Jesus tells us that entrance into the kingdom of heaven is not earned, but given freely only because of God’s great generosity, which goes far beyond our human ideas of what is fair. Jesus goes further and clarifies the membership into the kingdom of heaven, that it is by God’s grace alone. In this parable, God is the landowner, believers are the laborers, and the vineyard is the kingdom of heaven. This parable speaks especially to those who feel superior because of heritage or favored position, to those who feel superior because they have spent so much time with Christ. It also speaks to new believers to reassure them of God’s grace. Read More | Comments
- Archives
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November26th
The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 20:1, “”The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard”"
Posted in: Grace and Grits, Kingdom of Heaven
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September22nd
Abraham by Rembrandt
A friend of mine once commented: “You are certainly blessed by the love of the scriptures and we are blessed for your interptation here. I would like to hear from you about your take on the story of Abraham and Isaac.”
Thank you for the kind comment. I would be happy to discuss this often misunderstood story from the Bible found in The 22nd chapter of Genesis. I believe to truly understand the message that God intends for us to receive, that we must always look at context in Scripture. Not only historical and cultural context but also textual context.
First let’s look closely at the Scriptural story as related in the book of Genesis 22:1-22 Read More | Comments
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May29th
The Kingdom of Heaven-The Kingdom of God: Matthew 19:23 / Mark 10:23, 24, & 25 / Luke 18:24 & 29, “The Rich Young Man”
Posted in: Bible Difficulties, Kingdom of Heaven
As I studied this story in Scripture here in the Gospel of Matthew 19:16-26 as well as the Gospels of Mark 10:17-27 and Luke 18:18-27, I realized that there was a meaning that I had never seen. I realized that this Scripture is often taken out of context and that also, because it was taken out of context, I always thought that it was ignored. I had always believed, because that was what was taught me in church, that the story of the rich young ruler meant that it was impossible to achieve eternal life if a person were rich. I always wondered why we did not give all our possessions away as Christians and live communally. Actually, this is a story of God’s grace and sovereignty. Read More | Comments -
February22nd
We often ponder what our faith is all about. In my experience, especially when I was young and before I started actually studing God’s words, it all boiled down to one thing: Heaven or Hell! As I studied Scripture and to seek a relationship with the Living God, indeed, Jesus….I saw a different focus. The focus that I see in all of Jesus’ teachings as well as all of the Old and New Testament is that of a “relationship” with God (indeed, with Jesus). This relationship is a present reality and again, extends into eternity. Read More | Comments -
January16th
Did some deep word study. Some “religious” words have a harsh edge in today’s culture due to their use and overuse by religious zealots. Especially those that would “fear” you into accepting Christ as your Savior. To the unbeliever, “sin”, “repentance’ and even “hell” are enough to make you want to run the other way from the person starting to throw these words out. For many Christians…the same thing. Read More | Comments -
October30th
A friend of mine, Heather, asked me this question the other day. I love these kind of questions because often it is hard to wrap our mind around things that happened in ancient history, especially Biblical things.Q: “What happened to Jesus between the ages of 12 and 30? Is there a gap in the story? Please advise” Read More | Comments
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October17th
Bible Difficulties:”WHOEVER IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME” (Matthew 12:30, Mark 9:50 and Luke 9:40)
Posted in: Bible Difficulties
As we were studying the kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God, a friend brought up this difficult saying of Jesus during our Bible study. I believe deeply in contexual understanding and so wanted to look closely at the context (including other occurences) of this saying in Scripture. It always amazes me how often the answer is simple. It is very much like a treasure, hidden for us to find. Jesus spoke in a veiled way, on purpose. I believe, because he wanted us to think! Often, when the truth is spoken plainly, it requires little thinking. Let’s first read the Scriptures. I always suggest that when reading Scripture, that we read it slowly, savoring every word. Then….we are ready to look closely and understand it……. Read More | Comments -
May8th
BIBLE DIFFICULTIES:Reconciling The Law- Matthew 5:17-19
Posted in: Bible Difficulties, Sermon On The Mount
A friend asked me me today, “How do you renconcile Matt 5:17-19 in regards to all the Levitical laws and OT teachings of ritualistic behavior?”The first thing we should do is look at the Scripture in context:
Matthew 5:17-20(TNIV)
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.This is such a great question because there is much contrast between the Old and New Testaments. Let’s first look at verse 17 and 18. Read More | Comments
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May2nd
Nag Hammadi texts
I was asked some time ago about Gnosticism. If you recall, Pastor Phil has even mentioned Gnostic thought in some of his sermons from the book of Hebrews. So, what is Gnosticism? What about those “lost Gospels” we hear about on TV? Let’s take a look:
Gnosticism is modern term to describe a number of religious and philosophical perspectives that existed before the establishment of Christianity and extended into the first two centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus. In reecent years there has been a been a resurgence in this school of thought due primarily to the findings of their writings at Nag Hammadi, Egypt in 1945 as well as books like Dan Brown’s, “Davinci Code”. Read More | Comments
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April25th
A friend emailed me the following question. Maybe you have the same struggle. Let’s look closer at what God wants for us:“I’ve always struggled with this verse: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” For a time, I thought I truly understood it but then I get tripped up when I read articles on it or hear different pastors preach on it. Does this verse mean that watching secular tv is wrong? Does it mean that watching movies or listening to music with potentially questionable content are a sin? Aren’t these “of the world” and consequently things that shouldn’t be a part of a Christian’s life? I’m confused! As you know, I’m a huge fan of t.v, music and film and various other cultural things (like visual art and plays) and often wonder if I am not supposed to partake in them.” Read More | Comments
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