When You Pray . . . (Part 2)
Last week we examined an incident wherein the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Before we look at what Jesus said in response to the request, let us note a number of things he did not say. Jesus did not mandate that prayer be done with the closed eyes and folded hands so…
Read MoreWhen You Pray . . .
In two different gospels, Jesus used similar verbiage to teach his disciples to pray.1 The two incidents are different enough that they appear to be distinct events, and if so, they are similar enough that it captures our attention to know that Jesus would go through this same lesson twice. The lesson, recorded by both Matthew…
Read MoreWhen You Fast . . . (Part 2)
Last week we began our look at fasting, noting that Jesus never questioned that we would do so. We also looked at the motivation behind our fasting. This week we look at the new covenant purpose of fasting, and fasting as a “new wineskin.” Fasting for a Purpose Under the old covenant, fasting was typically…
Read MoreWhen You Fast . . .
Over the past three weeks, we examined a time in the life of Jesus wherein he fasted for 40 days, and as a part of that experience was tested directly by the devil himself. Similarly, Moses fasted for 40 days as he spent time with God on Mount Sinai, receiving and writing the words of…
Read MoreReeled in by Temptation (Part 3)
For the past two weeks we have been looking at temptation, and focusing primarily on the temptation of Jesus. This week we wrap up that investigation by looking at lessons we can learn from how Jesus handled temptation. Lesson 1 – Satan Has Limitations Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were…
Read MoreBonus Post: Jeremiah 29:11
In 2015, I wrote a blog post addressing the believing community’s practice of wrenching Jeremiah 29:11 from its context, and how we need to give greater care to context and show greater respect to God’s original intent when working with various passages of scripture. I continue to see this passage pulled from its context and…
Read MoreReeled in by Temptation (Part 2)
Last week we began looking at temptation from about 50,000 feet, culminating in an overview of the temptation of Jesus as he inaugurated his public ministry. Today, we will dive more deeply into that time in Jesus’ life. Hunger The first temptation of Jesus presented in the gospels involves hunger. Jesus had been fasting for…
Read MoreReeled In By Temptation
The Hook I read once that temptation is a hook baited with a lie. I find that an apt way of phrasing it. Once we swallow that lie/bait and the hook is set, the chances are very good that we are going to get reeled in, because it is difficult and painful to pull out…
Read MoreGod Is Not Fair!
The West’s Love Affair with Fairness The concept of fairness permeates Western society. Westerners like conditions to be impartial and equitable. There is something innate to humanity (in western culture at least) where fairness is concerned, that drives our moral and ethical compass. Young children are quick to cry out “Unfair!” when playing with one…
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