There were two trees mentioned in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). The first tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was forbidden. Disobedience would bring death, and Adam and Eve disobeyed. While death did not come instantly or perhaps in the way anticipated, their relationship with God was broken and Adam [...]
The Kingston–Rhinecliff Bridge, New York State (Credit: Aaron Dunlop) “Early one morning in the year 1738 a shepherd boy with home-spun clothes and bare feet, stood at the counter of Alexander McCulloch's bookshop in the University city of St. Andrews. The startled shopkeeper was yet more surprised when he heard the youth's request, [...]
Photo credit: Alex Haney on Uusplash Some of the first words that Jesus spoke to Peter after the resurrection were “come and dine” (John 21:12). In recording this incident of the appearance of Jesus after the resurrection, John makes the point that Jesus “revealed himself in this way” (John 21:1). In other words, [...]
A group of American young people on a missions trip to Africa The teenage years are referred to as the “formative years”—the development and maturing of adolescence (Latin:adolescere meaning "to grow up"). The teenage years are years of adventure, exploration, and learning. But they are also years of struggle, often torturous and painful, [...]
Hymns and hymn-writers are gifts to the Church. Throughout the history of the Church, just a few hymnists have distinguished themselves. Not all are as "gifted" as others and even these we identify as gifted writers, like Watts and Wesley, did not always write great hymns. Only a small percentage of their hymns are used today [...]
It is important to distinguish between a true Church and a healthy Church. Five of the seven churches in Asia minor were “true Churches” but they had serious health problems. Some were dying a slow and silent death. So, it is important to be able to identify health concerns and to work towards a healthy Church. [...]
The words of God, “let us make man” (Genesis 1:26) on the sixth day of creation introduce the creation of a being that would be different from every other part of creation. Man became the greatest part of the week’s work and the only part of creation that is said to be made in the [...]
The term “new song” appears about ten times in Scripture. It is a label for a victory song; fresh praise for fresh victories. The term “new song” is always found with the indefinite article “a new song.” There is nothing in the Old Testament to which we can point and say, “this is the new [...]
Daily devotion is a way of life, not a moment in time. It is, what John Calvin referred to, commenting on Hebrews 4:9, “a sabbathizing reserved for God’s people, that is a spiritual rest; to which God daily invites us.” While there are times when we “do our devotions” these are simply concentrated periods that enable us [...]