Psalm 92 proclaims the sovereignty of God, “But you, O Lord, are on high forever” (v. 8, ESV). Some commentators write, correctly, I think, that this entire chapter reveals how we would live if we really believed that God’s in charge of everything. That the sovereignty of God causes us to worship, live victoriously, and prosper in […]
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I read Watchman Nee’s book The Release of the Spirit 45 years ago. While reviewing it this time, I caught myself thinking. . . Wow, what great teaching! Why didn’t I really listen to this teaching back then and live it out through the years? I’m such an idiot! The book teaches brokenness and starts
The Essential Quality of Brokenness Read More »
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26a, ESV). Genesis 1:26, in one sentence, is the most sophisticated statement of theology in the Bible. It’s also the most in-depth philosophical summation of life ever made. Why do I say such things? Note the pronouns in Genesis 1:26. God didn’t say, “I’m
The Blessings of the Trinity Read More »
The religious leaders of Israel are not complimented in the New Testament. . . Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence (Matthew 23:25, ESV). But when he [John the Baptist] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism,
Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes Read More »
Barbara and I were watching an Australian comedy sitcom when a central character in the show, lying in a hospital bed with family standing around, and with everyone thinking that he would be okay. . . . . . suddenly dies of a heart attack. The camera angles began showing the faces of those standing
Meet Me in the Middle of the Air Read More »
These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 1:1, ESV). Deuteronomy means “second chance.” The entire “Book of Second Chance” (Deuteronomy) can be considered a pep talk to a new generation of Israelites. The children who left Egypt, having witnessed their parents’ rebellion against God and
Reading Deuteronomy Read More »
Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes will say, “All my springs of joy are in you” (Psalm 87:7, NASB). Psalm 87 is the “second chance” Psalm. I accepted Jesus when I was 11 years old during summer Bible camp. But on the first day of school in the fifth grade, realizing that I was the only Christian
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We find the perfect example of faith economics in Acts 4: Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common (Acts 4:32, ESV). The economics of the church start with faith,
We learn about praise in the Psalms. The word “praise” is mentioned about 10 times in the entire New Testament, but about 120 times in the Psalms. My favorite verse on praise comes from the shortest chapter in the Psalms (and the Bible) of just two verses. Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
Three Nuances About Praise Read More »
There are about 60 references to synagogues in the Gospels. When questioned by the high priest before his crucifixion, Jesus said. . . I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I said nothing in secret (John 18:20). Synagogues were a major teaching venue in
Speculations About the Magdala Synagogues Read More »