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July 16,2007; Time Capsules

Focus Text: John 14.6

According to Wikipedia (see www.en.wikipedia.org.), the phrase time capsule was coined in the mid 30’s in connection with preparations for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City. The idea was to “bury” some cultural artifacts from the then current society and preserve them for others to see much, much later (5000 years later, or 6939). Westinghouse prepared the time capsule that is yet buried in New York City, a cylinder containing, among other things, a spool of thread, a doll, and several minutes…  ( Click for more )

July 13,2007; Series Conclusion (2 of 3)

Focus Text: John 16.12-15

THE Prophet had some significant words to say to some prophets [His apostles]. Hear Him:

“I [Jesus] still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said…  ( Click for more )

July 12,2007; Series Conclusion (1 of 3)

Focus Text: Revelation 22.6-10

Today’s devotional begins a wrap-up of the series, Profiles of the Prophets. Our very first installment over 100 messages ago contained the following words:

John was directly interfacing with an angel and in that exchange [as described in the focus text, Revelation 22.6-10], John was so overwhelmed by the events that he fell down to worship at the feet of the angel. In short order and with no room for misunderstanding the angel corrected John because of his attempt to worship him. As he…  ( Click for more )

July 11,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (12 of 12)

Focus Text: John 14.6-11

The thrust of this miniseries concerning Jesus as a Preacher and a Prophet has been to catch a glimpse of His character and personality as conveyed in His discourses. Today’s devotional will conclude this segment of this overall series, but we do so with the full knowledge that we have only touched the “hem of the garment” especially when it comes to the Christ. We conclude by examining a key text excerpted from His discussions with the apostles on the eve…  ( Click for more )

July 10,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (11 of 12)

Focus Text: John 13.31-35

Betrayal was at hand. Things were happening behind the scenes that even the most fertile imaginations would never have thought. Even the apostles who had been warned about the dangers that awaited Jesus in Jerusalem found what He had told them hard to believe. However so as to leave no doubt, He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you [the apostles], one of you will betray Me…” (John 13.21). These words caused quite a stir among His closest followers, so much so…  ( Click for more )

July 9,2007; Exalted of God – What an Honor!

Focus Text: 1 Peter 5.6-7

The word exalt literally means, “…to lift up.” The word usually translated exalt was used by Jesus to describe what Moses did when he “…lifted up the serpent in the wilderness.” (John 3.14). Capernaum, a self-righteous city, had exalted (or lifted up) itself. Concerning it, Jesus said, “And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.” (Luke 10.15). In that vein, Jesus also said, “For whoever exalts himself…  ( Click for more )

July 6,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (10 of 12)

Focus Text: John 13.12-17

“So when He [Jesus] had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is…  ( Click for more )

July 5,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (9 of 12)

Focus Text: John 13.5-12

“After that, He [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, are You washing my feet?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.’ Peter said to Him, ‘You shall never wash my feet!’ Jesus answered him, ‘If I do not wash you,…  ( Click for more )

July 3,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (8 of 12)

Focus Text: John 13.3-9

Our understanding of Jesus simply cannot be complete without an intimate knowledge of His last few hours upon the earth. Perhaps no portion of Sacred Scripture gives more insight into the person of Jesus than His final discourses just prior to His crucifixion. When one reads the events and discussions that took place on the night of the Last Supper a great vista of understanding opens up that otherwise might remain obscured. The final five installments of this miniseries will focus…  ( Click for more )

July 2,2007; Jesus Loves Me! This I Know

Focus Text: John 11.3-5

“Therefore the sisters [Martha and Mary] sent to Him, saying, ‘Lord, behold, he whom You love [Lazarus] is sick.’ When Jesus heard that, He said, ‘This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11.3-5).

It is interesting that the two sisters, both of whom were the objects of the Master’s affection, referred to their brother as “…he…  ( Click for more )

June 29, 2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (7 of 12)

Focus Text: John 10.28-31

“‘And I [Jesus] give them [My sheep] eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.’” (John 10.28-31).

How great was/is Jesus? What power and authority did He possess while here upon this earth? What relationship…  ( Click for more )

June 28, 2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (6 of 12)

Focus Text: John 10.24-28

“Then the Jews surrounded Him [Jesus] and said to Him, ‘How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;…  ( Click for more )

June 27,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (5 of 12)

Focus Text: John 5.45-47

“Do not think that I [Jesus] shall accuse you [the rebellious Jewish leaders in Jerusalem] to the Father; there is one who accuses you——Moses, in whom you trust. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5.45-47).

A present active participle is a verb which depicts present and ongoing action; Jesus told the Jews that Moses accuses [present active…  ( Click for more )

June 26,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (4 of 12)

Focus Text: John 5.38-44

Jesus is presenting arguments to prove that He is Messiah and as such, very God. His character and “style” are revealed in today’s focus text – and might we add, both His character and style are a surprise to many today and their modernized and politically correct image of Jesus.

“But you do not have His [God the Father’s] word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you…  ( Click for more )

June 25,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (4 of 12)

Focus Text: John 5.38-44

Jesus is presenting arguments to prove that He is Messiah and as such, very God. His character and “style” are revealed in today’s focus text – and might we add, both His character and style are a surprise to many today and their modernized and politically correct image of Jesus.

“But you do not have His [God the Father’s] word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you…  ( Click for more )

Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (4 of 12)

Focus Text: John 5.38-44

Jesus is presenting arguments to prove that He is Messiah and as such, very God. His character and “style” are revealed in today’s focus text – and might we add, both His character and style are a surprise to many today and their modernized and politically correct image of Jesus.

“But you do not have His [God the Father’s] word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal…  ( Click for more )

June 22,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (3 of 12)

Focus Text: John 5.17-29

Today we continue to consider the character of Jesus as revealed in His sermons.

“But Jesus answered them [the hostile Jewish leaders in Jerusalem], ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.’ Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Then Jesus answered and said to them…” (John 5.17-19a). What follows in…  ( Click for more )

June 21,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (2 of 12)

Focus Text: John 4.19-26

God’s only Son was a preacher but don’t let that throw you off track; He was nothing like the buffoons and con artists you see today! He was genuine to the core and truly loved the people to whom He ministered. He came to serve and not to be served. Plus, He came with a mission that would not be compromised, a mission directly from the throne room of Heaven. See how this played out in His life as a preacher and a prophet.

We last visited Jesus as He talked with…  ( Click for more )

June 20,2007; Jesus, Prince of Preachers and Premier Prophet (1 of 12)

Focus Text: John 4.19-24

An astute observer once said, “God had but one Son, and He was a preacher!” Lest we overlook that fact, it should be pointed out that there are no less than seven verses in the New Testament that explicitly state the fact that Jesus was a preacher, or that He preached from time to time (see Matthew 4.17; 4.23; 9.35; 11.1; Mark 1.14; 7.22; 9.60). In addition to these explicit verses there are literally scores of others that point out the fact that Jesus was a preacher.…  ( Click for more )

June 19,2007; Paul, Peerless Apostle and Prophet (15 of 15)

Focus Text: 2 Thessalonians 3.1-2

As we have observed, Paul was a man of fervent and continuous prayer. He prayed for many things, thanked God for multitudes of blessings, and besought others to pray in the same vein. However, there was one thing for which he prayed and for which he instructed others to pray that is typical of his entire life as a Christian. Note the thing about which we speak: “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with…  ( Click for more )

June 18,2007; Paul, Peerless Apostle and Prophet (14 of 15)

Focus Text: Philemon 1.1-9

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3.17). This text as much as any other reveals the heart of Paul! It seems that he not only was able to give thanks in all circumstances, he also could encourage others to do the same. Today’s devotional will take a look at Paul and the giving of thanks.

Paul gave thanks that others obeyed the gospel of Christ and reacted positively to…  ( Click for more )

June 15,2007; Paul, Peerless Apostle and Prophet (13 of 15)

Focus Text: Philippians 1.1-9

No view of Paul could be complete without considering his teachings and his practice regarding prayer. The final three installments of this miniseries will consider this facet of Paul, the peerless apostle and prophet.

Perhaps we ought to begin with Saul of Tarsus as he waited in the city of Damascus after encountering Jesus while on the road going there. It was the Lord’s plan that Ananias visit Saul to communicate the terms of the gospel to him. To execute that plan, Ananias…  ( Click for more )

June 14,2007; Paul, Peerless Apostle and Prophet (12 of 15)

Focus Text: Philemon 1.1-9

Barabbas was a prisoner, but he was released due to the sinister motives of a mob (see Matthew 27.16-26). There were man prisoners in the jail at Philippi when a mighty earthquake flung open the doors and loosed everyone’s bonds. With great certainty, the jailer reasoned that surely all the prisoners had fled as he prepared to take his own life (see Acts 16.25-27). The Hebrews writer mentioned the plight of the [Christian] prisoners and asked that they be remembered by the faithful…  ( Click for more )

June 13,2007; Paul, Peerless Apostle and Prophet (11 of 15)

Focus Text: 1 Corinthians 4.1-3

Charges against the grand apostle were aplenty; the Jews and the Judaizers were quick to point the finger of blame at Paul. He could have literally consumed all his time in defending himself against the multiplicity of charges against him. However, he had a higher strategy! Rather than waste time with individual charges levied at him, why not go to the tap root of all issues and stop matters there? That is precisely what Paul did when he penned today’s focus text.

“Let…  ( Click for more )