Nagid Ben Chesed

The Briefest of Histories

2006-03-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

Manuscripts and ChaosStart Jeremiah chapter 1 is about the call of Jeremiah and the fortitude with which he would be strengthened. He would have a hard message and long weary and hard years to drive it home. And so he begins: Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus says the LORD, I remember

Another post is coming

2006-01-22T08:12:00.000-05:00

My work has been very busy and it has been hard to carve out the time needed for the next essay, but it is coming. In the meantime, for those of you who might be curious about what I sound like as a teacher, the Biblical Studies Foundation has posted an audio of my Music in the Church teaching. Don

The Jeremiah Essays: Of Manuscripts and Chaos

2006-01-03T23:52:00.000-05:00

Josiah's Reforms Start The Briefest of Histories There is a problem with the text of Jeremiah that, for me, adds a dynamic element to its understanding. But first, some background to help you understand the problem. Background Somewhere between 300 and 200 B.C. the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek. This translation is known today as the Septuagint--named for the

The Jeremiah Essays: Josiah's Reforms

2005-12-23T13:58:00.000-05:00

Not Just the Weeping ProphetStartManuscripts and Chaos Jeremiah opens with a list of kings under whose reigns Jeremiah lived:The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son

The Jeremiah Essays: Jeremiah—Not just the Weeping Prophet

2005-12-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

Josiah's ReformsThis post begins a series of essays that will work sequentially through the book of Jeremiah. This is not to say that Jeremiah is not a book that deserves a complete analysis, but it is ground that has been covered by many people—and sometimes a slightly higher level can offer perspectives that a detailed look cannot. And so it is my plan to work through the book and comment on

Was Jesus a Good Teacher

2005-11-21T23:28:00.000-05:00

It is a common dodge. When presented with the gospel and the claims of Jesus the Messiah, many will say, “I believe that Jesus was a good teacher.” Their assumption is that this is enough to fend off the greater claims. They are, of course, thinking of things like the Lord’s Prayer, the Beatitudes, and most especially the Golden Rule.But if Jesus were just a man, we could not actually say that he

Time Knots and the Eternity Dimension

2005-10-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

Consider these verses:For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17, NASB 95) First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of

It's All About Him: Hebrews Lesson 57

2005-10-10T06:20:00.000-05:00

Closing Comments Here are the closing words in the book of Hebrews: Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let

It's All About Him: Hebrews Lesson 56

2005-09-28T07:01:00.000-05:00

In the New Covenant, Jesus is our high priest. Unlike the old order, where the high priest may change from year to year, Jesus is our priest forever. Unlike the blood of goats and bulls shed in a copy of heavenly counterparts, Jesus' blood was taken to the real thing and provides a permanent cleansing of the should. This gives us access to the presence of God and access to help that was

It's All About Him: Hebrews Lesson 55

2005-09-21T07:14:00.000-05:00

The Eternal MessiahWhat does this passage tell us about the nature of the Messiah?Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no

It's All About Him: Hebrews Lesson 54

2005-09-19T07:19:00.000-05:00

The Writer begins to close his letter with several pithy proverbial type statements: Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. Marriage is to be held in honor among

It's All About Him: Hebrews Lesson 53

2005-09-15T06:57:00.000-05:00

When the Son SpeaksIn the opening verses of this letter, the Writer wrote: God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. (Hebrews 1:1-2, NASB 95)With these opening words, he began his proclamation of the greatness of the Son

It's All About Him: Hebrews Lesson 52

2005-09-14T07:21:00.000-05:00

Two MountainsSo much of Hebrews has been about comparing elements of the New Covenant with the Old Covenant. After a brief section in which he speaks of the faith that unites the two covenants, the Writer returns to the theme of New Covenant superiority: For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 51

2005-09-12T07:12:00.000-05:00

Body LifeTo look at the hall of faith, we see that we are to set our sights on Jesus as the author and perfecter of our faith. To then look around at the actual people in our churches, we must wonder whether we could ever pull it off. A good distribution of people in a church would have many new believers, some in-between, and several mature men and women of faith. The churches that grew in the

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 50

2005-09-09T07:06:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Carrot and StickThe Writer tells us to "keep our eyes on Jesus." That is the carrot. To become like Him and have His approval is a great reward. To be with Him is a great reward. But if we take ours eyes off Him, what then? Here is what the Writer says about that:You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 49

2005-09-08T07:25:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. How Should We Then Live?In this study, we have seen the greatness of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant--and we have sampled the accomplishments of the saints of old. Now What?The Writer begins the answer to this question with this: Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 48

2005-09-07T07:10:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Faith's WorksThe Writer of Hebrews concludes his essay on faith this way: And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire,

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 47

2005-09-01T06:59:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. JerichoThe Writer moves from Moses to the first battle for the land of Canaan: By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. (Hebrews 11:30, NASB 95)The normal way to lay siege to a city is to encamp around it and wait for dwindling supplies within to take their toll. If need be, siege engines can be

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 46

2005-08-31T06:55:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. MosesWhat is most interesting about the vignette of Moses is what the Writer of Hebrews leaves out:By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 45

2005-08-17T07:03:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Abraham and IsaacThe Writer is still not done with Abraham:By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, Â?In Isaac your descendants shall be called.Â? He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 44

2005-08-15T07:01:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. AbrahamUp to this point, the Writer of Hebrews has given short pithy synopses of early men of faith. With Abraham, we get a few substantive paragraphs. By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 43

2005-08-08T07:01:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. NoahThe story of Noah is familiar to most young children--at least those who still come from nominally Christian and Jewish households. The imagery of all those animals being collected on the ark is a delight to children's ears. The Writer of Hebrews has a more sober view:By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 42

2005-08-03T06:59:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. EnochNext in the Hall of Faith is Enoch. Here is what the Writer says about him:By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 41

2005-07-27T07:09:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. The Faith of AbelThe Writer bypasses Adam and Eve and moves to their Abel as the first example of faith as the source of God's approval. This is appropriate. Abel was the first person with a nature like ours who demonstrated faith:By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 40

2005-07-20T07:02:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. The Hall of Faith: The Object is the CreatorThe Writer of Hebrews, after spending so much time establishing the greatness and glory of the Son, writes a section on the glories and wonders of faith. Each example a proof text for his opening thesis:Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the

A Dance of Divine Appointments

2005-07-18T07:06:00.000-05:00

I have a friend, I'll call him B, who has a prophetic nature. It is a gift that he has and uses with very little adornment. It has been a relaible gift, as I have observed, and I trust him. I like to tell of the time when I was teaching through Ephesians and came across the phrase "manifold wisdom of God." I had read this phrase dozens of times, but this time I realized I had no idea what the

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 39

2005-07-15T07:25:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. FaithBecause faith is the means by which we preserve our souls, the Writer of Hebrews now begins to discuss faith at length. He begins: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. (Hebrews 11:1-2, NASB 95)As I have written before, salvation by faith is an aspect

Why there is no blogging this week.

2005-07-06T17:49:00.000-05:00

This is a picture that my wife took in Zion National Park yesterday. We are here for a week of hiking and star gazing. I will resume Hebrews next week.

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 38

2005-07-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. The Substance that is FaithThe Writer ends chapter 10 with these words "But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:39, NASB 95)" And it is this closing thought in chapter 10 that we must see as the reason why the well read chapter 11 treatise on faith exists.

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 37

2005-06-29T07:01:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Christianity with an AttitudeWhat follows next is a proof text that there is a permanent salvation available to us and that we can be assured of our faith and eternal life with God. What is interesting is that a quick read does not reveal this. Indeed, a quick read would almost lead one to see the opposite. But remember the former days, when,

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 36

2005-06-27T07:06:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Sinning WillfullyHebrews is full of statements that many interpret as proof that salvation is a blessing that can be lost. Here is one them:For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 35

2005-06-23T07:14:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. The Writer of Hebrews has completed his main thesis. He has established the Son of God, who became our kinsman by taking on our nature, as:A king sitting at the right hand of GodA greater messenger than angels and prophets.Greater than Moses.Mediator of a new and better covenant.An eternal high priest.A one time does it all offering for

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 34

2005-06-22T06:43:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. A Light which is a ShadowWhat the Writer says next is interesting: For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the

Still No Hebrews

2005-06-13T14:52:00.000-05:00

I have been absent from blogging for several days now. Last week I had several projects due for my main employer. I also had a final to give and final grades to submit for my secondary employer. This took the time that I needed to prepare and present my sudy on Hebrews. This week, I am on a road trip with my family. According to AAA, my family will be putting 3058.2 miles on the family car over

Not Hebrews Today

2005-06-06T07:29:00.000-05:00

"They are driven by love. ... The world stands in awe of it. The world bows down before it." Ed Walker, The Village. I have a deep appreciation for the cinemagraphic work of M. Night Shyamalan. His movies are different. They combine suspense with the deep questions and issues of life. This is especially true of Signs and The Village, on which I plan to write today. I have been wanting to write

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 33

2005-06-03T07:17:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. The Better Mediator of the Better CovenantHow many ways can you say that Jesus carried His own blood to the God as an eternal offering for the sin of mankind? The Writer of Hebrews has already stated this once. He now states it again: For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 32

2005-06-02T06:53:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. The Current AgeWhat does the Writer mean by this?The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, since

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 31

2005-05-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Shadows and SubstanceThere is much to write about the next section. However there is also a unity that requires reading it all.Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is

It's All About Him: Hebrews Lesson 30

2005-05-23T07:25:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here.The New CovenantFor if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, When I will effect a new covenant With the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; Not like the covenant which I made with their fathers On the

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 29

2005-05-20T06:56:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Flame's ShadowIf you light a candle in a dark room, you will light to see and read. If you place a candle in front of a projection screen and shine a very bright light on it, you will see the shadow of the flame. This is what you must visualize as you read this next section of Hebrews:Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 28

2005-05-18T07:16:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. A Better PriesthoodThe Writer has established the priesthood of Jesus the Messiah by connecting him with Melchizedek. But the question remains, "What of the levitical priesthood?" Here is what the Writer has to say:Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 27

2005-05-16T07:36:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. MelchizedekThe Writer has established the priesthood of Messiah Jesus according to the order of Melchizedek. He has taken Psalm 110, which was universally in the first century to make the case that Jesus was the Messiah seated at the right hand of God and developed the verse which says, "You are a priest forever according to the order of

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 26

2005-05-11T06:55:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. MelchizedekIn the last lesson, I showed how Jesus, Paul, and Peter connected Jesus with Psalm 110. In all these cases the connection was made to Jesus as the King sitting at the right hand of God--and thus He is a greater King than David. But the Writer of Hebrews has a mission to demonstrate that the person and mission of Jesus the Messiah

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 25

2005-05-09T06:27:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. MelchizedekThis next brief section of Hebrews has the most amazing analysis of Old Testament Scriptures in the New Testament.For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 24

2005-05-06T06:32:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Back at the RanchIn the next section, the Writer of Hebrews transitions back to his main topic. In other words, the flow of Hebrews as gone like this:Concerning him (i.e. Melchizedek) we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. (Hebrews 5:11, NASB 95) Parenthetical comments about the importance of

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 23

2005-05-02T19:16:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Things Pertaining to SalvationHebrews 6:9 reads, "But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way." (NASB 95) By "things that accompany salvation" the Writer of Hebrews means that there is a permanent salvation--and it is vital and important for us to know

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 22

2005-04-29T06:47:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Tasting and Feasting (3)One of the reasons why believers in the USA--I cannot speak for places that I have not been--might be particularly troubled by the issues raised by Hebrews 6:1-10, is that we tend to think of salvation in binary terms. By this I mean that a person is either saved or he isn't. This is why we try so hard to get people to

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 21

2005-04-28T06:38:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Of Tasting and Feasting(2)This continues the thoughts on this troubling passage in Hebrews 6:For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 20

2005-04-27T06:42:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Tasting and FeastingThe next section of Hebrews is seemingly troubling to those who hold that our salvation, being the free gift of God, is something that we cannot lose:Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

Dayenu

2005-04-23T21:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight begins Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. I have just led a seder for the members of my church and it was a good evening to celebrate past deliverance from slavery and today's deliverance from sin.Coming home I revisted an earlier post of mine that celebrated this season. On re-reading it, I found that I liked it more than the day I originally wrote it. Here is the link to DAYENU

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 19

2005-04-21T07:27:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. A Parenthesis on MaturityTo me it looks like the Writer began his treatise on Jesus and Melchizedek and then realized how hard it was going to be for his readers to understand what he was saying. As soon as he introduces the topic, he drops it in order to exhort his readers about their spiritual life. He then picks up the Jesus/Melchizedek

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 18

2005-04-20T07:22:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning, click here. A Better Priest than AaronIn the first section of Hebrews, the Writer measured the Son against all previous messengers ("angels") and found the Son far superior. Because of this superiority, we need to pay greater attention to His message.In the next section, he measured the Son against Moses and found the Son superior. Consequently, it is important all the

Star Trek--Star Gate--Timeline and Evidence for the Soul

2005-04-18T08:20:00.000-05:00

I am not doing Hebrews today. In part, this is because I slept in. However, that is just an excuse to take a break and write on a more off-the-wall topic. I am a fan of science fiction. Such literary taste is somewhat rare in Christian circles, I think, because a lot of science fiction incorporates, directly or indirectly, Humanist thought. It is not the genre you read to find out the state of

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 17

2005-04-15T07:05:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. The Living SwordHere is what the Writer says next:Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 16

2005-04-12T06:27:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. TodayThe Writer's use of Scripture in this next section of Hebrews is a marvel:For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest,although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: And God rested on the seventh

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 15

2005-04-07T07:14:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here. Posting is short today. Just a quick observation about this verse: Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. (Hebrews 4:1, NASB 95)Note the pronouns. "let us" and "you may." This verse could have taken any of the following forms:Therefore, let you fear if, while

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 14

2005-04-06T07:22:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of the series, click here. Today's ChoicesLet's take a structural look at this section of Hebrews:Unbelief: Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. Sin: But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 13

2005-04-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of the series, click here. Past Events and Present DangerThe Writer has declared Jesus' glory to be greater than Moses' glory by just so much as the builder of the house is greater than the house. Moses was the greatest prophet and leader that the children of Israel had ever had to that point. If the stature of the Moses, who saw God face to face, is as a house, how much

It's All About Him: Hebrews-- Lesson 12

2005-03-31T08:12:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here.It's Time to Take NoticeTo continue a bit with last lesson's theme, I want to re-visit some verses and add one more:Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 11

2005-03-30T08:05:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of the series, click here.A Little LowerHaving established the Son's superiority over the angels and having given warning that we should not neglect his work and message, the Writer now takes a surprising turn:For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. But one has testified somewhere, saying, What is man, that You remember him?

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 10

2005-03-28T08:13:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here.KAL V'CHOMERThe Writer devoted the first section of his letter to establishing the superiority of the Son over the "angels," and, as the title of this blog series suggests, the superiority of the Son will continue to be the focus of this letter. Before moving on, it is worth reminding you that the Writer has not yet identified the Son by his

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 9

2005-03-25T08:42:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning of this series, click here.Saving the Best for LastThe Writer's final quote from the Old Testament to show the superiority of the Son over the angels and other messengers is significant to the rest of the letter:But to which of the angels has He ever said, "Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies A footstool for Your feet"? (Hebrews 1:13, NASB 95) This quote,

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 8

2005-03-24T08:23:00.000-05:00

To start with the first lesson in the series, click here.The Eternal SonNone of the former persons, ways, and means by which God communicated to His people existed before the creation and only by the sustaining hand of God will they persist when this creation finally succumbs. But the Son is different:And, "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the

It's All About Him: Hebrews Lesson 7

2005-03-22T07:26:00.000-05:00

To start with the first lesson in this series, click here. Flames of FireThe Writer has provided scriptures to identify the promise of a coming Son and scriptures that declare that the former angels and messengers are called to worship the Son. He now continues to set the Son apart from all who came before:And of the angels He says, "Who makes His angels winds, And His ministers a flame of fire."

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 6

2005-03-18T08:06:00.000-05:00

To start with the first lesson in the series, click here. Better than the Angels (continued)Here, again, is the next verse that the Writer quotes:And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." (Hebrews 1:6, NASB 95)Now here is where this quotation is interesting. Many of our Bible translations say that the Writer here quotes from Psalm

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 5

2005-03-17T08:01:00.000-05:00

To start with the first lesson in the series, click here.Better than the Angels (continued)The Writer is presenting scriptural evidence that the Son is superior to the angels. By "angels" the Writer means all persons, ways, and means by which God has communicated with His people before communicating in His Son. The Writer has begun this section by writing:For to which of the angels did He ever

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 4

2005-03-16T07:31:00.000-05:00

To start with the first lesson, click here.Greater Than the AngelsThe Writer has finished his resume of the Son by whom in these last days God has spoken. Please note that the Son has not yet been identified with Jesus--that does not come until chapter 3. Either the Writer assumes his readers already know or he is trying to make a case without pushing an emotional button. In other words, for

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 3

2005-03-14T08:02:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning, click here. So God has spoken to us though His Son. Hebrew's author now provides his resume:in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made

It's All About Him: Hebrews -- Lesson 2

2005-03-10T07:47:00.000-05:00

To start at the beginning, click here.The MessengerLet's look at the opening of Hebrews again:God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. (Hebrews 1:1-2)The Old Testament contains the past revelations from God to mankind. It

It's All About Him: Hebrews

2005-03-09T08:11:00.000-05:00

IntroductionThe Book of Hebrews begins like this:God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (18)

2004-04-20T06:35:00.000-05:00

Slaves and Masters. All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved.

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (17)

2004-04-19T07:25:00.000-05:00

Some interesting, pithy, and diverse next words from Paul: Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (16)

2004-04-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

Concerning addresses two aspects concerning elders in the Church: The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (15)

2004-04-15T07:47:00.000-05:00

The church in the first century seems to have had a formalized system for caring for widows. This is clear from the instructions that Paul next gives Timothy: Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (14)

2004-04-14T07:27:00.000-05:00

We're all mishpachah (mish-pah-khah'). Mishpachah is the Hebrew word for family and that is how the church leader is to relate to the people in the church: Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. (1 Timothy 5:1-2) The leader is to show

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (13)

2004-04-12T08:19:00.000-05:00

What I am taking up now are these words from Paul to Timothy: Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16) I cannot help but contrast "you

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (12)

2004-04-09T07:41:00.000-05:00

Paul now has some personal words for Timothy: Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (11)

2004-04-08T07:53:00.000-05:00

As with many things in the Christian walk, balance is in order. Sound doctrine says that godliness comes from faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. But this requires study and attention. The gospel is so much more than getting people to pray a formulaic prayer. Faith is a gift and a mystery. To come to faith and belief in Jesus the Messiah is life changing. Along these lines, Paul

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (10)

2004-04-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

Paul's next words are interesting. Note how the removal of the chapter transition clearly connects these two thoughts. By common confession, Great is the mystery of godliness:He who was revealed in the flesh,Was vindicated in the Spirit,Seen by angels,Proclaimed among the nations,Believed on in the world,Taken up in glory. But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (9)

2004-04-05T08:33:00.000-05:00

Paul moves from the qualifications of elders to that of deacons: Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (8)

2004-04-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

In Acts, we are told that Paul appointed elders in the new congregations. In his letter to Timothy, he describes what he looks for: It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, (Not sinless, but without a hidden past that could compromise his decisions)

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (7)

2004-04-01T08:31:00.000-05:00

What Paul says next is one of those passages we like to read quickly and move on, before we have to think and deal with what he says. A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (6)

2004-03-31T08:05:00.000-05:00

My apologies for being offline for a few days. In fact, that has been the problem. I have been offline waiting for my DSL provider to correct an outage. My link was down from Tuesday afternoon until Friday morning. Paul now instructs Timothy about attitudes in worship. He addresses men and women separately: Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands,

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (5)

2004-03-19T08:14:00.000-05:00

This November every newspaper in this country will have a headline that reads, "

WINS" where

will probably be one of Bush, Kerry, or Nader. It is a good bet that at least one of these names is bad news for you. Bush supporters dread Kerry/Nader. Kerry/Nader supporters dread Bush. What are you going to do if your man loses? What are you going to do if he wins? Let me suggest these next

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (4)

2004-03-18T08:07:00.000-05:00

Paul ends this fist section of First Timothy with this: This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan,

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (3)

2004-03-17T08:35:00.000-05:00

There are some things that the Scriptures speak of tangentially but are things that generate more than tangential interest. "Who is Satan and where did he come from?" is an example. This combination of sparse Scripture and abundant curiosity is one of the reasons that teachers and students can become embroiled in strange doctrines. It takes maturity to leave such things alone and move on and

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton (2)

2004-03-16T07:37:00.000-05:00

In his greeting, Paul placed his ministry under the commandment of God. Christian leaders must be true to their Lord. To be otherwise is to harm the body. So immediately after greeting Timothy, Paul instructs him about instructing others: As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay

1 Timothy -- Passing the Baton

2004-03-15T07:45:00.000-05:00

If you aspire to Christian leadership, the letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus are worth studying. Paul is passing the baton of leadership to the second generation of Christian leaders. In them, we observe what Paul considered important as he teaches them about goals, responsibilities, and technique. They are of great value. Paul begins his first letter to Timothy with this greeting:

Reflections on The Passion of Jesus Christ

2004-03-11T23:10:00.000-05:00

Many have reviewed this movie, and much of what I would say about the movie itself has been said before. I would like to turn to application, to answer the question, "What about this presentation of Jesus' death makes a difference to Christianity at this time?" Just as many were astonished at you, My people, So His appearance was marred more than any man And His form more than the sons of

No post

2004-02-24T07:47:00.000-05:00

I will not be posting for a few days while I revamp the appearance of this site.

Principles of Leadership(4)

2004-02-20T08:29:00.000-05:00

I continue this random series of leadership essays with some reflections on why Saul failed as king of Israel. I believe the key comes from understanding how Saul moved from being like this: Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the

Principles of Leadership(3)

2004-02-19T08:50:00.000-05:00

There are two prominent sections in the Book of Judges. The first section shows the cycle of spiritual decline, disciplinary invasion, repentance, and delivering judge. This cycle repeats several times during the course of the section. The second section begins in Judges 17:1 and is noted by the recurrence of the phrase "In those days there was no king in Israel..." In those days there

Principles of Leadership(2)

2004-02-18T07:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I examined Exodus 18 wherein leaders were to be able, God fearing, truth loving, and free from dishonest gain. The following speech came my way yesterday and I am posting it today. How might Zell Miller measure up to the standards of leadership: February 12, 2004 U.S. Senator Zell Miller, D-GA Floor Statement on 'Deficit of Decency' in America Prepared Remarks for

Principles of Leadership(1)

2004-02-17T07:39:00.000-05:00

I want to take the next two days or so to write some thoughts about leadership. I will confess that what has had me thinking about this of late is the presidential politics that is escalating and will dominate much of this year. But I will advise that what I have to write is better applied close to home. We all have leaders and many of us seek to be leaders. Some lead by authority. Some lead

Hints, Allegories, and Mysteries -- The New Testament Quotes the Old

2004-02-12T07:55:00.000-05:00

RSSAbstract: Some final remarks This series of essays comes from a complete paper available on this web site. I am serializing it on this blog to both advertise it and to invite discussion. You can read the entire paper by clicking here. Practical Points This is not a call for a radical change in scholarly hermeneutics. The grammatical and historical approach to the scriptures is the

Hints, Allegories, and Mysteries -- The New Testament Quotes the Old

2004-02-11T07:55:00.000-05:00

RSSAbstract: Are the Rabbinic interpretive methods of value? This series of essays comes from a complete paper available on this web site. I am serializing it on this blog to both advertise it and to invite discussion. You can read the entire paper by clicking here. Is it for Today? Must one be an inspired writer of sacred scripture to detect and teach from hints, allegories, and hidden

Hints, Allegories, and Mysteries -- The New Testament Quotes the Old

2004-02-10T07:57:00.000-05:00

RSSAbstract: This essay presents examples where the New Testament treats Old Testament passages as containing hidden meanings. This series of essays comes from a complete paper available on this web site. I am serializing it on this blog to both advertise it and to invite discussion. You can read the entire paper by clicking here. Sodim (Mysteries) There are also places where the New

Hints, Allegories, and Mysteries -- The New Testament Quotes the Old

2004-02-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

RSSAbstract: This essay presents examples where the New Testament treats Old Testament passages allegorically. This series of essays comes from a complete paper available on this web site. I am serializing it on this blog to both advertise it and to invite discussion. You can read the entire paper by clicking here. Drashim (Allegories or Types) The rabbinical concept of drashim has a

Hints, Allegories, and Mysteries -- The New Testament Quotes the Old

2004-02-06T07:29:00.000-05:00

RSSAbstract: This essay presents examples where the New Testament treats Old Testament passages as hints to broader truths. This series of essays comes from a complete paper available on this web site. I am serializing it on this blog to both advertise it and to invite discussion. You can read the entire paper by clicking here. Remezim (Hints) Let me start with the three passages from

Hints, Allegories, and Mysteries -- The New Testament Quotes the Old

2004-02-05T07:24:00.000-05:00

This series of essays comes from a complete paper available on this web site. I am serializing it on this blog to both advertise it and to invite discussion. You can read the entire paper by clicking here. This second essay introduces the rabbinic methods for studying the scriptures. What I find attractive here is that there are logical reasons for connecting these methods to the New