Christ driving moneychangers from temple by Theodoor Rombouts (1597–1637) Dry core rot in an apple is really something disgusting. The outside of the fruit looks delectable, but slice it in half and center has a brown fungal rot. Appearances are deceptive. A second temple in Jerusalem had been constructed in the days of Ezra, Haggai, … Continue reading Christ’s Temple Cleansing: Why Did Jesus Identify Himself as the Temple?
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?
Why Pilate Pardoned Barabbas but Condemned Jesus?
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, sanctioned the execution of Jesus Christ. At the same time, the governor set free a seditious murderer named Barabbas. Why did Pilate allow the crucifixion of an innocent man and the acquittal of the guilty man? Why was Barabbas let go? The Jewish Sanhedrin condemned Jesus for blasphemy … Continue reading Why Pilate Pardoned Barabbas but Condemned Jesus?
Did A Talking Snake Deceive Eve?
Genesis 3 tells us that “the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made” (v. 1).1 A snake made by God whose craftiness surpassed the other creatures but with the peculiar capacity of speech. This serpent seduces Eve into eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of … Continue reading Did A Talking Snake Deceive Eve?