"Neither was there any among them that lacked". These words obviously apply to material comforts. When the number making up the Early Church was small this was the case. Today the picture is somewhat different though persecution in some parts makes brethren glad to adopt the same policy. Christians are today scattered around the world ... Read more

"who loves to be first". Diotrephes became the cause of much upset within the local Church because of this unchecked desire. The way of the world is to push oneself, trample on others and shout the loudest - if you want to succeed. But things are different in Christ's kingdom. Those wanting to be great ... Read more

"We'll go with you". Not always the wise thing to say, for even the best can be misguided and to go with them would be a mistake. On the other hand companionship, especially when it is extended to those who are cast down, is a kindness. It was when the other disciples agreed to go ... Read more

p>"Even those who challenge God escape". There are those who deliberately flout God's laws and seem to get away with it. As Malachi said, 'the evildoers prosper', whilst those who do right often suffer oppression and hardship. You may have experienced this sort of injustice personally or with someone close to you. The cry of ... Read more

"Why this waste? ". The disciples confused hoarding with saving, and using with wasting, when they made this unkind remark about the woman who poured her flask of costly fragrant oil upon their Master. What use is the most treasured and valuable possession stored away? Its only real use is that when the opportunity arises ... Read more

"too wonderful". The Psalmist cannot find words that adequately describe the Lord and what He has done for him. First, he tries to describe how the Lord knows all about him. Then he shows us how impossible it is to flee from the Lord - He is in the uttermost parts of sea and earth, ... Read more

"I am better off dead than alive". Have you ever heard such nonsense? - and from a prophet of the Lord, too! Yet Jonah has not been the last to adopt this attitude. He, like many others since, did not get his own way in the path God had chosen for him and so became ... Read more

"now they have no excuse for their sin". Modern translations use the word 'excuse' for cloak or covering. Jesus is teaching that His coming swept away any excuse man felt he was able to make for his sin. There is no excuse for the sinner continuing that way because Jesus' blood cleanses from all sin. ... Read more

"and increasing in the knowledge of God". The Christian life is a progression and ever moving forward. Not least in this advance is an increase in the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God is the greatest of sciences. Those seeking after God are ever discovering new areas: their path is strewn with blessing at ... Read more

"they came to Elim". The place called Elim to which the children of Israel came shortly after they left Egypt in what was to be 40 years' wandering in the desert speaks of 1. refreshment and never ending supply - there were twelve springs of water 2. peace and safety - seventy palm trees provided ... Read more