is God really like?” In fact, one of Jesus’ objectives was to answer that question. When His disciple Philip says, “Lord, show us the Father,” Jesus replied: “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has...

“. . .waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (Titus 2:11–13) In the book of Revelation, we see Jesus in heaven moving among the lampstand that represent the churches. He face is shining with glory: . . . His eyes were like a flame of...

Sometimes it can take quite a while to connect the dots. For many years, I read passages like the two below and missed the important connection: 2Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3who also do no wrong, but walk in His ways! Psalm 119:2–3 Blessed is everyone who...

“Endurance” is an important theme of the scriptures that often gets overlooked by modern Christians. Notice the things for which endurance is the critical ingredient: To those who by endurance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; Romans 2:7 For you have need of endurance, so that when you...