Scarsellino (1550-1620) "Driving the Merchants from the Temple" The four Gospels tell of Jesus Christ clearing out moneychangers from the temple in Jerusalem. The Synoptic Gospels1 set the temple cleansing after the triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the end of His public ministry (Matt. 21:1-27; Mk. 11:1-11, 15-19; Lk. 19:28-48). However, the Gospel of John … Continue reading Just How Many Times Did Jesus Cleanse the Temple?
God’s Steadfast Love Endures Forever
The church I attend has recently began regathering together for corporate worship after the hiatus due to the COVID-19 shutdown in the greater Charlotte area. Although we have to maintain social distancing (wear masks and sit three seats apart with every other row empty), it is still wonderful to unite with the body of Christ … Continue reading God’s Steadfast Love Endures Forever
Did Jesus Teach Us to Hate Kin and Self?
Jesus Christ said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Lk. 14:26).1 At first this saying is perplexing. How could Jesus tell us to hate? Does not this contradict everything … Continue reading Did Jesus Teach Us to Hate Kin and Self?
Traveling Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death
I was once driving on the 405-freeway heading through Westminster, California, cruising with the flow of traffic, when I noticed in the rearview mirror a car moving at highspeed and weaving through the lanes. Suddenly, another car makes an unexpected lane change and the speeder swerves to avoid the collision, but loses control and spins … Continue reading Traveling Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death
What is the Mark of Cain?
Cain feared for his own life after killing Abel. He said, “I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me: (Gen. 4:14).1 But, the Lord replied, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold;” after that God “put a mark on Cain, … Continue reading What is the Mark of Cain?