I taught Matthew 16 for years, but always shied away from verse 19. The English translations cannot do justice to the Greek tenses, and I am no Greek scholar. But the Lord recently prompted me to go back to it, and I am glad I did—it is life changing! In Matthew 16:16, Peter declared that Jesus is, “the Christ, the […]
Are you being encouraged to fast? If so, make sure it’s for the right reasons. The Puzzles Jesus fasted, but never taught his disciples to. Why not? Jesus said to fast in secret, but later the church fasted together. Why? There’s no teaching on it in the epistles. Why not? The Pithy Parables When John the Baptist’s disciples asked Jesus, […]
1 Corinthians 14:26 says, “When you come together, everyone has a hymn, a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.” Verse 31: “For you can all prophesy…” But when we come together, we sing rehearsed songs, listen to a prepared message, and drink coffee. When do we participate? If we come “for” the worship, the word, or […]
God’s power is beyond understanding. But when Jesus visited his hometown, he could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them (Mark 6:5)—his power constrained by unbelief. When Paul was in Ephesus, the sons of a Jewish rabbi tried to cast out a demon, which trounced them. The story went viral, […]
1) Are you being sifted? Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus knew Peter would deny him. He also knew he would return, because he’d prayed for him. Peter’s denial […]
Many seem afraid of the end times, of the mark of the beast, and the new world order. Is it happening now? Are you marked? Is the vaccine or chip implant the mark? There is still much confusion among Christians, and that shouldn’t be—the devil is the god of fear and confusion. For those who love the Lord Jesus, there […]
Cleopas and his friend couldn’t They walked with Jesus for half a day, but didn’t recognize him. After all, he was dead. Jesus even explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Despite their hearts burning within them, they still didn’t understand. Over the evening meal, Jesus gave thanks, broke bread, and gave it to them. […]
I feel an increasing urgency to share Jesus. Time is short. Some years ago, a pastor in Havana, Cuba, invited me and a Honduran evangelist to dinner. In their culture, many have servants. When their maid brought our first course, the evangelist asked her, “What’s your name?” “Maria.” “Maria, do you know Jesus?” “No.” “Would you like to?” “Yes.” And […]
Psalm 112 speaks of a man whose heart is secure. “He will have no fear of bad news.” The reason may surprise you, for there’s a test. Will you pass? Our world is plagued with bad news—violence, war, famine, lockdowns, and bankruptcy. It’s hard not to be dragged down with disappointment, worry, or fear. Fear is faith in a bad […]
No one but the Lord and his servants, the prophets, could have foreseen 2020. What will 2021 bring? Will it be more of the same? Or worse? I believe the darkness will get darker, but the light will therefore shine brighter. People will be more confused, seeking answers. Those who’ve been distracted by life’s pleasures, wealth, or worries will stop […]