You are currently browsing the monthly archive for February 2009.
This is one of the most difficult passages to interpret in the Bible — but I love it.
Genesis 12:10-20 is one of my favorite stories. Here we see Abram the coward, Abram the liar, Abram the cheat. But that only makes the true hero of the story that much more appealing.
If you like your Bible neat and tidy — if you like your preachers to sound like school marms — well, you won’t like this sermon. But if you like to know your God is faithful even when you’re not — well, this is the story for you.
This show introduces one of the most seminal stories in human history: the story of Abraham.
You may be wondering at the title of this 12 part series — “Abraham the Outsider” — what’s the “outsider” bit all about.
In near eastern studies the term “Hebrew” has puzzled scholars for years.
Etymologically it does not refer to an ethnic group.
We think of it as such because those descended from Abraham are called Hebrews — but why was Abraham called a Hebrew? (Gen 14:13)
It has been conjectured that the name derives from the social designation used in ancient near eastern court documents for “outsiders” — nomads, traders, wanders, and bandits.
Well, even if the term “Hebrew” does not come from that term — the social status of Abraham certianly fits the designation. He was an outsider. He left everything behind for a promise made by an unseen God.
This message is about the beginning of that story.
Here’s a bonus show with a personal touch.
Back in October of 2008 I was interviewed by Chris Arnzen of WNYG for his show, Iron Sharpens Iron about my childhood in Scientology.
Chris is a great guy and I’ve been on his show a couple of other times. The show is heard in New York City, Long Island and southwestern Connecticut. Believe it or not I’ve never met Chris in person. We’ve only spoken by phone.
Even though the show is highly personal in nature I’m comfortable talking about my experience. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments box. I’ll answer them if I can.
Now here’s the granddaddy of them all, the notorious Parable of the Shrewd Steward from Luke 16:1-13.
More preachers throw up their hands and walk away from this parable than any other. Why? Because a villian is the hero. And it is that turn in the story that reveals the school marmishness of most preaching.
Well, if you can’t take the reversals of grace, then please do stay away from this parable. But, if you love the counter-intuitive nature of grace, then listen up and learn something no school marm could ever teach.
Here’s another puzzling parable for your consideration. This one isn’t difficult to interpret because of what is said. It is difficult because of what is left unsaid. And without saying so, it seems that is just the way the Lord Jesus made his point.
This is the parable of The Wise and Foolish Virgins, found in Matthew 25:1-13.
Here several things are missing: a bridegroom, and for five of the virgins, wisdom and oil. Filling in the blank is the theme of this parable. How well do you think you can you fill it?
Download the program
Recent Comments