Digging for Diamonds
A Homework for Our Hearts
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6 ESV) Jesus quoted the first half of this verse when he confronted the Pharisees. When they reviled him for eating with sinners and outcasts, he told them, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and [...]
Making Sense of Old Testament Law
I often heard Christians say that they skip the portion of the Old Testament dealing with God’s giving of the law to Israel in Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19-Numbers 10) and on the plains of Moab just before Israel enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy). But to do so is to skip a large portion of God’s [...]
2012 – Read the Whole Bible Challenge
Ten more days and it’s 2012. As pastor of Baliwag Bible Christian Church, I am challenging our church to read through the whole Bible – from Genesis to Revelation – from January to December. We’ll do it in our personal daily quiet time, talk about it in our worship time in our homes, and hear [...]
Passion and Prayer
One reason our life and ministry lack depth, vigor, power, and direction is because we have not yet learned the significance of the first petition in the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus taught us to pray, first of all, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” (Matthew 6:13). God’s name stands for who all that he [...]
When God’s Commands Seem Absurd
Most of us are probably familiar with the story of Abraham offering up his son Isaac as a sacrifice in Genesis 22:1-19. Here God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to do what seems to be irrational and absurd. Abraham, though, obeyed without hesitation or delay. He trusted God even when he does not know [...]
Jesus Does Matter
The Bible presents a very high view of Jesus Christ. Today, however, most people who call themselves Christians have a very low view of Jesus Christ. The way people celebrate Christmas, it looks like Jesus doesn’t matter anymore. But Jesus does matter. Not just on Christmas Day, but also on the other 364 days. Consider, [...]
