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Showing posts from March, 2012

Jesus: The Believer’s Inheritance

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  It is fascinating to observe when people talk about inheritance, ones mind would immediately cater properties, wills, houses, jewelries, and other material things. All of which are centered on material temporal things.   In 1 Peter 1:4 , although The Apostle Peter used the term “inheritance” once in his letter, Apostle Paul on the other hand, mentioned this term in his letters several times. ( Eph_1:14 , Eph_1:18 , Eph_5:5 , Col_3:24 ,) But what is so significant about this particular emphasis of Peter? After all, he made a brief description of the inheritance (verse 4-5) a believer will obtain now that he is part of God’s family.   The term “inheritance” is not something new among Jewish ears. Going back to the OT, when God divided the promised land among the 12 tribes of Israel, every tribe received a portion of the land as their inheritance, except for the tribe of Levi…”the priestly tribe”. They were the only tribe that didn’t get one. God’s reason for doing so is interesting. Th
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Psalms - "A Song Book of Praises to God"

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I am convinced that no other Old Testament book has received as much attention as the book of Psalms. Replete with life experiences with which many can identify, this book is often read and repeatedly quoted. Seventy-three of the 150 psalms were written by David. The rest were either written anonymously or by Moses, Solomon, Asaph, sons of Korah, Ethan or Heman. The book of Psalms is a songbook of praise to God. Among other things, it shows to us (1) God’s glory and sovereignty as seen in creation and His supremacy over the nations (an example is Psalm 19:1-2; Ps. 46); (2) the excellence of the Word of God (ex. Psalm 19:7-14; Ps. 119); (3) the characteristics of a godly man (ex. Psalm 42) and; (4) the Messianic King for which Israel longs (ex. Psalm 8; Ps. 22; Luke 24:44). Significantly, the book of Psalms reveals to us an aspect of our humanity that separates us from the rest of God’s creation– our longing for someone to worship (ex. Psalm 27:1-4; 84:10-11), someone to whom we can go 
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"The Story of Job's Trials"

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When one thinks upon life’s trials, pain or suffering, one cannot help but remember the book of Job. The book begins by giving a description of the man who is perhaps one of the most beloved characters in the Bible. Unbeknownst to this man, Job, God says to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil” (Job 1:8). Characteristically, Satan accuses Job as one who follows God only because he has been blessed. “[P]ut forth Your hand now,” Satan answers, “and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face” (Job 1:11). In God’s wisdom and sovereignty, Satan was allowed to test Job. One after another, Job lost all his possessions, including every one of his children (Job 1:13-19). However, Job did not blame God. Instead, he worshiped God saying,  “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the
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Esther--"A Queen Who Saved Her People"

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Belief in “luck” or “chance” is seen even among Christians who make mention of “accidents” and “good or bad fortune.” Some may even be tempted to ascribe such beliefs on the events described in the book of Esther, especially because God’s name is not mentioned there. In reality, making no reference to God’s name does not change the fact of God’s presence, sovereignty and the evident faith of His people. When Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews became known, Mordecai pleaded with Esther, saying, ” “[I]f you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Mordecai’s plea makes evident that Esther’s rise to royalty was of divine providence, to the end that God’s people might be saved. Esther, too, makes evident the faith that she and her people had in God. Knowing that she may be put to death according to Pe
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