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 »
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22, NIV). After saying “yes” to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our ability to say “no” will determine how fast (or even if) we mature in Christ. All of
Saying “No” to Temptation! Read More »
In the Septuagint, the earliest Greek translation of the Old Testament, the word “arithmoi” or “numbers” (we get “arithmetic” from this word) was used to title the book of Numbers. However, the original Hebrew title of the book used a word translated as. . . In the Wilderness. This phrase came from Numbers 1:1. .
Reading the Book of Numbers Read More »
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble (Psalm 107:2, ESV). Psalm 107 is the “trouble” Psalm. It was originally written detailing the troubles the Israelites had to endure while in Babylonian captivity. Their troubles included: The Psalms always have layered meaning, so this Psalm relates to us today when we lose our
Psalms on Saturday ~ Psalm 107 Read More »
I use the word nuance in today’s Interruption, writing about differing aspects of the love described in the New Testament. It’s estimated that over 100 million love songs have been recorded, and that around 60 percent of pop songs written today contain themes of love. In the New Testament, depending on the translation, “love” is
Three Nuances of Biblical Love Read More »
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) I’ve been a fan of leadership developer Robert E. Quinn for decades. His book, Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within, has been influential in my life. I reread this book from time to time, and every
New, Not Old, Leadership Read More »
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction—and don’t be boring (2 Timothy 4:2, NIV and OGV). The above verse contains two versions, the NIV and the OGV, or the New International Version and the Old Guy Version. Can you tell where the NIV ends and
A Hoodie and A Sermon Read More »
No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him (1 John 3:6, ESV). Examine, review, and then examine this diagram again, as it illustrates the differences between all the other world’s religions and Christianity. Religion teaches us to work hard for perfection and to
Love Motivates Holiness Read More »
When the Apostle Paul writes a letter, typically, he includes a greeting that is used in many of his other letters. He does this in 2 Thessalonians. . . Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:2, ESV). After this greeting, Paul often mentions something positive
Reading 2 Thessalonians Read More »
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the heavens for food, the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth. They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem (vv. 1-3, ESV).
Psalms on Saturday ~ Psalm 79 Read More »