There are numerous words that we use in our daily vocabulary that have changed meaning over the years. Have we allowed ourselves to appropriate a meaning to the word āGentileā that was not intended? In Galatians, the second chapter we see Paul giving the account of Peterās example as a Jew when he separated himself from the Gentiles fearing what other Jews would think. The Jews regarded Gentiles as inferior. Eastonās Bible Dictionary states the definition of "Gentile" as (Hebrew, usually in … [Read more...] about God’s Goyim
God's Plan
The Years Ahead
In the coming years, the members of Godās Church will face increasing pressure against maintaining a firm position on Godās truth. It will be a year of challenge and change. The change will be all around us and the challenge will be āholding fast.ā We will have reason to be very mindful of the Apostle Paulās admonition to āWatch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strongā (1 Corinthians 16:13). We are not making predictions, but simply trying to watch. Watchfulness is a spiritual condition … [Read more...] about The Years Ahead
Expressions of Tribalism
It is difficult to escape the feeling that our world is becoming more divided by the day. For example, we are hearing more about political identity. While it has been quite customary to identify with some political party in terms of general policy, the term has now developed a sharper edge. Amy Chua writing in The Guardian newspaper notes: āWhen groups feel threatened, they retreat into tribalism. When groups feel mistreated and disrespected, they close ranks and become more insular, more … [Read more...] about Expressions of Tribalism
Our Brotherās Keeper
The Day of Atonement focuses on removing Satanās 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 Israelās rebellion, worship of the golden calf, and Godās anger. But letās 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 Brotherās Keeper
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 ā political elections ā the unease is clearly evident. In reaction to the developing of negative social conditions, there is often a trend to turn to āhard-lineā 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 Godās people are to āGive to the Lord the glory due His nameā (1 Chronicles … [Read more...] about Glorifying God
Choose Life
As God prepared Israel for its occupation of the land of Canaan ā the land He had promised them ā He firmly reminded them of the centrality of His law to their existence. He told them that His commandments were near to them ā in their hearts (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). Godās 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 Godās law … [Read more...] about Choose Life