PHall | February 3, 2012
Satan asking Jesus to jump is the temptation; but subtle is the unstated temptation found in choosing not to jump. If Jesus jumps to make God jump to save Him, then that is wrong. If Jesus doesn’t jump because He loves His life more than God, that too is wrong. Giving in to sin, this [...]
PHall | January 20, 2012
How did they go from the wilderness to the top of the temple, and then later to a very high mountain? My answer is that Satan actually takes Jesus to Jerusalem which is what the text says, minus the word “actually.” Matthew 4.5 (HCSB) Then the Devil took Him to the holy city, had Him [...]
PHall | January 18, 2012
Each both Luke and Matthew, the temptation involving bread and stones is listed first. However, the second temptation in Matthew is the third in Luke. In Luke’s record, Satan’s temptation to throw Himself down to prove trust in God is listed third. Matthew is better known for grouping biographical points topically, while Luke’s record is [...]
PHall | January 1, 2012
Luke 9:23 (HCSB) Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself…., Questions for Self-Examination: I have been denying myself certain pleasures, and I believe God is pleased with that. I don’t understand what “denying myself” means. I regularly pray for God to help me subordinate my [...]
PHall | October 29, 2011
The very first resurrection story actually contains two resurrection stories – one literal, and the other foreshadowing it through symbolic means…and maybe even a third, and a fourth. Elijah is the one of the most glorified and powerful prophets in ancient Israel. Today among the Jews he is still celebrated every Passover with “Elijah’s cup” [...]
PHall | August 8, 2011
When we compare Samuel and John the Baptist’s narratives, we find remarkable similarities. Such are giant coincidences or grand conspiracies, or what they truly are – marks of inspiration and divine authenticity. Tribe of Levi (1 Chron.6.22-28; Lk.1.5) Wife Barren (1 Sam.1.2; Lk.1.7) House of God – Tabernacle and Temple (1 Sam.1.7; Lk.1.9) Prayer for [...]
PHall | July 9, 2011
Me, me, me…I can easily get interested in something if it is about me. The interest can soar or sour depending upon what is said…gossip hurts…praise feels good. If we are in a room and all of a sudden our name is mentioned…oh so softly…in a corner…we can hear it clear across the room. I [...]
PHall | April 30, 2011
Sin needs a remedy, but so does temptation. How easy is it to give in to Satan’s inducements? While the following anecdote is not serious, there is a serious point. Does the following example seem “too real” to you? A lady on a diet was determined to make it through a full week without cheating. [...]
PHall | April 30, 2011
John preached a “baptism of repentance” (Lk.3:3). This repentance is not something simply and solely theological or personal. It is spiritual and practical; it reaches out to all because God reached down to us. Repentance is not just in the heart or mind. Repentance is not just looking to our sinful past. Repentance is a [...]
PHall | April 13, 2011
Yesterday marked the 150th anniversary of the Civil War which began over State Rights where “the State” was wrong. That’s why I cannot celebrate today “The Southern Cause,” although constitutionally I believe they had the right to secede. Problem is, they abused that right to deny the rights of others. Therefore they used the rights [...]
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