The Day of Atonement focuses on removing Satanâs influence, covering sin and restoring a relationship between the Father and mankind, ultimately reaching out to the entire creation. Have we stopped to consider what our role is in this restorative process? Exodus 32 tells the familiar story of Israelâs rebellion, worship of the golden calf, and Godâs anger. But letâs look closely at the reaction of Moses, after God states His intention to destroy the Israelites and offers to make an entire … [Read more...] about Our Brotherâs Keeper
God's Plan
Holy Days Pinpoint Priorities
The world has become a decidedly edgy place. There is tension and anxiety in the air. This is particularly observable in the political arena - especially in the realm of international relations. If we look at just one marker â political elections â the unease is clearly evident. In reaction to the developing of negative social conditions, there is often a trend to turn to âhard-lineâ leadership in the search for remedies. In Europe, and Germany in particular, the current leadership has suffered … [Read more...] about Holy Days Pinpoint Priorities
Glorifying God
After Samuel had been established as a prophet replacing the disgraced Eli, God allowed the Philistines to have a military victory over Israel. The Philistines captured the ark of God. After a lengthy period, King David prepared a place in the City of David to accommodate the ark. As the ark was returned to the tabernacle, David celebrated and wrote a psalm to thank and praise God. In this psalm is the direction that Godâs people are to âGive to the Lord the glory due His nameâ (1 Chronicles … [Read more...] about Glorifying God
Choose Life
As God prepared Israel for its occupation of the land of Canaan â the land He had promised them â He firmly reminded them of the centrality of His law to their existence. He told them that His commandments were near to them â in their hearts (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). Godâs law set two clear and distinct ways of life before them. On the one hand was life and good, while on the other was death and evil. The law defined these two ways, so they were clearly discernable. The assault on Godâs law … [Read more...] about Choose Life
Why Canât Man Govern Himself?
The Creator gave humanity a fantastic opportunity and a perfect environment after Satan's rebellious war had caused the earth to become without form and void. Satan, as Heylel, had rejected Godâs government and chaos and confusion was the result (Genesis 1:2). As God considered the creation of man in His image, He moved to clean up the earth to provide a âvery goodâ environment for man to live in. âYou sent forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earthâ (Psalm … [Read more...] about Why Canât Man Govern Himself?
The Garden of Eden
Scholars have long scratched their heads trying to figure out the exact location of the garden God planted eastward in Eden. That it is a physical place is not in doubt. Out of the ground the Eternal made trees grow that were pleasing to the sight and good for food. The garden was watered by a river, which then parted into four rivers. It was into this physical setting that man was placed with the instructions to tend and keep the garden. It must have been a fabulous environment as everything … [Read more...] about The Garden of Eden
The Fullness of the Father
In his letter to the âsaints and faithful brethren in Christ in Colossae,â the apostle Paul expressed many thought-provoking comments about Christâs role as the head of the Church. For Paul, the Church and Christ were one and the same. âHe is the head of the body, the Church âŚ" (Colossians 1:18). It is through Christ that a person can be brought into a relationship with the Father â a state of being reconciled. This reconciliation of humans to the spiritual Father produces what we know as the … [Read more...] about The Fullness of the Father