But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11 Greatest – Yeshua was a great rabbi; the greatest rabbi who ever lived. But he wasn’t famous. The difference is crucial if we are going to understand our role in the Kingdom. The rabbis taught that “authority buries those who assume it.” They exhorted…
No one serving as a soldier tangles with the affairs of this life, so that he might please the one enlisting him. 2 Timothy 2:4 Tangles – You’re in the army now! If you’re committed to following the Messiah, you made a voluntary decision to join His ranks. That decision has some very big implications. …
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good reputation Philippians 4:8 Whatever – In the end, it’s the little things that count. That’s particularly true when it comes to character. Character is the focus of Paul’s…
and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, compassionate, gracious, long-suffering and great in goodness Exodus 34:6 Long-Suffering – Every word matters. That’s the approach taken by the rabbis, and it’s the same approach that we must take if we want to truly mine the Scriptures. That’s why it just isn’t adequate to stick with an English translation. …
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; Galatians 5:22-23 Fruit – If you’ve been a Christian for any reasonable time, you’ve heard this verse. We usually put the emphasis on the personal character qualities listed here. We strive to be loving, joyful, peaceful and patient. That’s…
YHWH is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer. I seek refuge in Him; He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high tower. Psalm 18:3 (Hebrew text) Rock – If you looked at this psalm in the Hebrew text, you would see something unusual (for us, at least). The letters…
“you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.” Exodus 18:21 Able – So, you’ve determined that you will stand against the culture of power…
And when we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:12 Began Begging – Leadership doesn’t always mean that others will follow. In fact, in some cases, the leader must blaze a trail alone, even when all the good advice suggests retreat. …
