”… thus nullifying the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.” (Mark 7:13) Reflections on Mark 7:13 In Mark 7, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes. They accuse His disciples of violating Jewish traditions. This is because the disciples do not adhere to the ritual of washing their hands…
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:6-7). A Biblical Exhortation from Galatians 1:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 11:14 The…
“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne” (Ps. 47:8). Understanding the Eternal Reign of God The concept of God’s Kingdom surpassing earthly kingdoms is a profound and central theme in the Bible. It conveys the ultimate authority of God over all creation. It also highlights the defining contrast between the transient, often flawed nature of…
And this good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matt. 24:14). Warnings, Hope, and a Call to Righteousness Matthew 24:14 and the verses surrounding it offer an extraordinary lens. They delve into the prophetic teachings of Jesus about the end times. They also explore…
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” Identifying Hypocrisy: A Biblical Perspective The Bible is unyieldingly clear in its condemnation of hypocrisy, portraying it as one of the gravest spiritual pitfalls. Hypocrisy, as depicted in Scripture, is the act of presenting a veneer of…
“… do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand (Isa. 41:10). Fear is a powerful emotion. It can grip our hearts and paralyze us. This hinders our growth, joy, and faith in God. That…
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (Jn. 7:24). A Biblical Perspective on Discernment and Justice Judging righteously, as described in John 7:24, is a profound concept. It is spiritually grounded. It calls for fairness, truth, and alignment with God’s principles. Jesus instructs, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” This statement highlights…
The subject of justice has always held a deep fascination for me. Yet, it wasn’t until my ordination ceremony in 2017 that I began to understand why. This was a pivotal moment. I stood before the presbytery when the minister asked me a question. It struck a profound chord within me: “Do you have a justice calling on you?” From…
“I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3). A Call to Reflect the Oneness of Christ …
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