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Showing posts from September, 2023

Nadab & Abihu: Reckless Irreverence

  What comes to mind when I say the word ‘sacred?’ What about the word ‘holy?’ Usually these words come with a sense of caution, humility, and reverence. Sacred things are special, set apart, held in high regard, different from normal things. How is it seen when someone blatantly disregards or defiles something sacred? When someone does something unseemly or gross in a special place, like a church? It shows a lack of respect, a lack of sense, an unwarranted boldness. In the Bible we have a startling story in relation to this topic, where something sacred was treated without due reverence and caution. This is the story of Nadab and Abihu.  Nadab and Abihu were the sons of Aaron, the priest, and they were chosen to minister in the sanctuary service before the Lord with their father. God had just specified all of the exact particulars in which He was to be served and worshiped, and it was their ‘first day on the job,’ so to speak. The Bible describes how Aaron performed all of th...

Christianity 101: Repentance

  Repentance is a central theme in the Bible, and, more importantly, it is a prerequisite of salvation. With that being said, what is repentance? Well, the biblical term literally means, “to change one’s mind.” It is frequently used in the Bible to signify a decision made by an individual or nation to change their allegiance from serving self and sin, to serving God. But, if it is so important, we want to make sure we do it right. The Bible warns us about the difference between genuine and false repentance. So then, what does this genuine repentance look like practically? Well I’m glad you asked. This article will look at the steps involved in genuine repentance: Deep Sorrow for Sin True repentance involves a deep sorrow for sin, realizing that we have despised the Holy One, our Father, and dishonored Him. We have been unfaithful, like an adulterer, and sought for fulfillment in something other than Him. We have broken His heart, caused Him pain and suffering, and ultimately the...

Caleb: Enduring Confidence

  Have you ever had to suffer for the shortcomings of someone else? Have you ever looked forward to something good in anticipation only to have an unexpected delay? Have you ever felt like those around you didn’t see what you saw, and just weren’t on the same page as you; like they ignored what you had to say and went against you? Well, someone in the Bible dealt with all of these things, and handled it with patience and nobility. This man was Caleb. He was one out of only two of the original generation of Israelites that came out from the land of Egypt who survived the wilderness to enter the promised land. With such a record, it seems wise to see what we can learn from his example. As was mentioned, Caleb was one of the Israelites who was born as a slave in Egypt, and came out during the Exodus under the leadership of Moses and the power of God. He, like all the Israelites, went through the Red Sea, saw the majesty of God at Sinai, and knew something of the character and purposes...