At the opening of the 16th century, the people of Germany – and Europe at large – were stuck fast in a quagmire of Romish superstition. Perceiving the soul peril of their congregations, well-meaning priests sought reform by gentle means. But stopping short at a direct confrontation with the hierarchy, such attempts were in vain. A more brazen effort was needed…

History testifies of the greatness of the colonial era of America. Yet it was no patriotic identity or putting of self first that gave strength to that fledgling nation. Far more elevated principles actuated the formerly persecuted pilgrims that settled in North America…

As Christians, we worship the Father as the One God. We perceive Him as the supreme authority from which all created things derive their life, and the One for whose glory man was made. But this is only half of the verse, and if Paul had ended here, we would be left with an incomplete picture…

Throughout human history, the title ‘God’ has been attached to an untold number of things, and broadly misapplied as the great apostle wrote. Since such a fog of confusion surrounds the title ‘God’, should the Christian abandon the word altogether?

The Roman centurion was the backbone of the Roman army. Renowned for its organisation, the Roman military was divided into legions of 5000 men, with each legion under the command of a legate – a politician appointed to duty by Caesar. Being largely inexperienced and incompetent, legion commanders relied heavily on the advice of their centurions…

In times past, a king’s word was a thing to be feared. Although it may have been by force of arms that a mighty man obtained his kingship, once he had proved his strength, his word alone carried great authority…

Over the course of a long 175 years, Abraham was blessed in everything he undertook. He obtained great wealth as a shepherd and cattleman. He was distinguished for valour when called to take up sword against four kings who had taken Lot prisoner. But neither his diligent thrift nor gallant swordsmanship were the subjects of compliment by Jehovah...

The Australian saltwater crocodile is known to be the largest and most aggressive species of crocodilian in the world. According to the director of Wildlife Management International, the chances of surviving a dip in a river infested with these aquatic reptiles is zero...

Obedience to the law of God is seen by many as a redundant requirement of the old covenant. Proclaiming the words of Paul – we are not ‘under the law, but under grace’ – many presume themselves at liberty to forgo obedience to one or all of the commandments of God...

Four times in the book of Revelation, the Lord Jesus announces to His church: ‘I come quickly’. The fact that over 1900 years have elapsed since this promise was given does not abate its potency...

The ancient apothecary was the precursor to the modern chemist; a trade which can be traced back to ancient Babylon. The business of the apothecary was to form compounds from various herbal, mineral, or animal substances which were claimed to alleviate disease...

In an attempt to incite sedition against Heaven, the schools of higher criticism have attempted to point out contractions within holy writ. Seizing upon the spiritual teachings given in the sermon on the mount, such make out that the teachings of the New Testament are at variance with that of the Old. Arguably, the most commonly used hook that cavillers use to hang their doubting hats upon is Mathew 5:38...

The short but powerful epistle of Jude is a warning concerning false teachers. According to Jude, ‘certain men crept in unawares’ to the apostolic church – men who were seeking to corrupt ‘the faith which was once delivered unto the saints’ (Jude 3-4). In verse 13, Jude compares these deceivers to ‘wandering stars’...

To have faith in God’s working and protection over one’s life is not difficult when things are going well. To have the same confidence under affliction and trial is the real test...

In Psalm 101, King David makes a pledge to rule his royal court in righteousness. Knowing that piety begins in the home circle, the wise king applied the same guiding principles to his home life. Truly, this vow of Israel’s sovereign should be the law of every householder…

Until recent history, western civilisation viewed pride primarily in a negative sense. Yet in the post-Christian society of the 21st century, pride is promoted as worthy of celebration. Education, religion, lifestyle, houses, vehicles, clothing, and the body itself are shamelessly flaunted as objects of virtue…

According to ancient custom, the firstborn son of an household is entitled to privileges above his siblings. This law, termed ‘primogeniture’ in English, confers pre-eminence upon the firstborn son from birth, along with a full or double portion of the father’s estate as an inheritance…

In the closing benediction of 1 Thessalonians 5, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to enshrine a set of ennobling spiritual standards in our everyday lives. In the midst of these edifications lies the charge: ‘In every thing give thanks’…

What was it that made Abel’s sacrifice more excellent than Cain’s? According to the inspired apostle, it was the fact that Abel’s sacrifice was offered ‘by faith’. The unacceptable offering of his wicked brother, on the other hand, showed that Cain was ashamed of the gospel of Christ…

The term ‘philosopher’ means ‘lover of wisdom’, and is believed to have been coined by the Greek sage Pythagoras. From the 5th century BC, Pythagoras compassed land and sea in search of learning. Over the course of decades, this prodigious architect of Mystery Babylon attended the most revered Eastern mystery schools of his age, treasuring up arcane knowledge from the feet of Babylonian and Egyptian magi…