This morning, we sailed across the Sea of Galilee, the lake that will be forever associated with Jesus. I requested that the motor on the boat be shut down for several minutes so that all of us could quietly meditate on Jesus walking on the water, the familiar story that was the basis for my devotional given to the entire tour group...
King Saul—the spear thrower who teaches us that half-hearted repentance is not repentance at all!
Today we visited the ruins of Beit She’an in Northern Israel, a city forever associated with King Saul, whose mutilated body was hung on the walls by the victorious Philistines. A study of Saul’s life yields a treasure trove of psychological insight. He repented five times, but no sooner were his tears dry than he went back to his sinful ways. At least twice he threw a spear at David, intending to pin him against a wall. But David, to his credit, did …
Come with me to the ancient ruins of the synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus taught and displayed His power. While Jesus was teaching, we read that a man with an unclean spirit entered and addressed Jesus. The evil spirit cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the holy one of God” (Mark 1:24).
I know who you are—the holy one of God!
It has been said that demons are such notorious liars that the only time you can believe them is when they tell you …
Only Jehovah can ignite wet wood!
Today, we toured the summit of Mount Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and proved that pagan gods where no match for Jehovah!
Elijah challenged them to a duel: let’s see whose god can ignite a fire! So the false prophets called on their god, shouting and cutting themselves to show their desperation. Elijah mocked them, saying that maybe their god is on a journey or maybe he is using the bathroom (I Kings 18:27)! After they were exhausted, Elijah asked that water be poured on the altar to make sure …
Welcome to Israel, the most contested piece of real-estate in the world!
As predicted, it happened here and it will happen here again!
We arrived in Tel-Aviv, Israel today, just as the Israeli Shabbat was coming to a close. The name Tel- Aviv means “hill of spring” and refers to the birth of modern Israel, coming alive since its founding in 1948. And as we drive the streets of Tel-Aviv we can say, that indeed, Israel has come alive!
Back in AD 636 unprovoked Arab armies conquered this land simply to expand the Muslim presence. In Jerusalem (where we shall …
Christians often believe God provided salvation at the cross but our contribution is to believe. In fact, Jesus was crucified within the providence and the predetermined plan of God. Pastor Lutzer shares insights into how God’s mercy is displayed in our salvation. What does it take for people to be redeemed?
Many wonder how God's mercy can be compatible with His strong penalties for sin. In the Old Testament and the New, God is never changing in His character—always merciful and longsuffering. Pastor Lutzer explores the hope of God's mercy from Leviticus to Lamentations. Where is God’s mercy in the middle of judgment, despair, or grief?
None of us will enter heaven unless we’re as perfect as God. The moment we realize we have nothing to offer God is the moment we receive God’s mercy and grace. Pastor Lutzer observes the basis for God’s mercy and the posture of any sinner who receives mercy. What’s the difference between mercy and grace?
In such a broken world, many question why God chose the means He did to achieve His purposes. We may even praise God for who He is, but we wonder if all the evil in the world was truly necessary. Pastor Lutzer considers whether evil could eventually contribute to God’s glory. What if we could see from the standpoint of eternity?
We often depend on our own wisdom, or even the world’s, in making everyday decisions. God’s purposes flow from His wisdom, so we should seek His wisdom. Pastor Lutzer reflects on God’s multi-faceted wisdom to create His church and how we can depend on God’s wisdom in our everyday decisions. Do we consult God’s wisdom?