Category Archives: Opening the Bible

Legalism or Nationalism in Galatians? (2)

We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, becauseContinue reading “Legalism or Nationalism in Galatians? (2)”

Legalism or Nationalism in Galatians? (1)

The problem the churches of Galatia were experiencing wasn’t a thorough-going legalism (trusting in their own works to save them)—it was a warped nationalism. They had been swayed by those had who appeared not long after Paul left the region into thinking that the only way they (Gentile disciples) could fully experience Jewish blessings wasContinue reading “Legalism or Nationalism in Galatians? (1)”

Galatians and Plus One Thinking

Galatians is a fire truck racing to a five-alarm fire. It’s an ambulance speeding to the site of a terrible accident. It’s a police car hurrying to the scene of a crime. Most of all, Galatians is a wake-up call for some disciples who are asleep at the wheel and heading for a disaster of the worst kind. TheContinue reading “Galatians and Plus One Thinking”

Bone Setting and Perspective

Paul’s admonition that “each one should carry their own load” (Galatians 6:5) occurs in a strong relational context. Since 5:1 he’s been developing a picture of what it means to live as people who have been liberated by Christ. The freest people in the world are not those who do whatever they want to—that’s theContinue reading “Bone Setting and Perspective”

Paul and his Critics

It doesn’t take any talent to be critical, does it? The world is full of flawed human beings so for those who are of the mindset, it’s always open season. And as one person noted about such people—“They can find fault like there’s a reward for it.” But not all critics fall into this category.Continue reading “Paul and his Critics”

“You have not rescued Your people at all!”

When God appears to Moses at the burning bush, He tells him that He is going to rescue Israel from their oppression and deliver them into a land of milk and honey (Exodus 3:8). I’m not sure how Moses receives this news. It’s been forty years since he has had contact with his people and hisContinue reading ““You have not rescued Your people at all!””

Why did Moses leave Egypt?

27 “But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28 Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons. (Stephen in Acts 7:27-29) 14 The man said, “WhoContinue reading “Why did Moses leave Egypt?”

Where They Should Be

There’s something special about the manner in which the book of Exodus concludes. If you think about it, the Exodus narrative is filled with ups and downs.  It begins with Israel down—down in Egypt, oppressed and enslaved by the pharaohs, their burdens increasing and their babies being put to death.  Then God raises up a man who has himselfContinue reading “Where They Should Be”

“What is Your Name?”

Terence Fretheim is spot on when he says, “Exodus 3:14 is one of the most puzzling verses in the OT.” But since fools go where angels fear to tread, I’ll proceed. It seems to me the place to start is with Moses’ question, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of yourContinue reading ““What is Your Name?””

A Golden Calf and “Love”

The people of Israel come to Aaron requesting that he “make us a God who will go before us” (Exodus 32:1 – see the marginal reading). It’s been less than two months since they were sprinkled with blood as part of a ceremony where they promised their obedience to Yahweh and His laws (24:1-8). ForContinue reading “A Golden Calf and “Love””