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John A Carroll

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Dec 13, 2017

The Day of the Lord

On the day of the Lord, those who know Him will worship taking refuge in Him, but those who refused Him will tremble in terror. In which group will you be? Today’s Reading Joel 1-3; Revelation 4 Selected Verses The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. Joel 3:16 They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord a

Nov 28, 2017

The Sufferings of Christ

The sufferings of Christ on the cross brought an end to the elaborate (but futile) Old Covenant sacrifices for sin and guilt. And they bring sinners to God. Today’s Reading Ezekiel 40; First Peter 5 Selected Verses And in the vestibule of the gate were two tables on either side, on which the burnt offering and the sin offering and the guilt offering were to be slaughtered. Ezekiel 40:39 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Ch

Nov 13, 2017

Why the Good News is so Good

The gospel teaches us that we can draw near to God confidently because Jesus Christ bore the punishment for our sins. That’s why the good news so good. Today’s Reading Ezekiel 4-6; Hebrews 10:1-25 Selected Verses Then lie upon your left side, and I will lay the punishment of the house of Israel upon you; for the number of the days that you lie upon it, you shall bear their punishment. Ezekiel 4:4 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the bloo

Nov 8, 2017

The Everlasting Covenant

Jesus Christ is the High Priest of a new, everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten. His ministry brings eternal salvation to all who obey Him. Today’s Reading Jeremiah 49-50; Hebrews 5 Selected Verses In those days and in that time, declares the Lord, the people of Israel and the people of Judah shall come together, weeping as they come, and they shall seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with faces turned toward it, saying, “Come, let us join o

Oct 28, 2017

Christ, Our Righteousness

In Jesus Christ there is sure salvation. Why? Because those of us whom He saves do not depend on our own merits. Rather, He is our righteousness. Today’s Reading Jeremiah 23-24; Second Timothy 2 Selected Verses Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And

Oct 16, 2017

Sin–Why We Can’t See God

Sin is what blocks us from seeing and hearing God. He calls us to holiness, but we disobey especially in the area of sexual purity and love toward others. Today’s Reading Isaiah 59-61; 1 Thessalonians 4 Selected Verses Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2 For G

Sep 27, 2017

Unquenchable Joy

Joy–not dependent on circumstances–springs up in the life of those who have God’s Spirit. Nothing and no one can steal that joy from us. It is unquenchable. Today’s Reading Isaiah 10-12; Galatians 5 Selected Verses You will say in that day: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and

Aug 6, 2017

Wait till you hear this!

The story of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt is amazing and inspiring, but it’s nothing compared to what God did next. Wait till you hear this! Today’s Reading Psalm 78; Romans 7 Selected Verses We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. Psalm 78:4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong

Jun 14, 2017

Following Christ without Distraction

God calls people to avoid distractions and focus on following Christ through careful study and applying of His Word. But when we fail is there any hope? Today’s Reading Ezra 6-8; John 21 Selected Verses For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. Ezra 7:10 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to

May 30, 2017

Why Mercy Triumphs over Judgment

To know God is the supreme privilege and responsibility of mankind. But what if we fail? Can there be mercy greater than judgment? Today’s Reading First Chronicles 28-29; John 11:47-57 Selected Verses And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.

May 12, 2017

Two Unlikely Converts

God saves people from every nation, tribe, and tongue who come to Him by faith. Here we meet two unlikely converts: a social outcast and an army general.. Today’s Reading Second Kings 4-5; John 4:1-30 Selected Verses Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 2 Kings 5:15 So the woman left her water j

Apr 23, 2017

The God Who Surprises Us

God often surprises us by His decrees and His ways. Read on to find out how God stunned a king and a social outcast with His grace and mercy. Today’s Reading II Samuel 7-9; Luke 19:1-28 Selected Verses You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God! II Samuel 7:19b And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to sav