Humility humor

O Lord, if You weren’t working with me to make me more humble, what else would You help me with?

1 & 2 Corinthians: Timeout

Well my friends, I’m taking a break. If you’re checking back here for First and Second Corinthians with Explore the Bible there won’t be posts. It would be a great time to hear from you or answer a few questions through email though. The About page has my contact information. I’m preparing for a summer class at Seminary. That will be taking most of the time I have for posting these.

For a different purpose I’ve answered questions about 1 Corinthians before: 2:9-10, 16 and 3:14.

Leviticus Series: Leviticus 23:1-27:34 Overview

Introduction
This is the final week in Leviticus. The title reads, “Show Others Godly Grace (Leviticus 23:1-27:34).” Because of the title of this lesson I would encourage you to read over my introduction to Leviticus and last week’s brief comments. Leviticus 23-27 is profoundly God centered, not man centered. Even care for the poor is centered around what God has done for His people (25:38, 55).

Leviticus Series: Leviticus 17:1-22:33 Overview

Introduction
Last week I reviewed some aspects of sacrifices and their fulfillment in Christ. Most Christians know that sacrifices are no longer called for in Christianity. What we come to this week is more difficult. There are curses on “the land” because of the “abominations” of “the people.” But these phrases mean more to us now. God has given us better and fuller revelation through His Son Jesus Christ, just as He did with sacrifices.

Leviticus Series: Leviticus 1:1-16:34 Overview

In the unit titled Design for Right Living the book of Leviticus is split into three sections. The first section is “Do Right When You Do Wrong (Leviticus 1:1-16:34).” I think the only way to handle such a large section is to refer to an overview outline from Dr. Hamilton and relate sacrfices to Christ and describe how we should sacrifice today.

Leviticus Series: Introduction

Lifeway’s Explore the Bible series continues after Exodus with Leviticus, “Design for Right Living.” I’ve decided to continue through Leviticus and see if the response to these posts continues to be good. Lifeway’s outline for Leviticus is:

Unit 3: Design for Right Living

1. Do Right When You Do Wrong (Leviticus 1:1-16:34)
2. Stay Away from Perverted Practices (Leviticus 17:1-22:33)
3. Show Others Godly Grace (Leviticus 23:1-27:34)

Lifeway continues its vigorous pace to test students and, more so, teachers with enormous sections of Scripture to digest. As always, the best thing for both groups to do is read and re-read and re-read the Bible.

Kutless, “What faith can do”: Why faith in faith is crippled

I enjoy Christian music, especially when it focuses on worship. But recently one song has been grating on me, Kutless‘ “What faith can do.” I’ve expressed my reasons to my wife who shared them with some of her students. All said, it’s time to write down those reasons and explain a little more.

The lyrics of the song are clear and straight forward. The tune is kind of catchy, depending on your tastes. But the important thing is the message. Most Christians get their theology (their knowledge/understanding of who God is) from the music they listen to. As I encourage my readers to do often with my own work I’m hopeful Kutless would join me in encouraging you to read your Bible and apply what you learn about God to your music instead of the other way around (Acts 17:11).

Exodus Series: Exodus 35:1-40:38 Overview

Introduction
The last study in the Explore the Bible series on Exodus is “How Do You Contribute? (Exodus 35:1-40:38).” Last week we saw that Moses was the mediator between the people and God. God renewed His covenant with Israel after the golden calf because of the work of the mediator. This week we will see how the obedience of the people to God’s command gave them a place where God dwelt among them.

Exodus Series: Exodus 32:1-34:35 Overview

Introduction
The second to last study in Explore the Bible‘s study of Exodus is “What If You Falter? (Exodus 32:1-34:35).” The title of this one is particularly curious. As can be seen the Exodus 32 Israel does more than falter. This is willful disobedience to God’s second commandment. It is serious enough that God proposes destroying the Israelites and starting over from Moses. Fortunately God continues to condition a good mediator, after the likeness of Christ, to plead God’s glory to God’s face.

Exodus Series: Exodus 25:1-31:18 Overview

Introduction
The second week of this unit is titled, “Why Do You Worship (Exodus 25:1-31:18).” Last week the Ten Commandments were the focus as we covered the laws God initially disclosed to Israel. This week we will see how Moses ascends Mount Sinai to receive from God the tablets and much instruction on how holy God is and how He must be worshiped by a sinful people. Watch in the reading and outline how the presence of God at the mercy seat has so many obstacles between Him and His people. These are to preserve His people so His holiness does not destroy them by direct exposure. But these are temporary blockades which Christ destroyed by His completely holy life and sacrificial death so that we might have access to God (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-22).