1st Century Christianity in the 21st Century.

The book of Psalms allows us to see deep into the heart and soul of the man whose heart mirrored the heart of God. The words of these psalms and the depth of the spirituality behind them should become the words of our hearts. Early in this book, David said, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). These words are followed…

The phrase “stand fast” is found 8 times in the NKJV Bible. In Psalm 111:8 it speaks of God’s works standing fast forever and ever because they are done “in truth and uprightness.” In 1 Corinthians 16:13 Paul exhorts Christians to, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” Christians are to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free…” He admonished the Philippian brethren, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the…

Matthew 13:24-30 This parable appears only in Matthew, between the parable of the “soils” and the parable of “mustard-seed faith.” Careless readers may find it challenging because Jesus does not immediately explain it, but first presents additional short parables which also illustrate the nature of His kingdom. His explanation (vv. 36-43) comes in response to His disciples’ questions – they were clearly struggling to understand these parables. This is also one of the few “parables of the kingdom” which presents…

Matthew 21:28-32 At the beginning of the crucifixion week, Jesus had entered Jerusalem in the manner of a king (an event often described as the “triumphal entry”). By doing this, He openly acknowledged the legitimacy of His claim to the throne of Judah. He then cleansed the temple (for a second time, cf. John 2:15) by driving out merchants and moneychangers who were doing business in the courtyard. Jesus presented this parable in the temple the next day, to illustrate…