It’s a little bit of an effort, but it’s certainly worth it to work through the chronology of Abraham. While we can read his story over a few pages and in a matter of minutes, the Genesis material covers 100 years of his life and it’s difficult to fully appreciate his faith or understand hisContinue reading “Happily Ever Laughter”
Author Archives: A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green
Tents and Altars
As previously noted, Genesis 1-11 serves as an introduction to the book as well as the rest of the biblical witness. With that in mind, we’re introduced to Abraham beginning in 11:27. This introduction prepares us for his call (12:1-3), as well as makes for a smooth transition between the account of the tower ofContinue reading “Tents and Altars”
Family Man
Our readings in E-100 were about Noah this week. It’s worth noting that Genesis 1-11 is not only an introduction to the rest of Genesis (i.e., the story of God’s promises to the patriarchs), but is also an introduction to bigger story that spans the biblical witness—the story of God’s redemptive call in Jesus. Three eventsContinue reading “Family Man”
The Arrest of Jesus
David wants to know, “Why did they step back and fall down when Jesus said, ‘I am He?’” This question has reference to something that happened when Jesus was arrested. John records the scene in 18:1-6 of his gospel. When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the otherContinue reading “The Arrest of Jesus”
Creation
Moses wrote Genesis for Israel as they were about to enter the promised land of Canaan. Whatever else the wilderness was, it was an opportunity for God to prepare Israel for life in the promised land of Canaan. Toward that end, He gave them the Law at Mount Sinai to guide them. Adding it to theContinue reading “Creation”
Shaped by the Story
We are all shaped by stories, aren’t we? A tender-hearted teenager hears a speaker talk about their work as a medical missionary and they decide right then and there that’s what they want to do with their life. Someone else reads a biography of a Navy Seal and thinks, “That’s for me!” This kind ofContinue reading “Shaped by the Story”
Better Days Are Coming (Places in the Heart)
Places in the Heart is the movie that won Sally Field her second Oscar. It’s the story of the Spalding family: Edna, her husband Royce, son Frank, and daughter, Possum (seriously, she’s never referred to in any other way in the movie). They live in a small town in Texas during the Depression years of theContinue reading “Better Days Are Coming (Places in the Heart)”
Keeping It Safe (The Book Of Eli)
The Book of Eli covers the familiar ground of post-apocalyptic movies: bleak new world, humanity’s descent into savagery, and the struggle for scarce resources (with goodness being the rarest). Where it is different is that it has a decidedly spiritual/Christian element to it. And with Hollywood, you’re never quite sure where that is going to lead.Continue reading “Keeping It Safe (The Book Of Eli)”
What Makes a Church Special?
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Paul to the Ephesians in 1:16 of his letter. Here’s one of those verses that’s easy to rush right past. It’s not hard to think of Paul’s statement as being the first century equivalent of asking someone today, ”How are you doing.” We don’tContinue reading “What Makes a Church Special?”
A Little Debbie Christmas
It was two days before Christmas in 2020, and one of our friends was down with Covid. She is a schoolteacher, she and her husband have a little girl, and of course she had to remain isolated from both of them. It was a real bummer, but it was just one of those new realitiesContinue reading “A Little Debbie Christmas”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 