“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and…

We’ve all heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were three Jews who were taken to Babylon in exile. King Nebuchadnezzar foolishly issued a law that required everyone to bow down and worship his image whenever music was played for that purpose. Being worshipers of the one true God, these men refused. The…

Peter’s words to the believers in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) are important words for us today. He addresses his letter to the “elect exiles of the dispersion” (1 Peter 1:1). They are far from their true home (the new earth) and must live for their inheritance, “the grace that will be brought to you at…

Yesterday we looked at Matthew 19 and Jesus’ use of the exaggerated analogy of a camel going through the eye of a needle. The comparison was to a rich person entering the kingdom of heaven. This comparison surprised the disciples as they believed that wealth was a sign of God’s blessing. Jesus told them that…

Many have heard the basics of the story, even if they are unfamiliar with the details. Jesus said it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. There have been a number of attempts to explain (away) this statement. For…