Circumcision was a “sign of the covenant” God made with Abraham (Gen. 17:11). The Lord had promised to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (15:5). Circumcision was a physical mark on that part of the male body most closely associated with fathering children (and therefore served as a continuing reminder of God’s fulfilled…
Eric Welch [Eric preaches at Hamburg Pike in Jeffersonville, IN.] When Jewish families commemorated Passover, they drank four cups of wine at intervals. They began the meal with a prayer and a cup. A dish of herbs and sauce was served. The Passover story was told. Psalm 113 was sung, followed by a second cup.…
The cleansing rituals in the Old Testament served more than one purpose. Ritual cleansing mirrored the expected purity of the heart. After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David prayed: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. […] Create in me a clean heart, O God,…
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
A Christian invites his neighbor to worship. With a tolerant smile the man replies, “I appreciate the invitation, but I don’t go in for organized religion. I feel closest to God when I’m walking in the woods or sitting on the riverbank.” How does such a response mesh with what the Lord himself has said…
According to Islamic teaching, the Torah and the Gospels confirm the Quran. When were the Gospels written? The story of Jesus didn’t become the “gospel,” the good news, until after the resurrection. If he had only died and been buried, his experience couldn’t transform the lives of his followers. But because his tomb is empty,…
God’s unique Son extended a tender invitation to everyone burdened by sin and sorrow: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For…
Last Sunday morning we heard the alarm, rolled out of bed, showered, dressed, and made our way to the building. At 9 AM we gathered for classes. We smiled at each other, laughed and talked together, and studied the Bible. That same day, July 17, was Gavin Long’s 29th birthday. The former Marine sergeant…
The violence encouraged in the Quran disturbs me. But what about the violence in the Old Testament? First, let me point out that God, as Creator, holds the right and power to give and take life: “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I…
A popular misconception is that Israel’s territory continues to be “holy ground” and that Jerusalem is still “the city of God.” Many church-goers expect the entire Jewish race to come to God in faith in the “end times.” Paul does say that “all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:26), but he is referring to true…