The Gospels’ Introductions in Chronological Order
PHall | December 22, 2012
1) John – Eternity 2) Luke – Birth of John the Baptist 3) Matthew – Birth of Jesus 4) Mark – Beginning of John’s and Jesus’ Ministries
PHall | December 22, 2012
1) John – Eternity 2) Luke – Birth of John the Baptist 3) Matthew – Birth of Jesus 4) Mark – Beginning of John’s and Jesus’ Ministries
PHall | November 14, 2012
Being rich Americans we are quick to point out that being “poor in spirit” does not mean financially poor. Maybe too quick. We forget that in the Jewish minds of the first century, material blessings equate spiritual blessings – God pays for our righteousness in coin. So when Jesus says “blessed are the poor in […]
PHall | July 22, 2012
Impossible Possibilities – The young believe the impossible because they do not understand the meaning of impossible. The old believe the impossible because they do understand the meaning of impossible. The young believe because they have not seen too much; and the old believe because they have seen enough. Both believe in a God greater […]
PHall | July 3, 2012
From baptism, to temptation From God’s delight, to the Devil’s snares. From the voice of God, to the voice of Satan. From the voice of Heaven, to the voice from Hell. From God declaring, “This is my beloved Son,” to Satan tempting, “If you are the Son of God.” From the Holy Spirit descending upon […]
PHall | May 16, 2012
If modern editors critiqued the gospels, what would they say? “Matthew, your beginning is too boring, who cares about birth records.” “Mark, you use the word ‘immediately’ way too many times.” “Luke, don’t talk about yourself at the beginning, just get to the story.” “John, I like the idea of light and darkness, but instead of […]
PHall | May 12, 2012
John preached a “baptism of repentance” (Lk.3:3). This repentance is not something simply and solely theological or personal. It is spiritual and practical; it reaches out to all because God reached down to us. Repentance is not just in the heart or mind. Repentance is not just looking to our sinful past. Repentance is a […]
PHall | April 19, 2012
When Jesus says to the Jews, “I am the Lord of the Sabbath;” He is claiming, “I am your God who made the Sabbath.” Claims to Deity are not always direct, and whether you consider this to be a direct or indirect claim, the result is the same. There is only one way Jesus could […]
PHall | February 3, 2012
Satan asking Jesus to jump is the temptation; but subtle is the unstated temptation found in choosing not to jump. If Jesus jumps to make God jump to save Him, then that is wrong. If Jesus doesn’t jump because He loves His life more than God, that too is wrong. Giving in to sin, this […]
PHall | January 20, 2012
How did they go from the wilderness to the top of the temple, and then later to a very high mountain? My answer is that Satan actually takes Jesus to Jerusalem which is what the text says, minus the word “actually.” Matthew 4.5 (HCSB) Then the Devil took Him to the holy city, had Him […]
PHall | January 18, 2012
Each both Luke and Matthew, the temptation involving bread and stones is listed first. However, the second temptation in Matthew is the third in Luke. In Luke’s record, Satan’s temptation to throw Himself down to prove trust in God is listed third. Matthew is better known for grouping biographical points topically, while Luke’s record is […]