Suffering is God’s scholarship grant endowed to the believer for the school of life. Philippians 1:29 says, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”1 The word “granted” (G5483) means to show...
Someone once said, “The book of Revelation is not hard to understand—it is hard to believe!” What they meant by the words “hard to believe” could be open to interpretation, but one thing is for sure: Revelation is trustworthy because the author is Jesus...
A young city girl was in the country for the first time and looking up into the night sky commented, “Oh, mother, if heaven is so beautiful on the wrong side, what must it be like on the right side!”1 Indeed, how can we possibly know what God’s dwelling place is like...
The word translated “overcome” (nikao, G3528) derives from the word “victory” (nike, G3529). It means “to conquer, to get the victory, to prevail.”1 Therefore, overcomers are victorious. But how and over what? Prior to the cross, knowing He would ultimately...
Shining Lights Youth Retreat March 10-12 • Grace Gospel Chapel 1642 Ehrets Lane, Allentown PA Grace Gospel Chapel in Allentown is planning the return of the Shining Lights Youth Retreat! The retreat for high-school, college, and career-aged youth will be held on March...
by Karen Sparks What if Christ had not risen? What if He still lay in the tomb? What if that great, heavy stone Still sealed that cold, dark room? Then faith in Christ would be worthless; Our sins could not be forgiven. Separated from God forever— We’d have no hope of...
“…And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…” Isaiah 9:6 Asking my co-worker years ago how she came to name her son, she caught me by surprise when she said, “I made it up.” I had expected her to say that it was...
O Little Town of Bethlehem is one of the most beloved carols of the Christmas season. However, it is much more than a sentimental story that took place in Bethlehem. Bethlehem was a small quaint town, about 6 miles (10 kms) south of Jerusalem. Throughout its long and...
Many will remember the famous prize fighter Muhammed Ali, and his larger than life persona. We mainly recall his continual onslaught of statements claiming to be the greatest. There is something in our culture that enthrones greatness, yet most people have widely...
The grass felt cool and comforting on my back as I laid my head back and closed my eyes. But the pain in my leg raced up and down from my toes to my stomach like the clawing of a furious animal. White haze filled my vision and I felt sick to my stomach. That morning...
For the past 150 years, the evangelical church has given great emphasis to God’s promises to the nation of Israel. Christians were those who rejoiced the loudest when Israel became a nation on May 14, 1948. Evangelical Christians understood that God would be faithful...
With a desire to see a new generation love the Word of God and the God of the Word, the Into Your Bible podcast with Nate Bramsen was launched in May of 2022. Following verse-by-verse exposition, this Bible study program features a new episode every other Monday....
It has been my privilege to be part of an international group studying the Scriptures by Zoom. Just recently, we began a study of the Gospel of Matthew. What a blessing this has been! In the opening verses of chapter 1, we have the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which...
It was on May 14, 1948, that David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel. On the same day, United States President Harry S. Truman also recognized the new nation. It was an improbable event in the world’s eyes. After centuries of exile, the...
Since the Bible says they came from the east (v. 1), the wise men (magi in the original; G3097) were likely from Persia or southern Arabia, both of which lay east of Israel.1 That they used the term “King of the Jews” for Jesus would suggest that they were Gentiles...
Shining Lights Youth Retreat Grace Gospel Chapel1642 Ehrets Lane, Allentown PAMarch 10-12, 2023 Grace Gospel Chapel in Allentown is planning the return of the Shining Lights Youth Retreat! The retreat for high-school, college, and career-aged youth will be held on...
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.For Christ is born of Mary, and, gathered...
When Nehemiah received word from one of his brethren that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and its gates had been burned with fire, he sat down and wept after hearing this disturbing news (Neh. 1:2-3). It was disappointing enough that the conditions of the wall...
It is not uncommon in our day to hear people say that prophecy is not important. They insist that we ought to focus on more important matters like evangelism or discipleship and not waste precious time on secondary matters like prophecy. While I empathize with their...
The modern age is plagued by doubt. Moral relativism’s onset erodes certainty, leaving indecision about ultimate reality in its wake. Even in religious circles doubt is lauded as humble and high-minded.1 Yet the Bible teaches believers to take their doubts to the...