<b>"the children of Israel … had feared other gods".</b>  They could only do this because they stopped fearing or worshipping the Lord Jehovah. It happened after a number of evil kings had ruled in Israel and the nation was carried captive into Assyria. You cannot worship other gods unless you turn away from the Lord ... Read more

<b>"until". </b> Jesus used this little word with great effect. In the days of Noah they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage UNTIL the day Noah entered the ark. Jesus told us in His parable that God allows wheat and tares (good and evil) to grow together UNTIL harvest. The Psalmist realised ... Read more

<b>"The Prince of Peace".</b>  This name is experienced when you receive the forgiveness of sin and peace with God that He offers. The heathen rage and the nations engage in war as the Psalmist said. National peace is an illusive goal. To understand this title we must look at the conflict between good and evil ... Read more

"king Ahaz … saw an altar that was at Damascus". He journeyed to Damascus to visit the king of Assyria whose help he had sought in resisting armed incursions from the king of Israel and from the Syrians. While in Damascus he saw an altar which he liked so much that he sent the pattern ... Read more

"the clay was marred in his hands”. Marred or imperfect clay did not matter when it was still in the hands of the potter. The prophet described the Master Potter remaking the vessel, not doing a repair. God does not patch up those who put themselves in His hand, He makes them anew. Anyone in ... Read more

"Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you”. Peter's third answer was to the effect that Jesus already knew the answer: he did love Jesus. It was not that Jesus should know but that Peter should know, that the question was asked three times. What the Lord had done and was yet ... Read more

"and their minds (are) closed so they cannot understand”. Whoever will form a balanced opinion must see what God's Word says and must take God into the equation. The prophet was writing about people who were religious but whose religion was nonsensical. They cut down wood - with one piece light a fire and bake ... Read more

"the disciples came together to break bread”. It was a time of spiritual refreshment and worship as well as fellowship with one another. Persecution and opposition ensured they looked forward to this occasion. The disciples would draw great strength from this act of obedience and communication: they would also eagerly anticipate the return of the ... Read more

"as the clay is in the potter's hand”. The lump of clay does not resist the potter's work upon it. If it could resist the vessel might never be made. The potter has complete control. Even when an attempt is thwarted for one reason and another, the potter will start again. So the Lord will ... Read more

"So you also must be ready”. A day is coming when Jesus will return. Repeatedly we read of this in the New Testament. Jesus said He was coming back and the disciples preached this truth. After two thousand years it is a promise nearer fulfilment than ever. No one knows when it will be and ... Read more