In encounters with a powerful man and a destitute woman, Jesus showed the authority of his word over sickness and death.Larry Trotter

Probably the most difficult of Jesus' commands is for his disciples to love our enemies, following what he already did for his enemies to make us his friends.Larry Trotter

Happy are those who have the kingdom of God, even if they lack much on earth, and the most pitiful are those who do not have the kingdom, even if they have abundance for a short time now.Larry Trotter

In a series of controversies with the religious leaders, Jesus revealed the nature of the Kingdom of God and how he would bring it to the world.Larry Trotter

In three related episodes, Jesus demonstrated his authority to forgive our sins.Larry Trotter

Having defended himself from the devil’s temptations, Jesus went on the offensive as the one anointed to deliver people from sin and oppression.Larry Trotter

As the second Adam and the faithful Israel, Jesus resisted temptation and so can help us when we are tempted.Larry Trotter

In the next pair of sections about John and Jesus, Luke reported that the Word of God came upon John, and the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus.Larry Trotter

The extraordinary events in Jerusalem and the mundane events in Nazareth reveal Jesus' uniqueness and his ordinariness.Larry Trotter

We need to look again at the familiar story of Jesus’ birth to see the many connections with past promises and their coming fulfillment.Larry Trotter

John’s birth and Zechariah’s prophecy pointed to the greatest manifestation of God’s mercy ever.Larry Trotter

Although the son of Elizabeth would be great, the son of Mary would be even greater!Larry Trotter

The opening of Luke's narrative about Jesus helps us know for certain the things we have learned about Jesus.Larry Trotter

While David rejoiced in being rescued from an untimely death, his words pointed to his descendant who would experience an untimely death but be rescued from the grave.Larry Trotter

The ideal king’s marriage to the ideal bride not only teaches us about marriage but also about the relationship between God and his people.Larry Trotter

God’s creation shows forth his majesty and the majesty of humanity and of the Son of Man.Larry Trotter

Starting the day by focusing on the LORD orients the entire day toward him.Larry Trotter

Although the nations are constantly in rebellion against the Lord, he has established his Son as King over the whole world.Larry Trotter

The first psalm describes the two ways to live and their results.Larry Trotter

These two psalms teach us to ask our soul why it is downcast and to answer it with the only hope in life and death.Larry Trotter

The imprecatory (cursing) psalms point to the triumph of God’s justice through judgment or salvation.Larry Trotter

Within the final greetings in his letter to the Romans, Paul included a declaration about the final victory of the church.Larry Trotter

Jesus has authority and power over all things and is bringing the powers of darkness down.Larry Trotter

One of Paul's purposes in visiting Rome was to receive help to get the gospel all the way to Spain.Larry Trotter

Our little work of accepting each other in the church is part of the big work God is doing in the world.Larry Trotter

There are two basic principles that enable Christians with differing convictions on debatable matters to live together in harmony in the church.Larry Trotter

New life in Christ includes submission to governmental authorities, love for the other, and putting on Christ for all to see him.Larry Trotter

In response to all of God‘s mercies described in the first 11 chapters, we are to present our bodies and be renewed in our minds.Larry Trotter

The rejection of Jesus by many Israelites is God‘s plan for the salvation of the nations, and even of Israel itself.Larry Trotter

Although many Jews did not believe the gospel and many non-Jews did, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.Larry Trotter

God is free to define Israel, to show mercy or wrath, and to add to Israel from the nations.Larry Trotter

Although Christians may suffer much, and many things are against us, we will end up being hyper-victorious in Christ.Larry Trotter

Because of the Holy Spirit, believers can live in a way that pleases God.Larry Trotter

Although sin twists the law for evil purposes, the law itself is good.Larry Trotter

Not only did Christ die and rise for his people, but they also died and rose with him, liberating them from sin to live new lives.Larry Trotter

Adam was a type of Christ, each having the same role as the representative of his people, but with opposite outcomes.Larry Trotter

Not only are believers in Jesus justified before God, but we also have peace, grace, hope, love, reconciliation, and salvation.Larry Trotter

Abraham’s example proves that the only way to be right with God is through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works, ritual, law, or the what we can now see.Larry Trotter

After ruling out the possibility of being right with God through the law, Paul presented the only way - through faith in Jesus Christ.Larry Trotter

In the conclusion of his case against humanity, Paul demonstrated that all are under sin, which is why all need the redemption that is only in Christ.Larry Trotter

Salvation is not a matter of racial identity or religious privilege but of true righteousness, which comes through the gospel.Larry Trotter

Although God gave humanity up to our sins, he also gave up his Son for our sins.Larry Trotter

The gospel is the power of salvation for all who believe because it reveals the righteousness of God that is by faith from first to last.Larry Trotter

Paul began his letter to the Romans by explaining the gospel of God and its purpose to bring about the obedience of faith among the nations.Larry Trotter

1 Samuel ends on a sad but hopeful note with Saul killed and David waiting in the wings, but even David and the rest of the kings of Judah were preparation for the ideal Messiah King.Larry Trotter

The opposite results of David's and Saul's desperate measures hold lessons about how to live in the world while not being of the world.Larry Trotter

Three incidents in the life of David illustrate the principle that believers should not pay evil for evil but overcome evil with good while trusting the Lord and letting his hand save.Larry Trotter

God sent his unique Son in human flesh to be the propitiation for sins, Savior of the world, and life for all who believe.Larry Trotter

God's continued rescuing of David from Saul show that God always reserves a remnant of his people and ultimately saves his anointed one from death.Larry Trotter

While David used desperate and even deceptive means of escape, God provided for him because of his grace and faithfulness.Larry Trotter