By: Obed Pineda It is well recorded in Holy Writ that one of our Lord’s preferred methods of teaching was through the use of parables (cf. Matthew 13:34-35). Although it is one type of figurative language employed by the Master, it was not the only one He utilized when teaching…
By: Obed Pineda Man without Christ has no solution for spiritual death; yet, “there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). Various ancient philosophers throughout history frequently sought an earthly…
By: Obed Pineda It is often the case that upon coming across the directive “be sober,” one instantly associates it with abstaining from the consumption of intoxicants (i.e. alcohol or drugs). Although this is certainly a proper interpretation of the instruction, it is curious how it can apply in other…
By: Joel & Lydia Ramirez We are not justified because we successfully walk the righteous path. Through the work of Christ we are washed, sanctified, and justified; having been set apart for God, we begin to walk a different path. The fruit produced along that path does not purchase our…
By: Joel & Lydia Ramirez Psalm 37 follows a similar pattern to Proverbs 12 and Psalm 1. It begins by calling us to trust in the LORD, commit our way to Him, and wait patiently for Him. That trust begins to shape our steps, and those steps reveal a recognizable…
By: Joel & Lydia Ramirez Recently in the Wednesday Adult class, we were given the homework of looking at Proverbs 12:26 and trying to understand why the King James Version, New King James Version, and New American Standard Bible translate this verse so differently. It is important to understand from…
By: Obed Pineda It could be said that having a great memory is a remarkable gift, but like most things in life the validity of this statement depends on how said gift is being used. Some may argue that in certain instances, a short memory can actually serve as a…
By: Obed Pineda Reconcile (v.): 1. To reestablish a close relationship between. 2. To settle or resolve (The American Heritage Dictionary, p. 700). There is a question that, in this author’s modest assessment, is worth contemplating very attentively. What is more difficult: to ask for forgiveness or to forgive? At…
By: Joel Ramirez We’ve all heard the driving adage: “It is impossible to drive when you only look at the rearview mirror. There is more windshield than rearview mirror for a reason.” It’s a simple truth with profound spiritual implications. Yes, we need to know what’s behind us. Glancing in…
By: Obed Pineda On the day that the prophet Isaiah was commissioned by Jehovah God, his marching orders were “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and…