Simply Gospel

“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how canst thou say to thy brother, ‘Brother, let me cast out the mote that is in thine eye,’ when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye” (Luke 6:41-42). For those who do not think that Jesus has a sense of humor,… Continue reading

But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15). You have probably heard it asked at some point or another: if you were charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? The question is designed to be a pointed reminder that we must not just profess Jesus Christ but actually demonstrate our faith in word and deed (cf. James 1:22-25). As such, it is important for us… Continue reading

And they seized [Jesus], and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed afar off (Luke 22:54). The night’s confused events were taking place rapidly. They had all spent the night eating the Passover with Jesus, and they all knew that the time was near. Jesus had indicated that He would not drink the fruit of the vine again until the Kingdom had come (Luke 22:18). He had served His disciples and instructed them in many things regarding His imminent departure (John 13-17). And then, in the garden, Judas had come with the band… Continue reading

For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend. We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng (Psalm 55:12-14). The Psalmist is in great distress. He cries out to God, hoping that He will hear (Psalm 55:1-2). His pain is great, and his heart is in anguish (Psalm 55:3-5). He wishes that… Continue reading

And when the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from [Jesus] for a season (Luke 4:13). Jesus’ temptations by the devil in the wilderness are a famous part of His work and life. Even though Jesus was physically weak and hungry, He did not give into the temptation to turn stones into bread, to test God by falling, or to bow down to the Evil One. Instead, He refuted the Devil by quoting Scripture (cf. Luke 4:1-12). The victory, however, was not complete. Luke provides a telling detail not found in the other Evangelists: while the Devil did depart,… Continue reading

The story of David and Goliath is a familiar one. In I Samuel 17, Goliath poses a threat to the nation of Israel. He defies the armies of Israel. He defies the power of their God. For forty days, none rise up to face Goliath until David intercedes. Many tell him he is unable to overcome, even the king, but David places his trust in God. In his confrontation, David demonstrates faith and trust in God despite a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. His companions focus on the difficulty, but David focuses on God. His attitude contrasts from those who would shirk… Continue reading

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Pretty much everyone is able to identify the Golden Rule, either positively understood (do to others as you would like them to do for you) or negatively so (don’t do to others whatever things you wouldn’t like done to you).  It is taught to children in school, and few are the people who would disagree with the concept.  Nevertheless, even though it is perhaps one of the best known teachings of Jesus, it is one of the least followed guidelines. Jesus framed… Continue reading

For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We walk by faith, not by sight.  This verse is justly famous, used plentifully in sermons and articles and in conversation.  The statement gets right to the heart of the distinction between the life of the believer and the life of someone in the world. Yet, in context, it is an aside explanation.  Paul has been talking about the resurrection and the desire believers have to be fully clothed and in the presence of God (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:4).  We are to be of good courage despite being absent in… Continue reading