November 2021 Reflections

November 2021 Reflections

I hope you’ve been enjoying our study of the Lord’s prayer. It’s something most of us routinely say but don’t often study. I plan to finish the Lord’s Prayer in December, finish the Sermon on the Mount in January, and then start a new...
33 The Lord’s Prayer: Daily Bread (Matthew 6:11)

33 The Lord’s Prayer: Daily Bread (Matthew 6:11)

In Matthew 6:11 we don’t know with certainty what the word translated “daily” means. This leads to much debate and two good interpretations: one literal and one metaphorical. Both understandings have merit. Both use good methodology. Both teach something that is taught elsewhere in Scripture, and in that sense, both of them are true. In this life, we may never be certain which one Jesus meant, but we can affirm the truths both of them teach.

What do expiation and propitiation mean?

What do expiation and propitiation mean?

When studying the atonement, you’re likely to run across two technical words: expiation and propitiation. These terms tend to appear in a text without explanation. But since they are not in the Bible and they don’t often come up in daily conversation, it can be difficult to remember what they mean.

31 Giving, Praying & Fasting (Matthew 6:1-6; 6:16-18)

31 Giving, Praying & Fasting (Matthew 6:1-6; 6:16-18)

Being religious is no guarantee that you are genuinely following God.  Whatever you define as obedience to God (being in full-time ministry, church attendance, praying, fasting, giving to the poor, adopting social justice causes), Jesus says: stop and ask yourself who are you doing it for?