When you were a child or teen, how did your parents discipline you? Spanking, time-out, grounding, restrictions? What works with one child may not work with another. Hopefully, parents learn that there is a difference between punishment and discipline. Punishment is inflicting painful consequences for breaking rules. The goal of punishment is making the child […]
Isaiah 14:1-23 // Punishment for the Proud Read More »
God’s Word 1 The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw. 2 On a bare hill raise a signal; cry aloud to them; wave the hand for them to enter the gates of the nobles (ESV). Scripture contains all the highs and lows of life in this world. Chapter 12 of Isaiah
Isaiah 13 // God Will Punish Sin Read More »
After all the buildup and celebration of Easter Sunday, returning to “normal” life can seem like a bit of a letdown. The drudgery of daily life’s trials, stresses, and anxieties can often be lacking in joy. But are there wells of joy that we’re missing? Remember where we are in Isaiah—the nation of Israel had
Isaiah 11:11-12:6 // The Wells of Salvation Read More »
Easter Sunday is not just a spring holiday enjoyed with flowers and bunnies, but it is when Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. (Read Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, or John 20.) Apart from the resurrection, the Church would not exist and there would be no hope for Christians. The resurrection is the
Easter Sunday // Why the Resurrection Matters Read More »
Some events in history are more memorable than others. Palm Sunday is the annual remembrance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem during the Passover week. The Assignment 1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village
Matthew 21:1-11 // The Humble King Read More »
At the beginning of His earthly ministry Jesus began calling followers, but He didn’t look for the high achievers in religion, education, or popularity. He gathered a ragtag bunch of men who had few qualifications Jesus Calls Matthew 9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax
Matthew 9:9-13 // Jesus Came Not to Call the Righteous, But Sinners Read More »