BibleVersity

"But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus." - Jn. 12:10-11 (NASB)    The story of Lazarus miraculous return from the grave is one of the greatest miracles Jesus performed during his earthly ministry. Jesus allowed His friend to remain dead for four days until He showed up at the tomb and commanded Lazarus to live again. This incredible act showed his disciples, the onlookers, and even the unbelieving that He was God. What we often miss is the events that follow.    In chapter twelve, just prior to Jesus' entering of Jerusalem for the last time before the crucifixion, there was a plot to kill Lazarus. Yes, the same man whom Jesus had just raised from the grave. The religious leaders wanted to kill him for the simple reason that many of the Jews were coming to believe in Jesus. The miracle that Lazarus has received was extraordinary, but being brought ba...

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but it's end is the way of death." - Prov. 16:25 (NASB)    Solomon's words are so simple, and yet so true. I realize that there is nothing new, in regard to sin. The same problems that have been plaguing men since the beginning are still here today. Yes, they may be dressed up and presented differently, but they are still the same.    Solomon's words speak to our world as much as his own some three thousand years ago. Man, by his own account, does what "seems right" to him. Some have used the phrase "moral relativism", and I think that is appropriate. Society continually changes what is right and what is wrong. There are social, sexual, and spiritual themes that persist today, and are deemed "right" by society, and yet run contrary to the Word of God. Even if a people group, a government, or a church condone them as acceptable behavior, they are still wrong when they run contrary ...

"A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The naive proceed and pay the penalty." - Prov. 27:12 (NASB)     We have all seen warning signs. Perhaps not like the one pictured here, but most of us have seen signs related to traffic accidents, high water, downed power lines, or others like them. Sometimes the signs are not as obvious, such as strange noises coming from the car engine, a teenage son or daughter repeatedly getting into trouble at school., or a cough that will not go away. Regardless what the particular sign may be, they serve a purpose: they warn us of some potential problem that lies ahead. What we do concerning these signs is of the utmost importance.    Solomon tells us that it is the prudent man that sees the evil. Living as a child of God demands some foresight on our part. We live in a world of depravity and evil, so it is understandable that we encounter these in our daily adventures. However, just because evil is present in this world ...