Emmaus

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation” (Phil. 3:2 NKJV). When the Bible tells us three times in one verse to “beware,” we need to sit up and take notice; we need to take extra care when warned. Our verse warns us to beware of dogs, evil workers, and the mutilation. Beware of dogs – “Dogs” in Bible times were not the nice, cuddly, faithful pets that we are familiar with. Rather, “dogs” in Bible times were mostly vicious, untamed, and detestable an

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11 NKJV). Describing the Christian’s life in terms of military language would have been readily understood by folks living back then since Rome was in power, and military might, strategy and apparel were commonplace. Thus, we want to note the protection for the soldiers, the performance of the soldiers, and the peril for the soldiers. Protection for the soldiers – “Put on t

“Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6 NKJV). In the service of the Lord, motivation is important. It will not only determine the quality of our service, but it will determine how consistent our service will be. Our verse speaks of both the wrong motive and the right motive. Wrong motive - “Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers.” Three things are said here about service done with the wrong motive.

“The older women likewise…that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children” (Titus 2:3-4 NKJV). Young women were almost always wives, because Jewish and Greco-Roman society generally frowned upon women’s singleness. Thus, it was customary for older women, especially mothers, to instruct their daughters in the ways of life (cf. Jer. 9:20). In Roman society, the mother’s chief duty to her daughter was to help her acquire the appropriate educati

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13 NKJV). The Book of Ephesians gives many wonderful truths about salvation. Here in this verse, we want to note the person for salvation, the problem for salvation, the plan for salvation, and the product of salvation. Person for salvation – “Christ Jesus.” Salvation is all in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no such thing as salvation outside of Christ. Acts 4:12 state

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7 NKJV). Here we have a great verse about salvation. If there is anything that we need to have clear in our mind, it is the plan of salvation. Thus, we want to note the person of salvation, the price of salvation, the pardon in salvation, and the provision in salvation. Person of salvation - “In Him.” This refers to the Lord Jesus. Salvation is in the Lord Je

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9 NKJV). Compassionate ministry can make one weary, and even Christians can become discouraged in doing good deeds. Our verse gives some helpful instructions which are universal in its application. They are the problem of weariness, the prescription for weariness, and the peril of weariness. Problem of weariness – “ Let us not grow weary .” We often get tired of d

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” (Gal. 3:13 NKJV). In this verse, we have some important truths regarding the Gospel. Here we are told who the Savior is, why we need a Savior (sin), and what the Savior did for us (substitution). Thus, this verse speaks of Christ, the curse, and Calvary. Savior/Christ - “ Christ has redeemed us .” Our Redeemer and Savior is clearly i

“Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:25-26 NKJV). That first Easter afternoon, the Lord Jesus walked with two of His disciples from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They did not realize it was the Lord Jesus walking with them until after they had invited Him into their home to eat. On the walk, they spoke of their disappointment

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest” (Luke 19:38 NKJV). One of the remarkable features about the Lord Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem was the great honor and praise given to Him as He rode into the city. In Luke 19:35-36, we read, “ Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road .” Putting the garments on th