Cal Bower 
Two Words for Righteousness It is difficult to distinguish the meanings of the concepts of righteousness and justification. Justification is definitely easier to explain and understand because it has to do with a legal acquittal and being freed from blame. There is a catch phrase, “just as if I’d never sinned,” which sums up the…
You are reading along in Ephesians chapter one and are being very uplifted by what you have been given in Christ: “all spiritual blessings…”, “he chose us”…, “holy and without blame (I sure need that!)”…, “adoption of children (hey! I’m God’s child and no one can take it away!). And then you come to verse…
Selfishness is THE major reason why believers do not follow Jesus and do not end up accomplishing the fulfillment of their ministries and service to the Lord. That may be a pretty harsh thing to say to start an article but IT IS TRUE. There are different ways that selfishness manifests itself in people’s lives.…
There are many discussions and disputes regarding the application of tithing to the New Testament church and the necessity of giving at least 10% of our income to the church. Many churches use this teaching to make sure that they have enough money to run the business of the church and periodically pull out the…
There have been many books written recently about spiritual warfare and the battle against all the principalities and powers of the Adversary. There also have been many people who have been delivered from long standing spiritual problems because of becoming aware of this spiritual battle. One of the elements which has not been emphasized to…
When I first moved to California, I was introduced to the “joys” of driving on the freeway, because my work was about 45 minutes one way from where we lived. During that time of commuting, I learned some valuable lessons about the Christian walk. Just like “walking” communicated to the people of Jesus Christ’s day…
The Measurer by James Neil Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Excerpt from Palestine Explored by James Neil One…
The Beginning of the Renewed Mind Ephesians 4:22-23 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; The Aramaic can be translated, “be renewed by the Spirit, that is your thinking [should be renewed].” If we…
Redemptive Names of God in the Epistles The redemptive name of God in the Old Testament can be compared to the “I am” metaphors in the the gospel of John and this comparison shows how Jesus Christ was the complete perfect redeemer. This led me to think that those same qualities and characteristics that God…
He Sent His Word and Healed Them “He sent his word, and healed them…” (Psalm 107:20). The Word is an instrument in God’s healing process. It is the written Word being preached and proclaimed and applied in a given situation that is the key. In the New Testament we find significant statements that show the…
The Shepherd’s Outfit From Bible Manners and Customs George M. Mackie In the Bible the allusions to shepherd life and the figurative terms borrowed from it refer chiefly to its peaceful aspects. Its enemies were wild animals and robbers. The chief occasion of strife among the shepherds, as among the farmers, was connected with the…
Chapter One EASTERN CUSTOMS AND MANNERS God’s Word is an Eastern Book. It was written in the East, by Easterners and for Easterners. It is therefore obvious that a study of that Land, its life and habits, furniture and dress, language and expressions – in short, everything connected with the Land and People – will…
Manners and Customs of the Jews by Henry Benton CHAPTER 21 — BOOKS, AND SUBSTANCES WRITTEN UPON. We are plainly told that the commandments were “the writing of God, graven upon the tables.” These tables were flat, thin pieces of stone. Also the names of the children of Israel, worn upon the high priest’s shoulders,…
