Ritualism, Riches, and Error “And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They began to discuss his among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” But Jesus, aware of this, said, “How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But […]
Hypocritical Holiness “He spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous,and set all others at nought” (Luke 18:9, from the ASV unless otherwise noted). Jesus said to his disciples first, “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1). Thus, this lesson is especially for us. Jesus warned us also against the leavens of the Sadducees (Zadokites) and Herodians (Matthew 16:6‑12, Mark 8:15) but each time emphasized the leaven of the Pharisees. […]
Paul’s Advice on Love “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:78, Scriptures from NIV). By Tom Gilbert Christian people, in general, know that 1 Corinthians 13 is the “love chapter” of the Bible, just as they know that John 3:16 tells us that God’s love for humanity was so great that […]
The Prince of Peace “He will speak peace to the nations; and His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10, NASU).1 by Tom Gilbert Of all the titles given in the Bible for the Son of God, perhaps none is more pleasant to the tongue and the mind than “the Prince of Peace.” There is no human heart that does not yearn, at least at some deep subconscious level, for […]
The Privilege of Saints “By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16). by Tom Gilbert God chose Abraham and his descendants to be his special people on the earth. He made this choice because of the unwavering faith and obedience of Abraham. After delivering Israel from […]