“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” ~Apostle Paul
God made plans for us that gave Him pleasure in putting together. It was not an inconvenience to Him in …
Author Archives: Michael Wilson
Is a good life like a fruit bearing tree?
Why it is important: When we live the life, God has intended for us, it is like a tree that …
Do spiritual riches more than compensate for material poverty?
The lack of spiritual riches and gifts is seen by Scripture as an especially distressing cause of poverty. Awareness of …
When would Jesus’ hour come?
Is Jesus slow? No, not all. God has made certain promises to us. Some days we say, “OK God, when?” …
Does love always look for the best?
God is love. God is always looking for the best in us. He does not see our foibles and quirks. God …
Have we been made free by the truth?
We all know people who have something to say about everything. Is this me? Is this you? Think about it. …
Have we fully considered the cost of discipleship? Have we carefully considered it all?
Jesus was quite explicit about the cost of following Him. Discipleship requires a totally committed life: “Any of you who does …
“What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” ~The Disciples
Jesus calms the storm. Jesus did not cause the storm to arise. The storm was not His doing at all. …
Is God Glorious? Is God Infinitely Beautiful and Great?
John Piper defines God’s glory like this: “The glory of God is the infinite beauty and greatness of God’s manifold …
Why isn’t the word of God always heard and acted on?
Jesus knows that God’s word is not always received well. The seeds on the road are those who hear the …
Is Jesus the Messiah a servant? Is He the “suffering servant”?
The greatest of all Messianic prophecies in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Scriptures / the Old Testament) concerning the advent of …
Do we know who Jesus is? Will we tell others?
Jesus challenges us to know who He is. He is clear. He is straightforward. He is the Messiah. The woman …
Are unbelievers spiritually blind?
To be spiritually blind is not to see the Messiah, and not to see the Messiah is not to see …
Why does Jesus want us to be pure in how we see sex?
Jesus challenges us to see how corrupt our heart can be, and it is about our heart. Jesus says do …
Is sharing in fellowship a result of God’s love?
God has a great goal and vision for fellowship. It is one of the two big things Jesus expects from …
Why did Jesus have so little honor in his hometown and on the streets he played in as a child?
Jesus was working for God. One of many of gifts of Jesus was being a prophet. Jesus goes home to …
Is Jesus the Messiah’s divinity expressed in His being our Lord [Master]?
Master [Lord] is a common divine title in the Greek OT and is instinctively transferred to Jesus the Messiah in …
What should we do with the light?
Jesus brings us the light of truth. Jesus illuminates us about GOD. Since we have seen the light, Jesus challenges …
Why do we need to be on guard against all clever facsimiles? Is Jesus the real thing?
Not everything is the real thing. There is the real GOD and there are clever facsimiles. It may, in fact, …
Is it clear to all we meet that we are on their side?
The main idea: Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you are on their side, …
Why was Jesus the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem?
Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem when his parents, Mary and Joseph, lived in Nazareth? The primary reason the birth …
Are we in a battle with the devil, the evil one?
Why this is important: We live in a world where we think we can get the answer to anything automatically. …
Is peacemaking a big goal given to us from Jesus?
Why this is important: Jesus continues on with his manifesto (aka sermon on the mountain). Jesus calls on us to …
Is God Warning those who deny Jesus the Messiah?
God is warning us all. It is a dangerous proposition to deny Jesus. Defiance is an extremely dangerous attitude. Atheists …
What happens when we ignore discipline in our lives?
Discipline is a very important principle in God’s world. God disciplines us for our own good. God is a loving …
Does idolatry lead to other sinful behavior?
From idolatry to immorality is just one short step. If man is his own god, then he can do whatever …
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” ~Apostle Paul
Why this is important: God doesn’t hold anything back from us. God gives us the full report about what life …
Do we believe Jesus will heal us?
It is a good question. Sometimes I believe yes, sometimes I don’t even think about it. I am forgetful of …
Should the church help the poor?
Paul is planning a big trip. One obstacle, however, remains in the way of Paul’s trip to the western part …
“It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” ~Samaritans
Jesus knows us. He knows us inside and out. Nothing is hidden from Him. God is light and in Him …
Are we filled with joy and the Holy Spirit?
In Acts we learn that “And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52 …
“I am the door” ~Jesus
Jesus used the same phrase “I AM” in seven declarations about Himself. In all seven, He combines I AM with …
Are we planning for the worst? What does Jesus think about that?
Why this is important: We often worry about what might happen. Conventional wisdom says “plan for the worst”. And so …
Why do we commemorate Jesus the Messiah’s atoning death in the Lord’s Supper?
Why this is important: Jesus came to atone for our sin. Jesus came to pay the price for our having …
Do you think it’s possible to enter the house of an able-bodied man, and walk off with his possessions unless you tie him up first?
Jesus challenges us to be awake and able-bodied. Jesus knows that unless Satan ties us up first, our possessions can’t …
Is Jesus God’s Anointed One (the Messiah)?
The origin of anointing was from a practice of shepherds. Lice and other insects would often get into the …
Do we start with enthusiasm? Does the enthusiasm go very deep? What happens when we are tested?
Jesus challenges us to understand that perseverance is more important than passion and enthusiasm alone. God’s goal for us is …
Are we ready to take God seriously?
God’s plan for us is plain, clear and simple. God challenges us to love, do justice, be kind and be …
Is it time to try something new?
Why this is important: We seek and search for the “new thing” and the “new message”. It is the shiny …
Jesus and the homeless problem. What should we do?
As Jesus remarked to Judas Iscariot, ‘You always have the poor with you’ (John 12:8). Looking around at the cities, …
Can we hold back the flood of fear?
Fear can overtake us. Anxiety challenges our ability and attitude. Some days it is like a flood. Fear can be …
Is our goal to be perfect?
The word perfect in Matthew 5:48 does not imply sinlessly perfect, for that is impossible in this life. It suggests …
“Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.” ~Jesus
Jesus challenges us to know that the harvest is ready. There is no waiting. People are ready to hear the …
What is the main thing about the main thing?
Jesus is beginning to wrap up his Manifesto (aka the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7). Jesus now lays …
Should serious doctrinal errors be tolerated?
In our age of “tolerance,” and “wokeness” moral relativism is touted as the supreme virtue. Every philosophy, idea, and faith …
Is there a connection between what God does and what we do?
God wants us to act on what He is talking with us about. Jesus gets that. Jesus knows what the Father …
What are we to do? Does Jesus expect us to obey?
What are we to do? It all starts with listening. From there, as a follower of Jesus, we are to …
Did you lock the doors?
Did you lock the doors? That was the compelling question the morning Jesus rose from the dead in an incorruptible …
Does Jesus want us to take a break and get a little rest?
Why this is important: There have been way too many times I have ignored getting some rest. I worked too …
What are examples of meekness?
Jesus is clear that I am fortunate if I am meek and gentle. I will in fact inherit the earth …
What should we make of Isaiah’s prophecy about the virgin birth of Jesus?
Is God with us? Yes!! Jesus was born to the virgin Mary. He lived among us as God’s son. He was …
What should followers of Jesus do about abuse?
Why this is important: There is right and there is wrong. We all know the difference. We must remember to …
Are we praying like a hypocrite? Jesus wants to know.
Prayer essential in our relationship with God. One of the pillars in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) is …
What is the task of the church in the mission given to us by Jesus? Is it making disciples?
We have been given a mission from our Master Jesus. The Greek verb translated go is actually not a command …
Are we ready to hear what Jesus has to say?
Some days we just don’t see what is going on. We desperately need insight. We aren’t hearing the wisdom of …
Why aren’t we at peace?
Why this is important: There are times I am clearly not at peace. I am not at peace with myself …
How can we be delivered from the evil one?
Why this is important: Jesus taught us to pray. Jesus gave us the template. The prayer is a part of …
Does God Have a Sense of Humor?
Does God have a sense of humor? God is good and in a good mood. This has always been true. …
How should we give to the needy?
Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and …
Is a true prophet’s godly life a reflection of his calling?
Why this is important: Jesus said, “a tree is recognized by its fruit”. When looking for “fruit,” here are specific …
Are we living in darkness, blind to our reality?
God’s goal for us is for us to love our brothers and sisters in Jesus, the Messiah. When we receive …
What will we hear Jesus say to us at the end of the day?
Can Jesus depend on me? There have been many times where He could not. I did not step up to …
What should we do about lust in our lives?
The Jesus Manifesto is radical. Jesus changes the way things work in the new covenant (aka contract, agreement or testament). …
What are the spiritual resources needed for exorcising demons?
Why it matters: The Bible speaks of demons as real, actual beings. However, Scripture’s depiction of demons is very different …
Why leaders push for position? Why do demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, the God-deniers, the Messiah-defier?
King David understood terrorism very well. He was in battle after battle for his life and his men. He defeated …
Are we asking, knocking and seeking? Will we persist?
Why it matters: Jesus continues the lessons from His Manifest (Matthew 5-7). This one is very important. It is the …
Are we learning how to be gentle and meek?
Jesus is a kind, loving King. Jesus is not angry with me. Jesus wants me to be kind and gentle. …
What is the outcome of mourning?
Jesus is ushering in the Kingdom of God. I like to think of Matthew 5 to 7 as his manifesto …
Is God’s plan through Jesus the Messiah for the salvation of Gentiles as well as Jews?
God’s plan: God has a master plan. Some of it seems a mystery to us but we can be confident …
Do good people last? Can they be moved?
Jesus came to give us an abundant life. And true to God’s word, we have it in Jesus. God is …
Are we guilty of contempt?
Are we treating Jesus with contempt? Now that is a tough question. I don’t really want to think about it. …
Is this yeast worth being warned about?
Religious establishment elites and leaders of the early first century were driven by desires for secular power, politics and religious …
Is there truth in the saying, ‘This one sows, that one harvests.’?
Jesus is clear that we don’t always know our role but we have to tell everyone the Good News. It …
Can we predict how hard it will be for us in following Jesus?
This Jesus saying is a part of what I call the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7) aka the Sermon …
Do we have respect for God’s word?
It is essential that we have great respect for God’s words. What do we know about the word of God? …
All this time and money wasted — do we think it makes that much difference?
Jesus knows how to ask questions. He forces us to get clear. What is important? Perhaps the question is rhetorical …
What does resurrection to an incorruptable body mean?
The resurrection of Jesus is stunning. It is not to be just celebrated at Easter. It is the core of …
Is the cost of following Jesus carrying one’s cross?
Today the cross is an accepted symbol of love and sacrifice. But in that day the cross was a horrible …
Is there anything that can’t be forgiven?
Why this is important: Jesus is in the forgiveness business. That is the truth. When Jesus says it we can …
Why can’t I judge others?
Should I judge others? Jesus is clear in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5-7). I have plenty of my own issues. …
Can we magnify God in our worship?
Giving glory to God through worship and through upright living. God’s people are exhorted to praise him and to bring …
What is competing with our loyalty to Jesus?
Loyalty to Jesus, the Messiah, has lots of competition. God doesn’t just want to be first. God wants to be …
Are we on fire with the Holy Spirit of God?
Why this is important: I am not immune to competing for my spiritual faction (aka denomination). I think it is …
Can we handle the truth about Jesus and the power of His resurrection?
The main thing: Jesus died for me and on the third day after He was buried Jesus was raised from …
Have God-Haters taken over? Will they prevail?
The God-haters are running amuck. They come after the followers of Jesus. I sure feel like this some days. …
Is salvation seen as one God’s achievements?
God is God and God does amazing things. We glory in His creation. It is stunning and overwhelming in its …
Has our scientific power outrun our spiritual power?
Technology will not save us. Technology is not the answer to our problems. Science has failed to deliver us to …
Will we see Jesus clearly?
Is this going to be a turning point for us to see Jesus clearly and obey Him in our journey …
Bravo God! Bravo!
Where is our enthusiasm for God and His marvelous works? Why don’t we shout it out? Do we long for …
Why do we doubt Jesus?
Peter started it. Peter is bold. Is Peter showing off for the others? Perhaps. Peter plows ahead though. Then … …
Is the wage of a good person an exuberant life?
God’s goal for us is that we be joyful and enthusiastic. When we are good and wise, we have a …
How can we love our enemies?
This is important: Jesus is all about forgiveness. That is the reason God sent him to us. We need forgiveness …
Are we just dwelling on the past and the “good old days”?
How often do I dwell in the past? Remember the time …. Ah, the good old days!! Nostalgia is interesting …
Do wrong motives hinder effective prayer?
Often we veil our religious quarrels under the disguise of “spirituality.” We have the wrong motives. We are like Miriam …
Are we trying to cover up our corrupt heart?
Jesus challenges us to be the real deal. Nothing worse, in God’s world, than faking it. May I be genuine …
Does hope disappoint?
The main thing: Now this is amazing. I am not disappointed when I hope. In my hope, I see Jesus. …
Will we let our light shine?
Why it is important: Jesus makes a declaration about His followers in the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5 – 7). We …
Jesus has a question for us.
Do I want to get well? Jesus is in the healing business. Jesus can heal me physically and Jesus can heal …
How amazing are the miracles of healing that Jesus performed?
We are all amazed at the miracles of Jesus. They are stunning. The scope of the power of God in …
Is the Harvester waiting?
Jesus challenges us to understand that God is ready to act. God isn’t waiting around. God will move. God isn’t waiting. …
