the new self created in the likeness of God
In Exodus 32 we saw how Israel broke the second commandment by trying to make a likeness of God, a futile attempt to bring Him down to their level. However, Israel’s idolatry would not be limited to making likenesses of the Lord; God’s people would give their allegiance to other gods throughout their history. And... Continue Reading →
If you’re familiar with the text of the Old Testament you might assume that Baal was the Lord’s chief rival; perhaps even a great part of the reason for the first two commandments of God’s covenant with Israel (Exodus 20.1-6). After all, the people forsook Jehovah for Baal once they entered the promised land (see... Continue Reading →
Isaiah 40 marks a pivotal point in this remarkable book of prophecy. Chapter 39 concluded with the Lord’s message to Hezekiah that not only would Babylon plunder Judah of all her riches, but would also take the people captive (vss. 6-7). However, that message of doom was followed by a message of hope: “Comfort, comfort... Continue Reading →
Growing up I could, and did, get in trouble for any number of infractions. There were spankings and then groundings for telling lies, fighting with my sister, failure to do my chores, watching TV shows I knew I wasn’t supposed to watch, etc. But there was one transgression that was guaranteed to would elicit the... Continue Reading →
A Test Case… As little as two decades ago, most Americans (58% according to Pew Research) disapproved of gay marriage. Certainly that percentage was higher during most of the 20th century, but as the 21st century dawned most not only thought that the legalization of same-sex marriage was unlikely in the near future but that... Continue Reading →
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Getting Started: if God’s presence is in a place, that place is holy. Jacob understood that, for after his dream of the ladder stretching between heaven and earth (Genesis 28.12-15) he awoke and declared, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven”... Continue Reading →
Getting Started: when God first told Moses that Israel was to make Him “a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst” He also demanded that it be constructed “exactly as I show you” (Exodus 25.8-9). To insure that His sanctuary was constructed exactly to His specifications, the Lord “called by name Bezalel the son... Continue Reading →
Getting Started: in earlier lessons we noted the importance of God having a sanctuary where He could dwell with His people (Exodus 25.8). While in the wilderness Israel built a tabernacle and the glory of the Lord filled it (Exodus 40.34); God placed His Spirit among Israel (Isaiah 63.11). Solomon then built a permanent house... Continue Reading →
Getting Started: Acts 13.13-52 records how Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel in Antioch of Pisidia. The Jews of the city rejected the gospel and thus judged themselves “unworthy of eternal life” (vs. 46). However, the Gentiles heard them gladly and even though Paul and Barnabas had to leave the city under duress, “the disciples... Continue Reading →
Built By Him 