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For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Romans 3:28 Apart From – There’s a restaurant in Mount Dora, Florida, where patrons pay whatever they feel the meal is worth.  You decide what you want to pay.  If you don’t like it, you don’t pay at all. …

Invisible Shelters

O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Psalm 15:1 Tent – Once again the English creates a detour.  Yes, the word ‘ohel does mean tent.  But “tent” is hardly the appropriate sense of the word when it comes to the place of God.  In fact, ‘ohel is used in Numbers12:5 to describe the tabernacle,…

Guest Worker Program

O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Psalm 15:1 Abide – David isn’t confused about being in the Lord’s presence, but we certainly will be if we follow this English translation.  We will draw the conclusion that the follower who lives blamelessly has a permanent residence with God.  That’s what we usually mean by…

Hard Knocks

for we are not ignorant of his schemes.   2 Corinthians 2:11 Schemes – Can you read the devil’s mind?  If you knew what the devil was thinking, would it be an advantage to you in your quest to be obedient to God?  Too often we think Satan attacks us by reading our thoughts.  But, according…

In Tune

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.  Matthew 5:9 Peacemakers – Did you know that the Greek word for “peacemaker” never occurs in Greek literature except in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint)?  That tells us something important.  The concept “peacemaker” is Hebrew, not Greek.  In…

Be A Man

You made him rule over the works of Your hands Psalm 8:6 Made Him Rule – David asks the question.  “What is Man that You should be mindful of him?”  David gives the answer.  It’s a surprising answer; one that should make us uncomfortable.  Man is defined in the same terms that define everything else…

Second Skin

The Lord made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.  Genesis 3:21 Clothed – The first principle of atonement occurs immediately after the first sin.  That principle never changes.  It is this:  the innocent die for the guilty.  When Adam and Eve sinned, they lost something irretrievable.  They lost the original…

50% Church

And Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel and said to them, “These are the words which the Lord has commanded, to do them.” Exodus 35:1 Congregation – It’s quite common for us to refer to the church as the ekklesia.  That’s Greek for “called out ones.”  That is an apt description. …

Dress Code

and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him Colossians 3:10 Put On – Fashion is a modern invention.  In the ancient world, most people never thought about what they would wear.  Why?  Because what I wore was dictated…

What’s The Problem?

Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.  For the Lord is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him. Isaiah 30:18 Longs – The Hebrew word chakah is a verb that expresses a state of expectant presence. …