Have you ever wondered why the books of the Bible are in the order they are? The location of some books is a no brainer. After all, it would be hard for Genesis to be anywhere other than at the beginning, right? The Gospels being located at the start of the New Testament make similarContinue reading “Revelation and the Back of the Bible”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
How Pilgrims Make Progress
The writer of Hebrews wants to talk about Jesus—as God’s ultimate Messenger, as the One who leads us to the promised land of heaven, as our great high priest—but he also feels the need to periodically stop and encourage the recipients of his letter in regard to their need to apply his words to theirContinue reading “How Pilgrims Make Progress”
Near to the Heart of God
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he didContinue reading “Near to the Heart of God”
Called to Glory
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. (Hebrews 3:1) Do you know what the athletes who will compete in the next Olympic games are doing right now? The short answer is—a lot of things we aren’t! For starters, they areContinue reading “Called to Glory”
Digging Deep And Standing Tall
Weekend Edition of NPR ran a story about the rising rate of obesity in France. It explained how this trend runs counter to the French culinary tradition of slow cooked meals of healthy foods eaten around the family table. A finger was pointed in the direction of American culture as imported through movies and television and it wasContinue reading “Digging Deep And Standing Tall”
The Mathematics of Grace
Is there a more difficult scenario for a parent than to be estranged from one of their (grown) children whose precise whereabouts are unknown? I suppose there could be something, but it’s hard to fathom (and who really wants to try?). But suppose you were in this situation (and God bless those of you whoContinue reading “The Mathematics of Grace”
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
The writer of Hebrews employed a cold opening long before anyone had any idea what that was! Whoever wrote Hebrews wanted to get right to his message, so he does so without identifying himself or giving any kind of greeting. Perhaps this reflects the urgency he felt about what he had to say. What isContinue reading “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
Be Strong and Courageous!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:7) These are words from Moses to Israel just prior to his death on Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 34). The phrase “be strong and courageous” occurs two more times in the chapter (v. 7,Continue reading “Be Strong and Courageous!”
Curses
Mark Twain famously noted that it wasn’t the parts of the Bible he didn’t understand that brought him grief—it was the parts he did understand! I think that’s the case with the section of Scripture in Deuteronomy 28-30. There’s not much that’s vague, ambiguous, or cryptic—it’s all very straightforward: Follow God and be blessed; forsakeContinue reading “Curses”
A Bookish Approach To The Bible
I was preaching/teaching through Revelation on Sunday nights. We had just looked at the first part of chapter 21 and talked about how although this text is commonly applied to heaven, it’s really about the exalted church that has just been delivered from Roman oppression. On the way home my wife Janice made the comment, “That’s really not that hard toContinue reading “A Bookish Approach To The Bible”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 