The spirit of the seventh commandment is taught by Jesus Matthew 5:27-30. Looking lustfully at a member of the opposite sex is an action far short of intercourse. Yet Jesus warns that this common daily occurrence violates the intentions of the commandment.
Continue reading DOES THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT PERMIT SEXUAL ACITIVITY, AS LONG AS ADULTERY IS AVOIDED?
The firstborn of an unclean animal had to be redeemed by an estimation of the priest, with the addition of one-fifth (Lev 27:27; Num 18:15). According to Exod. 13:13; 34:20, the firstborn of an ass was either ransomed by a sheep or lamb, or its neck had to be broken.
Figuratively, Israel was God’s “firstborn” (Exod 4:22; Jer 31:9) and enjoyed priority status. God compared His relationship to Israel with the relationship of a father and his firstborn son. Within Israel, the tribe of Levi represented the firstborn of the nation in its worship ceremony (Num 3:40-41; 8:18).
Continue reading DEFINITIONS OF THE DAY (FIRST BORN PT 2 OF 2)
Exodus 19 describes Israel arriving at Sinai. This chapter is important for understanding the events at Sinai, where Israel spent over two years (Numbers 10:11). God addressed the people as “the house of Jacob. . . the people of Israel . . .” (Exodus 19:3) as a way to remind them that they were the people of the covenant, the descendants of Abraham. What was about to happen at Sinai was not a new covenant with the people but an extension of the covenant God made with Abraham.
Continue reading ISRAEL AT SINAI
Lord, I got caught in gossip today. I didn’t mean to though. A group of us were just talking about this and that, and You know how women are. We’re so into relationships and what others are doing.
Continue reading A PRAYER ABOUT (GOSSIPING)
The king of Nineveh repented, and we wonder why. The only explanation for the king’s confession (and for your own) is that God fills the emptiness in the human heart so effectively that our normal and natural response (albeit with the help of God Himself) is to seek God’s forgiveness and comfort. The stubborn person who resists and refuses God’s overture-not the repentant sinner-should be the cause of bewilderment.
Continue reading WHAT EXPLAINS A PAGAN KING’S EAGER REPENTANCE?
As God confronts Moses in the burning bush, He warns Moses not to approach any closer, Moses has come close enough to feel fear, and apparently God also wants to keep some space between Himself and the created order.
Continue reading IS THERE AN APPROPRIATE PERSONAL DISTANCE BETWEEN HUMANS AND GOD, A SPACE WE CANNOT INVADES?
The principle articulated in the fifth commandment is to honor and respect parents, not to obey them blindly when their advice contravenes some established principle of faith and conduct. The burden of proof should fall on children who choose to avoid parent’s directives. In no case is disrespect warranted.
Continue reading SHOULD CHILDREN OBEY PARENTS, EVEN WHEN PARENTS ARE WRONG?
Term used to express the deity of Jesus of Nazareth as the one, unique Son of God. In the OT certain men and angels (Gen 6:1-4; Psa 29:1; 82:6; 89:6) are called “sons of God” (note text notes in modern translations). The people of Israel were corporately considered the son of God (Exod 4:22; Jer 31:20; Hos 11:1). The concept also is employed in the OT with reference to the king as God’s son (Psa 2:7). The promises found in the David covenant (2 Sam 7:14) are the source for this special filial relationship. The title can be found occasionally in intertestamental literature (Ezra 7:28-29; 13:32,37,52; 14:9).
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (SON OF GOD)
Sin is ignoring God and disobeying His commands. When we ignore God, we cut ourselves off from the God who created us and who is essential for our life.
Continue reading HOW CAN YOUR SINS MAKE YOU DEAD?
According to Matthew 4:18-20, “As [Jesus] was walking along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. ‘Follow Me,’ He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”
Continue reading MEN OF THE BIBLE (SIMON PETER “ORDINARY GUY, EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY”)