Applying the 10 Commandments to modern Christians

You shall not murder This law is applicable to modern Christians because it was well established before the 10 commandments (Gen 4:10-11, 9:6) and is continued into the New Testament (Matt 5:21-26, Romans 13:9). This is a law against the willful taking of life, and perhaps also against negligence or carelessness resulting in death. For […]

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Interpreting parables and Luke 15

Parables are brief metaphorical narratives that have two levels of meaning (1). My guidelines for interpreting parables from the synoptic gospels are: Understand the parable as a simple story designed to be easily understood by a 1st Century audience (‘1st level’ of meaning) Look for anything in the simple story that might be unusual or […]

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Exodus 3

Main pointGod continues to fulfill his covenant promises to the people of Israel by revealing his redemptive plans, extending his self revelation, and graciously commissioning Moses as his emissary and prophet. Main purposeKnow that God is the unparalleled and unbounded, faithful, gracious, almighty savior of his chosen people; and so we can confidently trust and […]

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What’s Best Next by Matt Perman

I found this book very helpful in pulling together all the good parts of different productivity systems and combining them in a way that keeps the gospel and working out it’s implications as the primary focus of our lives. The book is very systematic and detailed, with helpful summaries and action points for each chapter. […]

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Mark 2:18-22

This pericope, occurring within the middle of a pattern of five conflict stories, summaries the main idea at the heart of the emerging conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities – Jesus’ ministry is not another alternative solution for realising the hopes of the Jewish faith. Jesus’ ministry marks the beginning of a new means […]

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Genesis 15

Main pointGod is a gracious promise-making and promise-keeping God. His people are the undeserving recipients of his promised blessings. Main purposeKnow that God is faithful and therefore respond in belief and obedience. Supporting argumentsIn chapter 14 we read about Abram’s military success, some hints at him bringing a blessing to the nations, and his demonstration […]

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Tower of Babel: Genesis 11:1-9

Summary point:God’s people, in God’s world, God’s way. Summary purpose:Know your place, as God’s special chosen people, called out of the world, to honor and obey God. Falling between genealogy accounts, this passage contributes an anachronistic explanation for the dispersion of people groups after the flood. The area where the Tower of Babel narrative occurs […]

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