Tag: God’s sovereignty
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Armageddon: The Iranian Conflict and End Times
Well. I finally saw the word used in association with events currently at play in the Middle East. In her post, Coston claimed that, in the last battle, the nations wouldn’t necessarily fight against Israel but against Christ. I have to say, I have never actually seen such a narrative in the text of Scripture.…
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Tobit-Burning Fish Liver Before Sex Keeps Demons Away
Tobit 8:1-3 Sarah’s parents bring Tobias to the bridal chambers where the two are expected to consecrate their marriage. There is still on outstanding issue, though. Sarah is haunted by the demon, Asmodeus. So, Tobias follows Raphael’s instructions by burning the fish liver with the other incense. The foul smell drives the demon away only…
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Tobit- Mysticism and New Age Religion
Tobit 6:1b-9 Tobias and the angel, Raphael, depart for Media. On the way, they stop to camp and Tobias accidentally catches a large fish. Raphael instructs Tobias to clean the fish, keeping the heart, gull, and liver and throwing away the intestines. This was because the heart, gull, and liver were seen as valuable for…
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Didache- Reformed Doctrine 1,400 Years Before Luther or Calvin
Didache 3-4 In chapter 2, the author(s), either the apostles or the apostolic fathers, gives a practical list of first things. These first things were actions or restrictions that summarize the Law. We saw that they were a proper representation of the Law as we compared them to the Biblical account. They are meant to…
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Tobit- Dharma (not karma) in the Bible?
Tobit 2:9-14 v. 9-10 As this fictional character, Tobit, explains his life, he describes washing himself and sleeping in his courtyard, outdoors. Droppings from sparrows fall into his eyes and, as a result, he is blinded for four years. Other Israelites, who were also in exile, had sympathy toward him. This is reminiscent of the…
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Doing Our Best Work In Our Golden Years
In the previous passage, Samuel prophesied, foretelling what the procedure of the king would be. Before this, Samuel’s ministry, which lasted until he was old (8:1), was routine. Samuel would travel the same circuit judging Israel (7:15-17). He had appointed his sons as judges because of his old age (8:1-2). Now, in his old age,…
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Human Responsibility Because of God’s Sovereignty
Last week we finished walking through the wilderness temptations and this week we will begin Jesus’ public preaching ministry. This is an odd statement because Jesus has always been the word and the revealer of the Father’s will. What we mean when we refer to Jesus’ public preaching ministry is His incarnate preaching ministry on…
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Why Did God Make Me This Way?
Have you ever wondered why God created you in the condition that He did? Have you ever wondered why God gave you the personality type that He did, why you are not as academic as you’d like to be, why you have the body type that you do, why you are not as athletic as…
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God’s Work in Human Conflict
In the first four chapters of 1 Samuel, the truth of God’s authority stands out from the pages. From Hannah’s declaration, “The Lord brings death and gives life; he sends some down to Sheol, and he raises others up. The Lord brings poverty and gives wealth; he humbles and he exalts” (2:6-7), to God’s promise…
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True Prosperity
In the last month, my wife and I were sitting in a Bible study for young adults and an illustration was made by the group leader. As part of his illustration, he asked if anyone ever knew anybody who naturally did well in school, getting A’s without even trying. Immediately my wife looked at me…