“Consider the possibility that Jesus Christ is in an unparalleled position to offer spiritual help for all people, regardless of their religious background. Think of it. A rabbi to the Jews, a prophet to the Muslims, an avatar to the Hindus, an enlightened one to Buddhists, the Son of God to Christians, a wise teacher to…
Author: Norm
tears are not enough
October 4, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:13-18 OBSERVATIONS 1. By connecting Jesus with God’s love for Israel while in Egypt (Hosea 11:1) Matthew is stressing that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is on behalf of, in place of, God’s whole family. Jesus is walking the path that Israel walked, and His eventual victory will be for all.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
God’s witness among non-christians!
October 3, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:1-12 OBSERVATIONS 1. I am curious how the star pointed to a Jewish messiah? It seems to me that God used pagan astrology, guided their thinking and interpretation of the stars, and led them to this conclusion. God works through nin-christian religions to draw people to Jesus.
God (is) with us!
October 2, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25 OBSERVATIONS 1. In both Matthew and Luke’s versions of Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary come across as humble and honourable. They did not have an easy task – to give birth to and parent God’s Messiah – and yet they submit to God and His purpose.
welcome to the family!
October 1, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:1-17 OBSERVATIONS 1. There were four women included (Tamar v.3, Rahab v.5, Ruth v.5, Bathsheba v.6) have less than stellar reputations, yet they are included in Jesus’ family tree. Tamar was impregnated by her father-in-law when she posed as a prostitute; Rahab and Ruth were foreigners, Bathsheba had an affair with…
new bible reading schedule
I have begun a new bible reading schedule (see left column). There are readings for each day of the week: a Psalm for Day 1 (Sunday), a Gospel reading for Days 2-5 (Monday-Thursday), and a larger chunk of Old Testament and New Testament readings for Days 6-7 (Friday-Saturday). If you can’t do it all, at…
meditate!
September 30, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Psalm 1 OBSERVATIONS 1. This psalm suggests that the truly happy person, the person who not only survives but thrives in life, is the one who pays attention to and lives according to the “law” (revealed will) of the Lord. This person will live a fruitful, abundant lives (like a tree by…
coming in to the light
September 29, 2009 SCRIPTURE: Psalm 36 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. [Psalm 36:9] In this Psalm David considers those who live sinful lives, apart from God. He contrasts this to the glory and goodness of God, then petitions God to protect the upright from sinners. Those who…
betrayal
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 35 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. [Psalm 35:20] David has been betrayed, and he is deeply hurt. This psalm expresses that hurt, and his desire for his betrayers to hurt like him. David describes how he had cared for these people [Psalm 35:13-14],…