For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. Romans 8:22 NASB Until now – Paul wrote this sentence about one thousand nine hundred and fifty years ago. The Greek words, achri nyn, (“up to this point in time”) indicate that Paul thought the universe was on the…
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope Romans 8:20 NASB Not willingly – You know, the whole human race is in deep trouble. We don’t think about this too often, but the truth is that we live on the cusp of extinction, both physically and spiritually. A pandemic…
that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:21 NASB Slavery to corruption – If we’re going to understand Paul’s view of freedom, we will first need to understand Paul’s view of slavery. He calls himself a slave,…
For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:19 NASB The sons – Did you notice something odd about this verse? With an apocalyptic expectation, we expect Paul’s declaration to proclaim that the creation waits for the revealing of the son of God. Everything hangs on the return of…
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 NASB Are not worthy to be compared – Paul suffered. The disciples suffered. Yeshua suffered. In fact, most of the great religious leaders, prophets, and teachers suffered. It really…
“Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle which feed among the lilies.” Song of Songs 4:5 NASB Breasts – We have been investigating the perspective of two important rabbis regarding the essence of the Torah. Rabbi Akiva treats the Torah as a kind of spiritual map to deeper understanding, encouraging us to plumb…
For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. Deuteronomy 30:11 NASB Out of reach – Are the commandments “out of reach”? If you grew up under Augustine, Aquinas, and Luther, you would be compelled to say, “Yes. No one can really keep them.” …
So Moses brought their case before the Lord. Numbers 27:5 NASB Their case – At the beginning of chapter 27 in the book of Numbers, certain daughters of in the line of Manasseh, son of Joseph, make a legal claim before Moses and Eleazar. Their argument is that their father died in the wilderness along with…
Now this is the law which Moses set before the sons of Israel; Deuteronomy 4:44 NASB Set before – You want your life to conform to God’s standard, right? You want to know what God wants you to do, and what displeases Him. So, you read your Bible. You think that what it says is…
