Tamar sees the lust in her half-brother Amnon’s eyes, and she feels his tight grip around her. She is scared and as we learned in the previous post, Tamar makes a desperate plea for marriage. Does it work? In 2 Samuel 13, verse 14, we read “But he refused to listen to her, and since heContinue reading “When drama erupts in David’s family – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 4”
Tag Archives: christians
What not to do when you are sick with desire – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 14, Part 3
This week on the blog, we’re learning how to resolve family drama by observing how King David responds to drama of his own. I’ve said that David, throughout the entirety of his life, seemed to be a drama magnet. But in the previous post, David makes a generously sacrificial gesture to decrease drama. Turn toContinue reading “What not to do when you are sick with desire – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 14, Part 3”
People of God act to decrease drama – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15 – Part 2
In some cultures, particularly in the ancient world, kings sometimes purge their nations of any contenders to the throne. Some even have members of their own extended family killed, just to preserve their lineage. That kind of purge is the epitome of family drama. In 2 Samuel 9, however, David does the opposite. David isContinue reading “People of God act to decrease drama – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15 – Part 2”
Can the Bible help us resolve family drama? – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 1
Do you have drama in your family? I’m sure we could all tell stories. The family member that no one talks to. The family member that is difficult. The family member that, when you are together, spends the whole time talking about themselves, and then just as they are about to leave says, “How areContinue reading “Can the Bible help us resolve family drama? – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Part 1”
King David was a drama magnet – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Preview
Are there people in your life who seem to attract more than their fair share of sickness, accidents, strange situations, or relational brokenness? Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s me.” Whether you or other people, some people seem like magnets for drama. When I think of a drama magnet, I think of King David, who is famouslyContinue reading “King David was a drama magnet – 2 Samuel 9, 13, 14, 15, Preview”
Why the Oklahoma mandate to teach the Bible in public schools is contrary to the mission of Jesus – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 5
Recent legislation in Oklahoma requires the teaching of the Bible in all public schools. What should Christians think about this? What are the specifics of the Oklahoma mandate? Starting fall 2024, all Oklahoma public school classrooms, grades 5–12, must have a physical copy of the Bible, and the teachers must teach it. The Oklahoma StateContinue reading “Why the Oklahoma mandate to teach the Bible in public schools is contrary to the mission of Jesus – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 5”
There is no one obvious biblical way to vote – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 4
Is it acceptable for a Christian to vote one way on a measure, not because they think it is biblical, but because they think it should be a function of government? Because we are citizens of the Kingdom of Jesus, my opinion is that there could be many ballot measures for which it could beContinue reading “There is no one obvious biblical way to vote – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 4”
What Jesus says about paying taxes and separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 3
In light of upcoming ballot measures in some states, is Matthew 22:18-21 actually arguing for a separation of church and state? Is it acceptable for a Christian to vote one way on a measure, not because they think it is biblical, but because they think it should be a function of government? Are there otherContinue reading “What Jesus says about paying taxes and separation of church and state – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 3”
Why Catholics pray to Mary, but Protestants don’t (and is it a sin to pray to Mary?) – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 2
Catholics deeply respect Mary, the mother of Jesus, in a helpful way that many Protestants and evangelicals do not, and that is to our detriment. Mary is a wonderful example of a heart for God. But should we pray to her, and does she pray for us? How do Catholics come to that conclusion? ItContinue reading “Why Catholics pray to Mary, but Protestants don’t (and is it a sin to pray to Mary?) – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 2”
When it comes to Mary, Protestants and Catholics agree on a lot – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 1
What does the Bible teach about Mary as intercessor? Let me give me you a one word answer: nothing. The Bible teaches nothing about Mary as intercessor. So why do Catholics believe that people can pray to Mary and Mary will intercede for them? Have you ever heard the phrase “Hail Mary?” In our cultureContinue reading “When it comes to Mary, Protestants and Catholics agree on a lot – Q & A Oct 2024, Part 1”
Engaging Scripture 