In today’s Bible reading* from Matthew 17, we come across a passage that is easy to misunderstand. Admittedly, I only came to see a nuance of this a few years ago. I was in our Adult Bible Study class at church and a friend brought out this issue of the “faith like a mustard seed”….
In today’s Bible reading*, Jesus confronts the Jewish leaders on their hypocrisy. He says that they have nullified God’s commands with their traditions. How did they do that? The Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day made a religion out of God’s commands. They wanted to make themselves out to be so religious, they completely missed the…
Today’s Bible reading* includes a passage that many people have heard about. It strikes fear in the hearts of many. And yet, there’s no need for anxiety over the issues of “The Unpardonable Sin“. Let’s look at what Jesus actually says about it. Therefore, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy,…
In today’s Bible reading*, Matthew applies several Hebrew (Old Testament) Scriptures regarding where the Messiah would be born and raised to show how Jesus fulfilled them. These were three very different places. Bethlehem was a small town outside of Jerusalem. Herod would live in Jerusalem, so it’s logical that the Magi would come Herod’s palace…
Today’s Bible reading* looks back to Isaiah 7:14 and finds its fulfillment in Jesus. Did Matthew go too far in applying this prophecy to Jesus? Isaiah 7:14’s context is that God extends to King Ahaz an unusual offer to ask for a sign. When he refuses, saying he doesn’t want to test God, Isaiah steps…
Pastor and Bible teacher Francis Frangipaine was once asked what spirit is most often the source of opposition to churches and ministries. He responded, “The Holy Spirit.” How would you feel if you learned that the main reason your ministry (professional or otherwise) was difficult/impossible was not because you were opposed by the devil, but…
