Tag: CONNECT THE TESTAMENTS

  • THE DAY OF ATONEMENT

    Connect The TestamentsLeviticus 15-16; John 9:1-12; Song of Solomon 7:5-9 When it comes to the cost of sin, the average person probably thinks in terms of “What can I get away with?” rather than “What does this cost me and other people emotionally?” These calculations aren’t made in terms of life and death, but that…

  • GRACE AMONG THE GRAPHIC

    Connect The TestamentsLeviticus 9-11; John 7:53-8:11; Song of Solomon 6:6-10 “Then he slaughtered the burnt offering, and Aaron’s sons brought the blood to him, and he sprinkled it on the altar all around; and they brought the burnt offering to him by its pieces, as well as the head, and he burned them on the…

  • DANGER IN THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE

    Connect the TestamentsLeviticus 7:1-8:36; John 7:45-52; Song of Solomon 6:1-5 Leadership is like a bright spotlight; when the heat intensifies, it’s difficult to conceal the areas where we fail. But that’s where true character is revealed. The Pharisees didn’t fare well with the pressure of authority. We can see why Jesus had such compassion for…

  • DWELLING IN THE WILDERNESS

    Connect The TestamentsLeviticus 1-3; John 7:1-13; Song of Solomon 6:1-5 The book of Leviticus can feel distant, abstract, and even absurd. Its opening chapters discuss odd offerings made at the tent of meeting, where God met His people when they were wandering in the wilderness after the exodus. Yet, the book signals an appreciation for…

  • FINDING SUSTAINMENT

    Connect The TestamentsExodus 39:1-40:38; John 6:52-71; SONG OF SOLOMON 5:5-9 Following Jesus isn’t like developing a crisis-aversion system. So often, it’s tempting to treat our faith in this way—relying on Him when things get tough or when others expect us to do so. But He wants us to rely on Him continually. After Jesus miraculously…

  • WIT, WORDPLAY AND EUPHEMISM

    Connect The TestamentsExodus 37-38; John 6:25-51; Song of Solomon 5:1-4 The Bible is a passionate book. It’s about a God who is impassioned for His people and who ultimately sends His Son to die for them so that they can be saved from themselves. And it also portrays the passion seen in romantic love. Song…

  • SEARCHING FOR THE WRONG KINGDOM

    Connect The TestamentsExodus 35:1-36:38; John 6:15-24; Song of Solomon 4:14-16 Because of the signs He performed, Jesus drew large crowds. And because of His signs, those who followed Him decided that He should be king. It seems natural and fitting, in a way, that Jesus should be revered and honored among the masses. Why shouldn’t…

  • WHEN THINGS DON’T GO AS PLANNED

    Connect The TestamentsExodus 33-34; John 6:1-14; Song of Solomon 4:9-13 I live in the world of projects. There are a few things I know for certain about them, aside from all requiring a budget and a schedule to have any hope of success. They will all take more time than I expect (at least 25…

  • THE SYSTEM

    Connect The TestamentsExodus 30-32; John 5:31-47; Song of Solomon 4:4-8 Religion is a tough subject. Jesus staunchly opposed religion for religion’s sake, yet He was a Law-abiding Jew. He recognized the value of worship, community, and discipleship, but not the value of religious constraints: religion can bind someone in tradition and be used for oppression.…

  • LONGING FOR THE IDEAL

    Connect The TestamentsExodus 24:1-25:40; John 4:43-54; Song of Solomon 3:3-5 Pastors avoid or over-interpret it. We’re often confused by it. But the Song of Solomon is in our Bible. Although we might stumble over the imagery (comparing a woman to a mare would hardly go down well in the modern world), we can’t help but…