Controversy swirls around the effectiveness of prayer. Scientists reject it, and even Jesus confronted its limits in Gethsemane. ("Father, take this cup from me" with the implied rebuke leading to "Not my will, but yours be done.") Those of us less enlightened often find ourselves disappointed by the response to our prayers. To guide our … Continue reading Praying Well
Category: redemption
In reading the Old Testament, the descendants of Adam progress in their covenant with God. Upon the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the covenants with Abram and Noah had vanished. Remembering that the Pentateuch was transcribed in Babylon, with the return from exile the covenant became fixed. The role of the High Priest was to … Continue reading Covenants
Have you ever complained “The Devil made me do it?” We offer it as an excuse when we sin. The “Enemy” got the better of us. But that excuse casts Jesus’ promise in a different light. What did he really mean when he spoke of “dying for the forgiveness of sin?” The common reading is … Continue reading Sin, Forgiven
Love Returns 