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PHall | January 16, 2016
The gospel progresses in Acts in succession to Jews (Hebraic, Hellenistic, Proselytes), Samaritans, and finally to Gentiles (Acts 1:8). This is more than just geographic advances; this shows an advance spiritually with whom they were willing to fellowship in Christ – those far off (Acts 2:39-40). From the comfortable and religiously righteous (Hebraic Jews); to […]
PHall | January 14, 2016
A – JESUS ENTERS (1) Now He entered the synagogue again, and a man (anthrōpos) was there who had a paralyzed hand (cheir). B – (2) In order to accuse Him [this phrase last in Greek], they were watching (paratēreō) Him closely to see whether He would heal him on the Sabbath. (3) He told […]
PHall | January 14, 2016
A – (1) When He entered Capernaum again after some days, it was reported that He was at home (oikos; 2:1,11). (2) So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and He was speaking the message to them. (3) Then they came to Him bringing a paralytic […]
PHall | January 8, 2016
Mark 1:1-45 (HCSB) (1) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. A – (2a) As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Look, I am sending My messenger B- (2b) ahead of You, who will prepare Your way. A’ – (3a) A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: […]
PHall | January 8, 2016
The sermon begins in chapter 7, but the set up begins in chapter 6. One point to emphasize is that the detractors could not “compete” with Stephen’s wisdom, and the Spirit by which he spoke (6.10). Looking at the text, we have combined together the wisdom of a good and godly man with the inspiration […]
PHall | January 8, 2016
Believers are responsible for God’s reputation (Rom.2:24). Because of us unbelievers will want to know Jesus; won’t want to truly know; or won’t even know who He is. Before Paul witnessed Stephen stoned, he thought he knew. After the stoning Paul became more zealous against Jesus. Sometimes people don’t want to know more because of […]
PHall | January 7, 2016
There are several lessons in asking God for daily bread (Mt.6:11): 1) Dependence on God not self; 2) Childlike Trust in God’s care; 3) Contentment in basic needs versus wants and desires; 4) Contentment in what the body needs and not excess amounts; 5) Gratitude of all these lessons remembering manna and how at times […]
PHall | January 7, 2016
Amen. Commonly it is found at the end of statements (although the common understanding it means “the end” is not true). Jesus often sprinkled His language with Amen as seen in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus even did what was unusual and not common by beginning sentences with Amen (often translated “truly” or “verily”). […]
PHall | January 7, 2016
The Ten Commandments warn, “Do not take the Lord’s name in vain” (Ex.20:7). Jesus reasoned in the model prayer, “Holy is your name” (Mt.6:9). Paul writes, “The name of God is blasphemed…because of you” (Rom.2:24). This goes far beyond but includes how we speak: 1) Do we promise something in God’s name and renege? 2) […]
PHall | December 23, 2015
If I had to predetermine the chiastic center for 3 John, I would have chosen v.11: “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.” One of the dangers of rearranging the chiasm is to […]