Archive for 2010
Romans – Judgment, part 2
Paul tells Jewish Christians that if they think that they are righteous by the Law, they must follow the Law, otherwise the gain they boast in is actually judgment against them. This is not just a litany of prohibited acts, either. The Law must penetrate into the hearts of those who profess it, as well,…
Read MoreRomans – On Judgment
Paul reminds us not to judge others, since we are doing the same things, i.e. sin, even simply by savoring the thought of sin in the heart. This way of thinking may be indicative of a belief that we will somehow escape God’s judgment. Those who do such things are storing up wrath in Heaven.…
Read MoreRomans – Faith and Purity
Paul thanks God that the Church in Rome is spoken of highly, and prays that he might come to visit them so that he can strengthen their faith, and they can strengthen his. Though he has not been able to get to Rome, yet, Paul has taken this time to preach to the Greeks, the…
Read MoreRomans – Introduction and Salutation
Paul’s epistle to the Romans was written in 35AD from Corinth to the Church in Rome, a group that Paul had not visited at the time he wrote the letter. Paul was returning to Jerusalem after his third missionary journey and viewed Rome as a necessary base through which he could extend his ministry further…
Read MoreMatthew – Concluding Notes
Not all scriptural resources will be accurate, and we must take care to study them prayerfully to determine their accuracy. An example of this is the use of the word ”friend” in Matthew. Some sources claim that this is a kind term, but its use would indicate that it is more civil than truly kind.…
Read MoreMatthew – The Resurrection
The civil and religious authorities have asked to seal off Jesus’ tomb because He has promised to rise from the dead. The fact that the authorities recognized this but not the disciples gives some indication as to how much of a shock the events must have been. The women take on a major role as…
Read MoreMatthew – The Crucifixion
Jesus leaves His disciples after the Last Supper and goes to pray in the garden of Gethsemane. This must have been the most stressful time for any human, since He knew the pain which He was about to endure and He knew that He could avoid it, simply by dropping you and refusing to die…
Read MoreMatthew – The Betrayal
Jesus tells His disciples that the temple will be destroyed and speaks in stark language about the coming times in the Olivet discourse. His disciples don’t fully understand what Jesus is saying, and expect that these events will come quickly. The chief priests and elders, also hearing the things that Jesus is saying, decide that…
Read MoreMatthew – Olivet Discourse
Christ calls the Pharisees a “Brood of vipers!”; the lament over Jerusalem; glory departing; The Olivet Discourse and the end of the age; wise and foolish virgins; the talents; separating the sheep from the goats. The closing theme is Gerard Satamian’s Chansons Sans Paroles Op. 2 Pastorale, from the album Dry Fig Trees. www.magnatune.com Download…
Read MoreMatthew – Sectarian Challenges
In Jerusalem, Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees, who send their disciples and some Herodians to see Jesus. These disciples ask Jesus if it lawful to pay taxes in an attempt to ensnare Jesus, knowing that He will lose popular support if He pulls His punches and favors taxes and that the Herodians will take…
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