Category: Bible Reading & Meditation
“They were overjoyed at seeing the star.” –Matthew 2:10 For centuries, astronomers have tried to determine which celestial body was the star of Bethlehem. In the book of Numbers, it was prophesied that the star not only led the wise men to Jesus, but that the star was Jesus (Nm 24:17). Jesus is “the Morning Star shining bright” (Rv 22:16). Paul taught that not only was Jesus like a star, but also we, Jesus’ disciples, are “like the stars in the sky while holding fast to the word of life” “in the midst of a twisted and depraved generation” (Phil...
Like this:
Like Loading...
“If you consider the holiness that is His, you can be sure that everyone who acts in holiness has been begotten by Him.” –1 John 2:29 One of the main purposes of the Christmas season is to grow in holiness – to become more like God, to take on God’s character. This holy Christmas time begins a holy year in a holy life, which begins a holy, eternal life. The Lord has created us to be holy as He is holy (see 1 Jn 3:3), to be “perfect in holiness” (1 Thes 5:23). We should “hunger and thirst for holiness”...
Like this:
Like Loading...
“Who is the liar?” –1 John 2:22 As we begin the new year, we are asked the question: “Who is the liar?” The answers to this question are: “He who denies that Jesus is the Christ” (1 Jn 2:22). “The Antichrist, denying the Father and the Son” (1 Jn 2:22). “The man who claims, ‘I have known Him,’ without keeping His commandments” (1 Jn 2:4). The devil is also a liar (Jn 8:44). Yet he is more than that. He is “the father of lies” (Jn 8:44). He starts, expands, connects, and manages lies to form a culture of death....
Like this:
Like Loading...
“God sent forth His Son born of a woman, born under the law, to deliver from the law those who were subjected to it, so that we might receive our status as adopted sons.” –Galatians 4:4-5 To begin this new year, we thank God our Father for choosing to adopt us. This has turned us from slaves into heirs (Gal 4:7). Our alternative to adoption is slavery leading us “back into fear” (Rm 8:15). If we had not been adopted by God the Father, we would be slaves for our whole lives “through fear of death” (Heb 2:15). Being adopted...
Like this:
Like Loading...
“Children, it is the final hour; just as you heard that the antichrist was coming, so now many such antichrists have appeared.” –1 John 2:18 Many “antichrists have appeared.” “It was from our ranks that they took their leave – not that they really belonged to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have stayed with us” (1 Jn 2:19). There are baptized Christians who are officially members of the Church but do not belong to the Church in their hearts. These people have joined the Church socially and culturally but have not totally given their lives...
Like this:
Like Loading...
