In the prophecy of Zechariah is brought to view Satan’s accusing work, and the work of Christ in resisting the adversary of His people. The prophet says, “He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said […]
The Book of Life is featured in two unforgettable scenes in the Bible. One is the momentous final judgment described in Rev. 20:14, 15. Here, the disciple John tells us that those who do not have their names in the Book of Life will finally suffer the “second death.” Rev. 20:11–15. This is the death […]
I’m glad that the One who made the universe has a plan that includes us! While in one sense there is an infinite and eternal gap between the Creator and the creature—between the infinite God and a person He has made—nevertheless that infinite Creator has made possible a wonderful fellowship between humanity and God. God […]
Stories and picture language are a useful way to help a child understand and remember important concepts. Here’s a picture-tool to help with decision making. When we’re making a choice, we have King Will and three judges to help us. The three judges are Voice of Reason, Voice of Conscience, and Heart’s Desire. King Will […]
Do you ever struggle to choose between what you want to do and what you ought to do? It’s not just a child’s problem, is it? Interestingly, just as child training is all about choices, so the Bible’s message to us adults is about choices too. That’s because all of us—both children and parents—are caught […]
I will never forget the pain in his eyes nor the edge of bitterness in his voice as he related his story. In December 1995, the choir I directed was touring Europe and had just performed a Christmas-themed concert before a packed audience in Strasbourg, France. After the program, a young man approached me. He […]
There are age-old misconceptions about suffering. Their themes resurface in every era. All of them cause us to view God in a distorted way. We experience calamities because we’ve offended God. The Jews of Jesus’ day, including His disciples, believed this. On one occasion, when a Samaritan city refused hospitality to Christ and His disciples, […]
God permitted His beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of indescribable glory to a world marred and blighted with sin, darkened with the shadow of death and the curse. He permitted Him to leave the bosom of His love, the adoration of the angels, to suffer shame, insult, humiliation, […]
Into almost every life comes a time of trouble that overwhelms. When I was young, I thought that was my time. While I was in the midst of a prolonged illness, my parents died, my fiancée deserted me, and I was left alone without resources or support in very troubled seas—but that was nothing! In […]
During my childhood in England, I watched a documentary about the life of an Anglican bishop who’d been tortured during World War II. It made a big impression on me. A brief segment showed the twisted face of his torturer looming over him as he inflicted pain. Then the face changed to that of a […]