I am an adjunct professor, and in class recently I did something that the students were not prepared for. I raised my hand. Let me explain. I am teaching the Gospels, and one of the projects the students do is a group presentation on a section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Each week aContinue reading “Human approaches to justice are often convoluted, but what about God’s approach? – 2 Samuel 8, 10, 21, Preview”
Monthly Archives: October 2024
The important difference between contract and covenant in our relationship with God – 2 Samuel 7, Part 5
When David gets the news from God that God is covenanting with David to turn David’s monarchy into a dynasty, David responds to God in prayer. In 2 Samuel chapter 7, verse 18, we learn that David went in and sat before the Lord. Went where? Probably to the new special tent where the ArkContinue reading “The important difference between contract and covenant in our relationship with God – 2 Samuel 7, Part 5”
How David’s dynasty actually did last forever – 2 Samuel 7, Part 4
But what about a king? As we learned in the previous post, God promised David that his dynasty would last forever. But 400 years later, Babylon destroyed Jerusalem, and there were no more Davidic kings. It sure seemed that God didn’t keep his promise. Except that God did keep his promise. This is why theContinue reading “How David’s dynasty actually did last forever – 2 Samuel 7, Part 4”
God promised David a dynasty “forever”. Why did it last only 400 years? – 2 Samuel 7, Part 3
In 2 Samuel 7, God has told David that David will not be the one to build God a temple. But God said quite a bit more than that, didn’t he? Look at verse 8. God reminds David of David’s improbable rise to the top. From being a lowly shepherd who followed a few sheepContinue reading “God promised David a dynasty “forever”. Why did it last only 400 years? – 2 Samuel 7, Part 3″
Three reasons why David was not the one to build the temple – 2 Samuel 7, Part 2
In 2 Samuel 7, David wants to build God a temple, but God says, “No.” Why not? For three reasons. This first we read about in the previous post, where God says to David, “I never asked for a temple. I was fine living in a simple tent.” But the story of God’s tent hasContinue reading “Three reasons why David was not the one to build the temple – 2 Samuel 7, Part 2”
Why God was okay living in a tent the size of a two-car garage – 2 Samuel 7, Part 1
After years of waiting, running, hiding, and battling, David is king of all Israel. He has conquered Jerusalem, built a palace there, and brought the Ark of the Covenant into the city. And yet, in the middle of all that blessing from God, David is unsettled. Maybe you’ve had that feeling after a very busyContinue reading “Why God was okay living in a tent the size of a two-car garage – 2 Samuel 7, Part 1”
One important way to describe a relationship with God…a way that is in danger of being lost – 2 Samuel 7, Preview
When you think of your relationship with God, how would you describe it? That is, admittedly, a broad question that we could answer in many ways. A relationship with God can be hot or cold, it can be close or distant. Some people prefer to emphasize one person of the Trinity. For example, you mightContinue reading “One important way to describe a relationship with God…a way that is in danger of being lost – 2 Samuel 7, Preview”
Are you trying to hide something from God? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 5
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. In the dramatic story ofContinue reading “Are you trying to hide something from God? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 5”
Are you a typical human who doesn’t see the truth about yourself? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 4
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. David has a big responsibilityContinue reading “Are you a typical human who doesn’t see the truth about yourself? – 2 Samuel 11—12, Part 4”
Women are not responsible for the way people view women’s bodies – 2 Samuel 11, Part 3
Editor’s Note: This week we welcome guest blogger, Emily Marks. Emily is an adult and community educator. She and her husband Sean live in Lancaster, PA, with their dog Corvus. I learned so much from her sermon on 2 Samuel 11-12! I’m excited for you to read these blog posts. David is smart. As weContinue reading “Women are not responsible for the way people view women’s bodies – 2 Samuel 11, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 