If you're like me, you may struggle through the Old Testament. It seems irrelevant, too distant, too Old. But the Old Testament is the story. We can't let go of it. (Unless of course you're a hardcore dispensationalist…wink) Here's what I try to keep in mind as I read the Old Testament (I hope it helps you): God inspired the Old Testament, and thus we know it will always be important because His word endures forever.The Old Testament points to Jesus.The Old Testament sweetens and … [Read more...] about Tips for reading the Old Testament
Archives for March 2010
Unbelief
"'But there are some of you who do not believe.' (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)" - John 6:64 It's interesting here that John equates unbelief with betrayal. Unbelief betrays Jesus. Most people would probably agree with that at a certain level. It makes sense somewhat that an unbeliever is a betrayer of Jesus. An unbeliever, someone who is created for communion with God, has outright rejected God, switching to the … [Read more...] about Unbelief
I Will Make You
"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." -Jesus (Matthew 4:19) Thank God. Left to myself, it wouldn't look good. There is not much in me that is naturally disposed to the work of God. I'm selfish. I'm not real magnetic. I'm a bit moody. I have bad days. As for evangelism, I can be pretty introverted. But this verse gives me great hope. It gives me great joy. If I follow Jesus, he can make me into what I need to be. Fewww! Thank you, God. For so long, I've thought … [Read more...] about I Will Make You
Write Them on the Doorposts
I am loving the Bible on iPod. I think years ago I would have considered that cheating. Real Bible readers have dog-eared Bibles and leather journals and hand-turned coffee mugs from Nor Cal…or so I thought. But life is far too kinetic for that always. For instance, a few weeks ago I was standing at the crossroads of sickness and going to church. Because I was sick, I slept in. Because I was headed to church, I was scrambling around trying to get ready. But while I was getting ready, I … [Read more...] about Write Them on the Doorposts
Jesus and Possessions
An old pastor once said he loved to preach about tithing because a person’s wallet is tantamount to the heart. How we spend our money says a lot about our priorities and principles, worries and wants. God must be Lord of your wallet. Jesus is our satisfaction. Jesus brings lasting peace and contentment, reconciliation and restoration. When we exchange temporary, earthly treasures for the treasure stores Jesus offers, we testify to his all-sufficiency in our lives and in the process, we make … [Read more...] about Jesus and Possessions
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
Michael Horton has recently described his concern about the rise of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism in the church. His concern is quite valid. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the distinction between preaching behaviorism and preaching Jesus. Behavioral teaching goes like this: "You should not steal, but you steal. So stop stealing, and here are some tips to help you stop" (a.k.a. you can fix yourself). Or, you should not lie, but you lie. So stop lying, and here are some steps to help you stop … [Read more...] about Moralistic Therapeutic Deism