'And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.'

When Christ healed a paralysed man, He first pronounced that his sins were forgiven. To prove that He had power to forgive, He then healed the body, giving life where all had been limp and motionless; illustrating the changes in conversion to Christ.

To prove that his Gospel was not a human product, Paul points to his Jewish training and zealotry. He did not comprehend the gospel until Christ was revealed in him. Here is the meaning, and how Christ should be seen by us daily.

'And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek.'

Surely nothing is more tragic than to believe life is peaceful and secure without God, only to discover one day that one faces eternal disaster. Here is the false peace that imprisons us in this material world and keeps us from seeking and finding the Lord.

For Luther, the best of the Bible and the rallying call of the Reformation, these verses affirm the one and only true Gospel, by contrast with the alternatives offered in Paul's time and today. Here is the message that leads to God and eternal life.

'And [Elkanah] had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh.'

David traces the reasons for personal sin in a life, the phenomenon of God's mercy, the benefits of trusting Him, and the tragic result of rejecting His kindness. There is no treatment of sin and salvation as profound and uplifting as this psalm.

The meaning of faith, how it is acquired, and its role in salvation and then in the ongoing spiritual life. Astonishingly, terms are used such as 'substance' (or 'foundation') and 'evidence' as proof. Does our faith honour these powerful words?

'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.'

'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that…

'Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest…

God appeals to our intelligent minds - but will we listen? Our inclination is to turn away, but if God in His mercy places in us a thirst for certain things, we listen and come to Him. Here are the needs that draw us to God.

New believers when truly enlightened and saved are moved to make a pledge or vow to God, which will be renewed and deepened throughout this pilgrimage. Here are the important features of such vows, their scope, and their benefits and blessings.

'Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not…

'And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air…

The apostle's remarkable summary text provides five objectives in the believer's life that secure a deep sense of God's embracing love and of His nearness. All five are essential, and here is how we pursue them, by grace.

'For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which…

We post this week this message from our recent Day of Special Studies, due to its immense importance in our churches today. Here are the biblical arguments for the revival of a once-universal practice. (This is Part II of two addresses.)

We post this week this message from our recent Day of Special Studies, due to its immense importance in our churches today. Here are the biblical arguments for the revival of a once-universal practice. (This is Part I of two addresses.)

The New Testament reasons with people to be saved from condemnation and receive eternal life, and here are several famous passages where heavenly glory, and how to be sure of it, is proclaimed. Here also is the urging of God's heart of love for lost souls.

It is said that there is little understanding of eternal life in the Old Testament, but this is very mistaken. 46 Psalms of David speak of eternal glory, and here we survey ten to show that all the Bible is about everlasting salvation.

The anchor is as old as ships, but is used as an analogy in the Bible only in this verse. Scores of 'anchors' are used to steady and inspire life in the world. But there is only one powerful and effective for the soul and for eternity.

'But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.'

The richest king of his time, who indulged to extremes in pleasure, intellectual pursuits and creative skills, and who kept 700 wives - Solomon - eventually found a godless life futile and turned to the Lord. Here is his experience and his appeal to all for conversion.

The climax of 1 Peter is the prayer that we, having suffered in some measure on earth, will be fully repaired, fixed firmly on the road, providing a sure basis for those who follow us. Here also we explore the definition of God's glory.

'For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.'

Who God is, His attributes, purposes and plans are often unknown to people today. Nor do we know how God views us and reaches out to us. Here is the God of the Bible, with His infinite kindness and power, and how He may be known.

The apostle Peter asserts the necessity of restraint and abstention concerning self-indulgence, coupled with watchfulness for temptations. Then he warns of Satan's constant activity, and gives the roaring, devouring lion analogy, showing the believer's response, and God's sovereign purpose.

'Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal…

'For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed…

Over nearly three years the disciples learned from Christ and came to love him, need him, and recognise him as divine. But for most, personal conversion came late in this period. Peter's vital response is a model and challenge to seekers in every age.

In a decisive prayer, burdens are to be passed entirely to the Lord. Here we consider what is and what is not to be passed, and the harm and sin of keeping anxiety. Here is how the help comes, and the tremendous promise of God's care.

'For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.'

Paul personifies sin as an emperor who conscripts us into his army and drills us in unbelief and lust to bind us in his service. Then Paul shows how we may be 'brought out' of our bondage to walk with the Lord God.

Beginning with humility in preachers and church officers, Peter calls all to place themselves under them. Exactly what is intended? He then speaks of being 'clothed' in humility. We explore the helps and hindrances to advancing in this essential grace for all believers.

 'Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith…

Christ sets out life's options. Here is the meaning of the wide gate, through which one is carried by the crowd into purposelessness and spiritual disaster. In contrast - the narrow gate; and why it gets this description, when in fact it is the gate of enduring happiness.

While urging pastors to live humbly as patterns to others, and to be forward to preach and to watch, the apostle speaks of being partakers now - in some measure - in the glory of Christ to be revealed at the end. Here are the glories we taste even now.

'Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.'

We are not to think that bad treatment of believers is abnormal, says the apostle. It is bound to happen if our lives show Christ and salvation. Here is counsel for tried believers and how assurance is strengthened and God's promises are gloriously fulfilled.

'Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.'

In the light of the approaching end, the apostle gives duties to churches: (1) safe-mindedness; (2) watchfulness for prayer; (3) fervent love in the fellowship; (4) the exercise of all talents; (5) the earnestness and authority of preaching and teaching.

'For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.'

A message tracking the enthusiastic pursuit of Christ by many who wanted a materialistic, earthly return to prosperity, while He proclaimed His purpose - spiritual and eternal life to all who depend on Him as divine Saviour, and His redeeming work on Calvary.

Peter here brings out the new mentality of believers through conversion, and how they have done with sin and the world, to conduct their precious remaining years to God's glory. Here is the distinction between today's worldly evangelicalism and a truly godly lifestyle.

The Biblical account of the Garden of Eden and the fall of mankind is the most profound and searching record of the beginning of sin in all literature. Dismissed in ignorance, it traces the loss and the regaining of vital contact with God.

When subjected to unreasonable and hostile acts, we pray. If God does not immediately relieve us, or there is no means of redress provided for us, then endurance is our calling. Here is love for enemies, and the example of the Saviour and of Noah.

'Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.'

The Lord's famous words to Martha, 'I am the resurrection and the life,' are required by him to be believed for salvation. Here are the life-giving features of the resurrection, and how these revived the flagging faith of doubting disciples.

'The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.'

'But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.'

'And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.'

King David's best-known psalm reveals his view of life's journey. Claiming the Almighty God as his personal guide and Saviour, he points to all that we miss without this divine Shepherd, and the conversion experience that He gives to all who follow Him.

To have a high view of Christ, and His divine attributes, in our heart is the greatest spur and personal preparation for making Christ known. Here is the duty of readiness, the manner of witness, and what is meant by giving 'a reason'.

What is the source and authority for our views about life, its source, how it should be lived, what standards we adopt, what we value and support, or what we believe in? Is the authority no more than the imaginations or desires of the heart?

A very striking and unusual exhortation commands our special attention. How do we 'sanctify' God in the heart? Is it Christ who is to be hallowed? What is meant by the 'heart'? Here is the believer's essential preparation for securing blessing in trials or witness.

'Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the…

'God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.'

To switch political parties or to change opinions are significant acts, but nothing is as profound and permanent as conversion. Here Christ illustrates the magnitude and wonder of conversion, and how it changes many aspects of a person to make 'a new creation'.

Seven verses show how God calls His people to tenderheartedness, meekness under provocation, and the promotion of peace. We are also exhorted to love this present life, and hear things we can only do for God's glory while here on earth.

This challenging and informative passage begins with God-given roles, urging conduct and hope for an unbelieving spouse, extolling the beauty of Christ's character, and showing how the equality of saved husbands and wives (in spirituality, illumination, sanctification and usefulness to God) is consistent with male headship.

'And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.'

The message of the Bible has two major truths that illustrate our need of God and how to find Him. These are LAW and GRACE; the first warns, the second saves. Found throughout the Bible, here is what they mean, and what they do.

This passage shows that the believer's duty of respect for civil authorities applies also to employers, even the unjust. Our obedience is rewarded by God. When we were called to Christ we saw His patient endurance. It saved us, and called us to be like Him.

'And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.'

Paul esteems the cross of Christ as the greatest event in history. You might think a horrific death ending Christ's earthly mission would be a disaster. But it was a matter of WHO died and WHY. Here are the eternal achievements secured for us on Calvary.

God rules all men through civil authorities whether good or bad, but here are circumstances in which believers obey God rather than men. Here are our biblical duties - for the Lord's sake and glory - including abstaining from any abusive speech toward authorities.

'And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.'

Human life is viewed here as a message sent to God, demanding that He gets out of our way, because we have no interest in Him. Here is what lies behind our hostility, what we lose by it, and the way to acceptance by Him.

With words only meaningful to believers, the apostle warns of the desires of the 'lower', fallen nature residual in them. Here are the core fleshly lusts and how they may be launched at believers, the need of vigilance and the remedies for their defeat.

The way to know God never changes throughout the Bible. This approach from a prophet-preacher 700 years before Christ is exactly the same as that found throughout the New Testament. Here are the steps of Hosea, to which the Lord will respond.

In five verses, Peter lists six magnificent blessings given to believers to mark them out, and to adorn them as God's special treasure. Awareness of these is uniquely uplifting and strengthening through all the rigours of life. Here is the happiness and security of our walk.

'And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.'

When we first hear it, the analogy of humanity as a flock of sheep shocks us, and we recoil from it. But here are the unmistakeable similarities, and how Christ the Lord operates as a shepherd to gather and restore individuals to spiritual life.

The inspired apostle shows the way believers should approach God, and how they should think in corporate and individual prayer, to secure a true sense of Him. Our approach should include a full commitment to our role as a 'holy priesthood'.

'So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.'

'And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.'

At first it shocks us that the Bible describes us as spiritually dead - walking dead; physically alive but inert and lifeless in the soul. But this picture shows what we lose and miss while away from God, and how our souls may be brought to life.

The apostle's call for brotherly love depends on sanctification - being made holy. Beginning with the new birth (with treatment of the doctrine of perseverance), this involves our putting off the soiled clothes of named sinful traits, as challenged and moved by the Word of God.

'And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.'

Beginning with the work of the Spirit at conversion, the apostle shows the plan of the resurrection in saving faith, then describes purifying of the soul and obedience to the truth, as he builds up to the great exhortation to brotherly love, here explained.

'And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.'

How can the invisible, unfelt God be loved? It is not possible without some unmistakable experience of His intervention in our life. Here is how that may happen, so that we exclaim with the Psalm, 'I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice.'

The first motive is the goal and purpose of our calling- obedience to God and His Word in all aspects of life and behaviour. The second is the purity of God. The third is the eminence of the Redeemer who shed His blood for us.

A towering figure in world history, Moses achieved remarkable things while remaining uniquely untarnished and unspoiled by power. A turning point in life had led him to remove royal status to find life with God. Here is how this may be our experience today.

Inexpressible joy is the privileged possession of every believer, a joy distinct from the short-lived pleasure of, say, amazement or humour, or of unexpected kindness, or a gift. Spiritual joy endures alongside trial and grief, but it must be held tightly. Here is how.

'And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.'

King David imparts his experience of prayer and lays out the key conditions for prayer to be heard and answered. So much prayer, we learn, is distasteful to God and disregarded. May the fundamental human instinct to pray lead to life and peace with God.

We are, with Peter, born again into an ever-active anticipation (expectation) of a heavenly inheritance. Our duty is to reflect on this, resulting in security and loyalty to Christ. Here also is the testing and refining of faith.

'And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.'

Introducing 1 Peter with the opening themes, including - why we should love and worship the whole Godhead, the significance of the 'sprinkling' of the blood of Jesus Christ, and the fruit of constantly keeping active and alive our anticipation of eternal glory.

We see that faith is 'receiving' Christ, our taking hold of Him for rescue, pardon and life, because we have become convinced that He is the Saviour who has paid in suffering to secure our forgiveness, and we are lost and condemned without Him.

After the Great Commission (Mark and Matthew) and the personal, pastoral Great Commission (of John) we turn to the commission in Luke and Acts, noting the accelerated education of the apostles, new reliance on the Holy Spirit and primary work of evangelism.

'And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto…

Even if surrounded by the might and superiority of imperial Rome, Paul cannot be intimidated, for he proclaims a message of over-towering power, that illuminates minds, transforms hearts, unites people to God and grants eternal life - this is the only message of spiritual rescue.

From study of the great commission we turn to Christ's personal word to Peter and other disciples. Here is the searching question to all who are saved, and its implications for bearing fruit. Our answer determines the kind of service we will render to Him.

'And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.'

To Mark's Gospel we add the promise of the great commission in Matthew, viewing the scope of the Lord's words to all who uphold His name and message to this hostile world. Here is the essence of the nearness and power of the risen Lord.

'And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.'