Luke 15:29. The Elder son, in this famous parable, depicts the attitude of the Pharisees towards the sinners gathered around Jesus (15:1-2). He was on such a works program, bathing in his own self-righteousness, that he could not find grace for himself or for others. His motivation was tainted when it came to serving his […]

Phil 1:19-28. While on one hand Paul considers the immeasurable blessing of going on to heaven, he also recognizes the privilege and need to remain here on earth with a ministry to people. He concludes that to live is Christ, holding the desire that Christ be magnified in his life and also in his death. […]

Phil 1:12-18. Paul wrote to the Philippians about a Joy that is not determined by outward circumstances. In fact, as Paul spoke of rejoicing in The Lord, he wrote from a Roman prison cell. Furthermore, Paul explained that his circumstances had worked for the furtherance of the gospel purpose. May we also be able to […]

Matt 27:45-54. This passage, and other related Scriptures, cover a number of areas of stunning eternal importance achieved by the finished work of Jesus on the cross. This includes the immense significance of the torn curtain at the entrance to the Holy of Holies and also how the barrier at the boundary of the Court […]

Phil 1:1-11. Joy is a theme that runs through Philippians, often called “the letter of Joy”. Paul writes this letter from prison in Rome, demonstrating that Joy was not something determined by ones circumstances, but sourced in an inner life through Christ. As Christians, even when everything seems to be falling apart, we can be […]