God's desire for humankind is for them to enter into the fellowship of the Holy Trinity and reflect his image in a creaturely, material way to His creation.

The Temple pointed to God's redemption and the reality that was soon to be revealed at Pentecost.

A journey of history and pictures - Babel and Abraham; Saul and David - what is the kingdom of God

One saw, and took; one waited in faith.

The heart of the Christian message isn't Sinai. That never brought life; only death. The heart is the "deeper magic" that the world doesn't know. Love, humility, service to all, taking the place of the slave

Rahab was faithful to the ancient covenant of hospitality, which was considered sacred.

In return, she asked the spies to be faithful to her. By doing so she entered into a new family, with new hope and new life.

And on a side note, she didn't lie. She understood the question and answered accordingly.

Is God's wrath an attribute? Does it ever fade? Will he be angry forever?

How does God's wrath fit along side of God's love?

Don't follow the idols of strength and power. Wait, for God's justice and mercy are always perfect.

Lingering at the cross, and soaring like an eagle.

What it means to wait on the Lord...

Isaiah brings hope to exiles in a hostile country

Why do humans turn from a God who loves them and offers them everything in order to worship an idol, who promises much and delivers nothing?

Sometimes a text can become so familiar, you don't see that maybe you are seeing it wrong.

The story of angels, shepherds, and mangers isn't about hospitality, or innkeepers. It is about Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God - and how he is calling the world to Himself.

The Christian life is not a life of shame and guilt, but redemption - Jesus seeks us because he considers us to be of great value. He redeems us that we might shine his light in our communities.

This is why the preaching of the law can never redeem; it can only increase shame and guilt.