Tag: Bible
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A priest, two goats, and salvation
For observant Jews all over the world, this evening, the Day of Atonement is remembered. The Day of Atonement is the most holy of days in the Jewish calendar. It’s an annual picture of forgiveness that people could have. While Christians don’t celebrate this day, it’s one worth studying because everything about it points…
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A Sinner’s Guide to Repentance
Repentance is sincere remorse or regret for an action. Theologically, repentance is associated with the idea of turning away from sin and turning to God. James 4:7-10 gives what’s almost like a “how to” guide for repentance. It’s not exhaustive, but he says five things that are important to repentance. 1. Repentance involve submission to God Repentance isn’t…
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Wisdom is as wisdom does
There are two ways to go. The way of the wise and the way of the fool. This is based off of the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament. Which often talks about these two roads. In James 3:13, he asks a rhetorical question, “Who is wise in understanding among you?” Who’s wise? James…
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Blessed are the persecuted?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. -Matthew 5:10 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins the sermon with a section called The Beatitudes, 8 statements, most of which seem counterintuitive at first glance. But these are much deeper than pithy statements. They point us…
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Only you can prevent forest fires: the destructive force of our words
I was in Florida several years ago and Florida was having wildfires. Some areas were evacuating. If a person smoked a cigarette, they were told that they couldn’t throw it on the ground or it would start a fire. Something so small, such a small amount of smoke, could start a huge fire. With our…
Josh Benner 