Showing results by author "F. Wayne Mac Leod" in All Categories

This is a commentary on the Parable fo the Lost Sheep as told by Jesus in Luke 15:3-7. In reality it is a revelation of God's heart for those who have struggled in their faith, fallen into sin or who have found themselves out of fellowship with His people. The parable is not so much about a lost sheep as it is about a shepherd and what He does to find that sheep and restore it to the fold. In this Shepherd, we find a powerful example of what God expects of us as His people as we rub shoulders with the lost sheep of our day.

Psalm 127:1-2 speaks powerfully to a hard working people who find themselves living as if everything depends on their efforts. It challenges those who toss and turn on their beds at night trying to find human solutions to the problems they face. It is a reminder to us that the God who created us is also active in the events of our daily lives. These two verses encourage us to pause for a moment in the busyness of our lives to remind ourselves that the God who created us and allows our circumstances is also working to accomplish His purposes in us.

When sinners meet the Saviour something happens. They are forced to re-examine their lives and priorities. They come to see life through new eyes. They are changed. The Gospel of John is filled with stories of encounters between Jesus and regular people of His day. Each of these encounters is unique and has somethng to teach us about what it means to follow the Lord Jesus. In this study we will examine a variety of these encounters in a way that will challenge you in your own relationship with Jesus. May it be an inspiration to you in your walk with the Saviour.

There is a race marked out for every believer. That race is not always an easy one. There will be obstacles on the path and tamptations to overcome. Hebrews 12:1-3 is an inspiration to those who desire to walk in obedience to the call of God on their lives. Here in these simple verses we are reminded of men and women who have gone before us testifying to the power and faithfulness of the Lord God who leads us in the race. We are challenged to watch out for the obstacles and hindrances on the path before us and encouraged to consider the Lord Jesus as our example and inspiration.

"Our God Reigns." This is a statement of praise and worship to a God who has absolute authority, right and control over the events that take place in this world. The doctrine of the sovereignty of God is one of the most encouraging of all Bible doctrines. Because God is sovereign, I have hope to face each day with all its obstacles and trials. Because He is sovereign, I can be assured that even though I have made a mess of my life there is someone who can use every broken piece to create something beautiful. There is meaning to all that takes place. Our God Reigns takes a practical look at ...

In a day when almost anything seems possible through technology and human wisdom, we need to be reminded again why we need the Holy Spirit and his enabling power. In a day of mass communication, we need to learn how to distinguish the voice of God from all other voices calling for our attention. Learning to walk as God requires is a lifetime effort. Scripture, however, does speak powerfully of our need of a strength greater than our own to live the life God requires. Could it be that one of the greatest tragedies of the Christian life is that we have never learned the importance of the Holy...

Jesus was tempted in every way like you and I are tempted. Though He was fully God He endured the temptation of Satan. Throughout His temptation in Luke 4:1-13, Jesus maintained His integrity by holding firm against all Satan threw at Him. Because He was tempted as we are, He is able to understand what we face. He is also a powerful example for us of how to overcome the temptations and testing that comes our way. The secret to His victory was the Word of God and the power of the Spirit of God. These tools are available to us today as well. Jesus shows us the power in these tools over the ...

What was the purpose of the Law of Moses? What did Jesus mean when He said that He had come to fulfill the Law? If Jesus has fulfilled the Law of the Old Testament, what does He expect of us today? What difference did Christ's death and resurrection make for the New Testament believer? By means of a series of meditations on a variety of Bible passages, this book examines these very important questions. The reader will be challenged to see the work of Christ in a new light.

Often unnoticed, the gatekeepers of the temple guarded the entrance of the temple from defilements and impurities, faithfully administered the financial matters and maintained the temple property. They were the backbone of temple worship, assuring that the Lord their God was honoured and respected in the place set aside for His name.These men of faith teach us much about God and what He requires. In an age where the influences of the world are becoming more and more accepted in the church, we would do well to listen carefully to the gatekeepers of our day.

The Lord has often spoken to me over the years through my Bible reading and studying. Many of those thoughts have found themselves on sticky notes in my Bible. The time has come to share these random reflections with others. This is the first volume of what I anticipate will be a multi-volume series. I have shared many of these reflections in sermon format with my church family at Sovereign Grace Fellowship, Blues Mills. I trust that these random thoughts and lessons will be a blessing to you in your understanding of God, His purpose, and His ways.

The region of Babylon plays an important role in the Bible. There are hints of this great nation from Genesis to Revelation. It is much more than the enemy nation of the Old Testament Jewish nation, however. Babylon has come to represent an even greater and more subtle enemy that continues to cause believers to stumble even in our day. In this study, we will examine the influence of Babylon in the lives of believers from Genesis to Revelation and apply this to the church of our day. This study is devotional in nature and designed to help believers not only to understand the philosophy of ...

Ephesians 2:8-10 is one of the most familiar passages in the New Testament. In these verses, the apostle Paul speaks about salvation, grace, faith, works and being created in Christ Jesus. All these terms and concepts can be confusing. The goal of this study is to bring greater clarity to these notions and show how they apply to us today. In essence, the apostle Paul tells us that the salvation God offers is a free gift provided to all who place their faith and confidence in what the Lord Jesus did on the cross. It is not something we can earn by our efforts or good works. While this ...

Not many of us want to admit that we are old. Old age brings with it a unique set of challenges. As we find ourselves slowing down and pulling out of activities we once enjoyed, we can find ourselves becoming discouraged and humbled. What does the Bible say about aging? What are the promises of God for those who find themselves in this phase of life? What are our God-given responsibilities toward the aged in our society. Does old age mean that we are no longer useful in society or church? The Bible speaks openly about this subject and challenges us not only to respect the wisdom and ...

Many books have been written on the subject of Christian worship. This is not a replacement for these excellent works. It is rather a survey of the teaching of the Bible on this important topic. We will work our way through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, examining passages written in different times and occasions. While the experience of worship varied in these periods, many of the principles we learn from these passages still apply today.

"When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do," said Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 6:7. This is given as a command by our Lord but there is much confusion over what He meant by "empty phrases" or "vain repetitions." The attempt of this brief study is to look at the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6:7-8 in an attempt to understand what He meant by not heaping up empty phrases in prayer. This is not a study of prayer in general but rather a study of this one aspect of prayer. It is the authors goal to bring some clarity and application to this important command of the Lord ...

What happens to those who die? •What does the Scripture teach about life after death? •When does the resurrection take place? While there are many unanswered question on this topic, the attempt of this study in to summarize the teaching of the Old Testament saints, Jesus and the apostle on this subject. The truth of the resurrection is not only a central teaching of the Scriptures but one which is essential to our faith. If is evidence of the effectiveness of the work of Christ on our behalf and hope of eternal life in His presence. I trust that this simple teaching will be a blessing ...

This is a study of the relenting nature of God's heart. I have come to appreciate the great truth of God's sovereignty and unchangeable nature. This, however, does not mean that things in life can never change. God is not inflexible. Blessings can be restored where cursing was decreed. Unused gifts can be stripped away. Judgement can be replaced with pardon. There is a certain flexibility in the purpose of God. My experience of God and that purpose can vary. Prayer and faithfulness can bring great change in our lives. The relenting heart of God is a source of great comfort and hope but it ...

One of the most basic freedoms God has given us is the freedom of choice. This reflects His own character, for He is a God of choice and commitment. The decisions we make, however, can have a dramatic impact on the shape and texture of our lives. The course we take can radically alter our experiences and destiny.Because the decisions we make are so important, the Lord has spared no effort to help us in our choices. He has given us His Word and His Holy Spirit to be our guide. He oversees our decisions and will graciously forgive us when we fall short of His purpose.The God who gave us this ...

There was never a man or woman who walked as close to God as did Moses. Here was a man who spend days in the presence of God. He spoke with God face to face as we would speak with a friend. His life was filled with miraculous evidence of God's presence. What type of person was he? He was a man like you and me. He was far from perfect. He suffered from periods of discouragement in life. He often doubted whether he was the man for the job. He as not always the father he should have been. It was through this man, however, that God would unfold His great purpose for His people. This study takes...

Romans 8:31-39 is a reminder of what the Lord Jesus has done. It is a picture of the grace of God providing all we need for salvation and a right relationship with God. It is about a God whgo has invested much in the lives of His children and who will do all He can to keep them. It portrays salvation from God's perspective. Paul's focus in these verses is not about our commitment to God but rather about His commitment to us. In this brief study of Romans 8:31-39 you will see something of the commitment of God to you and to keeping you in the salvation His Son gave His life to accomplish.