Sometimes things work out exactly like we think they will. We can see how circumstances are lining up and the outcome seems quite predictable before it happens. For example, in the area where we live if the weather gets too warm too early in the year, it’s almost inevitable that bad storms that spawning highContinue reading “Torah Righteousness Vs. True Righteousness (1)”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
They Don’t Get Me (2)
1. Practice acceptance. Paul tells begins and ends the section by telling them to accept each other with all of their “baggage” (14:1, 15:7). A little acceptance goes a long way. Moreover, if God has accepted us then there’s no reason why we can’t be accepting of each other (14:3-4). 2. Be flexible. The reason the Golden Gate BridgeContinue reading “They Don’t Get Me (2)”
They Don’t Get Me (1)
Who hasn’t said or thought these words at one time or another? We say them because we think that someone doesn’t understand or appreciate us and as a result we feel a little disconnected and isolated. And it happens to everyone: young, middle-aged, old, male, female, black, white, Hispanic—it’s non-discriminatory. But there’s good news: it’sContinue reading “They Don’t Get Me (1)”
The Real, The Right, And The Wrong
The twelfth chapter of Romans makes for some inspirational reading. It begins with a challenge for disciples to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” and concludes by telling us “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” In between, it is brimming with practical instructions for daily living. In verse 9,Continue reading “The Real, The Right, And The Wrong”
The Flagship Nation And Oneness In Christ
The leading ship in a fleet is known as the flagship. It is typically the largest, most well-armed ship in the fleet. It is called a flagship because it flies a flag indicating the presence of the fleet commander on board. For 1500 years God had a definite two-track arrangement among the nations. There wasContinue reading “The Flagship Nation And Oneness In Christ”
The Predators Vs. The Ducks
I heard on the news recently that the Predators beat the Ducks. That doesn’t sound like a fair match up, does it? To make matters worse, the Ducks’ coach was fired afterwards. I’m not sure what they expected of him, but there is justice in this world. Not long after, the Predators played the Sharks,Continue reading “The Predators Vs. The Ducks”
Justice In The Church (2)
By providing financial assistance to widows who were really in need, the church was fulfilling a vital part of its mission. The church as the body of Christ is to practice justice, mercy, and faithfulness (see Matthew 23:23). If the church is the expression of God’s kingdom’s coming, then our Father’s will should be doneContinue reading “Justice In The Church (2)”
Justice In The Church (1)
I suppose it’s easy to dismiss 1 Timothy 5:3-16 as the first century church at Ephesus dealing with some in-house matters we don’t fully understand and therefore it has little or nothing to say to us today. But if you’ve made it very far down the biblical road, there’s probably something stirring around the backContinue reading “Justice In The Church (1)”
Living The Gospel
One of Paul’s conclusions to his discussion in Romans 9-11 is that “God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that He may have mercy on them all” (v. 32). If you’ve been reading through Romans you’re not surprised by this statement because the letter is saturated with grace, mercy and forgiveness. Neither is itContinue reading “Living The Gospel”
Life Assurance
Checked your telomeres recently? Telomeres are the end caps of chromosomes. They protect them and have been likened to the plastic tips on shoelaces. When telomeres shorten, become frayed or thin out, it adversely effects cell development and accelerates the aging process. Therefore, the longer your telomeres are, the lower your biological age is—regardless ofContinue reading “Life Assurance”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 