Category Archives: Jewish History/Culture

Emunah Faith

Abram’s faith was reckoned as righteousness. Genesis 15:6 What was it about Abraham’s faith that God called him righteous? The word we translate as faith here is emunah. Abraham had emunah. Faith is often referring to what we believe. Emunah, though, is a word that connotes a visceral conviction. It is an active trust and…
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Prayer Closet

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. Matthew 6:6 These words of Jesus have encouraged the tradition of a quiet time, the idea of a dedicated space, and even a recent movie. The prayer closet of the Bible was likely not…
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On the Road

The Romans were prolific builders. In every area of the world that they conquered we find ruins of some great bridge, arch or other grand structure. They also built roads, good roads. Their armies could move easily around the empire, enforcing submission, collecting taxes and even promoting trade. This is the world that Jesus entered.…
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The Stain of Sin

There’s an ink stain on my carpet. It’s been there for many years. You probably wouldn’t notice it much, but I see it when I pass by. If I could remove the stain I would, but there’s nothing I can do. Even if I temporarily cover it with something, the mark is still there. God…
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