Posts Tagged: Bible


25
Jul 11

To be a people of his own inheritance

“But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance.” – Deut 4:20

God has taken the people of Israel out of Egypt where they were enslaved and after much wandering and waiting they are soon going to arrive at the promise land.  But before entering the land, Moses recounts their journey to them and reminds them of all God has done to deliver them from their enemies.  In the midst of this reminder, Moses summarizes powerfully saying, “The Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be a people of his own inheritance,” (Deut 4:20).  There are a number of things worth reflecting on here.

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23
Jan 11

4 Reasons Why the Greeting is Not Garbage

Let it be known, that these four points are entirely owed to my wife Amber.  She casually spoke them and my head exploded with their meaning as she looked at me with mild bewilderment (this is a somewhat common occurrence).  So I’ve stolen them, not without credit, and elaborated on them here.

Here are four reasons why the greetings to the New Testament Epistles are not throw-away verses and why you should not hastily skim over them to get to the “real meat” of the bible:

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10
Nov 10

Humility…

Reflecting on Philippians 2:3-4 this morning, I found the thoughts of John Calvin refreshing

But it is asked, how it is possible that one who is in reality distinguished above others can reckon those to be superior to him who he knows are greatly beneath him? I answer, that this altogether depends on a right estimate of God’s gifts, and our own infirmities [shortcomings]. For however any one may be distinguished by illustrious endowments, he ought to consider with himself that they have not been conferred upon him that he might be self-complacent, that he might exalt himself, or even that he might hold himself in esteem. Let him, instead of this, employ himself in correcting and detecting his faults, and he will have abundant occasion for humility. In others, on the other hand, he will regard with honor whatever there is of excellences, and will by means of love bury their faults. The man who will observe this rule, will feel no difficulty in preferring others before himself. And this, too, Paul meant when he added, that they ought not to have every one a regard to themselves, but to their neighbors, or that they ought not to be devoted to themselves. Hence it is quite possible that a pious man, even though he should be aware that he is superior, may nevertheless hold others in greater esteem.


23
Oct 10

J. Hudson Taylor – A Man Transformed

J. Hudson Taylor was gripped by God with a deep longing to see the Gospel break forth in the inland regions of China.  Gripped, is indeed the most appropriate word, his desire transformed his life before he ever even stepped foot on Chinese soil.

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