Paul's introduction to this letter reminds the Christian Church of the importance of rejoicing in God's grace in Christ. Though "predestination" often evokes annoyed looks of frustration and memories of…
Ephesians 1:1-2 “Even Healthy Churches Need the Gospel”
Having previously labored among them for three years, Paul wrote a letter to the Church in Ephesus. Though we might expect the letter will be informal, a chance for friends…
Ruth 1:1-6 “To Moab and Back”
These early verses of the Book of Ruth depict a dismal scene. Under God's covenant curse, Naomi and her family left their inheritance in the Promised Land for the unclean…
Psalm 150 “Praise the Lord”
Psalm 150 closes the book with a great hymn of praise. It is sung from the heavenly-temple (v. 1), celebrates God's salvation (v. 2), and is characterized by great joy…
Psalm 138 “He Regards the Lowly – Give Thanks!”
The Psalms were assembled into a single collection after Israel's exile to Babylon and consequent slavery. Therefore, many of its songs address this issue, whether it be laments of David,…
Psalm 110 “He will be a Royal Priest”
It's difficult for the Westerner to understand one of the great problems that faced those in the Ancient world - the threat of impending war. In a moment, your house,…
Psalm 100 “Worship the One Faithful to Save”
Throughout the Book of Psalms, we find a movement from despair toward praise and celebration. Psalm 100 is one such high point. It calls the whole world to praise the…
Psalm 91 “Blessing Extends to the Faithful Israelite”
The Psalms are divided into 5 Books. At the close of Book 3, in Ps. 89, we hear the earnest cries of the returned-exiles: "Where is the Son of David,…
Psalm 80 “Where is Your Glorious Light?”
We are all on a quest for glory, yearning for a world where all thing are ordered, where we find blessing. The Bible addresses this within its unfolding story -…
Psalm 51:16-19 “Praying for Pure Worship on Zion”
Though much of Psalm 51 is a great example of how God's people should humbly turn from their sins and seek forgiveness (justification) and renewal (sanctification), there are also elements…
