Justice, Vengeance and Punishment

Then1 Jesus told them a parable to show them they2 should always pray and not lose heart.3  It is a story about a persistent widow nagging an unrighteous judge for justice.  Finally the unrighteous judge thought to himself, Though I neither fear God nor4 have regard...

Romans, Part 36

What shall we say then? Paul continued, that the Gentiles who did not pursue (διώκοντα, a form of διώκω) righteousness (δικαιοσύνην, a form of δικαιοσύνη) obtained it (δικαιοσύνην, a form of δικαιοσύνη), that is, a righteousness (δικαιοσύνην, a form of δικαιοσύνη)...

Fear – Genesis, Part 4

God had changed Jacob’s name to Israel.1  Jacob kept the oath he made at Bethel2 that the Lord would become his God.  After he left Paddan Aram, Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, and he camped near the city.  Then he purchased the portion...

Romans, Part 35

After the crescendo of faith and victory in Christ at the end of chapter eight, Paul’s abrupt admission at the beginning of chapter nine is disconcerting.  I am telling the truth in Christ (I am not lying!), for my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit – I have...

Fear – Genesis, Part 3

When there was a famine in the land Abraham’s son Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar.1  The Lord appeared to Isaac and said (Genesis 26:2-5 NET): Do not go down to Egypt; settle down in the land that I will point out to you.  Stay in this land....