Category Archives: church
a theology of missions
Joshua 1 The book of Acts has been called the missions manual of the New Testament. Joshua serves a similar purpose for the old covenant community. Chapter 1 gives all the elements the Israelites needed for a theology of missions. … Continue reading
in retrospect: the source of strength and courage
Deuteronomy 31:1-29 Moses knew that the people were going to rebel against the LORD. But he also knew that the LORD was going to take them into his promised land. He encouraged them to be strong and courageous, not in … Continue reading
in retrospect: removing the shame
Deuteronomy 21-22:12 The culture to which these commands was originally given was an oriental, shame-based culture. The people in these cultures are primarily motivated by shame, experienced by the whole group, and not primarily by individual guilt. This explains the … Continue reading
Posted in church, consideration of others, glory, shame, worldview
Tagged Deuteronomy 21, Deuteronomy 22
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in retrospect: taking advantage of grace
Deuteronomy 19 Life in the new society was to be permeated with grace, but there would be those who would seek to test God by taking advantage of that grace. Murderers fleeing into the levitical cities of refuge, landowners moving … Continue reading
in retrospect: a Father’s right
Deuteronomy 14 Before we recoil at the audacity of Moses in putting dietary restrictions upon Israel, let us remember that Moses states at the beginning of this chapter: the Israelites are sons of the LORD their God. A father has … Continue reading
in retrospect: a great God and a great people
Deuteronomy 4 Moses encouraged the Israelites to live up to the standards of their God’s reputation. They were to be a people known for their righteousness and wisdom. They were to reflect upon the character of the LORD. He sets … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discipleship, grace, kingdom of God, obedience
Tagged Deuteronomy 4
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a protective walk
Numbers 35-36 By granting refuge to individuals who were accused of murder, the LORD protected those falsely accused. By prescribing limits, he assured that people could not abuse the law. The same was true of the inheritance rights. Zelopehad’s daughters … Continue reading
Posted in church, consideration of others, discernment, freedom, responsibility
Tagged Numbers 35, Numbers 36
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a hopeful walk
Numbers 20-21 Through tragedy and triumph, victory and defeat, progress and setback – the LORD is with his people. He is faithful, even when his chosen servants fail. He remains faithful even when his people’s enemies surround them. The bronze … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, conflict, dependence upon God, hope, trust
Tagged Numbers 20, Numbers 21
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a maintained walk
Numbers 18-19 The Levites’ ministry was maintained by the tithe, and the priests’ ministry was maintained by the tithe of the tithe. Purity in the assembly from the defilement caused by death was maintained by the ritual washings. The same … Continue reading
Posted in church, dependence upon God, Holy Spirit, sanctification
Tagged Numbers 18, Numbers 19
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a submissive walk
Numbers 16-17 When things got hard, the people began to look around to see who they could blame things on. Aaron and his sons were ripe targets. The LORD defended his choice of Aaron and destroyed the rebellion of Korah. … Continue reading
Devotions 