Who are the blessed? The word “blessed” generally refers to being a “privileged recipient of divine favor.” [1] Conversely, an experience of “woe” is “pain or displeasure,” so the exclamation in the midst of crisis, “alas!” [2] Well, some might suppose the blessed are those who got it made. They have money to pay the … Continue reading Who are the blessed? Beatitudes and Woes From Jesus
The Call of Levi: Why Did Jesus Eat with Sinners and Tax Collectors?
Caravaggo - The Calling of Saint Matthew Pain is our body’s way signaling injury or damage. Treatment of a severe injury calls for the attention of a good physician. Prudence pauses at the unpleasant sensation of pain to consider the problem. Imprudence ignores the symptom altogether. Luke tells of penitent tax collectors coming to grips … Continue reading The Call of Levi: Why Did Jesus Eat with Sinners and Tax Collectors?
What is Redemption?
Redemption is typically used in reference to the process of setting a captive free, reacquiring something of value, settling a debt, atoning for sin, or delivering from evil. The motion picture Man on Fire directed by Tony Scott illustrates redemption through self-sacrifice in the protagonist John W. Creasy (Denzel Washington). Creasy is a former CIA … Continue reading What is Redemption?
Psalm 51:11: What Does it Mean for God to Take Away the Holy Spirit?
Eugène Siberdt - The Prophet Nathan rebukes King David “Cast me not away from your presence, | and take not your Holy Spirit from me” (Psa. 51:11).[1] This is without a doubt one of the most provocative lines from Hebrew poetry. Take away the Holy Spirit? What does this mean? Is David afraid of being … Continue reading Psalm 51:11: What Does it Mean for God to Take Away the Holy Spirit?
Add or Remove II: Did Jesus Really Forgive the Woman Caught in Adultery?
On one occasion Jesus was teaching in the temple and a group of scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught in adulty. They pointed out that the adulteress ought to be stoned according to the Law of Moses, and asked Jesus to give an opinion on the matter. The Lord stooped … Continue reading Add or Remove II: Did Jesus Really Forgive the Woman Caught in Adultery?
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