You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 2 Corinthians 3:2 Letter – It’s a question of endorsement. Paul says that he could have used credentials, certificates, resumes or letters of credit. But they are unnecessary. Why? Because Paul’s real endorsement comes from those whom he mentored in Jesus…
remember that you were at one time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world, Ephesians 2:12 Commonwealth – Perhaps the NIV gives us a better understanding of this word, politeia, by translating it as “citizenship in.” But…
remember that you were at one time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world, Ephesians 2:12 Excluded – What is it like to be separated from Christ? We commonly think that separation means no relationship with God,…
For you were called to freedom, brethren, only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 Freedom/Serve – Sometimes, the intimate connection between Hebrew thought and the New Testament documents just doesn’t show itself in Greek or in English. That’s unfortunate since it deprives…
that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honor: and that you shall be a consecrated people to the LORD your God, as He has spoken. Deuteronomy 26:19 Praise, Fame and Honor – This is the “big picture” verse. In order to understand it, we need…
You shall fear the Lord your God and you shall serve him, and you shall keep close to him and you shall swear by his name. Deuteronomy 10:20 (Craigie) Keep Close – Moses instructs the people to keep close to HaShem. How close? Inquiring minds want to know. Once you see the Hebrew word here,…
And those who know Your name will trust You Psalm 9:11 in the Hebrew Bible (English 9:10) Name – In our culture, a name merely separates individuals. So, my name designates me as a separate individual from you. In spite of the fact that my name might have family history behind it, it really doesn’t…
Then rising up, He rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26 Rebuked – Are you in the boat with Jesus? If you are, the first question that comes up in the midst of a storm is this: “Where’s the life preserver?” It’s the last question you need to…
And coming near, his disciples awakened Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing.” Matthew 8:25 Perishing – Do you realize that we are in the boat with Yeshua? If the boat sinks, He sinks with us. That’s what Paul had in mind when he said that if the Christ isn’t raised from the dead,…
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 Discipline – What makes a sound mind? Did you think it was education, logical thinking or encyclopedic knowledge? If you grew up with a Western world mentality, then you most likely view a sound mind…
