"Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24
Every believer receives the grace of God as a result of responding to the good news. And the good news is that salvation is by grace.
The apostle Paul said, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, least anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people It is offered totally apart from anything we could ever do to receive God's favor. It is the unmerited favor of God, who in His mercy and loving-kindness grants us salvation as a gift. All we have to do is simply respond by believing in His Son.
We enter the kingdom of God only by the grace of God. There is no place or self-congratulations or human achievement. Remember to thank God for granting you such a gracious salvation.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Showing posts with label Truth for Today. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Truth for Today. Show all posts
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A Mysterious Union
"Taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:7
The humanity and deity of Christ is a mysterious union we can never fully understand. But the Bible emphasizes both.
Luke 23:39-43 provides a good example. At the cross, ". . . one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.' But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we received the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'"
In His humanness, Jesus was a victim, mercilessly hammered to a cross after being spat upon, mocked, and humiliated. But in His deity, He promised the thief on the cross eternal life, as only God can.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The humanity and deity of Christ is a mysterious union we can never fully understand. But the Bible emphasizes both.
Luke 23:39-43 provides a good example. At the cross, ". . . one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, 'If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.' But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, 'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we received the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Lord, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom.' And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'"
In His humanness, Jesus was a victim, mercilessly hammered to a cross after being spat upon, mocked, and humiliated. But in His deity, He promised the thief on the cross eternal life, as only God can.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Raised Through the Spirit
"God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand." John 3:34-35
Jesus took on the role required voluntary submission, and He did the will of the Father through the power of the Spirit. That is an amazing act of love and humility from One who is fully God and always will be throughout eternity
It is important to recognize the Spirit's work in the ministry and resurrection of Jesus because it indicates that the entire Trinity was involved in the redemption of mankind. The greatest affirmation that Jesus is who He claimed to be is that the Father raised the Son through the agency of the Holy Spirit.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: John 16-18
Old and New Testaments Together: Jer. 50 & Hebrews 8
Historical: Mark 14
Chronological: John 14-17
Blended: I Chron. 1-3 & Jude
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Jesus took on the role required voluntary submission, and He did the will of the Father through the power of the Spirit. That is an amazing act of love and humility from One who is fully God and always will be throughout eternity
It is important to recognize the Spirit's work in the ministry and resurrection of Jesus because it indicates that the entire Trinity was involved in the redemption of mankind. The greatest affirmation that Jesus is who He claimed to be is that the Father raised the Son through the agency of the Holy Spirit.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: John 16-18
Old and New Testaments Together: Jer. 50 & Hebrews 8
Historical: Mark 14
Chronological: John 14-17
Blended: I Chron. 1-3 & Jude
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Treasure Store
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." Ephesians 1:3
There is no way to comprehend the riches God has provided for those who love His Son. The treasure He has prepared are infinite. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field" (Matt. 13:44). The apostle Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah when he says, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, no have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him." (I COr. 2:9).
The good news is, if we love the Son of God, we inherit all the riches of the Father. If we believe in Christ, we have treasure beyond imagination.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Luke 6-7
Old and New Testaments Together: Jer. 9-11 & I Tim. 6
Historical: Matthew 5-7
Chronological: Luke 12-13
Blended: 2 Samuel 3-5 & I Tim. 6
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
There is no way to comprehend the riches God has provided for those who love His Son. The treasure He has prepared are infinite. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field" (Matt. 13:44). The apostle Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah when he says, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, no have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him." (I COr. 2:9).
The good news is, if we love the Son of God, we inherit all the riches of the Father. If we believe in Christ, we have treasure beyond imagination.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Luke 6-7
Old and New Testaments Together: Jer. 9-11 & I Tim. 6
Historical: Matthew 5-7
Chronological: Luke 12-13
Blended: 2 Samuel 3-5 & I Tim. 6
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
The Affirmation of God's Son
"Declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead." Romans 1:4
Jesus Christ had to be more than a man; He also had to be God. If Jesus were only a man, eve the best of men He could not have saved believers from their sin. If He were even the right man from the seed of David, but not God, He could not have withstood the punishment of God the Father at the cross and risen from the dead. He could not have overcome Satan and the world but would have been conquered as all men are conquered.
If there was ever any question that Jesus was the Son of God, His resurrection from the dead should end it. He had to be man to reach us, but He had to be God to lift us up. When God raised Christ from the dead, He affirmed that what He said was true.
As clearly as the horizon divides the earth from the sky, so the resurrection divides Jesus from the rest of humanity. Jesus Christ is God in human flesh.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Matthew 13-14
Old and New Testaments Together: Isaiah 28-29 & Phil. 3
Historical: James
Chronological: Mark 2
Blended: Ezekiel 42-44 & John 19:1-22
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Jesus Christ had to be more than a man; He also had to be God. If Jesus were only a man, eve the best of men He could not have saved believers from their sin. If He were even the right man from the seed of David, but not God, He could not have withstood the punishment of God the Father at the cross and risen from the dead. He could not have overcome Satan and the world but would have been conquered as all men are conquered.
If there was ever any question that Jesus was the Son of God, His resurrection from the dead should end it. He had to be man to reach us, but He had to be God to lift us up. When God raised Christ from the dead, He affirmed that what He said was true.
As clearly as the horizon divides the earth from the sky, so the resurrection divides Jesus from the rest of humanity. Jesus Christ is God in human flesh.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Matthew 13-14
Old and New Testaments Together: Isaiah 28-29 & Phil. 3
Historical: James
Chronological: Mark 2
Blended: Ezekiel 42-44 & John 19:1-22
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Historical Jesus
"God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." I John 4:19
Many people doubt whether Jesus ever really existed, but many historians have written about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Around A.D. 114, the Roman historian, Tacitus, wrote that the founder of the Christian religion, Jesus Christ, was put to death by Pontius Pilate in the reign of the Roman Empire Tiberius (Annuals 15:44).
Pliny the Younger wrote a letter to the Emperor Trajan on the subject of Christ and Christians (Letters 10.96-97).
In A.D. 90, the Jewish historian Josephus penned a short biographical note on Jesus: "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call HIm a man, for He was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as received the truth with pleasure. He drew over to Him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles He was Christ." (Antiquities 18.36).
The Talmud refers to Jesus of Nazareth (Sanhedrian 43a, Abodah Zerah 16b-17a).
Jesus was a man in history. And His claims were true. Do you still doubt His ability to save you?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Daniel 7-9
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 27-29 & 2 Cor. 10
Historical: I Chron. 11-12
Chronological: Daniel 10-12
Blended: Amos 1-3 & John 7:1-27
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Many people doubt whether Jesus ever really existed, but many historians have written about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Around A.D. 114, the Roman historian, Tacitus, wrote that the founder of the Christian religion, Jesus Christ, was put to death by Pontius Pilate in the reign of the Roman Empire Tiberius (Annuals 15:44).
Pliny the Younger wrote a letter to the Emperor Trajan on the subject of Christ and Christians (Letters 10.96-97).
In A.D. 90, the Jewish historian Josephus penned a short biographical note on Jesus: "Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call HIm a man, for He was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as received the truth with pleasure. He drew over to Him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles He was Christ." (Antiquities 18.36).
The Talmud refers to Jesus of Nazareth (Sanhedrian 43a, Abodah Zerah 16b-17a).
Jesus was a man in history. And His claims were true. Do you still doubt His ability to save you?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Daniel 7-9
Old and New Testaments Together: Proverbs 27-29 & 2 Cor. 10
Historical: I Chron. 11-12
Chronological: Daniel 10-12
Blended: Amos 1-3 & John 7:1-27
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Our Consistent Gospel
"He promised (the gospel) before through His Prophets in the Holy Scriptures." Romans 1:2
Did you know that the Old Testament is completely consistent with the New? That's because the good news is old, not new. The Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi, or anywhere in between, is all about the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that the Scriptures give testimony about Him (John 6:39). In speaking to men on the road to Emmaus, Jesus said, " 'Oh foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?' And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:25-27).
Why is that important for you today? So you can be confident that the Scripture holds God's promise of good news in Christ.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Beginning to End: Jeremiah 4-6
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 87-88 & Romans 13
Historical: Job 29-31
Chronological: Jeremiah 23-25
Blended: Psalm 87-88 & I Peter 3
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Did you know that the Old Testament is completely consistent with the New? That's because the good news is old, not new. The Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi, or anywhere in between, is all about the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that the Scriptures give testimony about Him (John 6:39). In speaking to men on the road to Emmaus, Jesus said, " 'Oh foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?' And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:25-27).
Why is that important for you today? So you can be confident that the Scripture holds God's promise of good news in Christ.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Beginning to End: Jeremiah 4-6
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 87-88 & Romans 13
Historical: Job 29-31
Chronological: Jeremiah 23-25
Blended: Psalm 87-88 & I Peter 3
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Fulfilling the Law
"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48
Jesus faced much opposition during His ministry when He didn't agree with contemporary Jewish theology (Matt. 15:1-3). Because it was hypocritical, He denied the Pharisees' so-called devotion.
Many in His day were saying, "Is Jesus saying new truth? Is He really speaking for God? He doesn't say what the Pharisees say. He, in fact, says the opposite of what we're taught."
Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law of the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill" (Matt. 5:17). Jesus did not condemn Old Testament law, but He did condemn the tradition that had been built up around it. The religious leaders had so perverted God's law that Jesus declared, "I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (v. 20).
Whose righteousness are you depending on? Your own or Christ's?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth For Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Proverbs 10-12
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 16-17 & Acts 20:1-16
Historical: Psalm 103-105
Chronological: Isaiah 13-17
Blended: Psalm 16-17 & Acts 12
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Jesus faced much opposition during His ministry when He didn't agree with contemporary Jewish theology (Matt. 15:1-3). Because it was hypocritical, He denied the Pharisees' so-called devotion.
Many in His day were saying, "Is Jesus saying new truth? Is He really speaking for God? He doesn't say what the Pharisees say. He, in fact, says the opposite of what we're taught."
Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law of the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill" (Matt. 5:17). Jesus did not condemn Old Testament law, but He did condemn the tradition that had been built up around it. The religious leaders had so perverted God's law that Jesus declared, "I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (v. 20).
Whose righteousness are you depending on? Your own or Christ's?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth For Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Proverbs 10-12
Old and New Testaments Together: Psalm 16-17 & Acts 20:1-16
Historical: Psalm 103-105
Chronological: Isaiah 13-17
Blended: Psalm 16-17 & Acts 12
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Friday, June 05, 2009
A Few Words
"Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21
Only 297 words are required to sum up in English all of God's moral law in the Ten Commandments. God distilled it even more hen He said, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matt. 22:37-39). Only sixty-five words make up the definitive teaching on prayer - the Lord's Prayer - in Matthew 6:9-13.
Man doesn't have that capacity for essential brevity. There once was a governmental study to regulate the price of cabbage that run over twenty-six thousand words!
Thank God for the provision of His profound Word.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Job 14-16
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 23-24 & John 15
Historical: Ezek. 18-20
Chronological: Proverbs 7-9
Blended: Jeremiah 1-2 & Matthew 20:17-34
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Only 297 words are required to sum up in English all of God's moral law in the Ten Commandments. God distilled it even more hen He said, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matt. 22:37-39). Only sixty-five words make up the definitive teaching on prayer - the Lord's Prayer - in Matthew 6:9-13.
Man doesn't have that capacity for essential brevity. There once was a governmental study to regulate the price of cabbage that run over twenty-six thousand words!
Thank God for the provision of His profound Word.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Job 14-16
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Chron. 23-24 & John 15
Historical: Ezek. 18-20
Chronological: Proverbs 7-9
Blended: Jeremiah 1-2 & Matthew 20:17-34
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Incomparable Christ
Jesus Christ is the most incomparable personality of all human history.
Socrates taught forty years, Plato fifty, and Aristotle forty. Jesus' public ministry lasted less than three years, yet the influence of His life far outweighs the combined 130 years of the three gretest philosophers of all antiquity.
Jesus never painted a picture, yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and many other artists found in Him their inspiration.
Jesus did not write poetry, but Dante Milton, and scores of the world's greatest poets have been inspired by Him like no other. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that the name of Jesus "Is not so much written as ploughed into the history of this world."
Jesus wrote no music, yet Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn, and a myriad of others reached the highest perfection of melody in compositions about Him.
Jesus has affected human society like no other. The incomparable Christ is the good news. And what makes it such good news is that man is so undeserving but that God is so gracious.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 9-12
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 17-18 & John 3:19-36
Historical: Isaiah 64-66
Chronological: 2 Samuel 11-12 & I Chron. 20
Blended: I Kings 3-5 & Matthew 6:19-34
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Socrates taught forty years, Plato fifty, and Aristotle forty. Jesus' public ministry lasted less than three years, yet the influence of His life far outweighs the combined 130 years of the three gretest philosophers of all antiquity.
Jesus never painted a picture, yet some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and many other artists found in Him their inspiration.
Jesus did not write poetry, but Dante Milton, and scores of the world's greatest poets have been inspired by Him like no other. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that the name of Jesus "Is not so much written as ploughed into the history of this world."
Jesus wrote no music, yet Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn, and a myriad of others reached the highest perfection of melody in compositions about Him.
Jesus has affected human society like no other. The incomparable Christ is the good news. And what makes it such good news is that man is so undeserving but that God is so gracious.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: 2 Chron. 9-12
Old and New Testaments Together: 2 Kings 17-18 & John 3:19-36
Historical: Isaiah 64-66
Chronological: 2 Samuel 11-12 & I Chron. 20
Blended: I Kings 3-5 & Matthew 6:19-34
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Mankind's Box
"For in HIm dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:9
If we were to think of this world as a time-space dimension, then a closed box could represent it, with God outside of the box. It is impossible for mankind to escape the box because, by definition, the natural cannot enter into the supernatural. That which is confined to time and space cannot escape into eternity and infinity.
Because there is something within man that longs to know what is outside the box, he invents deities into existence, which is how religious proliferate. Different religions become an extension of man's desire to escape his box, but man's longing to transcend the box cannot be overcome because he is confined to the box by his very nature.
Is there a way to escape this box? Yes, the good news is there is a way, and it's through Christ. Christianity acknowledges that you can't get out of your box but proclaims that God has invaded the box from the outside. Jesus Christ has entered into your world to show you how you can dwell with God forever. Won't you accept His invitation?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 12-14
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Kings 19-20 & Luke 23:1-25
Historical: Isaiah 28-30
Chronological: Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47 & 68
Blended: Numbers 20-22 & Rev. 22
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
If we were to think of this world as a time-space dimension, then a closed box could represent it, with God outside of the box. It is impossible for mankind to escape the box because, by definition, the natural cannot enter into the supernatural. That which is confined to time and space cannot escape into eternity and infinity.
Because there is something within man that longs to know what is outside the box, he invents deities into existence, which is how religious proliferate. Different religions become an extension of man's desire to escape his box, but man's longing to transcend the box cannot be overcome because he is confined to the box by his very nature.
Is there a way to escape this box? Yes, the good news is there is a way, and it's through Christ. Christianity acknowledges that you can't get out of your box but proclaims that God has invaded the box from the outside. Jesus Christ has entered into your world to show you how you can dwell with God forever. Won't you accept His invitation?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Chron. 12-14
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Kings 19-20 & Luke 23:1-25
Historical: Isaiah 28-30
Chronological: Psalm 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47 & 68
Blended: Numbers 20-22 & Rev. 22
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Separation
"It is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." I Peter 1:16
Do you know you cannot serve God unless you are separated? In the Scripture, that word refers to being set apart for a specific task or purpose.
The Lord said to Moses, "You shall offer up a cake of the first of your ground meal as a heave offering." (Numbers 15:20). God wanted the firstfruits of the land to be set apart to honor Him.
The Lord also said, "I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine" (Lev. 20:26). God took the nation of Israel and separated them from all other nations for His glory.
UIn each of these passages in the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament), the word refers to separation in the fullest sense. The apostle Paul knew that once he was called as an apostle, he would be disconnected from his past. When Paul was the most ardent of Pharisee, he was set apart for - or separated to - the traditions of the Jewish people (Phil. 3:5). Now he could claim to be a Pharisee separated to the gospel of God.
Are you separate from your former life?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Kings 10-11
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Samuel 30-31 & Luke 13:23-35
Historical: I Kings 10-11
Chronological: Psalm 56, 120, 140-142
Blended: Lev. 25 & Revelation 3
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Do you know you cannot serve God unless you are separated? In the Scripture, that word refers to being set apart for a specific task or purpose.
The Lord said to Moses, "You shall offer up a cake of the first of your ground meal as a heave offering." (Numbers 15:20). God wanted the firstfruits of the land to be set apart to honor Him.
The Lord also said, "I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine" (Lev. 20:26). God took the nation of Israel and separated them from all other nations for His glory.
UIn each of these passages in the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament), the word refers to separation in the fullest sense. The apostle Paul knew that once he was called as an apostle, he would be disconnected from his past. When Paul was the most ardent of Pharisee, he was set apart for - or separated to - the traditions of the Jewish people (Phil. 3:5). Now he could claim to be a Pharisee separated to the gospel of God.
Are you separate from your former life?
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Kings 10-11
Old and New Testaments Together: 1 Samuel 30-31 & Luke 13:23-35
Historical: I Kings 10-11
Chronological: Psalm 56, 120, 140-142
Blended: Lev. 25 & Revelation 3
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thursday, April 02, 2009
No More Bad News
"Separated to the gospel of God." Romans 1:1
Thousands of babies are born every day into a world filled with bad news. The term bad news has become a colloquialism to describe our era.
Why is there so much bad news? It's simple. The bad news that occurs on a larger scale is only the multiplication of what is occurring on an individual level. The power that makes for bad news is sin.
With so much bad news, can there really be any good news? Yes! The good news is that sin can be dealt with. You don't have to be selfish. Guilt and anxiety can be alleviated. There is meaning to life and hope of life after death. The apostle Paul says in Romans 1:1 that the good news is the gospel. It is the good news that man's sin can be forgive, guilt can be removed, life can have meaning, and a hopeful future can be a reality.
By John MacArthur taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Samuel 21-24
Old and New Testaments Together: Judges 16-18 & Luke 7:1-30
Historical: I Samuel 25-27
Chronological: Judges 8-9
Blended: Proverbs 27-29 & Hebrews 4
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Thousands of babies are born every day into a world filled with bad news. The term bad news has become a colloquialism to describe our era.
Why is there so much bad news? It's simple. The bad news that occurs on a larger scale is only the multiplication of what is occurring on an individual level. The power that makes for bad news is sin.
With so much bad news, can there really be any good news? Yes! The good news is that sin can be dealt with. You don't have to be selfish. Guilt and anxiety can be alleviated. There is meaning to life and hope of life after death. The apostle Paul says in Romans 1:1 that the good news is the gospel. It is the good news that man's sin can be forgive, guilt can be removed, life can have meaning, and a hopeful future can be a reality.
By John MacArthur taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: I Samuel 21-24
Old and New Testaments Together: Judges 16-18 & Luke 7:1-30
Historical: I Samuel 25-27
Chronological: Judges 8-9
Blended: Proverbs 27-29 & Hebrews 4
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Slave for Christ
"Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ." I Corinthians 4:1
The apostle Paul was a "servant" of Christ. It was a role he chose out of love, not fear.
There were perhaps millions of slaves in the Roman Empire. For the most part, they were treated not as persons but as objects. If a master wanted to kill a slave, he could do so without fear of punishment. Thought it was a negative term to the Romans, the word slave meant dignity, honor, and respect to the Hebrews, and the Greeks considered it a term of humility. As a servant of Christ, then, Paul paradoxically finds himself both exalted and debased. This is the ambivalence every representative of Jesus Christ must face.
When I think of the honor I've been given to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, I am sometimes overwhelmed. There is no higher calling in life than to proclaim the gospel from the pulpit and to be able to teach the Word of God under the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet there is also a paradox that requires a minister of Christ to realize he does not deserve to minister. He must have the proper perspective of being an unworthy slave who has the incomprehensible privilege of proclaiming the gospel.
By John MacArthr, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Judges 19-21
Old and New Testaments Together: Judges 19-21 & Luke 2:25-52
Historical: Judges 19-21
Chronological: Joshua 9-11
Blended: Proverbs 6-7 & I Cor. 15:29-58
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
The apostle Paul was a "servant" of Christ. It was a role he chose out of love, not fear.
There were perhaps millions of slaves in the Roman Empire. For the most part, they were treated not as persons but as objects. If a master wanted to kill a slave, he could do so without fear of punishment. Thought it was a negative term to the Romans, the word slave meant dignity, honor, and respect to the Hebrews, and the Greeks considered it a term of humility. As a servant of Christ, then, Paul paradoxically finds himself both exalted and debased. This is the ambivalence every representative of Jesus Christ must face.
When I think of the honor I've been given to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, I am sometimes overwhelmed. There is no higher calling in life than to proclaim the gospel from the pulpit and to be able to teach the Word of God under the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet there is also a paradox that requires a minister of Christ to realize he does not deserve to minister. He must have the proper perspective of being an unworthy slave who has the incomprehensible privilege of proclaiming the gospel.
By John MacArthr, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Judges 19-21
Old and New Testaments Together: Judges 19-21 & Luke 2:25-52
Historical: Judges 19-21
Chronological: Joshua 9-11
Blended: Proverbs 6-7 & I Cor. 15:29-58
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Power of the Gospel
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of god to salvation." Romans 1:16
People want to change. All advertising is based on the presupposition that people want things different from the way they are. They want to look better, feel better, think better, and live better. They want to change their lives but, except from an external standpoint, they are unable to do so.
Only the gospel of Jesus Christ has the owner to change people and deliver them from sin, from Satan, from judgement, from death, and from hell. Acts 4:12 says, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." And that name is Jesus Christ.
So God's Word, which is all about Jesus Christ, can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We are sinful and unable to remedy our condition, but from God comes the incredible, limitless power that can transform our lives.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Joshua 22-24
Old and New Testaments Together: Deut. 30-31 & Mark 15:1-25
Historical: Joshua 22-24
Chronological: Deut. 17-20
Blended: Job 30-31 & I Cor. 10:19-33
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
People want to change. All advertising is based on the presupposition that people want things different from the way they are. They want to look better, feel better, think better, and live better. They want to change their lives but, except from an external standpoint, they are unable to do so.
Only the gospel of Jesus Christ has the owner to change people and deliver them from sin, from Satan, from judgement, from death, and from hell. Acts 4:12 says, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." And that name is Jesus Christ.
So God's Word, which is all about Jesus Christ, can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We are sinful and unable to remedy our condition, but from God comes the incredible, limitless power that can transform our lives.
By John MacArthur, taken from "Truth for Today"
Bible Reading Guide:
Beginning to End: Joshua 22-24
Old and New Testaments Together: Deut. 30-31 & Mark 15:1-25
Historical: Joshua 22-24
Chronological: Deut. 17-20
Blended: Job 30-31 & I Cor. 10:19-33
The Bible reading guides will be taken from Back to the Bible
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
