Author: Jon Mitchell

Zechariah: Holy to the Lord

The “Feast of Booths,” booths being tabernacles or tents, was observed under the old covenant as a time of joy and gratitude as Israelites celebrated how their time in the wilderness had ended and God had allowed them to dwell in the Promised Land (Lev. 23:34-43).  This is likely a figurative way of prophesying how those who had been lost and enemies of the church but now are followers of Jesus have similar reason to rejoice.  God’s grace had brought them out of the wilderness of sin and now they are in the “Promised Land,” citizens of his Son’s kingdom with eternal life as their destiny.… Read More Zechariah: Holy to the Lord

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Delight in the Law of the Lord

“His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:2).  The man who “greatly delights” in the “commandments” of the Lord is “blessed” (Ps. 112:1).  He prays for the Lord to “lead me in the path of your commandments” because “I delight in it” (Ps. 119:35).  He recognizes the sobering but wonderful truth that “if your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (Ps. 119:92).  For that and many other reasons, he sincerely says, “I find my delight in your commandments, which I love” (Ps. 119:47).  It is this love and delight for the will of God that motivates the godly individual to “meditate day and night” upon the “law” of God.… Read More Delight in the Law of the Lord

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Zechariah: “The Lord Will Be King Over All The Earth”

Outside of the church within the world, sin reigns and thus brings forth all kinds of destruction, including the ultimate destruction of hell.  However, the Lord and King of all protects those who are within the walls of the spiritual Jerusalem which is the church of Christ (Matt. 6:25-34; 1 Cor. 10:13; Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 13:5-6; 2 Pet. 2:9; cf. Is. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-4).… Read More Zechariah: “The Lord Will Be King Over All The Earth”

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“But You, You Are To Be Feared!”

Jehovah is all-powerful.  His might is supreme, far above the pitiful, temporary power held by earthly rulers who only rule to begin with because he wishes it (Rom. 13:1-2; cf. John 19:11; Dan. 2:21; 4:17; 5:20; Job 12:18).  Ultimately, all resistance to his will is futile.  Serving him in all aspects of our lives is profitable for us in every way, both in this life and in the life to come (1 Tim. 4:8).  Let us therefore commit all of ourselves to God, and keep our commitments faithfully (Eccl. 5:1-5; cf. 1 John 1:6-9).… Read More “But You, You Are To Be Feared!”

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Grace and Repentance…What Wonderful Blessings!

How is the Christian who darkens the church assembly doors every Sunday, sits in the pews, says “Amen” at the appropriate times, sings the hymns, partakes of communion, and gives a weekly offering “deceiving (himself)” if he is one who does much hearing of the pulpit’s message but little applying of it to his life throughout the week?  Answer: there is little to no actual repentance of his sins in this man’s life…and yet he, if asked, would sincerely answer that he is a faithful disciple of Christ because, after all, “I go to church all the time.”  James would say this man is deceiving himself.  David would agree, saying that there is much “deceit” in his “spirit,” specifically deceit aimed at himself. … Read More Grace and Repentance…What Wonderful Blessings!

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