Pharisees

This group is mentioned dozens of times in the New Testament—usually with disapproval. They were the most religious of the Jews, striving to follow Israel’s law to the letter.

But they could be self-righteous and hypocritical, and on many occasions Jesus preached against them (see 398 [the seven woes]).

Jesus’ concern was that they had created a religion of rules and had forgotten the goal: loving God and one’s neighbors. He told His followers that, in this respect, they had to be more righteous than the Pharisees (Matt. 5:20).

Though most Pharisees despised Jesus and worked to bring about His execution, some invited Him to their homes. The most famous Pharisee of all, one who originally persecuted Christians, was Paul, who became Christianity’s greatest apostle.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Vigilance on the Road: Protecting Our Holiness

Charles Spurgeon

There is a robber at every turn of the road to rob you of your jewels! There is a temptation in every mercy! There is a snare in every joy! If you ever reach heaven at last, it will be a miracle of divine grace, ascribed entirely to your Father’s power. Be on your guard!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Treasures in the Mud: The Grace of Being Searched

Charles H. Spurgeon

The surpassing grace of God is seen very clearly in that we were not only sought, but we were also sought out. People seek for something that is lost upon the floor of the house, but in such a case there is only seeking, not seeking out. The loss is more perplexing and the search more persevering when something is sought out.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Fighting for the Truth and Love

John MacArthur

In a world where truth is under attack, few rise to defend it. But let's remember that our apathy won't be an excuse before Christ. In Revelation, we see how He rebuked the churches that tolerated falsehood. Let's do the same, bravely defend the truth.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Holy Hatred of Sin

John MacArthur

We desperately need to recover a holy hatred of sin. We need to do this corporately as a church, but we also need to do it individually as believers. Sin is surely not a pleasant subject to study or preach on, but it is necessary.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Calm And Quiet

David Jeremiah

According to medical researchers at Duke University, there is a “vicious cycle” involving insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It’s sort of a “which came first: the chicken or the egg?” scenario.