Category: Uncategorized
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Justice as an Intent in God’s Judgment
God visited Abraham to reaffirm His promise on His way to judge Sodom. The story of Sodom is difficult for many people in our current society. It is not difficult to understand but difficult to accept for what it is. Many people want to twist the words so that they do not have to feel…
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Asking God for Discernment; The Desolation of Jerusalem, PT. 1
Eschatology is a divisive matter in our time because people disagree about so much, and we don’t really know how to have civil discussions. When talking about the end-times, people from every camp like to light their fires with Matthew 24. I’ll be upfront about what I think. I am postmillennial. Yet, I want to…
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Daily Devotional: Romans 13:1-6
After Paul applies monergistic doctrine to the lives of people—insisting that Christians always consider others to be more important than themselves, do not seek retribution, but love and serve even their enemies, I’m sure there are some questions. There are questions when I teach those principles in our own day. What about justice? Are we…
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Daily Devotional: Romans 11:22-36
Paul continues his thoughts about predestination as it relates to Jews and gentiles respectively. The essential truth of the matter is still—all who believe in Christ will be saved. Yet, in this pericope I see some interesting statements. Paul uses the Old Testament text to prove his teaching throughout. First, the hardening of the Jews…
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Daily Devotional: Romans 3:1-18
Paul makes it clear, the only advantage Jews have over gentiles is that they were entrusted with the oracles of God—the Scriptures—in order for the whole world to be blessed. Their unbelief and belief, though, are equal to that of the gentiles. The unbelief does not nullify the faithfulness, justice, or judgment of God. Paul…
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Daily Devotional: Genesis 48:1-22
Jacob is still considering his immanent death. He blesses Ephraim over Manasseh even though Manasseh is Joseph’s firstborn. The forsaken firstborn motif is present in Genesis, starting with Cain and Abel, and will present throughout the entire Old Testament. This motif typifies the incarnation of Christ. Adam, the firstborn man and federal head of creation…
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When the Holy Spirit Departs
Moses has so far told the story of creation, the woman, and God promise to her. Her seed shall bruise the head of the serpent and his seed. When Cain killed Abel, Cain was exiled and Seth was born. Noah was born a descendant of Seth, the one who would bring rest from toilsome labor…
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Daily Devotional: Genesis 36:1-43
Moses provides a genealogy from Esau, who is Edom. Edom becomes an enemy of Israel later in the narrative. This genealogy shows the diversity of the Edomites’ ethnic composition and their political structure. Both of these details set Edom and Israel at odds concerning their heritage, tradition, and government. God will instruct Israel to remain…
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Daily Devotional: Genesis 33:1-17
Jacob expects enmity and hostility from Esau. After all, he stole Esau’s birthright and inheritance. Yet, Esau greets Jacob as a brother with no hostility toward him whatsoever. We often expect trouble as we go, so we, like Jacob, fret and prepare. We spend our rime worrying about the future, and the problems we perceive…
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On Gaining the World and Losing Yourself
The Easter season is upon us, the liturgical part of the year when we reflect upon our own depravity and inability to be righteous or holy. In this season, leading up through good Friday and Black Saturday, we long for a savior to come free us from our sin, clothe us in His righteousness, and…