Savedthroughfaith.com

There is little debate among Christians as to the basics of how we should live as followers of Jesus in this world. We even find ourselves agreeing with many non-believers about the basic moral teachings of the Bible. However, it this matter of why that I’m after here. Why do you serve as a Christian? What is your motivation? In the 10th chapter of Mark’s fast paced narrative of Jesus’ life we find those following Christ to be, ...

“Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?…’” (Mark 10.38) This is a tremendously important and profound question from Jesus to his disciples. What makes it all the more provocative is the context. The disciples are requesting the premier positions in the kingdom. They are picking out their spots as secretary of state and vice president. They have it all w...

The scene is hard to imagine.  With the Last Supper’s lingering taste still in their mouths the disciples are led with Jesus out toward the Mount of Olives.  The time of Christ’s crucifixion is at hand. But prior to proceeding on the Scripture includes a remarkable detail: (Mar 14.26) And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives Can you imagine this scene?  This is a precious time of singing with the Lord Jesus as h...

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Today is Memorial Day here in the US and it serves a great day to remember those who have served both their generation and the generations to come through their heroic defense of freedom. I think it is fitting and good to honor those who have sacrificed for others. As a former veteran I am especially inclined to be passionate...

“and again, as was his custom, he taught them” (Mark 10.1c) Sometimes, when reading the life of Jesus, we jump over seemingly minor details to get to bigger details that we we know are coming. I would argue, however, that there really are no insignificant items. Take for instance the above reference to Jesus teaching the crowds. We know that Mark 10 goes on to provide a highly charged debate between Jesus and the Pharisess on the topi...

I love the scene at the end of Matthew’s narrative. In particular, the scene involving the ladies at the empty tomb. Mark their response and learn from your great grandmothers in the faith: “they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.” (Matt. 28.9) Amen. This is the right spot for the Christian, for there is no better place to be than clasping with white knuckled faith the nail pierced feet of Jesus. The word chosen here f...

Leviticus 10 is an intrusion on ‘Safe-for-the-whole-Family’ Religion. The fact of the matter is that Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, became dangerously indifferent to the holiness of God. As a result, God judged them without mercy. At the end of chapter 10 (verse 17), Moses asks why they are not doing what they should be doing. They are in effect, paralyzed. Aaron can hardly move. Do you see how, without a perfect mediator, even the holiest...

There is little doubt that the Apostle Paul is experiencing a theological adrenaline rush in the book of Ephesians. He is coming out of his sandals with excitement. This soteriological energy drink doesn’t cause him to sit back with a fat head but rather to get busy praying for other believers. Specifically he prays that the matchless and incomprehensible power of Jesus may work sanctification into the life of believers. Power is an interesting...

A lot of times people flatter themselves and think that they can contain sin, pride in particular. They think that rather than sin mastering them they can master it. This type of thinking demonstrates a disaster waiting to happen. Pride is not something to be handled. It is not for you. It opposes and destroys. There was a disturbing story last summer here in the Omaha area. A 34 year-old man used to walk up and down his neighborhood and show off...

It is an awful fact, whether we like to allow it or not, that pride is one of the commonest sins which beset human nature. We are all born Pharisees. We all naturally think far better of ourselves than we ought. We all naturally fancy that we deserve something better than we have. It is an old sin. It began in the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve thought they had not got everything that their merits deserved. It is a subtle sin. It rules and rei...