Author: Jon Mitchell

Zechariah: “Living Waters Will Flow Out From Jerusalem”

The ”living waters” which “will flow out of Jerusalem” (v. 8) clearly refer to the gospel (John 4:10-11).  The good news was first preached at Jerusalem (Lk. 24:47-49; Acts 1:5-8; 2:1ff).  It continued to spread to the whole world (Matt. 24:14; Col. 1:5-6, 23), the likely meaning behind the living waters flowing both “toward the eastern” and “western sea.”  Evangelism throughout the world would continually take place, “in summer as well as in winter.”                                              … Read More Zechariah: “Living Waters Will Flow Out From Jerusalem”

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1 Peter: Christians Are Guarded By The Power of God

The apostle now informs his Christian readers that the power of God guards us (1:5a).  This term, also rendered “kept” in some English translations, comes from the Greek term phroureo and is a military term; it refers to being under military guard.  During biblical times, soldiers at the gates of a city would stand at post to either keep the hostile invaders from entering the city or keep the citizens within that city from leaving the protection of its walls and falling into enemy hands.  Our heavenly Father does the same for us through His awesome power.  The gospel is the power God uses to save us (Rom. 1:16), and this same power is used to guard us from Satan. … Read More 1 Peter: Christians Are Guarded By The Power of God

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The Parable of the Sower: The Path

How does Satan have the power to “take away the word from their hearts”?  Answer: they give it to him.  We can do this too.  The devil does not have the ability to force any of us to do wrong (1 Cor. 10:13).  However, each of us has the ability to choose whether or not to serve God (Josh. 24:15).  Many of us choose to follow our own desires, which Satan uses to successfully tempt us to sin (James 1:13-15; cf. Gen. 3:4-6).… Read More The Parable of the Sower: The Path

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1 Peter: What God The Father Has Done For Us

As Peter brings out, God the Father “has caused us to be born again” (1:3b; cf. 1:23).  Jesus spoke of being born again to Nicodemus, explaining that this rebirth was being “born of water and the Spirit” and necessary to “enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:3-5).  This is a clear reference to being baptized into Christ, which culminates in our salvation and forgiveness of sins (Gal. 3:26-27; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16).… Read More 1 Peter: What God The Father Has Done For Us

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