The Gospel Story of the Valley of Dry Bones. “The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed, and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.” (St. Augustine). Actually, I don’t think I agree with Augustine’s long-accepted claim. First of all, can’t we Christians start referring to the “Old Testament” as the “First Testament” …
Prophet Jonah and the Gospel Truth. WANTED: A fearless prophet needed for a ministry to the Gentiles. Must be willing to enter the capital of an evil enemy and demand repentance for their wickedness. Preaching experience and Biblical knowledge required. Must be able to endure possible ridicule or assault. Burlap leisure wear recommended. Loud voice a …
The Gospel Story of the Red Heifer. “According to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22). The scarlet thread that is sewn into Holy Scripture from beginning to end is unmistakable. There is no doubt whatsoever that the Bible is blood-centric, …
The Gospel Story of the Binding of Isaac. “Some time later, The God tested Abraham’s faith. ‘Abraham!’ God called. ‘Yes, here I am,’ he replied. God said, ‘Please take your son, your only son who you love so much, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering …
The Gospel Courtroom of Prophet Zechariah. “Then the guiding angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of Yahweh, and Satan standing at Joshua’s right hand to be his adversary and to accuse him.” (Zechariah 3:1). Setting the Scene of Zechariah’s Vision. The prophet found himself in a court of justice somewhere in …
The Mini-Gospel in the Garden of Eden. (Yahweh addressing the Serpent in the Garden) “I will place an ongoing hostility between you and this woman, and between your descendants and her Seed; he shall crush your head under foot, and you shall only bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15). Plan A. Before we discuss Creator God’s …
Mini-Gospels in the First Testament – Introduction. “The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed, and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.” (St. Augustine). Actually, I don’t think I agree with that long-accepted claim. First of all, can’t we Christians start referring to the “Old Testament” as the First Testament (FT), or …
Our God Who Takes Us Under His Wing. “Like the birds that fly, even so will the LORD of Hosts shield Jerusalem, shielding and saving, protecting and rescuing.” (Isaiah 31:5). Birds are mentioned over 300 times in Scripture, are used as examples of beauty and powerful symbols in countless pieces of the visual arts, and are …
Covered by the Covenant Wings. “Then later, I passed by again and looked upon you. And behold, I saw that your time had come – you were now old enough for love and a lover. So I spread the wings (‘kanaph’) of My garment over you and covered your nakedness and shame. I gave you …
Under the Wings of Jesus, the Mother Hen. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:37). Jesus finally managed to catch His breath …
The Wings Over the Mercy Seat. “Whoever dwells in the secret shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord Yahweh, ‘You alone are my refuge and my fortress! You alone are my God in Whom I trust!’ … He will cover you with His …
On the Wings of a Dove. “First this: God created the heavens and the earth – all you see, all you don’t see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God’s Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss.” (Genesis 1:1-2, MSG). Since the fifth day of creation in Genesis 1:20, birds …