Category: Bible Reading & Meditation

“A nation of firm purpose You keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in You.” –Isaiah 26:3 The twelve tribes of Israel entered the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the desert. The tribes remained united until after the death of Solomon, when the tribe of Judah remained true to the Israelite covenant and the other tribes “seceded” from the Israelite covenant, set up idolatrous worship, and formed the Northern Kingdom, also known as “Israel” or “Samaria.” The seceded tribes fell further into sin and idolatry, despite continued warnings from prophet after prophet (see 2 Kgs 17:13)....

Jesus “took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. All ate until they were full.” –Matthew 15:36-37 In recent times, some preachers have attempted to explain away the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Contrary to the six texts of this passage and the supporting contexts in the New Testament, these preachers speculate that Jesus did not do a miracle but merely inspired people to share their lunches. This novel speculation appeals to people who live in...

“A Shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.” –Isaiah 11:1 Out of what appears to be a dead, hopeless situation, the Lord can cause new life to sprout and rise up (see Is 11:1). Your stump might be a broken family devastated beyond reconciliation, a ruined marriage without the possibility of reuniting, or a drug-addicted child, whose mind and life cannot be rebuilt. You look at the mess, and you see a dead stump. How can any life come out of this death? David’s kingdom was splintered after his son Solomon died. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was defeated...

“If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” –Romans 10:9 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” –Romans 10:13 Are you saved? The Biblical answer for a Christian to that question is: “I have been saved by Christ’s death and resurrection.” “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us” (Ti 3:4-5). “He saved us; not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through...

“Men will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and glory.” –Luke 21:27 Happy New Year! Today is the first day of Advent and of the Church year. The Church’s new year not only begins earlier than that of the world, but is also ushered in differently. The world’s new year is inaugurated with New Year’s Eve parties, much drinking, and self-indulgence. The Church begins its new year with the warning: “Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares” (Lk 21:34). Another difference between our new year and...