Posts from July 2021

Posts from July 2021

Basic Facts from Acts (Part 3)

Acts 3:17-19 presents an important – though currently unpopular – lesson on the subject of sin: In addressing people who had gathered in the area of the temple called “Solomon’s porch” (Acts 3:11), Peter spoke of Jesus’ crucifixion and noted three things with respect to those listening to his words: First, he emphasized their liability and guilt in the matter of Jesus’ death; they had denied Him and followed the Jewish rulers in asking for the release of Barabbas in…

Basic Facts from Acts (Part 1)

The book of Acts is the Holy Spirit’s record of the establishment and growth of the church. Penned by Luke as an inspired “sequel” to the gospel record that bears his name, Acts illustrates how the apostles fulfilled Jesus’ instruction to spread the gospel message throughout the ancient world; “…ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The people, places, doctrines and…

Basic Facts from John (Part 3)

The one passage of scripture nearly every sinner knows is found in Matthew 7:1 – “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” In the mind of every rebellious, self-willed individual, these words from Jesus should protect them from any censure or correction by those who seek their repentance – “Don’t you judge me! It’s a sin to judge!” John 7:24, however, puts our Lord’s instruction into its proper setting, however, noting that His disciples are to “judge” (select, choose, evaluate)…

Basic Facts from John (Part 2)

Our Lord’s interview with Nicodemus in John 3 is truly a “highlight” of scripture because it is where Jesus first broaches the concept of “salvation by conversion.” Nicodemus was a “ruler” (ar-kon, a chief or prince – one of the Sanhedrin, John 7:50, the council who governed Judah under the high priest’s leadership) and a “teacher” (John 3:10) among the Pharisees (note Acts 23:8). For him, his physical birth was synonymous with his spiritual birth and identity. In his thinking,…