The scene described in Revelation 5 is one of cosmic significance. Here we see, in the right hand of him seated on the throne, a scroll sealed with seven seals (Rev. 5:1). This scroll is a symbol of the sovereign purposes of God for all creation. But the question the angel poses (Rev. 5:2) is […]
The Scriptures are abundantly clear that God is not merely concerned with our outward appearance, which man can see, but with the inward condition of our heart (1 Sam 15:22; 16:7; Hos. 6:6). While there are certainly good works that accompany true saving faith (Eph. 2:10), we are often tempted to substitute religious activity for […]
The healing of the centurion’s servant—like the many other miracle accounts in the Gospels—is often understood to be highlighting the faith or belief of the centurion. Indeed, he is an admirable character, one to whom Jesus marvels and says, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith” (Luke 7:9). However, while his posture […]
The familiar story of Christ’s birth includes a variety of characters, from the powerful Caesar Augustus all the way down to the lowly shepherds. Most would think that the sending of God’s own Son into the world would take place in the most extravagant, influential, politically expedient, and visible way possible. Yet here we find Jesus, […]
In the early stages of Luke’s gospel, before Jesus Christ is even laid in the manger, we are given a foretaste of his life, his ministry, and his mission. Gabriel tells Mary that he will be great, the Son of the Most High and holy, and will reign over his kingdom forever. Then, the Spirit reveals to Elizabeth that Mary […]
Our knowledge of God is inextricably linked with our worship of God. However, if we fail to understand the relationship between our theology and doxology, the results can be disastrous. On the one hand, if our knowledge of God (theology) doesn’t inspire whole-hearted praise and devotion to our God (doxology), the result is a cold, dead, […]
In Philippians, Paul writes: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Php. 3:8). In Psalms, David writes: “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever” (Ps. 145:1). What would […]
While the psalmist has praised the Lord for his protection, strength, and victories won for his people in the first half of the psalm, he now calls for the gates of the temple to be opened that he may worship the Lord in his presence (Ps. 118:19). But even while God may have been the defense […]
In contrast to the worthless idols that fill the land, the Psalmist declares that God alone is in the heavens. He is the only God worthy of all our praise, our adoration, our fear, and our trust. But what assurance do we have that this Sovereign God – ruling and reigning in the heavens, doing all that he […]
