Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was on the surface of the watery depths. And God’s Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. NHEB There are three main ways to interpret verses 1 and 2. The first approach (gap or ruin-restoration theory) begins with the idea that God creates things but by the time we get to Read more…
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. God’s Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters. WEB Dr. Joel Beeke, the president of the Puritan Theological Seminary has summarized Genesis 1:1 by breaking it down into three parts. The first is that the eternal God (who has always existed) has started something new Read more…
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. NHEB In this day and age, we tend to think in terms of history or science when we read this opening verse but this wasn’t the intent of the author. Same is true for the early church as it was more concerned with who and why rather than how. This is first and foremost a text about God that is given to us Read more…
Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. NET In verse one we are talking about behavior that is incompatible with our new lives and inconsistent with God’s expectations. Read more…
Galatians 5:16 But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. NET Read more…
Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out, or you will be consumed by each other. BSB Freedom liberates us to be who God means for us to Read more…
Galatians 5:1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. NHEB Paul’s use of “therefore” lets us know that we are in a transition to something new as this verse is the final exclamation point for chapters 3 and 4. Although in his time there was an emperor and the majority of people in Rome were slaves, Paul is Read more…
Galatians 4:8 However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again? 10 You observe days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am afraid for Read more…
Colossians 3:1 Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things…… 5 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 Read more…
Ephesians 2:11 Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision,” (in the flesh, made by hands); 12 that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made Read more…