If we are to run with patience the race that is set before us, we must always keep looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3). One of the simplest and yet one of the mightiest secrets of abiding joy and victory is to never lose sight of Jesus. 1. First of all, we must keep looking at Jesus as the ground of o... Read More
DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS 1. Jesus, a Weary Pilgrim in a Hostile Land—“Despised and Rejected of Men,” vv. 1–6 Why did the report that reached the ears of the Pharisees that Jesus “was making and baptizing more disciples than John” make His departure into Galilee necessary? (c. 10:39; 11:47–54; Mark 3:6... Read More
(Compare Matthew 19:1, 2; 8:19–22; Mark 10:1) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS 1. Disciples Who Did Not Understand Their Master, vv. 51–56 What time was drawing nigh (v. 51, R. V.)? What is meant by “being received up”? (24:51; Mark 16:19; John 6:62; 13:1; 16:5, 28; 17:11; Acts 1:2, 9; Eph. 1:20; 4:8–11; 1 Ti... Read More
DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS 1. Christ’s Prayer for Himself, vv. 1–5 With what words did Jesus close His parting discourse to His disciples? Having finished speaking to them, what did He do? Is there any connection between the discourse, especially the closing words, and the prayer. What is the meaning of... Read More
(Compare Mark 12:18–37; Luke 20:20–44) DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS 1. The Sadducees’ Question, vv. 23–33 Who already on this day had been seeking to entrap Jesus (vv. 15, v. 16)? Who now seek to entrap Him? Who were the Sadducees? (v. 23; compare Acts 23:8.) Were they a powerful party in the Jewish churc... Read More
The lessons taught to us from the life of Jacob concern the Holy Spirit's discipline of the Christian. It is this that makes room in our lives for Christ to reveal Himself. This discipline is concerned not with our old man and his sinfulness but with our natural strength, the strength of self. Befor... Read More
CALVARY'S JUDGMENT Death entered the world through the fall of man. Reference here is to spiritual death which separates man from God. Through sin it came in the beginning and so has it ever come since then. Death always comes through sin. Note what Romans 5.12 tells us about this matter. First, tha... Read More
In our previous chapter we have touched several times upon the matter of service for the Lord. As we come now to look at the provision that God has made to meet the problem created by the soul-life of man, it will be helpful if we approach that problem by considering first the principles that regula... Read More
The twofold message of the gospel is summed up in the words of Jesus to the woman caught in sin: (i) I do not condemn you; and (ii) Do not sin any more. (John 8:11). Justification is the starting line of the Christian race and sanctification is the track on which the race is run. The word 'sanctify'... Read More
During the 40 years that I have been a born-again Christian, I have learnt some important truths that have encouraged me and given direction and purpose to my life. I share them here with you with the hope that they will be an encouragement to you as well. 1. God loves us as He loved Jesus "Thou did... Read More
Looking to Jesus
Our Lord and the Woman of Samaria John 4:1–30
Our Lord Steadfastly Setting His Face to Go to Jerusalem Luke 9:51–62
Our Lord’s Prayer for His People John 17
The Pharisees and Sadducees Questioning Christ and Christ Questioning the Pharisees Matthew 22:23–46
PRECIOUS STONES
Salvation
THE PATH OF PROGRESS: BEARING THE CROSS
(A Good Foundation) 7. Sanctification
(Knowing God's Way) 2. Some Important Truths That I Have Learnt