We all desperately need access to a tree of life. Without access to a tree that provides life we are doomed to die eternally. As humans, we were not created immortal, though the first humans did enjoy a type of eternal life at one time. Eternal life, that is to say, God’s gift of life, was what we were originally meant to enjoy. But due to unbelief in what the LORD said was good for them, our first parents were barred access to the tree of life. It was a death sentence for the human race. How do we regain access to the tree?

Tim ColeAugust 28, 2017Old Testament, Tree of Life

Mistreating People is a Really Bad Idea: Exodus 3

Mistreating people--made according to God’s image—is a really bad idea. But it is far more serious to mistreat men, women, and children with whom God has entered into covenant. God watches the mistreatment of people. But when we mistreat His covenant people, especially those under authority, vulnerable, or physically weaker, God comes down and implements retributive justice on those responsible. It’s a pattern we can trace in Scripture.

Tim ColeAugust 25, 2017Exodus, Old Testament, The God Who Sees

Where Can I Find God Today? Part 2

Like a racehorse bursting out of its box in the big race, Matthew wastes no time with his extravagant claim. The infant boy born to a young virgin woman would be called Emmanuel, which is translated, God with us. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 7:14). What an astounding claim!

Tim ColeAugust 24, 2017Jesus, Jesus' Presence, Gospel of Matthew

Where Can I Find God Today? Part 1

Few truths are more comforting than the assurance of God’s abiding presence with us. But feeling abandoned by God, such as the sentiment expressed in Psalm 6, spawns feelings of discouragement, hopelessness, and loneliness. But Matthew’s portrait of Jesus provides the hope of enjoying God’s unfailing, abiding presence.

Tim ColeAugust 23, 2017Jesus, Jesus' Presence, Gospel of Matthew

Head for the Hills: The Principal Theme of Scripture

The principal theme of Scripture, for both Israel’s Bible and the New Testament, is mankind dwelling in the divine and holy presence of the triune God. Scripture begins with this theme and ends with the same. John Milton was right; paradise was lost and then paradise was found. The common theme is Paradise.

Tim ColeAugust 22, 2017Patterns in Scripture, Old Testament, Meeting with God

Women: Prime Rib Genesis 2:20-23

Sentimentality is frequenly the cause of misinterpretation of Scripture and the fostering of toxic attitudes and destructive actions. The making of a woman in Genesis 2:20-21 is a case in point. The woman was fashioned by God from one of Adam’s ribs, because sentimentality suggests, she is to be his help-mate, and to be close to his heart.

Tim ColeAugust 21, 2017Genesis, Creation, Questions about Creation, Equality, Women, Women in Church