In rejecting extra-biblical customs of Jewish tradition the Lord was freeing believers to live as they liked but calling for genuine holiness rather than ceremonial cleansing. Here is His searching review of the state of the unforgiven human heart.

Conversion to God is a remarkable phenomenon that altogether changes a person spiritually and morally. Here are its elements, highlighting the immeasurable gains for life and eternity, and the losses – the latter being deceptive and destructive features of life. Here is the wonder of finding Christ.

'Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah.' Nehemiah 2.7

All things come from God, but the greatest and most significant benefits in life come by application to Him. Here are the 'deep things' of God – His mercy and benevolence, and what the promises (in the Scriptures) do for all who ask.

Crossing the Sea of Galilee at night against the storm, the disciples are 'seen' by Christ from miles away. He comes to them walking on the water. Why does He demonstrate His divinity this way? Here are six lessons for all believers and for seekers.

'And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.' Nehemiah 1.4

The narrative of Zacchaeus, a loathed tax-chief at Jericho, and how a germ of curiosity and inner need led him to an encounter with the Saviour that changed his entire nature and disposition. Here are the features and the effects of conversion to Christ.

Miracles authenticated Christ and illustrate the way He heals and gives life to the soul. We learn of His compassion, and of His test of faith for the disciples. Then the eight purposes of the miracle, all showing Christ and how He should be proclaimed.

At the end of His earthly life Christ spoke of His leaving a legacy to many millions of people in the history of the world. It was of infinitely greater value than anything that could be given by this present world. Here is what he gives.

This history of Herod Antipas and his imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist tells of the conscience, both its power and weaknesses. Here are lessons for believers and seekers from Herod, Herodias and 'Salome', far richer than the dramas from successful Hollywood screenwriters.