Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…and receive eternal life.
Summary: Taking a closer look at Paul’s words, we take a moment to review what it means to have eternal life.
Jesus called Paul to be an Apostle — one who is “sent” to teach others about the kingdom of God. We might not ever be called to appear before a king in this life, but we will in the next, and we need to understand what is involved so that we can be prepared.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home”
… whether by life or by death.
Summary: This passage brings us to an interesting crossroads between one kind of “life and death” and another.
It is, perhaps, time to review Paul’s entire thought here:
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20d – Choosing Life”
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed…
Summary: Paul’s hope of being free of shame is a beacon of light for all believers who share his hope in Jesus Christ.
Ashamed by what?
I kinda hate to write on this topic for personal reasons. You see, I have a shame problem! Throughout my long life, I have been shamed by others for many reasons.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20a – All the Difference”[Since you died with Christ] to the elemental spiritual forces of this world …
Summary: “Life” and “death” from God’s perspective is very different from our own. What the world refuses to acknowledge is the truth that every human being is eternal. When we are with God, we have life. When we are apart from him, we are dead.
This is the second time the text of Paul’s letter refers to “elemental spiritual forces.” (See “Colossians 2:8c – Spiritual Dangers” for the first discussion on this topic.) Since we have already discussed the roots of this phrase, let’s talk about the application of Paul’s words.
The “elementary spiritual forces” could be a lot of things. Paul, in my opinion, is being intentionally vague for a reason. God understands that the words Paul is writing on his behalf are for the benefit of future generations. It would be a mistake to tie his point to a single threat.
Continue reading “Colossians 2:20b – All or Nothing”Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Summary: Happy Thanksgiving!
As we enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday, it is good to take a moment and consider, not only what we have to be thankful for, but who we need to be thankful to. It is all well and good to feel that “I’ve got mine,” but true thankfulness requires that we thank someone.
Pity the poor atheists at Thanksgiving. They might be thankful for life, but they have no one to be grateful to for such a great gift.
Continue reading “Psalm 107:1 – Happy Thanksgiving!”These things are being taken figuratively:
Summary: Figuring out what history means is best done with the guidance of God.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:24a – Something Bigger”… the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
Summary: Paul keeps working at his metaphor, adding layers of detail that help us understand how deep the Father’s love for us is.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:6b – Daddy”“For through the law I died to the law …”
Summary: The complexities of Paul’s logic can be difficult to follow. Here, we explore the meanings of life and death and how they relate to the laws of the old covenant.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:19a – Walking Away”… and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Summary: Understanding the difference between the grace of Christ and a pseudo-gospel is important. Before we are done here, Paul will make sure that we know what he is talking about.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:7c – Dark Agenda”In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Summary: Thinking about how we approach God leads to some interesting thoughts about who and what God is and how we relate to him.
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:12 – Visiting God”