In yesterday’s reading, we learned from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24 that instead of obsessing over exactly when the Day of Judgment will arrive, we should remain on the alert for Jesus’ coming. And the first thirteen verses of Matthew 25 underscore this teaching, urging us to be watching for…

Revelation seminars tend to flourish in times of great cultural stress, as church leaders insist that John’s visions necessarily correspond to contemporary events. But to all those who think they can discern the time of Jesus’ return, Matthew 24:36 should provide a rather clear rebuke: if only the Father knows…

Why is it important that Christians hold each other accountable for our profession of faith and our promises of obedience to Christ? Because even after we are saved, the remnants of sin within us continue to twist our hearts and minds. Because of this, other Christians can often see our…

So, why did Peter want to build three tents on top of the mountain? In the previous chapter, he had finally realized who Jesus is: the Christ, the promised Messiah (16:16). And now, right before his eyes was the evidence of the coming Kingdom of God the Jewish people had…

“God wants you to be blessed. So, just name the blessing you need, and claim it from God!” That kind of message is increasingly common today from “prosperity gospel” preachers. And at first glance, today’s passage would seem to provide fuel for their fire. For didn’t Jesus heal the sick…

How do you feel about those who do not yet follow Jesus? In our increasingly polarized culture, it is easy for us to ignore one another, as we retreat into our social-media echo chambers, only interacting with those who think the way we do. And those who live in large…

In this era of increasingly violent disagreement, Jesus reminds us that seeking reconciliation is not optional for Christians. This is especially true if we are the guilty party, if someone has accused us of wrongdoing. In this case, Jesus insists in verses 25 and 26 that it is our responsibility…

Recently, we’ve been hearing a lot about injustice in our society. But in today’s passage, we are reminded that injustice is not a new problem at all. Take King Herod, for instance. When some foreign stargazers came to his court, asking about the birth of a royal child, he took…

Are you really giving God your best? That was the question Malachi asked his readers, some 400 years before the birth of Christ. The people were holding back their best offerings, bringing lame or sick animals to the Temple instead (Malachi 1:13). And they were shortchanging God, bringing less than…

“Will you be angry with us forever? Will you not revive us again?” As we see the collapse of the family, the increasing anger and violence in our streets, and the gridlock in our Federal government, it’s hard not to pray such prayers, isn’t it? In fact, the last nationwide…