Daily Bible Message Blog

Anxiety

By Nathan Williams on Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Upon reading John 4:46-54 about the nobleman's deathly-ill son, I got to thinking about anxiety. I think this nobleman gives a pretty neat outline of dealing with trouble in our lives.

1. He went to Jesus. This is the the first thing we ought to do (Phil. 4:6).

2. He did not let pride or disbelief get in the way. He was a nobleman, after all. Why should he talk to the son of a carpenter?

3. He laid out his problem to Jesus and asked for help.

4. When Jesus said, "Go; your son lives," he went. He didn't challenge Jesus or ask questions, he simply obeyed.

When will I learn to ask for help? It would make life so much more bearable! Read More »

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Sermon on the Mount

By Nathan Williams on Monday, January 14, 2008

Jesus did not preach a lovey-dovey, sparkles and rainbows type of sermon. He encouraged His audience to enter the kingdom of heaven, but said it would be difficult. Those who wish to enter must be more righteous than the Pharisees, who were recognized (at least among themselves) as the most righteous sect of the Jews! Jesus preached a plan of righteous living, where men and women are called to a high standard. He also made plain the consequences, mentioning “hell” three times.

The way some preach Jesus, we would expect only a lesson on love. Jesus does deal with love, but perhaps not the way we might expect. “Love your enemies,” He said. “Pray for those who persecute you,” He said. And then He did s ... Read More »

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Are You A Nathanael Or A Pilate?

By Nathan Williams on Tuesday, January 08, 2008

John 1:45-46: Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

He did come and see, which is admirable in itself. Contrast Nathanael’s response to Pilate’s towards the end of John’s gospel. They both ask questions.

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What Did Satan Actually Know?

By Nathan Williams on Monday, January 07, 2008

I wonder what the devil knew about Jesus. Jesus was praised and worshiped at His birth with much commotion. I have to believe Satan noticed all the activity and had his eye on Jesus as He grew up. Then, at Jesus' baptism, a voice from heaven said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased" (Matt. 3:17). Immediately after His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) into the wilderness SO THAT He might be tempted by the devil. This was an arranged meeting, God vs. Satan.

The tempter's (Matt. 4:3) first two questions began with: "If You are the Son of God..." I wonder if the devil knew Jesus really was the Son of God. He temped Jesus to PROVE He was the Son of God. Did he know? He had just heard the ... Read More »

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The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus

By Nathan Williams on Wednesday, January 02, 2008

I have read these verses many times in the past, but I don't remember SEEING them.

Luke 1:31-35:

31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.
32 "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."
34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High&l ... Read More »

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