Showing 1 to 25 of 211 results
Sermon
Leonard Sweet
A. J. Jacobs is an American journalist and guinea pig who write books based on plunge experiences. Once he joined Mensa and read all thirty-two ... soon be seeing this at the movies, as Paramount has picked up the screenplay rights. One of the witticisms of Jacobs in this book has never left me after I read it. He mentioned that part of his challenge in living as a Jew, not just following the 10 Commandments but keeping all 613 Commandments (248 Positive Commandments, 365 Negative Commandments) is that ...
2. No Substitutes
Galatians 3:15-25
Sermon
King Duncan
... in the Bible and how they are similar to women of today. “I’ve long been frustrated,” Evans said in a press release, “by the inconsistencies with which ‘biblical womanhood’ is taught and applied in my evangelical Christian community. So, inspired by A.J. Jacobs’ [book], A Year of Living Biblically, I set out to follow all of the Bible’s instructions for women as literally as possible for a year to show that no woman, no matter how devout, is actually practicing biblical womanhood all the way ...
Sermon
King Duncan
... this Spirit of the Living God, has blown its way from that room into our lives. That is the best evidence we have that God was there. 1. Submitted by John Neidigh, "And Lived to Tell" from "Esquire Presents What It Feels Like," edited by A.J. Jacobs, reprinted in Reader's Digest, December 2003, pp. 146-147. 2. Rabbi Wayne Dosick, The Business Bible (New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1993), pp. 187-189. 3. Galvin Daws, Prisoners of the Japanese: POWS of WWII in the Pacific (William Morrow & Co, New ...
Sermon
King Duncan
... exclaimed. "This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." Jacob took the stone he used for a pillow and poured oil on it, making an altar out of it. The place where Jacob spent the night was a special place because he had encountered God. Some years back a young lady in Oradell, N.J., named Lori Folley got a boulder for her birthday ” a huge rock that weighed over two tons. The rock was once located a bicycle-ride away from her home, and the 15-year-old Lori used to visit it ...
5. Issachar
Genesis 49:1-28
Sermon
Warren Thomas Smith
... . When freedom is relinquished, servitude results. ISSACHAR The venerable Jacob was nearing death. He called his twelve sons to his side, and there followed a classic deathbed scene. Jacob had not taken leave of his senses nor was ... a radical group will take over. The distress comes from the somnolence of "the slow, the staid, the respectable." Arthur J. Moore reminded Georgia congregations that it is easier to restrain a fanatic than to resurrect a corpse. Issachar - what a contrast to Jesus, who labored in a ...
6. Boasting
2 Corinthians 11:1-15, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Understanding Series
James M. Scott
... Seder ʿolam Rabbah 11; b.Qidd. 37a, b; b. Zebaḥ. 118b; Gen. Rab. 35:3; 98:15; cf. Josephus, Ant. 5.68). Furthermore, Jacob spent fourteen years secluded in the land and studying under Eber (b. Meg. 16b, 17a; Gen. Rab. 68:5, 11; Exod. Rab. 2 ... Paul’s statements in Gal. 4:12–20 can be interpreted as referring either to an illness or to persecution. Cf. A. J. Goddard and S. A. Cummins, “Ill or Ill-Treated? Conflict and Persecution as the Context of Paul’s Original Ministry in Galatia,” JSNT 52 (1993 ...
7. Boasting
2 Corinthians 11:16-33, 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Understanding Series
James M. Scott
... Seder ʿolam Rabbah 11; b.Qidd. 37a, b; b. Zebaḥ. 118b; Gen. Rab. 35:3; 98:15; cf. Josephus, Ant. 5.68). Furthermore, Jacob spent fourteen years secluded in the land and studying under Eber (b. Meg. 16b, 17a; Gen. Rab. 68:5, 11; Exod. Rab. 2 ... Paul’s statements in Gal. 4:12–20 can be interpreted as referring either to an illness or to persecution. Cf. A. J. Goddard and S. A. Cummins, “Ill or Ill-Treated? Conflict and Persecution as the Context of Paul’s Original Ministry in Galatia,” JSNT 52 (1993 ...
8. Paul's Vision and His Thorn
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Understanding Series
James M. Scott
... Seder ?olam Rabbah 11; b. Qidd. 37a, b; b. Zeba?. 118b; Gen. Rab. 35:3; 98:15; cf. Josephus, Ant. 5.68). Furthermore, Jacob spent fourteen years secluded in the land and studying under Eber (b. Meg. 16b, 17a; Gen. Rab. 68:5, 11; Exod. Rab. 2: ... , Paul’s statements in Gal. 4:12–20 can be interpreted as referring either to an illness or to persecution. Cf. A. J. Goddard and S. A. Cummins, “Ill or Ill-Treated? Conflict and Persecution as the Context of Paul’s Original Ministry in Galatia,” JSNT 52 (1993 ...
9. Melchizedek the Priest
Hebrews 7:1-10, Hebrews 7:11-28
Understanding Series
Donald A. Hagner
... , 1976); see also the excursus, “The Significance of Melchizedek” in Hughes, pp. 237–45; A. J. Bandstra, “Heilsgeschichte and Melchizedek in Hebrews,” CTJ 3 (1968), pp. 36–41; J. W. Thompson, “The Conceptual Background and Purpose of the Midrash in Hebrews 7,” NovT ... It is probably used deliberately to allude to Num. 24:17 where the same verb refers to the star of Jacob who is to rise in fulfillment of God’s promises. The Legitimacy and Superiority of Christ’s Priesthood Extending the ...
Understanding Series
Donald A. Hagner
... , 1976); see also the excursus, “The Significance of Melchizedek” in Hughes, pp. 237–45; A. J. Bandstra, “Heilsgeschichte and Melchizedek in Hebrews,” CTJ 3 (1968), pp. 36–41; J. W. Thompson, “The Conceptual Background and Purpose of the Midrash in Hebrews 7,” NovT ... It is probably used deliberately to allude to Num. 24:17 where the same verb refers to the star of Jacob who is to rise in fulfillment of God’s promises. The Legitimacy and Superiority of Christ’s Priesthood Extending the ...
Sermon
King Duncan
... Most High...He will reign over the house of Jacob forever," Gabriel assured Mary, "and of his kingdom there will be no end." Although we know very little about Mary and her family, we can assume that she was a devout Jew who had listened and believed the scripture ... an obscure stable in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, an angel spoke, a young woman believed and the world was forever changed. 1. The Meaning of Christmas, Phyllis Hobe, et. al., A. J. Holman Company, Philadelphia, NY, 1975, pp. 47-50 2. The Piano Man ...
12. By Faith
Hebrews 11:1-40
Understanding Series
Donald A. Hagner
... because he trusted God’s promises. He therefore stands with his father in the lineage of faith. 11:21 In a similar way, the dying Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph. The reference to the blessing of the two sons of Joseph, rather than to the ... In the Exodus story, the “messenger of destruction,” as the Hebrew may be rendered, destroyed the first-born of both humans and beasts. See J. Schneider, TDNT, vol. 5, pp. 167–71. 11:29 The Red Sea is “the sea of reeds” according to the Hebrew text of Exodus ( ...
Sermon
Arley K. Fadness
... story unfolds from the middle. The campers listen as the ranger speaks: Jacob is sent by Father Isaac to go to Paddan-Aram to Uncle Laban, Jacob's mother's kinfolk, and to find a wife. "Hello, Uncle Laban." "Hello, Nephew Jacob. Because you're my nephew, I'll pay you to work for ... , 2000). 2. Arley K. Fadness, Six Spiritual Needs In America Today (Lima, Ohio: CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 1997). 3. J. Wallace Hamilton, Where Now Is Thy God? (Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1969), p. 33. 4. ...
14. Guiding Star
Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon
Lori Wagner
“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not near: A star shall appear from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel. . .” Numbers 24:17. “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 [1] In the Catacombs of Priscilla you will find one of the oldest paintings of the early church –a depiction of Mother Mary with the Christ child, and beside her, Balaam the gentile prophet, who is pointing to a “star,” the sign of the ...
15. The Death of Jacob
Gen 49:29–50:14
Understanding Series
John E. Hartley
... and by its occupants, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah. At the end of Genesis this registry functions as a review of the main characters. Jacob breathed his last and was gathered to his people (25:8, 17; 35:29). 50:1–3 Joseph solemnly ... . They discovered that the dehydration of the body takes forty days; this time corresponds to the time specified in this text (J. Hamilton-Paterson and C. Andrews, Mummies: Death and Life in Ancient Egypt [New York: Penguin, 1978], p. 43). Perhaps Herodotus had ...
Understanding Series
F. F. Bruce
... half of 3:1 goes closely with the warning of 3:2 and refers to a similar warning given in an earlier letter, now lost (cf. J. H. Michael, ad loc.). On the whole, in spite of some difficulty, it seems best ... a connection between Paul’s persecuting zeal and the words about Benjamin in Jacob’s blessing of his sons (Gen. 49:27): “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder” (cf. Hippolytus, On the Blessing of Jacob, ad loc.; cf. ANF 5, p. 168). A ...
Teach the Text
C. Hassell Bullock
... Second, both psalms are connected to the patriarchal tradition of Jacob, one using the phrase “God of Jacob” (46:11), and the other the “pride of Jacob” (47:4). These terms place both psalms in a covenant context that leaves the covenant imprint on Yahweh’s ... Day is not a day for modest claims!”10 Worship is God-focused. Quote: J. I. Packer. Psalm 47 provides wonderful expressions of God’s sovereign reign and is a great reminder that worship flows from that truth. Theologian J. I. Packer once ...
18. By the Sea
Matthew 4:18-22, John 1:35-42, John 1:43-51
Sermon
Lori Wagner
... your finger on it, but the sea has a way of calling you home, a way that touches your soul. Déjà vu. Have you ever experienced déjà vu before? A memory that feels oddly familiar? One that takes you back to a place you’ve experienced long ago? When you experience ... Bible) Metaphors of this Call Story: Sea / Fishermen Ladder (Jacob’s) Fig tree Peter Lamb of God Nets Son of Man The story of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry contains a surprising amount of images and metaphors. These are significant, ...
Understanding Series
William Nelson
... sovereign, sometimes changed the names of people: Abram to Abraham (Gen. 17:5), Sarai to Sarah (Gen. 17:15), and Jacob to Israel (Gen. 32:28). Also, human kings show their sovereignty in this way. Pharaoh Neco not only decided to replace ... B.C. But since Nebuchadnezzar was occupied elsewhere, he probably did not get around to punishing Judah until 597 B.C. (J. Bright, A History of Israel [3rd ed.; Philadelphia: Westminster, 1981], p. 326). There are variant spellings for the name of King Nebuchadnezzar. In ...
20. Laban Pursues Jacob
Genesis 31:22-55
Understanding Series
John E. Hartley
... (gal’ed, “mound of witnesses”). 31:48 It is possible that there were two stone piles. Laban constructed a heap of stones, and Jacob erected a pillar. Each pile of stones had its own name, Galeed and Mizpah. 31:49 There is a paronomasia on Mizpah (mitspah, “watch post, lookout”) and the verb yitsep (“may he watch”). Apparently the place had a compound name Mizpah Gilead, i.e., Mizpah in Gilead (M. Ottosson, Gilead: Tradition and History [trans. J. Gray; Lund: GWK Gleerup, 1969], pp. 42–47).
Understanding Series
W.H. Bellinger, Jr.
... message—which is blessing, in contrast to Balak’s desire for cursing: I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it. Jacob/Israel is not to experience misfortune or misery, for God is with them. The parallelism ... a believer in the God of Israel. For an account of the text, see J. Hoftijzer and G. van der Kooij, eds., Aramaic Texts from Deir ‘Alla (Leiden: Brill, 1976); see also J. A. Hackett, The Balaam Text from Deir ‘Alla (Harvard Semitic Monographs 31; Chico, 1980); J ...
22. Esau's Descendants
Genesis 36:1-30
Understanding Series
John E. Hartley
... organization (vv. 15–19, 29–30) then to the monarchy (vv. 31–39; C. Westermann, Genesis 12–36: A Commentary [trans. J. Scullion; Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1985], p. 568). These lists function to establish the legitimacy of these rulers in ... as an insightful person, taking steps to avoid conflict. Esau’s settling in Edom is paralleled with Jacob’s settling in Canaan (37:1). This note gives the reason Jacob could settle there unhindered by the size of Esau’s family and herds, thus avoiding the need ...
23. The Competitor
Genesis 25:19-34
Sermon
King Duncan
... cut corners he should not have cut, but at least he was motivated. Esau embodied the "Whatever" philosophy. When it came to his sacred birthright, he shrugged his shoulders like a petulant teenager and said, "Whatever." Or in the words of the writer of Genesis: "Give me the bowl of stew. What good's a birthright to me." God had to wrestle with Jacob to subdue his willfulness, as we will see later, but Esau had no will to subdue. He was just there. No drive. No vision. No sense of call. There was really ...
24. God's GPS
Genesis 28:10-22
Sermon
Lori Wagner
... the wheel of your mind and your heart. God WITH you on the drive of your life! In our Genesis scripture today, Jacob too dreams of a kind of GPS. Anyone know what it is? [Let people answer.] We translate the word, ladder: “Sullam.” But Jewish sources tell us ... a “staircase” of light. ^See also Bethsaida in Archaeology, History, and Ancient Culture, ed. J. Harold Ellens, et al. on a theory that the word imitates Mesopotamian ziggurats. This however doesn’t seem to equate well, as you can go up a ...
Sermon
Mark Clark
... I think of the big and small ways that we take advantage of one another, I'm reminded of that B.J. Thomas song, "Loving Things, and Using People." We get our priorities reversed. Like Jacob, we have a sinful side, and the bottom line of that sinful side is utter and complete selfishness. It reminds me of a story they tell on David Merrick ” one of the least admired men in Hollywood. His receptionist got a call one day from the police asking for Mr. Merrick. The next thing she knew, he was running out of ...
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