God Keeps His Promises

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:1–4; NKJV)

Each of the Gospels gives a slightly different look at the major events during Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. Luke, in the opening verses of his narrative, sets his focus on providing an “orderly account” of “those things which have been fulfilled among us.” Fulfillment is an important biblical idea that gives us gives us confident hope in God and His promises to us.

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Church Livestream on a Budget, Part 1

During the global pandemic of 2020, many churches found themselves looking online to reach their congregations and continue to worship together in some form. There were several different kinds of responses. Some churches pre-recorded part or all of their services and shared them online. Others moved their services outdoors. Still others pursued streaming services live.

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The Parable of the Unjust Steward

“And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:9–10; NKJV)

Some things in Scripture are hard to understand. For me, the Parable of the Unjust Steward is one of those things. From the first time I read it, I’ve struggled to relate the story in the parable to its moral. Is Jesus really praising the unjust steward? Is He telling us to gain earthly riches through unrighteousness? Well, I’ve just come across this parable again in my personal devotions, and now seems as good a time as any to try and understand it.

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The Parable of the Fig Tree

He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ” (Luke 13:6–9; NKJV)

The Parable of the Fig Tree is an important message about Israel, repentance, and receiving Jesus. But before we can understand what it means, we need to look at its context.

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Bible Word Study on ‘Hope’

Hope is an important idea in the Bible. David’s hope in God was cause for gladness and rejoicing (Ps 16:8–11). Matthew points to Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the Gentile’s hope (Matt 12:21). And Paul’s hope in God included resurrection to eternal life (Acts 24:15). The goal of this study is to better understand the overall sense of hope in the Bible as a basis for future studies.

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‘Baptism’ in the New Testament

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matt 3:11; NKJV)

Water baptism is an ancient and enduring Christian tradition. Through the centuries, churches have come to understand and practice baptism differently, sometimes breaking fellowship over it. What is baptism? What does the Bible say about baptism? Any biblical doctrine of baptism must begin by answering these questions. Let’s dig in.

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God Plans Your Days

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (Luke 2:25–26; NKJV)

Have you ever wondered about God’s plans for your life? Worried what the future might hold for your career? Struggled through a hard season of loss or personal health issues? Longed for some dream, but obstacles just keep piling up? Keep praying and trusting God in the waiting. As we see in the life of Simeon—God plans our days and will faithfully bring those plans about in our lives.

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God Hears Your Prayers

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. (Luke 1:13–14; NKJV)

Have you ever prayed to God repeatedly about something deeply affecting your inner-most being? Maybe a personal life concern like marriage or family? Or a work life situation like education or job opportunities? Or maybe interceding for a loved one’s health or life circumstances? Do not lose heart—as we see in the life of Zacharias, God hears our prayers.

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How to Study the Bible

How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.

(Psalm 119:103–104; NKJV)

In a recent post, I explained why studying the Bible is important. But, as I mentioned, the Bible is a large collection of books written long ago in far-away places covering a wide range of topics. Where do you start? What is the goal? How do you do it? Here is a basic introduction to how I do Bible study.

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Church Video—Ministry or Product?

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19–20; NKJV)

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble. (James 1:27)

I was recently in a conversation when I encountered the statement, “$5000 is about right for a church camera.” Context is key, so I asked for clarification. The response I received included the sentiment that maybe some churches should go back to audio recordings of sermons and playlists of songs instead of live-streaming or video recording a lower quality product.

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