BUILDING ON BEDROCK

In this Reflection God curses the serpent.  We consider the difference between judging and cursing, and the difference between rejecting Christ and causing others to reject Him.  Then we look at one of the most important verses in the entire Bible, and its link with the Books of Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, Romans the Revelation.  May this Reflection be a source of conviction, salvation, edification & b...

Here I Reflect on several issues, including fig leaves, hiding from God, Why God asks questions, and the first recorded "blame game".  May it be a source of edification, conviction, & salvation! 

We Reflect on the first recorded lie in the Bible, which is still affecting us, the difference between innocence and virtue, the connection between Gen.3:6, Matthew 14:1-11 and I Jn. 2:16...AND other thoughts.  This isn't a comfortable truth, but I'm convinced it's a necessary one.  I hope it's a blessing. 

Here we begin Reflecting on what I call "the pivotal point in human history": the Fall from innocence.  We consider the significance of the "serpent" and the danger of adding to God's Word.  I also mention 2 things God never says.  I trust it's a blessing!

This one is about how human sexuality "reflects" God's design. 

The introduction of the female half of the human race, with some surprisingly practical implications.  Please share your feelings about this one! 

We're still in Genesis chapter 2 (there's an awful lot in those few elegant verses!).  First, we note the geography, and what it might mean for us.  Then -- surprise, surprise -- God gave humanity commandments, even before the Fall!  And His mention of the trees: was it a prohibition, or an invitation?  I hope it's a blessing! 

This continues Genesis chapter 2, which began in #40.  Here we focus on the significance of the two trees mentioned in the Garden: what might the Tree of Life be?  And my thoughts on the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil might...just might...be a surprise for some folks.  Looking forward to your responses!

I continue Reflecting on the second chapter of Genesis.  Does chapter 2 realy contradict chapter 1, like so many "scholars" claim?  This chapter shows the primary way in which we are in the image and likeness of our Creator. We also find the very first mention of a 'garden" in Scripture.  I spend some time giving an overview of the significance of gardens...and what they mean for us today.  Please...

Here I return to the Book of Genesis, picking up where I left off a while ago.  Chapter 2 is the only historical record of how things were before humanity's Fall into sin.  It starts with the seventh day of Creation Week, and then moves from the introduction to the first Section.  It's a surprisingly practical and revealing passage.  I hope it's a blessing! 

Here I conclude Psalm 5, Reflecting on the reasons for "looking up" in the presence of our enemies.  I hope this, and all the other Reflections, continue to be a blessing! 

Continuing Psalm 5, I consider who the "boasters" might be.  Then we look at the sticky question of how God, who is Love, can hate anybody.  Hope it's a blessing!  Remember: please don't "like" it unless your really LIKE what I said.  Blessings!

Here I begin Reflecting on Psalm 5, and some reasons we have to "look up".  I hope it's a blessing.

Here I finish Reflecting on Psalm 4.  It ends on a note of triumph, and, to quote the Reflection itself, Psalm 4 "has a lot of practical advice for the believer".  I hope it's a blessing!  

David exhorts his supporters.  Is anger always sinful?  What is "the sacrifice of righteousness"?  And how should do modern people relate to claims of objective truth?  I hope it's a blessing!

Here I begin Reflecting on Psalm 4: who David's addressing and the stand he's taking.  I hope it's a blessing.

This one finishes up the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.  I explore the Isaiah connection, its prophetic significance, and the relevance to us today, especially those who aren't allowed to live down the past.  I  trust it's a blessing! 

We leave the genealogy and focus on the facts of Christ's birth recorded by Matthew, including the eternally important reason the Messiah was named JESUS.  I hope it's a blessing, & look forward to all comments!

While three names have been omitted from Matthew's genealogy, Jeconiah isn't.  But in Jeremiah 22 God places a blood curse on him, thereby cursing the Messianic line of kings!  How could this be true?!?  Then I conjecture on Matthew's mentioning the number 14 three times.  It's God's Word, it's there for a reason, and it's not an error.  I hope it's a blessing and a source of comfort and encourage...

Reflection # 30 is now available!  And it's an unusual one.  I begin Reflecting on Matthew 1, verses 7 through 11, but here I focus on what's NOT there: three generations of kings!  Many people want to use this omission to cast doubt on the inspiration of this Book, but I've learned why they really don't belong in Christ's family tree.  Hope it's a blessing!

The genealogy continues; why is Ruth, a woman AND a Gentile, included?  Why is Bathsheba mentioned but not named?  What significance does all this have for us?

The genealogy continues; why is Ruth, a woman AND a Gentile, included?  Why is Bathsheba mentioned but not named?  What significance does all this have for us?

This begins the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew's Gospel.  We normally skip this, but there's a lot of treasure in it.  I consider how the New Testament genealogies break the rules, why David is named before Abraham, and the significance of the Gentile women in the list.  I hope it's an encouragement, a blessing...and I hope it deepens our appreciation for God's Word!

Only one verse this time: Matthew 1:1!  I consider "The Genesis Connection", the significance of the Name & Title "Jesus Christ", and why David is mentioned before Abraham.  I hope it's a blessing!

I finally start Reflecting on the New Testament, though you may have a hard time noticing the difference.  As an introduction to Matthew's Gospel (not the first NT Book written, but the first one we find; and I like it there) I start by Reflecting on why there are four Gospels.