We see the conflict that happens between Paul and Peter over what to do with these Gentiles who are becoming Christians. Should they first become Jews? Do they need to follow the dietary laws? Become circumcised? Everyone thought this had … Continue reading →

Paul knows he has been called by God. He has a vision. He knows. But yet, what does he do? He still knows that he needs to make sure that he is being held accountable. He needs to make sure … Continue reading →

Paul tells us what he has been through today. He violently persecuted the church. He tried to destroy it. Folks didn’t really want to believe it at first, but in time, they gave God the glory for what had happened. … Continue reading →

We look today at Galatians 1. Paul is making sure the people know two things. First, he is an apostle. He is not there on his own or of his own accord. He is there because he has been sent … Continue reading →

Today, we begin looking at Galatians. This is a wonderful book, one of my favorites. Galatians deals with this question: is Jesus enough? We see the constant debate in this book: did someone have to become a Jew before becoming … Continue reading →

Esther comes to an end with the beginning of the Jewish holiday known as Purium. It is still celebrated to this day. One of my professors in seminary, a rabbi, told us that it often felt like a Jewish Halloween, … Continue reading →

After we left off with Haman being destroyed, we now see that the tables have turned. The people who believed that they would destroy the Jewish people now find themselves being destroyed. God has turned the tables. God has made … Continue reading →

Today, we see how Haman’s story comes to an end. He is impaled on the very pole he had built for Mordecai. This comes to completion when Esther does the right thing. She has courage. This got me thinking about … Continue reading →

We see the way that Mordecai approaches the world with humility and trust. Haman comes with pride. He assumes that he is the honored one. He assumes he is the greatest, the righteous, the one who will be lavished with … Continue reading →

Today, we see Esther follow through with Mordecai’s request. She goes to the King to ask him to spare her people. But she does something unexpected. Instead of asking then, she throws a banquet. And then, at that banquet, she … Continue reading →