In Matthew 7:24-27 and the parallel account of Luke 6:48-49 Jesus likens us to one of two houses, one built on a solid rock foundation, the other hastily, perhaps thoughtlessly, built on shifting sand. The first withstood the storm and the flood, while the second differing only in its foundation was destroyed by the same […]
From the times of ancient past viticulture (cultivation of grapes) has played an important role in Israel’s history, with their region having very favorable terrain and climate for this crop which was an important contributor to their life. In Matthew 21:28-32 Jesus uses these facts as the focal point of a parable teaching us that […]
With agriculture being an important part of Israeli life Jesus uses it more than once in His teaching about the kingdom of heaven, i.e. kingdom of God. In Matthew 13:24-30, He portrays a farmer that sowed good seed in his “wheat” field; then during the night an enemy came and sowed “tares” (a weed that […]
The book of the Prophet Ezekiel concludes with a vision of a new Temple and the layout of God’s chosen land, 48:35. While all the earth is His by reason of creation as Psalm 24:1 confirms “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein…” He has chosen […]
As we look at 2 Samuel 22:33 we find David praising God for deliverance and victory over enemies, and in his praise we are introduced to God as Elohei Mauzzi, our “strength and power”. Literally this means a fortified place, and figuratively a defense. In Psalm 18:2 he declared “The Lord is my rock and […]
“The Lord is my rock” Psalm 18:2. In this verse we meet our God, the great “I Am”, as Jehovah Sela, our Rock. A rock is firm, strong, and stable, providing a solid footing upon which to build, as Jesus referred to in Matthew 7:24-25; God is the Rock of our salvation and the only […]
The story of Zacchaeus recorded in Luke 19:1-10 is a true picture of one truly seeking to know God; Jesus was passing by and Zacchaeus had a real desire to see Him, an inner urge that in Matthew 5:6 Jesus called “hunger and thirst” saying, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for […]
Many times in the Christian life there arise trials, difficulties, and adversities. As a child of God if you have experienced, or are experiencing these, 1 Peter 4:12-13 has a message for you: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to […]
Growing is a natural part of life and spiritual growing is no exception. In 2 Peter 3:18 we read, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” Paul also, in Ephesians 4:15, speaks of growing “up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ”. Then 1 […]
The Bible uses at least two metaphors explaining God’s house. One of them is found in 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 where the Apostle speaks of our physical body, which he describes as a tent, (a temporary dwelling), yet 1 Corinthians 6:19 says it is the temple or dwelling place of the Holy Spirit; however it will […]