The Order of Creation: Part 1

 

We all know that words like God mean different things to different people. But very few Bible readers consider the possibility that their meanings for “heaven” or “earth” could be wrong. Interestingly, by the time we explore the first ten verses in the Bible, they are faced with the challenges of updating their belief models for those common words. But exploring this story makes it possible for us to acquire ancient wisdom that will help us live better lives! That makes this wisdom not only important, but also very valuable!

Continue reading at – http://mailchi.mp/d1b66cc07a77/the-order-of-creation-part-1

Light: The Creator’s Gift to the Entire Creation!

Traditionally, this is called the “creation of light,” but in verses that follow, the Creator will speak again, but nothing will be created. Therefore, we shifted our focus to the Hebrew word translated “light.” The Hebrew word has two additional meanings, other than “light.” Continue reading at -

http://mailchi.mp/6b8feacc4ba8/light-the-creators-gift-to-the-entire-creation

 

Life: The Five Mysteries of the Beginnings

 

The Bible’s Wisdom of the Beginnings opens by revealing five mysteries in the first two verses – and a foundational principle. These are unknown to most readers of English translations. It is very clear that the Jewish Jesus knew and taught them. Continue reading at - http://mailchi.mp/0de6baa9c406/life-the-five-mysteries-of-the-beginnings

A Samaritan Happened to Come Down the Road

 

This parable is not about a poor social victim. He has money, freedom, and influence. In its original setting, was not about the type of prejudice that creates people on the margins. It is about hatred between groups who have similar origins and resources. It is about beliefs that in the name of God -- keep people from loving God! Continue reading at - http://mailchi.mp/54be949673f9/a-samaritan-happened-to-come-down-the-road

The Parable of the Bad Priest and Levite!

 

This parable is about “a certain man.” He was walking “down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho.” The man could have been anyone – good or evil, rich or poor, Jew or foreigner, etc. The man is stripped, beaten, and left laying naked on the side of the road. Jesus made sure the audience clearly understood that the man was alive – he was only half-dead! What do you think he was thinking? What would you have been thinking? The usual answer is – “Who will help me?’’ Continue reading at -

http://mailchi.mp/50e71149d27c/the-parable-of-the-bad-priest-and-levite

The Lawyer vs. Jesus: Round 2

 

The disciples of Jesus that heard the lawyer’s answers knew that he had just repeated what Jesus taught them every day! The lawyer sounded like he was a member of the Jesus Movement! He must have realized it, too. Forget eternal life! Now the lawyer is interested in protecting his reputation and ego! He is doing it in a way that reminds me of something else in the Garden with Eve, the serpent. Continue reading at -

http://mailchi.mp/4ce7f3aa7a64/the-lawyer-vs-jesus-round-2

 

One Salvation Ritual or Living Lives 1st Values?

 

“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up; testing Jesus.” The words “testing Jesus” reveal the kind of person this lawyer is. He clearly is not asking the question to gain knowledge. He had an answer in mind before he asked the question. From the context of the story, it is likely that there are Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and probably others in the crowd that would also like for Jesus to declare where he stands on this issue. Continue reading at - http://mailchi.mp/9997ed815610/one-salvation-ritual-or-living-lives-1st-values