I will come and heal him…Matthew 8:7 This was Jesus’ response to a request of a Roman centurion. We notice what Jesus did not say, “No. You are a dirty Gentile and a Roman, I will not heal your dying servant.” No, Jesus did not say anything of the sort. Even though many in the […]

Your sins are forgiven…Luke 7:48 This Jesus said to the woman who was only known as “a sinner.” The response of the Pharisees was predictable, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”  “Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you.” Mark 9:5. This Jesus said to the young paralytic lowered through the roof […]

Your sins are forgiven…Luke 7:48 This Jesus said to the woman who was only known as “a sinner.” The response of the Pharisees was predictable, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”  “Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you.” Mark 9:5. This Jesus said to the young paralytic lowered through the roof […]

God is not ashamed…Hebrews 11:16 God is not ashamed to be called their God. Who? These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13. That is who! But there is more. And all these, having obtained a good testimony […]

The coming of the Lord is at hand…James 5:8 Therefore, be patient, verse 7. Patience does not come naturally. Well, maybe to some. But patience is a rare trait in people. There are times when we can be patient, but… Thank God, it is a fruit of the Spirit: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, […]

Effective, fervent prayer…James 5:16 Our children are being taught the Lord’s prayer in Sunday School. They are learning about Jesus. When Jesus was asked how do we pray? His model prayer is recorded in Matthew 6:9 thru 13. Jesus concludes with an encouragement to be forgiving. People sin against God and against each other. Forgive […]

My transgression is sealed…Job 14:17 Job knew God’s forgiveness. Consider Job 14:16 and 17 together: For now, You number my steps, but do not watch over my sin. My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and You cover my iniquity. As far as Job was concerned, all three were gone: his sin, his transgression, and his […]

Grace and peace be multiplied…2 Peter 1:2 We notice Peter, like Paul, puts grace right up front in their letters; in their praise of God. Grace and peace are from God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ! Just how does Peter suggest we achieve multiplied Grace: “in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our […]

Serve the Lord with gladness…Psalm 100:2 Those who attended Pastor Paul’s lesson on worship were blessed from the very beginning. The first thing he pointed out was the meaning of the word in both Hebrew and Greek. In both languages the word literally means to bow down, to prostrate oneself. Worship begins with our posture.  […]