Temple

Save YOURSELVES From This Untoward Generation

Peter was giving the people of his generation a heads up as to what they could expect. They had become “untoward.” That can’t signal anything good. Listeners would have sensed the smoke on the horizon and taken notice that they were being warned. Perhaps this, in part, is why there was such a response for salvation among the listeners of Peter’s sermon.

The Cookie Monster Within

Matthew 4:1 —Then was Yeshua led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Yeshua was tempted, really? To be honest, I can’t picture it. Exactly how was Yeshua tempted? Wouldn’t you like to know? I would. Why weren’t more specifics given? I would find it comforting to know … maybe?

Let’s think about this.

Star Trek Christianity

I like the Star Trek series.  However, the world of Star Trek presents a version of society that will never have any basis in actual reality.  For example, they have “evolved” to the point where money is no longer necessary.  That’s a great fantasy which will never find reality.

Perhaps our Systematic Theologies have as much basis in Scriptural reality as a life with no need of money in Star Trek’s reality. Could it be we’ve created our theologies to fit our preconceived notions of what we want Scripture to say?

God's Plumb Line - The Torah

So what is a plumb line?

Here’s a pretty good definition that I found.

“A plumb line, also called a plummet, is a cord with a non-magnetic weight attached to one end. When the cord is held in such a way that the weight can dangle freely, an exact vertical can be determined. Painters and carpenters use plumb lines to keep their work straight. It is difficult, while in the middle of a project, to determine a true horizontal or vertical line without an objective measuring tool, so a plumb line is employed. A plumb line applies the law of gravity to find right angles, to indicate the most direct route from top to bottom, and to keep things plumb. A plumb line doesn’t change or move with the whims of the carpenter. It remains true, and all work must line up with it or risk being crooked.”