Paul continues developing his thoughts on justification by grace through faith in today’s Bible reading. He says, “So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is justification leading to life for everyone.” Romans 5:18 (CSB) Each of us is responsible for our own sin, yet each of…
Today’s Bible reading is Galatians 1. Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians to counter a dangerous theology that added to Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice. They began to believe a different gospel. A group of Judaizers (not just “Jews”) said that Jesus’ death was sufficient for our forgiveness, but in order to be a good Christian,…
James doesn’t mince words about suffering. He is clear that there is no shortcut to spiritual maturity. He begins his book urging his readers to rejoice whenever they experience trials. And he wraps up his book with today’s Bible reading, urging his readers to be patient in suffering. (James 5:7-11) He fills in the gaps…
Jesus gives us the parable of the True Vine and the branches in today’s Bible reading. He is the true Vine. And Believers are branches attached to the True Vine. The responsibilities of the branches are to stay connected with the Vine and let the life of the Vine flow through them. Union and Communion….
In today’s Bible reading from Matthew 17, we come across a passage that is easy to misunderstand concerning “faith like a mustard seed”. Admittedly, I only came to see a nuance of this a couple of years ago. I was in our Adult Bible Study class at church and a friend brought out this issue…
In today’s Bible reading* (Psalm 106:5) we read of a different kind of prosperity than the Prosperity Gospel peddlers talk about. Important note: Before I go any further, please hear me clearly say that all of the modern translations are very reliable. The English translation you hold in your hands (or read on your computer…
