Pillaging Egypt

The master praised the unrighteous manager because he had acted astutely. For the sons of this age are more astute than the sons of light in dealing with their own people. – Luke 16:8 HCSB


Over the centuries, many Christians have failed to seek new and better ways to improve the resources God has given them. In their zeal to “remain on the old paths”[1], they failed to notice that the prophet Jeremiah’s comments dealt with teaching false doctrine, not adhering to technological obsolescence.

Take the use of musical instruments in worship as an example. Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Eusebius, Clement of Alexandria, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, John Wesley, Adam Clarke, Philip Schaff and Charles Spurgeon all preached adamantly against the use of pianos or organs in church. They all taught that church music should only include the human voice. John Wesley, the father of Methodism actually said, "I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor heard."

They taught this in direct contradiction to the Scriptures that direct us to praise God with musical instruments![2] David built instruments for worship.[3] In fact, he did not merely maintain the use of old, accepted instruments but even invented new ones[4] and his son, Solomon, followed in his footsteps.[5] We are told to use horns,[6] cymbals,[7] flutes,[8] gittiths (which are stringed instruments like guitars)[9], harps,[10] pipes,[11] sistrums (percussion instruments),[12] tambourines,[13] trumpets,[14] and zithers (stringed instruments vaguely resembling violins).[15]

In the book of Exodus, God gave the people of Israel such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they walked out of Egypt, not merely as freed slaves, but as wealthy people. God commanded them to “pillage Egypt.”[16]

The Bible predicts that in the last days, during the seven year tribulation period, after being rescued from a Russo-Arabian attack, there will be so many wooden stocks of captured weapons to burn that the people of Israel will not have to gather wood for seven years! They will plunder those who tried to plunder them.[17]

Jesus knows how difficult the Great Commission is and He directed us to be as shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves.[18] We need to look at the inventions of the world with an eye to spread the gospel.[19]

There was a point when Bibles were all copied by hand. The church adopted the use of the printing press. We went on to also adopt radio, television, newspapers, magazines and even the internet. We began “blogging” and now we need to move into podcasts and streaming video. Like the famous hymn writer Fannie Crosby, we need to adopt some of the more popular tunes to hymns of praise to our God. We need to carefully adapt the world’s techniques and technology, submitting them to Christ’s rule just as we do our minds, souls and bodies. We need to “pillage Egypt.”

[1] Jeremiah 6:16
[2] 1 Chronicles 15:16-22, 24, 28; 16:5-6; Psalm 33:1-3; 81:1 etc.
[3] 1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 7:6; 29:26
[4] Amos 6:5
[5] 1 Kings 10:12; 2 Chronicles 9:11; Ecclesiastes 2:8
[6] Daniel 3:5, 7, 10
[7] 1 Chronicles 15:19, 28; 1 Corinthians 13:1
[8] Genesis 4:21; Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15
[9] Psalm 8:81, 84
[10] 1 Samuel 10:5, 16, 23; 1 Chronicles 16:5
[11] 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 30:20; Daniel 15:20
[12] 2 Samuel 6:5
[13] Exodus 15:20
[14] Joshua 6:4
[15] Daniel 3:5, 7, 10, 15
[16] Exodus 3:21-22; 12:35-36
[17] Ezekiel 39:10
[18] Matthew 10:16
[19] Proverbs 10:8, 14; 12:15; 18:15

Four Generations

We apologize for not posting anything over the last several days. Due to a severe ice storm, our entire area lost power for days and was declared a disaster area. Thank you for your patience.

We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed…He commanded our fathers to teach to their children so that a future generation- children yet to be born-might know. They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God's works, but keep His commandments. – Psalm 78:4, 6-7 HCSB

There once was a good and moral man who lived an exemplary life. He had a son who watched and learned to imitate his righteous father. But the good man did not actually teach his son the basis of his lifestyle.

The son grew to adulthood, married, had a son and behaved well, just as his father did, but without fully understanding why he performed the good deeds. So his son, the grandson of the original good man, rebelled against what he perceived to be a simple-minded, uneducated faith.

When the grandson, in turn, became a parent, he chose to “not force religion upon” his children so they lived without even knowing what they were missing.

Four generations; four degrees of regression; four steps toward oblivion. Many today are members of that fourth generation. Three or four generations back, our American ancestors lived strong, moral lives. They followed Christ, attended church, rarely divorced, shunned substance abuse and stepped up when their country needed them to fight, even on foreign soil.

Yet unfortunately, they were the strong, silent type and did not teach their children why they should do these things. So the next generation attended church simply because it was the thing to do and got nothing out of it. They claimed to be Christians, but lacked the truth of real faith, being mere notionists, and thus, lacked the power required to overcome sin.

Their children observed the shallowness of their parents’ faith, and the hypocrisy that was inherent in the previous generation’s spiritual claims and so they rebelled in the 60s and 70s. By the 80s and 90s, Christianity had started down the path of the Dodo.

Many people practice the rituals of Christianity, but these habits are without impact. It has gotten to the point that to say you are a Christian is meaningless. It’s like saying “I’m an American” or “I consider myself to be a good, moral person.” Christianity no longer means discipleship to Jesus Christ. It no longer makes any requirements of its adherents.[1] The worst part, however, is that most don’t even realize what they’re missing.

We need to wipe the slate clean and start over. We need to go back to the Word, forget everything we think we know and begin at the very beginning: “In the beginning God created…”[2] We need to consider God[3] in all His glory and fear Him.[4] We need to set aside our so-called wisdom and sit at His feet again. Then we need to teach our children what we have discovered.[5]

[1] Luke 14:26-33
[2] Genesis 1:1
[3] 1 Chronicles 16:11; 2 Chronicles 22:19; Psalm 105:4; Isaiah 26:8; 51:1; Hosea 10:12; Joel 2:12-13; Amos 5:4-8, 14; Zephaniah 2:3; Hebrews 11:6; James 4:8; Revelation 22:17
[4] Leviticus 19:14, 32; 25:36, 43; Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:20; 13:4; 28:58-59; Joshua 24:14; 1 Samuel 12:24; 2 Kings 17:36; 1 Chronicles 16:30; 2 Chronicles 19:7,9; Nehemiah 5:9; Job 28:28; Psalm 2:11; 19:9; 23:23; 34:9; 96:4; 110:10; Proverbs 1:7; 3:7; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:27; 15:33; 16:6; 19:23; 23:17; Jeremiah 32:39-40; Revelation 14:7
[5] Genesis 17:9; Deuteronomy 6:6-8; 11:19-20; 31:12-13; Joshua 8:35; Psalm 78:1-8

The Blessing of a Tzaddik

Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful. – James 5:14-16 HCSB

As an elder of Yeshua’s church, some people have deeply desired my prayers when they were hurting. Some have even crossed the line to believing I had some mysterious, “magical” power.
Others have questioned the value of receiving a blessing from a tzaddik, stating that a lesson to learn from the story of Sodom is that even Abraham could not save others with his petitions. “Each of us must save ourselves”, they state. “A tzaddik may guide, teach, model and influence, but in the end only Sodom can save Sodom. Each of us are children of God and thus may advance boldly into the throne room to pray to our Father.”

Like all the best fallacies, there is an element of truth in both of these errors – putting either too much faith or too little faith in the prayers of a righteous, scripturally minded person. The Bible does say that all those who submit to the lordship of Yeshua ben Adonai are children of God.[1] As such, they not only are granted an intimate, familial relationship but they also become royal priests.[2] Because of the Master’s sacrifice, we may advance boldly into the throne room.[3] And if people would place as much faith in their heavenly Father’s love as they do their elders’, if they would invest in their personal attempts to improve themselves in their daily tzedekah, they would probably receive even greater blessings.

The fact of the matter is that Lot was saved on Abraham’s merit, not his own.[4] Yacov ben Yosef (James), the half brother of our Lord, also clearly states that there is a difference when a righteous person prays, and not just every righteous person but specifically an elder!

Why is that? First, although I love my children equally, I am more likely to acquiesce to the petitions of the one who is in right standing with the family. I’m not likely to grant favors to the child who is habitually lying. God is no different.

Second, God has always maintained a strong chain of command.[5] He dogmatically stated that there were serious consequences to a person who failed to submit to it.[6]

Some demonic forces are tougher to remove than others.[7] Some of us have more disciplined minds and thus, more focused prayers than others. Some don’t yet know how to ask properly.[8]

We should all pray in faith, but we should also be humble enough to get any available help.

[1] John 1:12-13
[2] 1 Peter 2:9
[3] Hebrews 4:16
[4] Genesis 19:29
[5] Exodus 22:28; Hebrews 13:17
[6] Numbers 12:1-14; 16:32-33; Deuteronomy 17:9-13
[7] Luke 9:28-43
[8] James 4:2-3

Why So Much Hebrew?

Then the Lord said, "Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham is to become a great and powerful nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him so that he will command his children and his house after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. This is how the Lord will fulfill to Abraham what He promised him." – Genesis 18:17-19 HCSB

God looked throughout the world[1] for someone who would help Him accomplish His mission. He had all the kingdoms, empires, languages and cultures to pick from. He considered the Chinese empire, but moved on. He glanced toward the Persians but thought better. Finally, he settled on a pagan man whose father was an idolater. That man was Abraham.

The deciding factor was the fact that God, in His prescience, knew that Abraham would faithfully teach his children, not only to do right, but how to teach their children to also do right. Abraham was chosen out of all the people of the earth because he would faithfully teach a Way, a Path, to all the generations that followed after him.

God could have waited for the beautiful French language to arise. He could have waited for the practical and information laden English language to become available; but He did not. Of all the languages in the world, He chose Hebrew.

Understanding Hebrew is so foundational to a proper application of the Scriptures that it is essential even to understanding the New Testament. We generally think in Greek when we study the New Testament, but we mustn’t forget that although it was passed on to us in Greek, the authors were all Jews! They thought in Hebrew.

Every language describes a mindset. I speak several languages and I often find that if I am faced with an apparently insoluble problem, changing the language I use to think about the problem soon results in a solution. I don’t simply use different words. I think differently when I think in French, Korean or ASL. There are some concepts in one language for which there are no words in another!

Part of our problem is that we are trying to apply American mindsets to Jewish concepts and our view is getting skewed. For instance, when Isaiah claimed to have a vision[2], he used the word “hazon.” Did you know that there are three different Hebrew words for a prophetic message? “Massa” is a verbal communication; “dvar” is a divine word; “hazon” means vision (whether waking or dreaming). Having no history of direct revelations from God, English doesn’t even have these words.

Being generally dissatisfied with the state of Christianity today (not with Christ, mind you, but the religion that has grown around our false ideas of Christ) I have decided to start over; go back to the beginning; back to Abraham’s language – Hebrew.

[1] Ezekiel 22:30
[2] Isaiah 1:1

Hafokh ba: Turn it

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing those from whom you learned, and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:14-17 HCSB

There is a Hebrew phrase concerning the Scriptures that goes “Hafokh ba, v’hafokh ba k’kula ba.” It could be translated “turn it, and turn it because everything is in it” as though the Word of God were a garden to be tilled, the soil carefully mixed in an effort to discover its full potential. Indeed the Word does feed our souls much as the soil can feed our bodies. Didn’t the Master say “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”?[1]

In turning the soil, we try to get as much air, water and organic material throughout the precious matrix to maximize our potential harvest. Similarly, the Scriptures must be carefully applied to each other in order to get the best possible understanding. This type of internal commentary is the best possible way to get our souls to flourish.

You see, the Scriptures are already so intricately interlocked that to take any one of them out of context is to practically nullify their effect. There are over 60 major prophecies with more than 270 ramifications concerning the Messiah alone in the Old Testament.

I have personally found at least 266 direct quotations of the OT in 18 of the 27 books of the NT and there are literally thousands of allusions. Therefore, more than 10 per cent of the New Testament text is made up of citations or direct allusions to the Old Testament. Thus the emphatic statement in today’s passage, “ALL Scripture is inspired and profitable.”

Humans, with their sinful natures and natural inclination to lean toward their desires are very weak commentators at best. The greatest scholars among us are no match for the Holy Spirit inspired authors of the Scriptures. The best commentary on the Scriptures that you can buy is the Word of God itself. The light must come from the text itself. The Scriptures alone can explain the Scriptures.

Jesus used this method Himself on the road to Emmaus.[2] He clearly used the Torah (the books of Law), the Nevi’im (the prophets) and the Ketuvim (the writings) to stake His claim to our hearts.[3] And He categorically stated that those who refused to listen to Moshe (Moses) would not listen to Him.[4]

Listen to Charles Stanley, James MacDonald, D.L. Moody, Spurgeon, Jamieson, Fausset and Brown. Just make sure you keep turning the Word, looking to it as your source of life.


[1] Matthew 4:4
[2] Luke 24:27
[3] Luke 24:44-46
[4] John 5:46-47

Yahweh’s Slave

In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah, where she entered Zachariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she exclaimed with a loud cry: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is your offspring! How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me! Blessed is she who has believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!" – Luke 1:39-45 HCSB

Whenever I begin having delusions of grandeur and start thinking that I would like to be known as a great man of God, I am gently reminded by the Holy Spirit of poor prophet Ezekiel.

Hashem once told him, “And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”[1] Turns out, scrolls were on the menu that evening!

Then, El Gibhor appointed the unfortunate prophet to go to a mission field that God guaranteed would be fruitless. Ezekiel knew ahead of time that his mission would be a failure, and yet, he was required to go anyway.[2]

As if that wasn’t enough, Ezekiel’s first sermon illustration involved taking a brick, drawing the city of Jerusalem on it, laying siege to it with tiny military figures, setting an iron plate between himself and the brick then lying down on his left side for 390 days. At the end of the 390 days, he was to flip over onto his right side for another 40 days! To ensure that Ezekiel would be able to do this, God paralyzed his body![3]

By the time I think through these interesting facts, the desire for greatness has passed. But I am left with an understanding of what is involved in being a worshipper of Bashamayim.[4]

I am not required to be handsome (thank Adonai!), strong, smart or gifted. What is required of me is simple faith. Mary received the word of the Lord through the angel Gabriel and her response was “I am the Lord’s slave. Let it be done to me according to your word.”[5]

Followers of the Way will instinctively understand the principle discussed here. Discipleship involves absolute subjection of one’s will to the will of the Master. It will involve loss of dreams, but our dreams are often misguided. It will involve loss of face, but our pride only gets in our way anyway. It will involve setting aside relationships, but the only way to truly keep a loving relationship is to be willing to let it go for the right reasons.[6]

Elizabeth was right. Blessing - salvation - comes from believing God; from becoming Yahweh’s slave.

[1] Ezekiel 2:8
[2] Ezekiel 3:7-9
[3] Ezekiel 4:1-8
[4] Deuteronomy 4:39
[5] Luke 1:38
[6] John 12:25

Purposeful Suffering

Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, "You must go back to your mistress and submit to her mistreatment." The Angel of the Lord also said to her, "I will greatly multiply your offspring, and they will be too many to count." Then the Angel of the Lord said to her: You have conceived and will have a son. You will name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard your [cry of] affliction. – Genesis 16:9-11 HCSB

The Scriptures candidly reveal the Patriarchs for the ambivalent, hopeful, fearful, great and pitiful people they really were. Abraham, the father of faith, our teacher in following El Yare,[1] was also a hen-pecked polygamist. Sarai, the mother of the nation of Israel, was a shrew. The heroin of the whole sad affair was actually an Egyptian slave!

Sarai, in a sublime moment of poor judgment, decided to give God a hand in fulfilling His promise of an heir. She offered Hagar, her slave, to Abraham as a surrogate mother and Abraham, following current social norms, went along with it. Never mind what this poor Egyptian girl felt about it.

But then, when the affair was successful (if you’ll pardon the pun), Sarai changed her mind. Hagar, through no fault of her own, had become pregnant with her master’s child. The text does not say that she was actually arrogant. It simply states that that was Sarai’s perception. Hagar was being persecuted for performing her function too well.

Sometimes I wonder if Sarai’s purpose in this whole fiasco was to demonstrate that the barrenness was Abraham’s and not hers and when it became apparent that the problem lay with the beautiful Sarai, she was less than pleased. She became jealous, hateful and indignantly demanded retribution for what had been her idea in the first place! Abraham, the great nomadic prince who had recently taken on five kings in pitched battle and won, meekly submitted to her whim.

Sarai began to systematically mistreat Hagar. It got so bad that Hagar believed that life in the desert alone would be preferable. Until you have actually seen the Negev or the Sahara you have no idea how desperate someone would have to be to even think such a thing.

The Angel of the Lord found her and claimed to have heard her cry of affliction. His response? Send her back into the very same suffering. He didn’t even offer hope of a change. He categorically stated that her mistress would continue mistreating her. But what He did offer made all the difference. Her suffering would have meaning. She would become the mother of a great nation.

God will not necessarily remove your suffering from you. What He does offer is meaning and purpose. You can demonstrate what Yahweh’s grace can do. You can use your suffering as a means to reach others. Paul witnessed to the Praetorian Guard to Christ while chained to them.[2] How can you use your circumstances similarly?

[1] Deuteronomy 10:17
[2] Philippians 1:12-13

Contentment Comes from Trust

Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. And you, Philippians, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided--a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Philippians 4:14-20 HCSB

Paul had received a generous gift from his friends in Philippi and he was grateful for their financial help and support. He knew that they had given sacrificially, that they were probably going without some of the things they might have had to meet his needs.

His response to this willing forfeiture of their rights for his sake was: “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.”[1]

How could he say this so confidently? How could he look at the risks they were taking, nod his head and proclaim “God’s going to take care of that for you”? It’s because he knew God. He was intimate with God’s character. He knew that God draws near to humble, servant hearts[2]. God is love[3] and His love is sacrificial[4]. When we demonstrate our love by serving and caring for others, we are being like God and by this, He is pleased.

I know you’ve got needs in your life: relational needs, emotional needs, financial needs, spiritual needs. You might be wondering if God is going to be there for you. You might be tempted to lash out at God, or to simply give up hope.

I want you to hear the words of the Apostle Paul which he wrote while under house arrest, chained to a soldier, unable to leave his home, and awaiting a trial that could end with his execution. MY GOD WILL MEET ALL YOUR NEEDS.

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.[5]

If you will surrender your life into His hands, you need never worry about having what you need. God gives you His Holy Spirit’s presence. He promises to never leave you or forsake you[6]. He is – Himself – more than you need. Trust in Yahweh Yireh’s power to provide for all your needs.

[1] Philippians 4:19 The Message
[2] Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; Micah 6:8; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5
[3] 1 John 4:7-8
[4] John 3:16; 1 John 3:16
[5] 2 Corinthians 9:8
[6] Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5-6

Contentment Comes from Prioritization

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content--whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:10-13 HCSB

Paul experienced trials that would make our worst days seem easy: beatings, stoning, wrongful imprisonment, shipwrecks, hunger, desertion, misunderstanding – you name it. But he stated, with a confidence that only hard experience can provide, “As long as I’m connected to the power and the strength that Jesus Christ gives, I will be content with whatever circumstances come upon me.”

It was because of this connection to Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that Paul was able to live out so many of the great truths such as:

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” [1]

“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” [2]

Contentment comes when you understand your priorities and everything in your life pales in comparison to knowing Christ Jesus. When this becomes true in your life, the need to have stuff will become so much less important.

If you will live your life relying upon the power that God provides, you will find that your daily circumstances will have less and less control over your state of mind. Contentment will begin to be the norm of your life.

Do need we state the obvious; that materialism is a sin? Searching for contentment through material goods is idolatry no less than if you were to actively worship an idol. Instead of relying upon God’s strength and living our life with the strength He provides, we buy into the lie that if we had a nicer home, car, bike, or toy, we would be happy. We then pursue those things, no matter the cost.[3]

Do you want to be free from the love of money and the grip of materialism? Then commit to giving to God first, and discipline yourself to always asking His permission before purchasing anything.

A secret to contentment is reliance upon Christ for the power to prevail over circumstances. Put Him first and all these other things will take care of themselves.[4]

[1] Philippians 1:21
[2] Philippians 3:8
[3] Hebrews 13:5
[4] Matthew 6:33

Contentment Comes from Reliance

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content--whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:10-13 HCSB

Paul was grateful for the gift that had been sent to help meet his needs. For the moment, he was amply supplied. But his abundance was not the source of his contentment. In fact, he said just the opposite – there is a secret to being content when you’re experiencing plenty just as surely as there is a secret to being content when you’re in want.

Some believe that riches are necessary to happiness. However, contentment does not come from getting everything you want! Consider a spoiled child. A child who is systematically given whatever he wants will get to the point where he will pout not only when he is thwarted, but even when he receives a gift!

You cannot make a spoiled child happy. If you give him a stereo, he’ll want a TV. Give him a TV and he’ll want a computer! It’s as though he has become physically and psychologically incapable of happiness.

The fact of the matter is that the amount of money one has doesn’t seem to have a lot to do with the level of contentment a person experiences. In a survey taken a few years ago, people who made $25,000 were asked how much it would take to achieve “the American Dream” and they said $54,000. Those who made $100,000 answered with the figure $192,000.

In other words, the American Dream usually lies nearly twice the distance away, at least financially. It’s like drinking salt water – the more you drink the thirstier you get.

So if the secret to being content is not in amassing personal wealth or getting everything you want, how can we know contentment? It comes when we realize that the only thing we need is Christ[1]. He is the ultimate source of strength and satisfaction.

Paul here is echoing the teaching of Jesus, when he said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.[2]

It doesn’t get much clearer, does it? On the one hand, apart from Christ we can find nothing of lasting value in our lives. On the other, we can do everything through Christ who gives us strength. True contentment comes from reliance – on Christ.

[1] Philippians 4:13
[2] John 15:5

El G’mulah – God of Vengeance

For the Lord is going to devastate Babylon; He will silence her mighty voice. Their waves roar like abundant waters; the tumult of their voice resounds, for a destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon. Her warriors will be captured, their bows shattered, for the Lord is a God of retribution (El G’mulah); He will certainly repay. I will make her princes and sages drunk, along with her governors, officials, and warriors. Then they will fall asleep forever and never wake up. [This is] the King's declaration; the Lord of Hosts is His name. – Jeremiah 51:55-57 HCSB

Have you ever wondered what the Bible has to say about laughter? I know – the title says this is about vengeance, but believe me it’s related. Go ahead. Do a study on biblical references to God laughing. It’s actually kind of scary.

In Proverbs, He says, “Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention, since you neglected all my counsel and did not accept my correction, I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when terror strikes you.”[1]

When David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote of his struggles with slanderers, he said, “Look, they spew from their mouths-sharp words from their lips ‘For who," [they say,] "will hear?" But You laugh at them, Lord; You ridicule all the nations. I will keep watch for You, my strength, because God is my stronghold. My faithful God will come to meet me; God will let me look down on my adversaries. Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget. By Your power, make them homeless wanderers and bring them down,Lord, our shield.”[2]

The reason God laughs is because He sees the end of the wicked. They think they’ve got it all figured out: that God either doesn’t exist, or is too emasculated to make a difference. But transcendent Elohim Mishpat[3] just laughs.[4] He mocks their slanderous, blasphemous darts.[5] He knows that no one can mock Him. Whatever a man sows, he will also reap.[6]

This is the basis for His vengeance. It is not that God is petty and vengeful. He does not want anyone to die.[7] That’s why He came to die for us.[8] But when the wicked stubbornly hold to their ways[9] and try to redefine Him so as to excuse their sin, God is rightfully angered.[10]

We, on the other hand, being limited both by our ignorance[11] and sin,[12] should not be characterized by a driving need for retribution. Why? “For we know the One who has said, Vengeance belongs to Me, I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge His people. It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!”[13] We don’t need to seek vengeance because El Nathan N’Qamah[14] is more than capable of taking care of business;[15] or so the Christ taught.[16]

[1] Proverbs 1:24-26
[2] Psalm 59:7-11
[3] A Hebrew name of God meaning “God of Justice” found in Isaiah 30:18
[4] Psalm 37:13; Proverbs 3:34
[5] Job 41:29
[6] Galatians 6:7
[7] 2 Peter 3:9
[8] Romans 5:8
[9] Proverbs 2:12-15
[10] Romans 1:18-19
[11] Isaiah 55:8-9
[12] Romans 7:18
[13] Hebrews 10:30-31
[14] A Hebrew name of God meaning “God My Avenger” found in Psalm 18:47
[15] 2 Kings 9:7, 26; Proverbs 2:22; Jeremiah 51:36; Romans 12:17-19
[16] Luke 17:7-8

Abandon Your Thoughts

Let the wicked one abandon his way, and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways."[This is] the Lord's declaration. "For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:7-9 HCSB

I once worked for a man who claimed that mayonnaise was wonderful for you while mustard was crammed to the hilt with fat. When we brought in a jar of each and showed him the labels stating the opposite he simply shrugged his shoulders and petulantly replied “You don’t think they’re gonna tell you the truth, do you?”

The same man insisted that metal plumb bobs could not be used between ten in the morning and one in the afternoon because “the earth’s magnetic stuff flips during that time.”

One day, in order to establish a line parallel to a wall, he measured a four foot distance by dropping a stone off the end of a four foot level twice. He then stretched a line between the two points and when he discovered that the surveyor’s marker didn’t match his rigorous, scientific method he dug up and moved the surveyor’s marker!

I can pretty confidently state that the man was a fool. The Teacher explained that it is a mark of wisdom to be glad to be instructed.[1] In fact, intelligent people actually go looking for ideas![2] The only way to find our place among the wise is to listen to constructive criticism[3] and by it grow in understanding.

The truth of the matter is that we are all equally foolish from time to time. God tells us that honoring our parents leads to a long satisfying life[4], but we insist on focusing on their mistakes. God commands us to faithfully worship with other Christians, and try to be a blessing and encouragement to them.[5] But we insist that church is about us and only go when we feel like it.

We need to be willing to abandon our sinful thought patterns and conform them to the Master’s.[6] After all, He’s been around a while – He might know a thing or two!


[1] Proverbs 10:8, 14; 15:2
[2] Proverbs 15:14; 18:15
[3] Proverbs 12:15; 15:31-32
[4] Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Ephesians 6:1-3
[5] Hebrews 10:23-25
[6] 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Philippians 2:5

Collateral Damage

Sisera's mother looked through the window; she [peered] through the lattice, crying out: "Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why don't I hear the hoofbeats of his horses?" Her wisest princesses answer her; she even answers herself: "Are they not finding and dividing the spoil- a girl or two for each warrior, the spoil of colored garments for Sisera, the spoil of an embroidered garment or two for my neck?" Lord, may all your enemies perish as Sisera did. But may those who love Him (Hashem) be like the rising of the sun in its strength. And the land was peaceful 40 years. – Judges 5:28-31 HCSB

A military commander named Sisera invaded Israel on behalf of Jabin, king of Canaan, and oppressed God’s people for twenty long, brutal years. Deborah, an Israeli prophetess and a judge, summoned Barak and told him that he was to fight for Israel on God’s behalf.

Barak, a superstitious fellow, refused to obey God unless Deborah went with him. She prophesied that due to his lack of faith the glory of the battle would not go to the commanding general but to a woman.[1]

Barak gathered 10,000 men and went to battle Sisera’s 900 iron chariots and huge army. The Lord allowed the Jewish army to overthrow the wicked oppressors, completely routing their enemy.

Sisera fled on foot until, completely exhausted, he sought shelter from a woman named Jael. She pretended to help him, but as soon as he fell asleep, she grabbed a tent peg and a hammer and drove the spike through his skull.

Afterward Deborah, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, sang a beautiful paean to victory. Toward the end, we find today’s passage which at first seems to hint of empathy for the collateral damage of war – the fallen commanding general’s mother.

But Deborah quickly points out that the wicked man’s family was in collusion with his wicked acts. They knew of the rape and pillage he was committing and allowed it to go on. In this, they were equally guilty.

God apparently approved of this line of thinking. He exemplified it in the Old Testament by punishing Korah, Dathan and Abiram’s complicit families along with those rebels.[2] The thief Achan’s family’s connivance caused the death of thirty-six men[3] so they died as they intrigued – together. In the New Testament, Ananias and his wife, Saphira, both died for their collusion.[4]

The derash (the application) is that we must never be like Barak, refusing to do what’s right unless someone else does it too.

Further, we must refuse to do what is wrong, even if it is our families that are urging us to it.[5] We must not follow a crowd in wrong doing.[6]

When we know someone is committing a crime or a sin and do nothing, we cannot complain when we become not-so-innocent collateral damage.

[1] Judges 4:9
[2] Numbers 16:1-35
[3] Joshua 7:1-26
[4] Acts 5:1-10
[5] Proverbs 4:14;
[6] Exodus 23:12

Unchanging God

"I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely; against those who oppress the widow and the fatherless, and cheat the wage earner; and against those who deny [justice to] the foreigner. They do not fear Me," says the Lord of Hosts. "Because I, Yahweh, have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.” – Malachi 3:5-6 HCSB

There has been a very popular fallacy propagated among American Christians over the last half of a century. It purports that the God of the Old Testament was somehow intrinsically different from the God of the New Testament. The idea seems to be that somehow over the four hundred year inter-testamental “silence” God had a chance to reevaluate His methods, came to the conclusion that He was being barbaric and decided to dress up His image a bit.

This has never been the historical doctrine of the church. The truth of the matter is that God is immutable, which is a fancy way of saying He cannot change his fundamental traits.

It was about faith in the Old Testament when Abraham followed God to an unknown land[1] and it remains about faith to this day.[2]

It was only God’s grace that allowed the people of Israel to make restitution with bulls He didn’t need[3], and it is still grace that allows us to be saved by simply trusting Christ’s finished work on the cross.[4]

The people of Israel could not live the holy life in the Old Testament[5], and we too still struggle with our sin natures[6], even though we are inhabited by the Holy Spirit[7], something the Old Testament patriarchs could only dream of.[8]

Sacrifice and shed blood was necessary in the Old Testament[9] and the same need drove our Savior to the cross in the New.[10]

God grew angry at sinful rebellion in the Old Testament[11] and He is just as frustrated with human stupidity in the New.[12] That anger is turned away not only by Christ[13], but by faith in Christ.[14] Though Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all, it is only effective for those who believe. Not everyone will be saved.[15]

God’s purpose has always been that we circumcise our hearts.[16] It’s never been about our works elevating us into Elohim’s good graces. Nothing fundamental changed between the Old Testament and the New because nothing fundamental changed about God.

Every human throughout history has been saved the same way. They recognized their sinfulness, their dependence upon God and by God’s grace their faith saved them. The main difference was that the Old Testament saints believed in a Messiah to come, and we in a Messiah that came. History changed, we changed – God did not.

[1] Hebrews 11:8
[2] Hebrews 11:6
[3] Psalm 50:7-13
[4] Romans 3:22; 5:2, 15-21; 11:5; Ephesians 1:5; 2:8-10; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:7
[5] Romans 9:31; Galatians 2:16
[6] Romans 7:18-25
[7] 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
[8] Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:5-6, 19; 15:14-15; 1 Samuel 16:13-14; Psalm 51:11
[9] Genesis 4:4; large parts of Exodus and most of Leviticus
[10] John 3:16
[11] Deuteronomy 9:7; Isaiah 13:9
[12] Romans 1:18; Ephesians 5:6; Revelation 14:10, 19
[13] Luke 2:11, 14; Romans 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Ephesians 2:14, 17; Colossians 1:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10
[14] John 3:14-18; Romans 3:25; 5:1
[15] Matthew 7:13-14
[16] Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4

Collective Memory

Then Moses said to the people, "Remember this day when you came out of Egypt, out of the place of slavery, for the Lord brought you out of here by the strength of [His] hand… - Exodus 13:3 HCSB

A characteristic of the wise is that they not only survive life lessons, but they recall what was learned and apply that knowledge to future challenges.[1] Perhaps that is why Jesus became so frustrated with the crowd that asked for another miracle.[2] Right after He fed four thousand men, plus all their women and children with seven loaves and a few small fish[3], they asked for a miraculous sign to prove His authority! How big a miracle did they need?

Apparently this is a common problem because collective amnesia struck the people of Israel on a regular basis. God delivered them from Egypt and a few days later they whined that He wasn’t taking care of them. God provided manna and shortly they complained that they missed onions and meat!

So Moses set up the Passover.[4] In this ritual, an opportunity was provided to recall Yahweh Yireh’s care for His people. For seven days in the month of Abib[5] they were to eat unleavened bread. Nothing leaven was to be found among them and all yeast was to be removed from their territory. On the seventh day they got to party.

Obviously this would be considered strange behavior by many, and when their children asked why these things were done, the parents had the chance to explain to the next generation what wonderful things Abhir had done for them.[6]

One Passover night the Son of God added a little tweak to the festival. He commanded that whenever we performed this ritual we should keep in mind His sacrifice on our behalf.[7] So as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper we remember, not only His sacrifice on the cross, but His ongoing love affair with humans ranging all the way back to the Exodus.

Truly free men remember the cost of their freedom and in remembering they are freed. In remembering God’s history with our people, we are liberated from our deceptive self-reliance. Remembering allows us to become a link in a chain that has extended for millennia.

As we eat the matza, we celebrate Haman’s defeat and Esther’s victory; Israel’s Exodus and the Pharaoh’s fall; Nehemiah’s wall and Sanballat’s discomfiture. As we raise the cup, we praise God because of His triumph over death by the shedding of His precious blood.

Someday in the future, a family will gather round a Passover / Communion table and a small child will ask, “Why do we do this?” What will that next generation have to remember and celebrate in your life?


[1] Proverbs 4:5-12; 10:14; 14:18; 15:2
[2] Matthew 16:1-4; Mark 8:11-13
[3] Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10
[4] Deuteronomy 16:1-8
[5] Around March but some years running into April. Personally I believe this answers the question of “ for as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup” (1 Corinthians 11:26)
[6] Exodus 13:4-16
[7] Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20

El Cether – God My Hiding Place

You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah – Psalm 32:7 HCSB

A young boy ran, ducking and dodging, trying desperately to avoid the hail of rocks that flew through the air. His persecutors yelled instructions to each other in their hunting language as they tried to head him off. He cried as he ran, though he despised himself for the weakness. A couple of the rocks had landed hard, leaving bleeding gashes on his shoulders and head.

He was used to running and hiding, and soon was able to elude his tormentors. He cut down one path that ran by a small ledge overlooking a creek. Instead of continuing to run on the path, he jumped through a small opening in the vines and landed in the creek. He immediately doubled back and threw himself under the ledge.

A small cave had been cut by centuries of water flow and he hid there with his hand clamped over his mouth so that his ragged breaths would not betray him. Soon enough, his enemies’ footsteps could be heard pounding along as they went right by his secret hiding place.

That small cave is what I think of whenever I meditate on God’s name, El Cether. It’s pronounced “say-there” and means “hiding place.” David knew well what it meant to be pursued by enemies. He spent a lot of time in dark caves, eluding those who would do him harm and it was a natural step to begin thinking of his God as El Cether (God My Hiding Place).

But “cether” also means secret. It is used when someone tries to secretly whisper into your ear[1]or when someone tries to sin in secret.[2] Jonathan advised David to meet him in a secret hiding place to determine King Saul’s intent.[3] Abigail used the covering of a hill to meet David secretly in order to avoid a disastrous slaughter.[4]

God does not promise to keep all trouble from us. But He does promise to be our secret hiding place.[5] That hiding place is found in our private devotional encounter with El Cether[6] Our faith in His abiding strength and provision is both our hiding place and our shield from the darts of the enemy.[7]

Through His Word and His Spirit, He feeds and strengthens us in the midst of our conflict – often right in front of our enemies.[8] All we have to do is abide in His presence, clinging to His mighty hand as the world rages around us.

Someday, we will hear His voice calling, “My dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.”[9] The next thing you know we will be home – safe, warm and with no further need to hide.

[1] With the exception of Ephesians, and Psalm 23:5 “cether” appears in all of the following passages:
Deuteronomy 13:6
[2] Deuteronomy 27:15, 24; 28:57; 2 Samuel 12:12; Psalm 101:5
[3] 1 Samuel 19:2
[4] 1 Samuel 25:20
[5] Psalm 27:5; 31:20; 32:7; 61:4; 81:7
[6] Psalm 91:1
[7] Psalm 119:14; Ephesians 6:16
[8] Psalm 23:5
[9] Song of Solomon 2:14 HCSB

Right Speech

A patient person [shows] great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness. – Proverbs 14:29 HCSB

One of the greatest gifts we can give is an honest answer.[1] Though it may take a while to be truly appreciated, any wise person will value honesty over flattery.[2] Being dishonest with our spouse is as harmful as physical abuse[3] and in the end, will only cause trouble.[4] El Emet[5] expects and deserves truthful followers[6], so we need to strive for honesty and openness with each other[7], especially about our motives.[8]

However, honesty must be balanced with grace.[9] It is tempting to launch into a tirade listing all the other person’s faults when we are angered. Yet, we need to resist this urge, if for no other reason than the shame of being quick-tempered.[10] We need to keep in mind that every time we demonstrate patience under pressure, we build not only our character,[11] but our esteem in the other person’s eyes.[12]

The natural human tendency is to fight fire with fire, but Spirit-empowered Christians know that the only way to quench the flames of strife is through gentle patience.[13] It’s a lot easier to nip the argument in the bud than to stop it once it gains momentum.[14]

The conversation of Christian spouses should be characterized by sacrificial love[15] and a quiet spirit[16] that borders on reticence to speak.[17] If our spouses lose their tempers, we should walk away until they can calm down.[18]

We are allowed to be angered by sin[19] or frustrated by miscommunication, but we must never allow our emotions to drive us into sin[20] or base, corrupt speech.[21] After all, there will some day be an accounting for every word that comes out of our mouth.[22] We should never allow a mocking spirit to cause us to belittle our spouse[23] and it goes without saying that gossiping about our marital troubles will only make things worse![24]

Instead, we should practice active listening,[25] motivated by a humble spirit that is constantly asking, “Lord, have I done wrong?”[26]

Loving consideration for our spouse should be our priority,[27] being careful about prejudging or jumping to conclusions,[28] giving them the benefit of the doubt[29] and resisting the impulse to bring up past wrongs.[30] We should be concerned for our spouse and seek to discover what is causing their frustration.[31]

We must think carefully before speaking,[32] taking long pauses for silent prayer if necessary;[33] not only to avoid saying something stupid[34] but in order to say the most helpful, healing thing possible.[35] This habit can actually bring a lot of personal satisfaction.[36]

Finally, we should be trying to live blameless lives that do not cause irritation[37] but instead are a source of strength and refreshment to our spouse.[38] We should not merely promise change but actually come through with action.[39]

I know this advice is impossible for a mere human to follow[40] – but with God’s power anything is possible.[41]

[1] Proverbs 24:26; 1 Corinthians 13:6
[2] Proverbs 12:19; 28:23
[3] Proverbs 25:18
[4] Proverbs 11:1; 12:13-14; 20:17; 21:6
[5] Psalm 31:5
[6] Psalm 51:6; Proverbs 20:23
[7] 2 Corinthians 8:21; 1 Thessalonians 2:3
[8] Proverbs 10:6, 11, 18-20; 26:24-26
[9] Proverbs 10:13, 31-32; 12:6; John 1:14; Colossians 4:6
[10] Proverbs 12:16; 14:29; 19:11; 19:19; 20:3; 29:11
[11] James 1:2-4
[12] Proverbs 17:28; 19:11; 20:3
[13] Proverbs 13:3; 15:1, 18; 16:32; 25:15
[14] Proverbs 17:14
[15] 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7
[16] Proverbs 29:11
[17] Proverbs 17:27; 18:21; 21:23; Ecclesiastes 5:2
[18] Proverbs 22:24-25
[19] 1 Kings 11:9; 2 Kings 17:18; Psalm 7:11; Proverbs 31:8-9; Mark 3:5
[20] 1 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 4:26; 5:8-11
[21] Proverbs 4:24; 7:13; 11:9; Ephesians 4:29; 5:4; Colossians 3:8; 4:6
[22] Matthew 12:34
[23] Proverbs 11:12; 12:18; 15:4
[24] Proverbs 11:13; 16:28; 17:9; 20:19; 25:23
[25] 1 Samuel 25:17; Proverbs 18:2; 21:28; Ecclesiastes 5:1-2; James 1:19
[26] Psalm 139:24
[27] Proverbs 21:3; John 15:12
[28] Proverbs 14:15; Matthew 7:1-5
[29] 1 Corinthians 13:7
[30] Proverbs 16:27; Matthew 18:21-22; 1 Corinthians 13:5
[31] Proverbs 12:25
[32] Proverbs 15:28; 29:20
[33] Proverbs 12:13; 16:1
[34] Proverbs 14:3
[35] Proverbs 16:23-24; 18:4, 20; 22:17-18
[36] Proverbs 12:14; 13:2; 15:23; 25:11
[37] Proverbs 12:14
[38] Proverbs 31:12, 28-29
[39] Proverbs 14:23
[40] John 15:4-5
[41] Matthew 19:26; Luke 18:27

The Moment of Salvation

…for He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will, to the praise of His glorious grace that He favored us with in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace – Ephesians 1:4-7 HCSB

Eons ago, long before creation, Elohim Elohay decided to create self-determining creatures and give them the opportunity to choose to love Him on their own.[1]

This was a phenomenally difficult decision, fraught with all types of complex ethical, moral and spiritual complications that only a God could work out.[2] For a sovereign God to delegate some of His abilities to think, reason and decide to lesser creatures is an unimaginable feat, one that the angels long to understand.[3]

Transcendent God looked ahead through the course of history and saw every single human.[4] He knew what their names would be. He knew what sins they would commit. He saw the wars, the genocides and the terrible crimes but apparently, decided it was a price worth paying.

Those whom He foreknew would choose well,[5] He predestined[6] to not only receive the Good News but to produce good works[7] – thereby giving meaning and value to their lives.

He took a part of Himself and became immanent[8], that is to say limited to this universe. The Son of God took this sacrifice upon Himself out of a passionate love for humans.[9] Then through that Immanent aspect of the Trinity, that Human/Divine interface, the creation of the Universe was brought about.[10]

Our salvation was thus enacted long before anyone could have ever done anything to deserve it. In fact, it was begun long before we even existed and in spite of the fact that we would all[11] willfully choose sin.[12]

Yet, the Son of God loved us anyway.[13] He came to Earth, did nothing but good, taught nothing but truth, and was completely motivated by love. In spite of this, or maybe more truthfully because of this, we killed Him.

But being as fully God as He was fully Human, He broke free of death’s clutches with the Holy Spirit’s help. Now He sits enthroned in Heaven, waiting for the moment the Father sets Him loose to come get us.[14]

Salvation may have been provided before Genesis 1.[15] But each of us must consciously choose to follow our Shepherd. We must recognize our innate sinfulness,[16] repent,[17] and place our unwavering trust in Christ’s power to save us[18].

Church attendance, good works,[19] good birth…even God’s plan can be made irrelevant if not willfully chosen. After all, free will is the point of this whole exercise.

At some time, we must bow our knees to His sovereign lordship and declare our unconditional surrender to Him.[20] That will be the moment of our salvation.

[1] Ephesians 3:8-9
[2] Isaiah 40:27; Romans 11:33
[3] Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12
[4] Exodus 3:7; Deuteronomy 2:7; 2 Kings 19:27; Job 28:24; 31:4; 34:21, 25; Psalm 11:4; 33:13; 38:9; 66:7; 139:1; Proverbs 5:21; 15:3, 11; Isaiah 37:28; 46:10; Jeremiah 23:24; Amos 9:2-4; Matthew 10:29; 1 Corinthians 8:3
[5] 2 Chronicles 16:9
[6] Romans 8:9
[7] Ephesians 2:8-10
[8] Proverbs 8:22-29; John 1:1-2, 14; Philippians 2:7; Colossians 1:15, 17
[9] Proverbs 8:31; Psalm 16:3; John 13:1
[10] Proverbs 3:19; 8:30; John 1:3, 10; Colossians 1:16;
[11] Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10
[12] Jeremiah 7:24; Ezekiel 20:16; Matthew 12:33-35; 15:8
[13] Romans 5:8
[14] Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32
[15] Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20
[16] John 8:9; Romans 2:15
[17] 2 Chronicles 30:7-9; Job 36:10; Psalm 34:14; Proverbs 1:22-23; Isaiah 22:12; 31:6; 44:22; 55:6-7; Jeremiah 3:4, 12-14, 19; 6:8; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; 6:12; Acts 2:38, 40; 3:19; 8:22; 17:30; 20:21; James 4:8-10
[18] Acts 4:12; Romans 7:24-25; 9:33; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 1:13
[19] Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
[20] Isaiah 45:23-24; Romans 14:11; Ephesians 1:10; Philippians 2:8-10