We are creatures moving in time. As such, at the time we act, we cannot know the consequences of our actions; nor can we go back and undo our actions if they are unwise or cause damage. Forgiveness is the mechanism that God has provided that allows us to recover from our errors.

Moses, in Deuteronomy, explains the necessity of a functioning justice system to the wellbeing of the nation. There is a difference between 'legal' and 'just.' Courts with either corrupt judges or bad laws can apply a correct judicial process and arrive at a wicked result. The ultimate source of just laws is the Torah. Anything else is simply based on human reason and the application of force.

Malachi, written after the Babylonian exile, addresses a jaded and cynical priesthood. They are just going through the motions to satisfy the crowd and maintain their places in society. In this they are very similar to much of the modern church.

In Deuteronomy Moses is explaining to Israel how to operate in the world. They had all grown up in the wilderness and had no practical experience with the temptations and pressures of the 'civilized' world. He is very clear that they will face strong pressure to adapt and fit in. He gives them tools to defeat that pressure. God's purpose for Israel is for her to change the world into the Kingdom of God, not to become just like everyone else. So too with Christians.

Three vignettes in Genesis show the development of Judah's character. In the first, he is the one who engineers selling his brother into slavery. In the scene with Tamar, we see a change. He is able to acknowledge his error and do what's necessary to make it right. Finally, standing before Joseph, he is able to put his own interests aside and do whatever is necessary to save his brother Benjamin. His character growth is simply astonishing.

Joseph's life revolves around three sets of two dreams which are a continuation of the visions given by God to Abraham. The meaning of the symbols in these dreams depends on the culture of the one doing the interpretation. A discussion of the dreams' interpretation from three different cultural perspectives.

In Acts 19 Paul arrived in Ephesus where he positively dripped with the authority and power of the Spirit, teaching in the synagogue, healing people and casting out demons. When some Jewish exorcists tried to appropriate some of that authority, things did not go well with them. There are many lessons for the church today in these vignettes.

In both Deuteronomy 10 and Micah 6 the prophet asks, what it is that God requires of us. The answers are different in the two passages. That does not mean that God has changed His mind. This talk was inspired by Rabbi Fohrman and Ari Levisohn at AlephBeta.org.

The lure of idols lies in the human desire for works salvation. We think that the busier we become, the holier we get. False gods pander to that desire.

Today the entire world is focused on a virus that has emerged from China and is sweeping the world. The panic caused by this virus has crashed financial markets and disrupted daily life in unprecedented ways. In Hebrews, God has promised times of great shaking that will reveal that which cannot be shaken. This time presents great opportunity for the advancement of His Kingdom.