And He had to pass through Samaria. John 4:4 NASB Pass through– In this brief interlude between teaching passages, John recounts that Yeshua left Judea when things became difficult. During the journey, he encountered the woman at the well. I’m sure he didn’t plan to encounter her, but when he did, the opportunity for some truly fascinating discussion…
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3 NIV By faith – “by faith.” So, what does that mean? Does it mean that I simply take a leap into the non-rational and “believe”? Does it mean that I don’t…
“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24 NASB Believe– John uses the Greek “believe” in one form or another ninety-two times in his gospel. It is never once a noun. Pisteuo is a verb, a verb…
Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” Genesis 21:6 NASB Laughter – Why does Peter list Sarah as a heroine of the faith (1 Peter 3:6)? With all that we have learned about her, it seems that Zornberg’s assessment, a life of “grim realism,” is more accurate than Peter’s praise. …
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 2 Timothy 1:9 NASB Our works– Luther established a concrete barricade between faith and works. He was wrong. Because he thought of faith as cognitive agreement to certain doctrines,…
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NASB Faith– James’ letter has always been a problem. In fact, it is such a serious problem that early church councils weren’t sure it should even be included in the canon. Why? Because James says crazy things like “What use is it, my…
Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13 NASB Sound words – Systematic theology, so essential for doctrine, was simply impossible before Alexander the Great. Why? Because systematic theology requires a special kind of theological dualism, that is, the separation of mind from…
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 KJV Faith – We don’t have to revisit the modern dilution of this text. That’s already been done. But just a reminder. When the NASB and the NIV and others choose to render this verse something like, “Now…
Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” John 14:9 NASB Who has seen Me – Imagine standing with Philip during this conversation. Yeshua directs a question and a comment to…
The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, “Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side. Mark 8:11-13 NASB Sighing deeply…
