Oct 12

  • benunc
    benunc added a text contribution Giving God his own stuff back.
    This passage is phenomenal. I noticed a few things that I'd like to highlight. First, David refers to "Abraham, Issac, and Israel" in this passage. Two times, in fact, he refers to Jacob as Israel. That is significant. To call him Jacob is to refer to him before God gave him a new name. David is aligning this prayer with the covenant-keeping God of Israel. David is rejoicing in God's faithfulness.... Read more »

Oct 8

Sep 15

  • benunc
    benunc added a text contribution So close...
    This passage should be a sober warning for us. Amon was worshiping something far greater than himself, far more powerful than himself, and more glorious than himself. After all, that's the point of worship. He had found something that could quench his desires. The problem, of course, is that just because it's supernatural doesn't mean it's good. And just because it's good doesn't mean you ought... Read more »

Aug 20

  • benunc
    benunc added a text contribution A Fresh Start
    Imagine that you have grown up as the son or daughter of a ruthless, harsh, bloodthirsty dictator. In the palace where you live you've personally witnessed rapes, murders, and incest not only being encouraged, but practiced. Your father builds a pagan altar outside of the house upon which he regularly sacrifices humans. He has no regard for the lives of others. Discussion Questions: How would... Read more »

Jul 19

  • benunc
    benunc added a text contribution With man it is impossible.
    It is clear from the passage that Jesus was saying something impossible. Nothing about a gate that the camels have to kneel down to get through. If there had been such a gate, the disciples would have responded with "oh, just like the gate" as opposed to utter astonishment "who then shall be saved?" The point of this entire chapter seems to be that Jesus is our only hope. Jesus raises the bar... Read more »

Jul 15

  • benunc
    benunc added a text contribution When God's word isn't enough.
    I'm amazed at this verse. Earlier, in chapter 15, God was very clear with Saul through the prophet Samuel. He was clear that Saul was to kill all of the Amalekites. Instead, Saul kept the king alive (perhaps that is customary in warfare of the time?) and kept much of the good livestock, again despite God's clear message that he was not to do so. Yet, now as he is going into battle, he seeks a... Read more »