Paul’s Education

 for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, “For we also are His offspring.”   Acts 17:28  NASB  For we are also his offspring – Paul read the Greek philosophers.  At least he has a working knowledge of them.  He knew enough to use their statements…

An Extra Beatitude

Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.  Matthew 24:46  NASB So doing – While I was washing the car, I suddenly thought about asset management.  I don’t know why, except that the Spirit was prompting me in moments of unaware routines.  I thought about what really matters to God…

Natural Idolatry – Rewind

You shall not make for yourself an image  Deuteronomy 5:8 NASB Image – What is an idol?  We certainly recognize the idols of ancient religions.  The Hebrew word here (pesel from pasal, meaning “to cut or hew”) makes it clear that the initial emphasis of the commandment deals with all those sacred objects men make in the pursuit of…

Accounting Principles

To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.  Matthew 25:15 NASB Gave – God might not be a policeman but He is an accountant.  Of course, He is also advocate, prosecutor, judge and jury (actually, there is no…

Giving Myself a Black Eye

but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27  NASB Discipline – We live the lives of Jacob, so maybe we need the same faith as Jacob.  What I mean is that we aren’t Job.  We are…

Biblical Justice

He said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgment.”  2 Chronicles 19:6  NASB For the Lord – A moment’s reflection on the systems of justice in the world today demonstrates just how pagan our cultures…

Is This Faith?

I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs.  Luke 11:8 NASB Persistence – What does it mean to have faith?  For most of us, it means to…