by admin | May 15, 2012 | Forgiveness, Introduction
Jesus gave his disciples the following rule (Matthew 10:32, 33 NET): Whoever, then, acknowledges (ὁμολογήσει, a form of ὁμολογέω) me before people, I will acknowledge (ὁμολογήσω, another form of ὁμολογέω) before my Father in heaven.1 But whoever denies (ἀρνήσηται, a...
by admin | May 15, 2012 | A Monotonous Cycle, What Kind of Carpenter is Jesus?
I didn’t read the Old Testament much until I was a philosophical and legalistic young man fighting my way back from atheism. I had already decided to side with God, more or less. The more I read the Old Testament the more I hated the Israelites, stupid, rebellious...
by admin | May 14, 2012 | A Monotonous Cycle, What Kind of Carpenter is Jesus?
I have considered a passage in the Bible that seemed at first glance like a laundry list of Solomon’s wealth and power. I added more biblical background and found the same passage a fulfillment of God’s promise to Solomon. Then I read more and the laundry list...
by admin | May 13, 2012 | Forgiveness, Gospel Proclamations, Holy Spirit, Introduction
Jesus’ disciples waited in Jerusalem as He instructed them. When the Holy Spirit came upon them, a crowd gathered (Acts 2:14-41 NET). Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them: “You men of Judea and all1 you who live in Jerusalem, know this...
by admin | May 13, 2012 | A Monotonous Cycle, What Kind of Carpenter is Jesus?
When the people settled in the promised land of Israel, they were remarkably free of governmental control. They were responsible to God and his laws, corporately and individually. There was a priestly governance of sorts in place, responsible for the sacrificial...