He Wasn’t Wrong In the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, there is a fascinating character — the servant who received just one talent. He was not a foolish man. In fact, he had a surprisingly accurate understanding of who God is. Listen to what he said when he stood before his master: “Master,… Continue reading “Is That God’s Job, Not Mine?” — The Twisted Logic of the One-Talent Servant
Category: Bible Study
The Beauty of Putting Others First — A Culture of Partnership Shaped by the Gospel
“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.” (2 Peter 3:15) Every time I read this sentence written by Peter, my heart is warmed. This is not simply a passing mention of a colleague. The words “dear brother”… Continue reading The Beauty of Putting Others First — A Culture of Partnership Shaped by the Gospel
The Fall of Pride and the Victory of the Cross-The Nature of Satan and the Wisdom of Christ
Introduction: Two Paths, Two Destinies In the history of the universe, there are only two paths. One is the path of “I will ascend.” The path of self-exaltation, taking, and domination. This path ends in a fall. The fate of Satan, who fell from heaven like lightning, is precisely that. The other is the path… Continue reading The Fall of Pride and the Victory of the Cross-The Nature of Satan and the Wisdom of Christ
More Certain Than the Glory of the Transfiguration: Follow the Prophetic Word-2 Peter 1:16-21
A Dazzling Experience — Yet What Peter Emphasized More Peter was a man who had experienced something unparalleled on the Mount of Transfiguration. The radiant face of Jesus, the appearance of Moses and Elijah, the voice of the Father thundering from heaven — “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt.… Continue reading More Certain Than the Glory of the Transfiguration: Follow the Prophetic Word-2 Peter 1:16-21
What Does “The Righteous Shall Live by Faith” Mean?
This single sentence from Romans 1:17 — rooted in Habakkuk 2:4 — pierced Martin Luther’s heart and ignited the flame of the Reformation. But do we truly understand what it means? First, We Need to Clear Up a Misunderstanding Many people think of faith this way: “If I believe hard enough, if my faith is… Continue reading What Does “The Righteous Shall Live by Faith” Mean?
“In Christ” — What Does It Really Mean? The Theology of Union
It’s Something We Hear at Church All the Time, But What Does It Actually Mean? “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” These are phrases we hear in sermons all the time. But if someone asks, “What exactly does it mean… Continue reading “In Christ” — What Does It Really Mean? The Theology of Union
Those Who Met in Rome — The Gravitational Pull of the Gospel That Held the Early Church Together
Introduction: A Human Map Found at the End of a Letter A letter’s closing reveals the writer’s truest heart. After the long and solemn theological argument has ended, after the words of comfort and exhortation to suffering saints have drawn to a close, the Apostle Peter records two names side by side at the very… Continue reading Those Who Met in Rome — The Gravitational Pull of the Gospel That Held the Early Church Together
The Trinity Is the Perfect Description of God’s Love— Meditating on the Structure of Love in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Introduction — The Oldest Question, Still an Unfamiliar Truth “The Trinity? Honestly, I don’t quite get it.” Even those who have walked in faith for many years often say this. Three persons yet one God — it doesn’t easily resolve itself in the mind. Even those who have attended church since childhood often find themselves… Continue reading The Trinity Is the Perfect Description of God’s Love— Meditating on the Structure of Love in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Why Did the Apostles Command “Submission” in the Face of Unjust Suffering?— The True Meaning of Romans 13 and First Peter
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Rom. 13:1–2) “Submit yourselves… Continue reading Why Did the Apostles Command “Submission” in the Face of Unjust Suffering?— The True Meaning of Romans 13 and First Peter
What Are You Really Drawing Near To — God, or Religion?
James 4:8 contains a statement that reads like both a promise and a challenge: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Most of us have heard this verse many times. But there is a question we rarely ask ourselves seriously — I think I am drawing near to God, but do… Continue reading What Are You Really Drawing Near To — God, or Religion?