(1Pe 1:1-3) That God’s mercy is great toward us is proven by the fact that He designed a backup plan to save us if messed up the original plan. 1.1. (1-2a) = According to Peter, God’s plan to save people like us (to “elect” “exiles” like us – people previously w/o God’s mercy – i.e. […]
The Resurrection and COVID-19
Because Jesus rose from the DEAD we are free from: The power of sin and God’s wrath against those under it. The lie that justice can be replaced by mercy. The fear of missing out in this life.
Micah 6:8 – Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness
3 questions to be answered about this text. Question #1 – What is going on? Question #2 – What exactly are these three virtues? Question #3 – Why should they be important to us today? Answer #1 – God’s people (covenant community) are on the brink of divine disaster. (Micah 1:1-9; 2:3-4; 3:12; 5:15; 6:13-15). […]
Dark Brewed: Hebrews – Part 6
(Heb 12:1-17) Like a good dark brew (of either coffee or beer), this portion of the book of Hebrews delivers the kind of “kick in the pants” that is always appreciated when the pressures and temptations of this life have got us feeling like compromise is the only option. This was the situation of Jewish […]
Matthew 5.1 – Jesus’ Sermon On The Mount Address
1. Leading the Jewish crowds to a mountainside sb viewed as a clear sign that Jesus has become Israel’s new Moses since: 1.1. Like Moses, Jesus chooses elders to carry the ministry burden prior to going up the mountain (Luk 6:12-16 w/Exo 18:18-27) 1.2. Like Moses, Jesus goes to the mountain for the purpose of […]
Matthew Introduction – Part 5: Why did Matthew NOT write his gospel?
5. (Why?) did Matthew NOT write his gospel? Traditionally, inquiry into the author’s purpose is stated in the positive versus the negative as it is here. However, this particular dialectic approach to Matthew’s gospel has enormous value – especially when attempting to “root out” modern misconceptions about Jesus, His ministry or the Christian Faith in […]