Villa Borghese, Rome
If you’re going to have a living room, it might as well be decorated. Topical Index: Villa Borghese
Bad Love (Again)
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Genesis 2:23 NASB 1995 Now – The verse that just doesn’t quit! We have come back to it over and over, discovering more depth each time. We already…
The Direction of Forgiveness
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 NIV East/ west – You have undoubtedly heard this verse offered as proof for God’s forgiveness, but perhaps you haven’t considered some of its more esoteric implications. So, let’s ask a few questions. Why the order…
Un-hardening the Heart
and the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Therefore they plundered the Egyptians. Exodus 12:36 NASB Let them have – Imagine you’re an Egyptian. You’ve just had your crops ruined, your water made undrinkable, your livestock destroyed, and your sons killed. And it’s all…
A Reasonable Conclusion
If My people would heed Me, if Israel would go in My ways, in a moment I would humble their enemies and against their foes I would turn My hand. Psalm 81:14-15 (Hebrew Bible) Robert Alter In a moment – God made a promise 3000 years ago. That promise was simple. If Israel keeps His…
Meta-exegesis on April Fool’s Day
A lamp to my feet is Your word and a light to my path. I swore and I will fulfill it—to observe Your just laws. Psalm 119:105-106 Robert Alter Lamp/ light – What is the plain meaning of the text? Isn’t that what we all want to know? Don’t confuse me with theological propositions or…
History in the Making
Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Matthew 6:9 NASB Hallowed – “Thus, to ‘hallow’ here is no longer any single action; it is the transformation of all that is into a new ‘holy’ existence as God wills. It is the course of the world and of each individual life from creation…
The Case for Christ
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:44 NASB No one – Given this statement, it is remarkable that Western Christianity believes in apologetics. Over and over Christian authors and theologians have offered “proofs” for the faith, arguments that…
The Holocaust Question
“For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear about it, and they will surround us and eliminate our name from the earth. And what will You do for Your great name?” Joshua 7:9 NASB What will You do – The people of Ai defeat the Israelites. Many die. Joshua is dumbfounded…
