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Showing 76 to 100 of 4943 results

76. The Law and the Promise

Galatians 3:15-25, Galatians 3:1-14

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

... was the father of Israel to whom God gave the land (Ezek. 33:24). God was loyal to Abraham in a special way (Micah 7:20), even calling him “my friend” (Isa. 41:8), for God had made a covenant with Abraham and Abraham’s descendants that God continually honored (Exod. 2:24; 4:5; 32:13). God chose Abraham to play a special role in the world because of Abraham’s trust in God (Gen. 15:6). Within Jewish tradition Abraham’s righteousness is underscored. For instance, we read in Jub. 23:10: “For Abraham ...

77. Freedom In Christ

Galatians 5:1-15, Galatians 5:16-26

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

... that Paul doubts his Galatian readers’ good sense, here he appeals to it in an attempt to encourage them to trust him and his gospel. Paul writes that he is confident in the Lord that they take no other view than the one he is presenting. Continuing to place himself alongside his readers, Paul depicts them as under the influence of a confuser (cf. 1:7). The phrase in the Lord occurs frequently in Paul’s letters, along with the phrase “in Christ.” Paul sees himself as living in the Lord, in Christ ...

78. The Supremacy of Christ

Colossians 1:15-23

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... and prayer (1:3–19). He reminds his readers that the cosmic and ecclesiastical reconciliation that he has just described in the hymn is true for them as well (once you … but now he has reconciled you). They have been made acceptable to God and now are challenged to continue in the truth that they have been taught. One way to appreciate what God has done is to remember what one was before God’s grace was experienced personally (cf. 1:26; 3:7; Rom. 6:22; 11:30; 1 Cor. 6:11). Hence Paul reminds them that ...

79. The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:1-21

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... Jer. 7:4, 8–11). The Lord measured the internal keeping of the first commandment by broadening it and specifying that it include many of the other commands (see also 22:20; 23:24; 34:14, 17; Deut. 13:1–18). 20:4–6 The second commandment continues the first, but more specifically (see additional notes). “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” The veneration of ...

80. Habakkuk’s Second Complaint

Habakkuk 2:2-20, Habakkuk 1:12--2:1

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... that the Babylonians are even more corrupt than Judah, and that they can therefore hardly be allowed to function as Judah’s judge and jailor. And far from promising any immediate action, Yahweh gives notice that there will be no action for a while. Yahweh does continue to imply that there will be action, but does not indicate what kind. So if verses 4–5 begin the revelation, it will be disappointing if that is all the revelation comprises. But, in fact, Yahweh has much more to say. In effect, Yahweh has ...

81. Warnings and Exhortations for Jerusalem and Judah

Zephaniah 1:1-3, Zephaniah 1:4-13, Zephaniah 1:14--2:3

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

... failure of that reform that meant “the day” had to come. Amos had also already presupposed that Yahweh’s day need not be an End after which nothing else would happen. It will be a day of great trouble or blessing, but after it life will continue. Thus the fall of Samaria was indeed the day Amos had announced, and passages such as Lamentations 1:12; 2:1, 21, 22 will imply that when Jerusalem fell, the day Zephaniah here announces came. On the other hand, each of these “days” is less cataclysmic ...

82. Daniel in the Den of Lions

Daniel 6:1-28

Teach the Text

Ronald W. Pierce

... and judge the wicked. This theologically rich title for God occurs frequently in the Old Testament (Deut. 5:26; Josh. 3:10; 1 Sam. 17:26, 36; 2 Kings 19:4, 16; Isa. 37:4, 17; Jer. 10:10; 23:36).4 has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions? Darius’s earlier wish, or prayer (6:16), now takes the form of a challenging question, which Daniel answers in the affirmative. Again, the faithful service of the elderly sage to his God is emphasized in the text, although here ...

83. Proverbs of Solomon

Proberbs 10:1--22:16

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... (18:23). Yet even with companions you can come to ruin if you lack a true friend (literally “one who loves”), who will stick with you in a crisis (18:24; cf. 15:9 [a divine friend?]). 19:1–20:4 · The initial verses of chapter 19 continue the theme of companionship, with an emphasis on the poor (19:1–9). Despite the social ostracism experienced by the poor, it is better for them to maintain their integrity in word and deed than to resort to perverse speech like a fool (19:1). Lacking knowledge, the ...

84. Job Speaks

Job 3:1-26

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... picture it is the powerful and wealthy who find rest in death. They are kings and counselors . . . rulers who had gold, who filled their houses with silver. While they have now lost all in death, says Job, they still are to be envied by those who live and continue to suffer. 3:16–19 Better still, Job avers, never to have been born at all, but to have been miscarried or never see the light of day. The Hebrew nepel most likely refers to the miscarriage of a child who is not yet viable (see also Eccl. 6 ...

85. Job's Reply to Eliphaz

Job 6:1–7:21

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... The final verses of this opening section of chapter 6 return to Job’s defense of his impetuous speech. Here Job’s failure to be patient links directly to his hope—or rather lack thereof. His strength to endure patiently is grounded, Job says, in the continuing ability to hope. Hope, he claims, grows out of a sense that even in the worst of circumstances one still has the power to help oneself—to change one’s lot. One would have to become an inanimate substance with no sense or at least impervious ...

86. Job's Third Reply to Eliphaz

Job 23:1--24:25

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... to take one’s position in life.” Understanding they have no assurance of life as Job’s desire for the wicked means that he hopes they will be unable to find security in life. 24:23 He may let them rest in a feeling of security. This verse continues the contrast begun in the last verse between the confidence of the wicked and the tenuous reality of their existence under divine scrutiny and judgment. God may allow them a period of respite in which a false sense of security grows, but Job longs for a day ...

87. The Lord Speaks

Job 38:1--41:34

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... the description of these two beasts even more closely together as parts of the same final examination. 40:6–8 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. This is exactly the same phrase found at the beginning of chapter 38, signifying that this is a continuation of the original storm of words after a brief pause. Brace yourself. Again, as in 38:3, God challenges Job to face head-on into the torrent of divine words. The difficult task for which Job is to prepare himself by girding his loins is not over ...

88. Daniel’s Vision of a Ram and a Goat

Daniel 8:1-14

Understanding Series

William Nelson

... and ravaged, until the LORD has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken” (Isa. 6:11–12). In the other passages, God’s people have experienced harm, leading them to cry out to God for deliverance and ask how long their suffering must continue. The emphasis is on the present distress and the prayer for deliverance. They are not looking for an answer in terms of a specific amount of time; rather, they are saying that they have suffered enough and God should act on their behalf. But in ...

89. Faith or Observance of the Law

Galatians 3:1-14, Galatians 3:15-25

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

90. The Fall of Man

Genesis 3:1-24

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

... the task of tilling the ground (3:23). The woman complements the man by bearing children. The nature of her punishment (3:16) and the name Eve, “the mother of all living” (3:20), confirm this role. Her role is crucial, for it guarantees the continuance of the human family on earth (3:16). These differences, rather than elevating one gender over the other, enable each gender to make a true contribution to the other. In living together a man and a woman discover their true humanness. This is the ideal ...

91. Holy Goat!

Leviticus 16:1-34, John 20:24-31

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... we cannot dare to exit, or a goatskin (a false skin) that we present to the world instead of our authentic self, or a cave of depression in which we cower from the world and God –in all cases, these “separations” or “sins” require atonement. This is the continuing gift Jesus offers us by His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit. Jesus allows us not only to see Him, but to touch Him. He allows us to place our fears and doubts upon Him, and He willingly takes them from us and upon Himself. Jesus ...

92. Anointed and Appointed

John 15:9-17

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... yet another graduation. All of us are called to our true potential as Jesus’ disciples. We are called again and again to live out our identity as followers of Jesus and rise up in our journey from disciple to apostle, as Jesus anoints and appoints us to continue God’s mission of love to a love-starved world. At the time of your baptism, you were sanctioned and commissioned by God to be part of Jesus’ mission of love. Now you are grown, matured in your faith, and ready for what comes next. This is ...

93. To Climb A Mountain

Matthew 4:23-25, Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 4:12-17

Drama

Robert F. Crowley

... will warm you. GIRL: Thank you. BOY: Yes, thanks. GUIDE: You're welcome. What brings you to my mountain? It's a difficult climb for most people. MAN: Well, I guess we're no different than most people, but we had to come. GUIDE: Had to? MAN: We want to continue. GUIDE: Up the mountain? MAN: Yes, that's why we came. GUIDE: The mountain. Hmm. You think you want to tackle it. Why? MAN: Because we have to. GIRL: They say the view is wonderful. GUIDE: But would you climb it just for the view? BOY: We know we can ...

94. God's Math:Lose Life = Save It

Mark 8:31--9:1

Sermon

Robert Salzgeber

... said something about wanting a favor." Trooper Michael said, "Yes, I did. But it's more like a trade. I have orders to ask you to trade your life here on earth for your son's life." Jim looked bewildered. "What do you mean, trade my life for his?" Michael continued, "I mean that Gabriel, our football coach was asked to be Saint Peter's full time coach. Pete never could play golf very well. We are in desperate need of a good football coach. The Lord wants you, Jim. Only you! He told me to get you whatever it ...

95. Easter 4

John 10:22-42, Acts 13:13-52, Numbers 27:12-23, Revelation 7:9-17

Sermon Aid

George Bass

... us always to give you thanks, for you alone are worthy of thanksgiving and praise and honor now and forever." THE READINGS Acts 13:15-16 (16a - L); 26-33 (E, L, C) (34-39 - E) The impact of the gospel upon Jerusalem and the nearby world continues to be told in the story Luke tells. Paul's, as he is known after his conversion, missionary work has begun and, at the invitation of the president of the synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia, Paul faithfully preaches the gospel to the people by reviewing the history ...

96. Proper 10 & Pentecost 8

Isaiah 55:1-13, Psalm 65:1-13, Romans 8:1-17, Romans 8:18-27, Exodus 2:11-25, Matthew 13:1-23

Sermon Aid

... brings God's "rain" to the hearts of people, and guarantees a plentiful harvest for the Lord. Paul considers this the business of living by and in the Spirit. 4. Plant with faith. God's kingdom has come into the world in Jesus Christ, and it will continue to grow as the Word is preached throughout the earth; his "word ... shall not return to [him] empty." God himself, according to Isaiah, has said this, and promised that this will come to be. And Jesus adds, with his parable, "He that has ears to hear, let ...

97. Stuffed Bodies and Skinny Souls!

Isaiah 55:1-13

Sermon

John R. Brokhoff

... God are joined together as one, just as two people become one in the covenant of marriage. God in this covenant is to be your God and you are to be his child. For how long? God calls it an "everlasting covenant." It is made here on earth and continues through eternity. A covenant consists of promises made by both parties. In this everlasting covenant, God promises to love us, forgive us, care for us, and save us. In him is our eternal security, and never do we have to fear evil or death. Who could ever turn ...

98. "I Don’t Want to Be Perfect - Or Do I?"

Matthew 13:1-23

Sermon

Robert G. Tuttle

... avoid having some idea of truth, of God, of life. Those who jump from idea to idea, faith to faith, sect to sect never get a good theology. They are swallowing everything and digesting nothing. They have no roots. They are shallow soil and they die. Jesus continues to point to the opposite hill. "Look. Some of the seeds are blowing in among the thorns." The world is full of weeds, and how they grow! They don’t need to be cultivated. The thorns take care of themselves, but they won’t let anything else ...

99. Salvation as Hope

Romans 13:8-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:13--5:11, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Sermon Aid

T. A. Kantonen

... to depart and to be with Christ ... But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account" (Philippians 1:23-24). "We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Paul thus affirms the possibility that the soul may continue to exist apart from the body, but he does not share Plato’s view of death as a release of the soul from the fetters of the body to live on its own and in its own proper sphere. Existence after death has a positive meaning only if it is ...

100. A Blood That Passes Over

Exodus 12:1-30

Sermon

Carlyle Fielding Stewart

... strike them down with their Egyptian oppressors. The lamb would therefore be a sacrifice for the person who would have perished from the plague of God’s wrath. The blood is a symbol of innocence, purity, and oblation to the Lord. This feast of Passover would continue as an annual holiday in honor of the night that the Lord passed over the homes of the Israelites and spared their lives. It would signify a time of preparation for the fulfillment of God’s promises. It would also be a time of remembrance of ...

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