By William Wrede Gift giving frequently accompanies celebrations. The birth of a child, the joining of man in woman in marriage, confirmation, graduation, and the like are all occasions for giving and receiving gifts. Some gifts are received with great joy and gratitude. Some gifts have caused recipients to express gratitude while simultaneously thinking of how that gift might ..
By R. Reed Lessing “The Fly-Over Lands of our Lives” John’s Use of Water Our Lord’s turning water into wine at the Cana wedding (Jn 2:1–11) makes Jesus the focal point of water symbolism in John’s Gospel. Speaking to Nicodemus, Christ links water and the Spirit (Jn 3:5), while “living water” (Jn 4:7–15) is symbolic of ..
By Dr. Arthur F. Graudin Textual Notes Genesis 1:1 through Genesis 11:1–9 has been referred to as “primeval history.” According to the Hebrew, Genesis 11:1–9 forms a textual unit. The text refers to the time after the Flood when “the whole world had one language and the same words” (ESV). After the Flood, God (Elohiym) ..
By Robert Hoehner This is Pentecost, a day of celebration; a day to remember and hold fast to our identity as the people of God, and the purpose he intends for our lives in this world, and the new world to come. We are here to give him glory! Our Gospel Lesson is a Pentecost ..
By Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. Some have referred to the Acts of the Apostles as the “Acts of the Holy Spirit.” However, neither tide does full justice to the focus Luke wants to give to the risen Christ as the mediator of the Spirit of the Father to the apostolic church and through her to ..