“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 Consider – This is not a matter of opinion! Paul is not filling out a heavenly survey on attitudes toward suffering. The Greek word, logizomai, really means,…
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls” Matthew 11:29 Rest – In Greek – anapuasis. A combination of two Greek words – ana ( prefix that means again) and pauo (a root word meaning to give rest). …
“Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into Heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down)” Romans 10:6 Ascend – What an odd verse! Taken by itself, it just doesn’t seem to make any sense at all. Paul has a picture in mind that has been lost over the centuries. It’s all about the…
“if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord” Romans 10:9 Confess – When did we begin to imagine that confession only meant speaking? It’s true that the Greek word homologeo literally means, “to say the same thing.” It implies speaking in agreement with someone or something. But “confession” in the first century meant a…
“Permit it at this time, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15 Us – In Greek, hemin. The inclusive word. Did you recognize that Jesus opens his ministry with a statement of community? He did not say that it was appropriate for him to fulfill God’s plan. …
“For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” John 3:20 Hates – It was a scream I will never forget. “I hate you!” The emotional wave that swept over me nearly knocked me over. Perhaps you have never been in…
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work” Exodus 31:3-4 Work – It’s not just doing something! Work is never about being busy. The Hebrew word asah means work with a purpose. It is about fulfilling…
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work” Exodus 31:3-4 Spirit – The Spirit was in the giving business from the very beginning. Genesis 1:2 tells us that the Spirit of God brooded over the waters…
“I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work” Exodus 31:3-4 Filled – You have to spill a little over the top! “Filled” is the Hebrew word male. In one context, it means to put into a…
“But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time”” Matthew 3:15 Permit – The first recorded word spoken by Jesus sets the stage for His entire ministry. It is the right word for the beginning of a year and the beginning of a life. In Greek, the word is aphes. It is from…
