Abimelech’s Obsession with Power
The illicit thirst for power, destructive in its ramifications, brings about fitting retribution from God. Of all the narratives in the book of Judges, Yahweh’s presence is felt the least…
The illicit thirst for power, destructive in its ramifications, brings about fitting retribution from God. Of all the narratives in the book of Judges, Yahweh’s presence is felt the least…
Rebellious disdain of one’s divine calling, expressed in uncontrolled lusts and vengeful actions, can lead to destruction. At some unspecified time in the recent past, Samson, in a rage, had…
Godless leadership leads to godlessness in society that invites the discipline of God. Othniel is the perfect model of a judge; Ehud is deceptive; Barak is fearful; Gideon is skeptical…
Faithful trust in God, without pridefully taking credit for divine action, leads to blessing. After the lofty praises sung to Yahweh in Judges 5, we are brought down to terra firma with…
Faithfulness to God manifest in uncompromising godliness and reliance on God brings blessing. Joshua, the one who had begun to lead the Israelites so successfully against the Canaanites, and who…
The Book of Judges closely parallels the times we live in today. We can learn much about our culture from studying this Bible book! Scholar Abraham Kuruvilla introduces us to…
Talking of ants and not being a sluggard …. Good news for those of us who decided—quite reluctantly—that we needed more exercise! Well, we do. But not in the way we…
Disciples commissioned by the divinely powerful Jesus are themselves divinely empowered by him to meet any need. “You yourselves give them to eat!” Mark 6:37 The crowds gathered are like…
Disciples’ commission from Jesus, that attracts the world’s opposition, is enabled by God’s provision. And He [Jesus] said to them [his disciples], “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place…
Jesus’ care, and his power over disease and death, evokes disciples’ fearless, efficacious faith. “Do not be afraid, only believe.” Mark 5:36:41 Mark 5:21–24 and 5:35–43 form the two halves…
Disciples’ faith in Jesus’ person and power enables them to fearlessly face natural and supernatural calamities. “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark…
God’s sovereign action produces fruit in a receptive disciple. “… the good soil[s], who hear the word and accept [it] and bear fruit—one thirtyfold, and one sixtyfold, and one hundredfold.”…
Disciples—insiders with Jesus—are those who do the will of God. For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother. Mark 3:35 This pericope opens…
Following Jesus is not a self-serving enterprise, but one of selfless service. And He came and raised her up, holding her hand; and the fever left her, and she served…
The life-journey of discipleship, the beginning of the establishment of God’s kingdom, involves suffering. And passing by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon,…
Here we are explicitly told what the walk of believers entails: the walk “in love,” the imitation of God and of Christ, who loved with a love beyond compare. Having…
Believers, increasingly conformed to Christ in faith by the Spirit, and comprehending, in community, the immensity of Christ’s love, glorify God who dwells in them. Ephesians 3:14-21 This pericope is…
Paul’s divinely empowered role in the administration of God’s plan forms a paradigm for the ministry of all believers, as God is made known to the cosmos through the church.…
All (believing) humanity has been united in one body, the work of Christ removing the condemnation of the law for sin, winning access to God, and building believers together into…
Believers, once in dire straits, but now sharing Christ’s exaltation, demonstrate to the universe God’s mercy, love, grace, and kindness as they undertake good works. Ephesians 2:1-10 Prior to regeneration,…
As the fullness and body of Christ, the church manifests God’s incomparable power against supernatural foes. Ephesians 1:15-23 This section is essentially a prayer by Paul. He asks that the…
God who blesses his people, redeeming them for his grand plan to consummate all things in Christ, is worthy of being blessed. Ephesians 1:1-14 This opening section of the book…
Mark 6:32–56 Successful ministry involves meeting people’s needs in the power of God. Disciples commissioned by the divinely powerful Jesus are themselves divinely empowered by him to meet any need.…
Dr. Abraham Kuruvilla, seminary professor and medical doctor, discusses why people respect the white coat, and why you need a coat of your own. Did you know that if you…