There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 Condemnation – So, now you know that the Greek word katakrima is about a judicial pronouncement of guilt. In Greek, Paul tells us that we are not one bit guilty. We are not judged worthy of death. But what would…
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 Therefore – With this most important use of the Greek gar (therefore) in the whole letter to the Romans, Paul summarizes the entire argument of the first seven chapters. This little connector brings to conclusion everything that he has been…
We don’t really believe in a God of hope. If we did, we would rejoice in dead ends. No, my observation is that we really believe in the God of stoic perseverance. We believe in that inner resolve of the human spirit that shouts at the dark, “I will not go quietly. I will fight….
Moses made a copper serpent and mounted it on a standard; and when anyone was bitten by a serpent, he would look at the copper serpent and recover. Numbers 21:9 Copper Serpent – Many people believe that the common symbol of medicine, two serpents on a cross, originated with this event. But a careful reading…
I’m really excited about all the things that are happening in the community. Community is more than words on a website, isn’t it? It’s so gratifying to see people share their stories and then see the heart-felt response of others. So, it’s time to add one more part to this growing group. Local CONNECTION! I…
“Woman, what do I have to do with you?” John 2:4 Woman – Have you noticed how much time women spend trying to keep the peace between people? Perhaps it is the built-in result of being mothers. Maybe it’s just genetic. But it seems that when conflict arises, women do their best to soothe the…
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; Philippians 2:3 Humility – Aristotle established the spirit of our age with his declaration that whatever prevents the development of virtue makes a person tapeinos (humble). Just read that once more. …
There has been a lot of good discussion about the concept of the Kingdom as a world-dominating culture. I thought I would add these remarks to the dialogue. Perhaps the best way to articulate this change in perception is to refer to a book given to me by Dan S. Against Christianity by Peter Leithart…
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; Philippians 2:3 Selfishness – Take just a moment and describe selfishness. What does it mean to you? Is it about an attitude that pursues only your own desires? Is it cold-heartedness…
These studies appeared in Today’s Word editions over the last three years. They are collected here for the first time. “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 The First Declaration of Emotional Theology Not Want – I can think of no more appropriate place to begin a new year than with…
