New Testament

El Elyon – The Most High God

We learn of the name El Elyon in Genesis 14. The chapter opens with 9 kings engaging in battle—four against five. These are kings of city-states, meaning “each man was like the mayor of a great city, ruling over those within his walled city as well as those in the immediately surrounding area.”[1] After years…

Knowing God by His Names

When you think about God, what comes to your mind? Is He a grandfatherly figure who indulges the least little whim of His grandchildren?

Post Resurrection: The Appearances of Jesus

Easter only exists if Jesus literally appeared again after His death. The Bible speaks of Jesus dying on the cross on Preparation Day (Friday in Jewish culture, see Matthew 27:62) and buried the same day by two Jewish leaders (Matthew 27:57-61; John 19:38-42). Let’s go into detail about the post resurrection appearances of Jesus. The tomb…

Paradise: Where Did Jesus Go After His Resurrection Appearances?

Many emphasize the resurrection of Jesus, but few discuss what happened after His appearances. Where did Jesus go? The event is what Christians call the ascension of Jesus. Acts 1:9-11 reveal what took place following 40 days of appearances by the resurrected Jesus: “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on,…

“It Is Finished”

“It is finished!” (John 19:30). One of the most powerful statements in all of Scripture. This statement (a single word in Greek) was Jesus’ last proclamation from the cross. So, what did Jesus finish? I encourage you to read these verses slowly and let them sink in. On the cross, Jesus finished: the payment for…

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9) Very likely everyone who reads this article understands the importance of working toward peace in our world. Peace at home; peace with our neighbors; peace in our church; racial reconciliation; and a whole host of other relationships. Among verses that could be…

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8) The Scriptures tell us that “no one can see [God] and live” (Exodus 33:20) and that “no one has seen or can see” Him (1 Timothy 6:16). So something quite extraordinary must take place for Jesus to promise that some will “see God.”…

Blessed Are the Merciful

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 6:7 We have come to a turning point in our study of the Beatitudes. Arthur Pink explains, “First, there is a discovery of the fact that I am nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing—poverty of spirit. Second, there is conviction of sin, a…