So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. Acts 17:22 NASB Religious – We realize, of course, that Paul didn’t use the word “religious.” Why? Because the word “religion” didn’t exist in the first century. It came into being…
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB Is perfected – The Greek verb, teleo, in this sentence is a present…
How blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Proverbs 28:14 NASB Fear always – How can a man be blessed if he is always afraid? This just doesn’t seem to make any sense. If perfect love casts out fear, and we are exhorted to enter…
Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26-27 NASB Be angry – I get angry. Just ask my wife. I can lash out, criticize, debunk and disparage with the best. Paul certainly doesn’t have to instruct…
“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” Luke 7:47-48 NASB Love much – What does Yeshua mean with this odd statement? What does it mean…
I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2 NASB Every day – How does the Twelve Step phrase go? “It works if you work it.” Defeating the yetzer ha’ra…
When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. Matthew 17:6 NASB Terrified – We live in a visual world. Tele-transportation of visual images has altered the face of our reality. In fact, even what used to be ordinary audio communication has now been converted into visual display of…
… And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” Luke 5:10 NASB Do not fear – How many times have you heard someone refer to this verse as the basis of evangelism? “If you follow Jesus, you will be a fisher of men.” Perhaps that’s true, but…
Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: “Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My name’s sake, . . . Isaiah 66:5 NASB Tremble – Not very often, but when it happens—watch out! That’s my advice about hareid, the Hebrew word translated “tremble.” It’s only used five times,…
I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NASB Fears – Have any of your really bad dreams turned out to be real? Do you sometimes feel as if you are living in a nightmare? Even a cursory look at human history will convince you that…
