Dr Paul Allen

Image via Wikipedia "The sons of God , without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." ( Philippians 2:15 )   The Hebrew and Greek terms for "sons of God" are essentially the same, but the Old Testament always uses the phrase in reference to angels, whereas the New Testament always references the twice-born saints of God.   Our text for this day emphasizes the precise reason that our Lord Jesus prayed: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world. . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" ( John 17:15-16 ). We who share this marvelous relationship bear both the "love the Father hath bestowed upon us" and the unique rejection that "the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not" ( 1 John 3:1 ).   Jesus said, "I am the light of the world " ( John 8:12 ), and we who are His disciples are "the light of the world" ( Mat...

Image via Wikipedia "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God , without rebuke , in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." ( Philippians 2:14-15 )   The Holy Spirit makes sure that we do not take lightly the obligation to live godly lives. This "list" contains both warnings and promises.   Everything is to be done without "murmurings" and "disputings." Both words are very interesting synonyms of heart attitudes that produce ungodly behavior .  Image via Wikipedia The Greek word translated "murmur" is  goggusmos , and it is almost an onomatopoeia (sounds like what it actually is)--a secret debate, muttering to oneself. The "dispute" (Greek dialogismos ) suggests a logical debate with oneself.   We are commanded to excise that kind of behavior from ourselves so that we may well be blameless and harmless as the...

Image via Wikipedia Jesus ’ suffering was: Immeasurable  – Even one sin against our infinitely holy God merits eternal punishment in hell. Adam ’s single sin ushered into the world unfathomable evil.  Yet Jesus took upon himself an immeasurable number of sins. Every sinful thought, word deed of every one of his people for all time.  Every impure motive. Every failure to obey, rejoice, give to the poor, pray, trust, and love others. Every willful sin, high-handed sin, unconscious sin.  Every sin of envy, discontentment, unbelief, lust, greed, slander, pride, anger , bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred, fear of man, selfish ambition, complaining, murder, abortion, cursing, stealing, rape, and adultery.   Christ suffered for oceans and oceans of sin. Without any mercy.  We experience many mercies in our suffering.  We have God’s compassion and comfort.  He gives us relief from our pain – we fall asleep at night; we have moments of distr...

Image via Wikipedia Balaam the prophet, was a good example of how dangerous it is to pursue fame in God ’s work. Balaam was known for getting answers from God. But caught up with his own notoriety, he pursued a course of action with Balak that God deemed reckless.  It took divine intervention to get Balaam to wake up and stop a course of action that would dishonor God and God’s people, and put Balaam himself in mortal danger. At least Balaam’s donkey knew enough to take God at His word. Related articles Knowing When to Quit (wdednh.wordpress.com) WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT "THE STORY OF BALAAM" WHICH PATH ARE YOU TAKING ? MAN OR DONKEY'S WAY (via THE CUP OF SALVATION) (thechristiangazette.wordpress.com) What Does the Bible Say About "The Story of Balaam" Which Path Are You Taking ? Man or Donkey's Way (lnger.wordpress.com) Chapter-a-Day Numbers 22 (tomvanderwell.wordpress.com) Balak: the message and the messenger (anitasilvert.wordpress.com...