In Titus 2:11-14, Paul is discussing the grace of God that has appeared and offers salvation to all. Of course, it has “appeared” in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His appearance changed history, it split time in two, and it continues to transform the world one person at a time. But not onlyContinue reading “The “No” That Is A “Yes!””
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
Great Or Small?
Our need for God’s forgiveness (as well as its relationship to us forgiving others), is brought home in a major way in a story that Luke records in 7:36-50 of his gospel. Following Tiede (Augsburg Commentary), it seems that having shown Jesus’ teaching (“When Jesus has finished saying all of this,” – v. 1), LukeContinue reading “Great Or Small?”
“Go Tell John”
Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me. (Luke 7:23). Have you ever wondered how John took these words from Jesus? I have. The message from Jesus came to him some time after he had been imprisoned by Herod Antipas. Antipas was part of the Herodian dynasty. The Herodians embodied Lord Acton’s adageContinue reading ““Go Tell John””
God Is No Lucy!
Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage. (Exodus 6:9). It hadn’t been that way at the beginning. When Moses and Aaron initially met with the leaders of the Israelites and told them of God’s plans for them, they did more than believe. Upon hearing ofContinue reading “God Is No Lucy!”
Fresh Faith (2)
Let’s look at each of these more closely. Renewing ourselves as disciples: There are few things more toxic spiritually than a failure to learn and grow. This happens because people either think they already know it all or they are apathetic about learning. Either way, the results are the same. I’ve known some people over the years whoContinue reading “Fresh Faith (2)”
Fresh Faith (1)
In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus refused to mix the new wine (teaching) He brought with the toxic stuff the Pharisees were dispensing. Whether it was His teaching on fasting or some other issue, He wasn’t going to try to fit His teaching and ministry in with theirs (as perhaps the disciples of John were attempting to do). Continue reading “Fresh Faith (1)”
Forward By Backward
The Torah (law) came through Moses. The call to return to the law came through the prophets. Men such as Elijah called Israel away from their idols and back to God (see 1 Kings 18). It’s no coincidence that after John appeared on the scene, Jesus identified him as the Elijah who was to come and restore all things (Matthew 17;Continue reading “Forward By Backward”
A Rich Text
Rich is a word often used and associated with material wealth. We hear about the Fortune 500—a list of the 500 richest companies in America. Then there is the Forbes 400—a list of the richest people in America. And on it goes. But, of course, rich can be used in other ways. Nutritionists speak ofContinue reading “A Rich Text”
Forgiveness, Confession & Commission
John’s gospel reaches its high water mark with Thomas’ confession that Jesus is his Lord and God (20:28). This is where John wants to bring his readers. He ties everything together by stating in v. 30-31 that the signs he had recorded are for that purpose—to bring people to belief in Jesus and the life that comes from suchContinue reading “Forgiveness, Confession & Commission”
Experiencing The Word Of God
Our family has always liked to hike and over the years we’ve had the opportunity to do so in several states (almost always at state parks). The one thing none of us are blessed with is a great sense of direction, so we appreciate the fact that the trails are always color coded. Most ofContinue reading “Experiencing The Word Of God”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 