Category

Matthew 6:19f “Trust God!” Bible Background: In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus’ teachings are summarized in “The Sermon on the Mount”, which was probably not one long sermon, but more a collection of Jesus’ sayings. This section invites hearers... Read More →

Ruth 4=A Happy Ending! Bible Background: We saw Ruth propose marriage to Boaz; Boaz accepts. In Act 4, he makes it official. They get pregnant; have a son; and name him Obed. Obed will become the father of Jesse-whose son will be David, the King. Amazing! Digging Deeper: 1. Boaz... Read More →

Ruth 3 = Making Things Happen! Bible Background: The short story of Ruth takes a dramatic change as Naomi sends Ruth to meet Boaz at night on the threshing floor. The plot gets suggestive of a romantic seduction, and the ‘happy ending’ is just about to unfold! Digging... Read More →

Ruth 2 = There is Hope! Bible Background: The 4 chapters of Ruth are like 4 ‘acts’ of a drama. In Act 2, Ruth goes to glean leftover grain from a field, which happens to belong to a rich man named Boaz, who happens to be related to Naomi’s late husband. The... Read More →

Ruth=At a Loss, Still Faithful Bible Background: The short story of Ruth & Naomi is about 2 women who suffer loss, experience despair, are vulnerable migrants, stick together, discover God’s blessing, and figure into the family tree of King David and Jesus! Many points... Read More →

The ‘Love’ Chapter = 1 John 4:7-21 Bible Background: Themes in 1st John echo themes in the Gospel of John, especially Jesus’ new commandment to “love one another as I have loved you,” and just how much “God loved the world!” The writer of... Read More →

1 JOHN 4:1-6 Antichrist? Bible Background: We’ve jumped over most of 1 John chapter 2, and all of chapter 3. The writer reinforces Jesus’ commandment to ‘love one another’ (2:7-10); writes some beautiful notes to “fathers, children, young... Read More →

1 John 1:5–2:2 God’s Integrity, and Ours! Bible Background: “The Elder” (which is how we identify this writer), now writes about what it means to have life in Christ: It means walking in the light of Christ (vs. the ways of darkness/evil); in fellowship... Read More →

1st John – The Love Letter Bible Background: We don’t know details about the origin of 1,2, or 3 John. The writer might be the person who wrote the Gospel of John; or is at least well-acquainted with that Gospel. Themes that match between this letter and the Gospel:... Read More →

Exodus 20:17=A Fence For the Heart Bible Background: Commandments #9 & #10 prohibit coveting. To covet is to want something badly, which is not rightfully ours. Part of the job of loving our neighbor has to do with respecting their relationships and property. In the... Read More →