Moments For You

Most readers are probably too young to remember the “mourner’s bench.” I did not grow up in a church that had one, but I knew friends who did. The mourners’ bench was simply a place to kneel at the front of the church where the sinner could weep over and... Read more →

Some believers don’t feel blessed because they are looking for a thorn-free rose garden blooming with all the stuff that will make their lives comfortable, prosperous, and pain-free. God never promised us a rose garden. At least, not in this life. He did give us a perfect garden once, and... Read more →

“Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14,15). There are many passages in the New Testament... Read more →

We’re a nation founded upon the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Ask almost any person what they want out of life, and they will reply, “I want to be happy.” And yet for a people bent on pursuing happiness, we’re not doing so well. Many... Read more →

“They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17). The Need of Repentance We are inclined to judge that there is a sad lack of depth and seriousness in much of... Read more →

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity” (Psalm 32:1,2). It is unfortunate that the mention of David reminds us too often of his sins and not his victories. Most people think “David and Bathsheba” rather... Read more →

The book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ fittingly closes the volume of Holy Scripture with a most urgent call to repentance. Four times we are told of men whom God had visited in grace and judgment who repented not (Revelation 9:20,21; 16:9,11). The call to repent is also found... Read more →

In the part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) we call the Beatitudes, our Lord described the characteristics of a righteous man and laid the foundation of a happy life. Spiritual Paupers “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The word “poor”... Read more →

Repentance takes you from… Crucifying Christ to being baptized in His name (Acts 2:21-24,37-41). Serving idols to serving God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Reviling Jesus to revering Him (Mark 15:32; Luke 23:39-43). Feeding swine to returning to the father (Luke 15:11-21). Seeing the light to obeying the Lord (Acts 9:1-6). Being... Read more →

“Sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away” (John 16:6,7). The greatest trial, disappointment, and sorrow to the disciples was the Lord’s departure from them. And yet it would result in their fullest and deepest blessing. Without going... Read more →

“The Lord … is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The period of time when God deals with souls is called a “space to repent” in Revelation 2:21. Think of God’s forbearance with Israel. After they turned... Read more →

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). The first word translated “blessed” means to celebrate with praises. Paul, who wrote this wonderful verse, magnifies the grace of God so that we,... Read more →

There can be no true conversion without conviction of sin. It is one thing to agree that I am a sinner: it is quite another thing to experience the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life. Many have forgotten that the message is repentance toward God as well... Read more →

Just like a skilled painter creating a perfect likeness through masterful brushtrokes, the following Scriptures paint a clear portrait of the one whom the Lord calls “blessed,” or truly and deeply happy. Is it a portrait of you? • Happy is the man whom God correcteth. Job 5:17 • Blessed... Read more →

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). In Genesis, He is the Creator God. In Exodus, He is the Redeemer. In Leviticus, He is your sanctification. In Numbers, He is your guide. In Deuteronomy, He... Read more →