Knowing and Discerning

Jesus often talked about discerning the truth. We should not follow someone blindly, but be sure that what others teach is the truth. He reminds us that there are many false teachers out there. He also reminds us that we should have enough knowledge and wisdom to know if a teaching is true or not. If you are a part of a church, find out what their beliefs and teachings are. Does it follow the word of God? Do they teach from scripture? If not, find another one. Do they compromise what the Bible says to fit in with the world? If so, find another church. Jesus chastises the leaders of His day that they can discern the simple things but they do not see the truth that He is who He is. We need to be discerning and know what we believe. John says to not follow the world, but to follow Christ.

Continue reading “Knowing and Discerning”

Malachi: God’s Plan

In the previous post, we discussed God’s criticism to the people of Israel and how it relates to our attitude and obedience to God today. Malachi also talks about the hope that is to come. God has a plan. The New Testament is about God’s salvation plan, not only for the Jews but also for Gentiles. His love for us is so deep that He wants all people to be saved. His plan was to send Jesus, His one and only son, God in the flesh, to come to this earth as a sinless man and take all of our sins to the cross and die for us, to be the sacrifice for each of us, for all of our sins, once for all.

Continue reading “Malachi: God’s Plan”

Haggai: Build God’s Temple

After their captivity, God brought His people home. They began building the wall to fortify their city as God commanded. They started to build the temple, but stopped when they experienced persecution from the surrounding nations. Then they went on to their own lives. How often do we put our own lives and livelihood before God?

Continue reading “Haggai: Build God’s Temple”

Jesus and Jonah

Some people think that the events in Jonah are nothing more than a fish story. Yet Jesus referenced the events at more than one occasion. He compared His death and resurrection to Jonah’s experience with the great fish. In the Book of Jonah, we read how God uses His power to convince Jonah to fulfill his calling, to save him from death, to teach him (and us), to show his mercy and to bring others to repentance. Jesus did the same thing.

Continue reading “Jesus and Jonah”
%d bloggers like this: