In my post 12 Habits to Cultivate a Meaningful Quiet Time, one of the tips for effective Bible study is to take note of repetition. As we read our Bibles it is important to ask why something is recurring, whether it is a name, a place, or an event. Repetition is used to highlight or […]
It is easy, and even understandable that one might gloss over the list of names in Matthew 1:1-17. It is a long genealogy but more importantly, it is a curated one. Subtly but intentionally, Matthew opens his story with the words: “The historical record of” (Mt 1:1 HCSB). Hearing this phrase calls to mind a […]
Since perfect holiness is impossible this side of heaven, the temptation can be to lower our standards and avoid striving too fervently so as not to fall into legalism. But when our heart remains unrefined by the fire of God’s Word, it is going to be as thick with sin as a shag carpet covered […]