Are you living in the Light?

Can you imagine a world without light? That is almost impossible, but how sad and dangerous such a world would be.

I remember the great so-called “Blackout” that occurred in New York City back in the 1960’s. (Yes, I am that old!) It was so strange to look across the streets and see ‘darkness’ instead of the usual lights. There was great concern during the blackout about the possible increase in...

“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,….’ (1 Peter 5:5b-6 ESV)

Having called for submission to elders on the part of those younger, now the Apostle calls for humility among all the Christians. Humility is to be the clothing that is worn. And this humility is to be...

Texts:

“If we say………we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).
“He who says, …….. is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:4).
“If someone says, ……… he is a liar” (1 John 4:20)

INTRODUCTION:

In this straightforward Epistle, The Apostle John presents himself as an authoritative eye-witness to the “Word of life.” Being a true witness to the ‘word of life”...

This Thursday in the USA is a national day of prayer. Many will gather across the country to pray.

Given the crises in our world as well as in the USA, this call to prayer (which is an annual event) is needed as much as ever. We know that many people are regularly meeting for times of special prayer these days.

This ‘day” of prayer should not be simply a “one-time” annual event, but a reminder and stimulus for further prayer in these days.

This is a great time to...

As the Apostle Peter is concluding his powerful Epistle, he writes what could be considered a passing remark. But, passing remarks can be very meaningful, not only in the Scriptures but in everyday life. And rather than seeing these words as a passing remark, I think we need to view them as a significant statement as the Apostle is closing his letter. 

“By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him I have written…”

(1 Peter 5:12)

The Apostle is recognizing...

One of the “great texts” of Scripture that stand like a “strong tower” is found in Hebrews 13:8

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

(NKJV)

We can gain great strength from this text, even as it stands alone. Our Lord Jesus Christ is faithful, He never changes. What an encouragement and comfort in a world that is constantly changing!

At the same time, this precious verse was not written alone, nor...

As we look at what is happening in our world, we may be compelled to cry out to God for mercy. And we should! God is a God of mercy.

In Psalm 130, a basic personal need for mercy is expressed by the Psalmist.

Although we may be thinking about the present crisis of individuals in Ukraine, it is good to realize that God’s mercy is available to you and me when we are in the depths spiritually and circumstantially.

Waiting on the Lord —  Psalm 130:1-8 (NKJV)

 ...

World events are certainly unsettling and a great cause for concern.

When you try to get a sense of the emotions of the day – money talks. By that, I mean that the prices of goods and the financial markets are a reflection of uncertainty, stress, and fear about the future.

We have to remind ourselves that God is sovereign, He is in control and working out His plan of redemption. At the same time, we need to seek the Lord in prayer and bring our concerns before Him in faith and...

Recently I watched a brief news report on the stress that Covid-19 has put on our medical personnel, especially nurses. It is no surprise that the added challenges and crises brought about by the pandemic have made a serious impact on our health care workers. There certainly is something called “compassion fatigue” as well as regular fatigue. Dealing with life and especially death situations with person after person can take its toll,...

1 Peter 4:7-1 appears to be the final climactic section of the Apostle Peter’s letter. After all, it ends with a doxology and an Amen! Of course, it isn’t the end of the letter, it is a compact “manifesto” for church life in difficult times.

1 Peter 4:7-1 [ESV]

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.  8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly,...