Category Archives: judgment
the scum of the world
1 Corinthians 4. The ESV study Bible, commenting on verse 3, says “Some of the Corinthians, perhaps followers of Apollos or Cephas, probably spoke disparagingly of Paul, especially of his speaking ability (1:17; 2:3–4; 4:18–21; 2 Cor. 10:9), thinking they … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, equality, judgment, leadership, ministry
Tagged 1 Corinthians 4
Leave a comment
the gods dying like men
Psalm 82. Most commentators are quick to put quotation marks around the word gods in this psalm. They take this as a prophecy against unjust human rulers. They claim that Jesus implied this in John 10:34-35. But Jesus only claimed … Continue reading
the other vessels
Romans 9:1-29. Paul had just made his case that those who are saved by faith are safe because they are God’s elect (8:33). They will face all kinds of troubles in this life but nothing will separate them from God’s … Continue reading
getting Egypt’s attention
Exodus 7:14-8:19. The plagues in Egypt were directed toward Pharaoh, who stubbornly refused to release the people of Israel from their bondage. There was a matter of Egyptian religious pride here too. The Hebrews were merely slaves, why should Pharaoh … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, humility, judgment, prayer, relationship with God, wisdom
Tagged Exodus 7, Exodus 8
1 Comment
some strange things
Acts 17:16-34. Many people today are like those Athenians who spent their time “in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” Paul picked up on this curiosity and presented the gospel to them like this: 1) The God you do … Continue reading
the real story
Genesis 29:31-30:43. The LORD’s steadfast love shines through in the fact that he continues to bless Jacob with children and property. It is also seen in how he brings about justice to the mistreated ones in the process. Leah, who … Continue reading
the days of vengeance
Luke 21. In this eschatological sermon Jesus mixes some predictions of immanent “days of vengeance” upon Jerusalem (22) with a description of the long age preceding his second coming (8-9). He does this intentionally because the two events are related. … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, discernment, future, judgment, kingdom of God, perseverance, preparation
Tagged Luke 21
1 Comment
the hidden God
Psalm 10. To the wicked person, God is hidden. The wicked person acts like an atheist. He ignores God’s judgments and assumes his own immortality. He does what he can get away with. To the righteous person, this is an … Continue reading
bearing fruit before the flood
Luke 6:17-49. The key to understanding Jesus’ sermon on the level place is the flood imagery of verse 48. Jesus uses the flood imagery because of how God had used a flood to destroy the earth during the days of … Continue reading
empowerment or destruction?
Luke 3:1-22. John the Baptist had the incredible responsibility to lead his nation to repentance in preparation for the Messiah and his mission. Isaiah encouraged the same nation to prepare themselves for the deliverance God wanted to give them (Isaiah … Continue reading
Posted in conditional immortality, Holy Spirit, judgment, repentance, witness
Tagged Luke 3
1 Comment
Devotions 