"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 ...

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, 'Rabboni!' (which means, Teacher." - (Jn. 20:16, NASB)      Does Jesus really know your name? I believe so. The Bible is clear that every hair on our heads are numbered and the LORD takes into account every bird that drops dead to the ground (Mt. 10:29) . In addition, the Bible tells us that God knows every star and calls them by name ( Ps. 147:4 ). So, yes, I believe that God knows your name. Why is that significant?     In the verse above, Mary had been talking to Jesus and two angelic visitors at the tomb where Jesus had been placed just two days prior. She was talking to Jesus, and yet did not realize that she was, in fact, talking with the risen Jesus. It was not until he called her by name that she recognized whom it was speaking to her, but when she heard, "Mary!" she knew.      In American society, names often do not carry the significance they do in many othe...

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:31-33, NASB)    Two weeks ago I read an article by a notable Christian magazine which presented the idea that Christians are free to use marijuana, but they should not. Although I cannot speak directly for Paul, I'm pretty sure that this was not what he meant when speaking of liberty. Usually, any discussion of questionable behavior eventually devolves into a legalism-vs-liberty debate, with supporters on each side brining in "other" topics, which clouds the issue. Christ has given us freedom: freedom from sin, not freedom to sin; freedom to live and serve, not freedom to indulge.    My heart and spirit is deeply disturbed by the willingness of some within the c...

Today's post is a repost of the most popular post of 2013. "Thank you" to each of you that have read, commented, shared, or have otherwise been encouraged in your faith. I look forward to helping you on your spiritual journey for many more years, and pray for God's blessings on each of you! - Pastor Kyle "Do not move the ancient boundary which your fathers have set." - Prov. 22:28 (NASB)    As I think about it, this verse seems especially appropriate for our world today. We do not think about it too much, but our world is filled with boundaries. By definition, boundaries perform one of two important tasks. First, they keep us from something potentially dangerous. Think of a zoo. There are some pretty amazing creatures to see there, many of which are extremely dangerous to us. However, because of the barriers erected, we can observe wolves from a safe location. Barriers also keep things out. Again think of the zoo. Imagine sitting down with your fa...

This week marks one year that I have been posting Biblical insights online. "Thank you" to each of you that have read, commented, shared, or have otherwise been encouraged in your faith. As a way of commemorating the first year, I have decided to post some of the most popular posts of 2013, chosen by your interactions with them. I look forward to many more years of encouraging and equipping believers in the Word. "… And Jesus said to him, 'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes.'" (Mark 9:14-29, emph. v.23, NASB)    The issues of faith and prayer intersect in the passage of Scripture in such a transparent way that it is difficult to find another passage like it in Scripture. Notice how the story plays out. First, the father brings his demon-possessed son to the disciples, who are unsuccessful in bringing relief. He then brings him to Jesus, who has words of rebuke for both the disciples and the father. However, Jesus has no ...