John 8:3-7

Many commentaries try to determine what Jesus wrote on the ground as if after two thousand years something would still be left in the dust to decipher. However, in the Greek text, the emphasis is not on what he wrote but on his finger. Of the 613 commandments God gave to Moses, 603 were written on parchment with the pen of a man, the other ten were inscribed onto tablets of stone with the very finger of God (Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10). One of the ten commandments was the law against adultery. The emphasis on the finger implies that Jesus, …

Read more

The Blessings of Inadequacy

When we need help, we learn how to draw near to God, trust Him, and rely on His power The Blessings of Inadequacy 2 CORINTHIANS 3:1-6 1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. …

Read more

“The Battle Is Mine”

“The Battle Is Mine” 1 Samuel 17:40-47 40 He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. 41 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, 42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. 43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. 44 “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to …

Read more

Timing and Weaponry of Invasion Ezekiel 38:1-39:16

Israel is a land brought back from the sword (38:8). After 1900 years, 46 invasions, and the War of Independence, the Land is Jewish again and free from foreign domination. This nation is gathered from many nations and peoples (38:8, 12). The Jews in Israel today come from 80–90 different nations. The continual waste places are now inhabited (38:8, 12). The Israelis today are rebuilding the ancient places and turning them into modern towns and cities. They dwell securely (38:11, 14). This has often been misconstrued as meaning a state of peace, but this is not the meaning of the Hebrew …

Read more