In "what Zedekiah swore" Jefferson Vann explains what Jeremiah 38:16 really says. Jeremiah 38:14-16 (JDV) Jeremiah 38:14 King Zedekiah sent for the prophet Jeremiah and received him at the third entrance of Yahveh's temple. The king said to Jeremiah, "I am going to ask you something; don't hide anything from me." Jeremiah 38:15 Jeremiah replied to Zedekiah, "If I tell … [Read more...]
theological humility
In "theological humility" Jefferson Vann explains why conditionalism reflects theological humility. I came across an interesting quote the other day in Sarah Arthur's wonderful devotional Walking With Frodo. "The word humility is related to humus, which means "dust" or "earth." In ancient times a humble person could be seen bowing at the feet of someone great, … [Read more...]
we will watch
In "we will watch" Jefferson Vann shares God's promise that we will watch as he destroys all the wicked. Psalm 37:34 (JDV) Psalm 37:34 Wait for Yahveh and keep to his road, and he will exalt you to inherit the land. You will watch when the wicked are destroyed. we will watch The promise in today’s text is that God is the one who will fight our battles. All we need … [Read more...]
all the throats
In "all the throats" Jefferson Vann explains that the biblical word soul does not mean what people think it means. Here's an interesting study. How many different words are used in the Hebrew Old Testament for throat? According to the Jewish Virtual Library, the word lev (לֵב) usually translated heart, actually often means throat: "This is what lev means in Isaiah … [Read more...]
waiting for Jesus
In "waiting for Jesus" Jefferson Vann explains how to live a life that waits for Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 (JDV) 1 Thessalonians 1:8 You see, the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out. Therefore, we don't need to say anything, 1 Thessalonians 1:9 because they themselves report what … [Read more...]
if he has fallen asleep…
In "if he has fallen asleep..." Jefferson Vann contrasts Jesus' view of death with that of Thomas. John 11:11-16 (JDV) John 11:11 He said these words, and afterwards he told them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I'm proceeding to wake him up." John 11:12 That is why the disciples said to him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be rescued." John 11:13 But … [Read more...]
perks of being adopted
Jefferson Vann lists the "perks of being adopted" into God's family. Galatians 4:1-7 (JDV) Galatians 4:1 But I am saying that as long a time as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is the master of everything. Galatians 4:2 Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. Galatians 4:3 In the same way we … [Read more...]
remembering what sin does
In "remembering what sin does" Jefferson Vann encourages all of the world's "shut-ins" to contemplate what sin does. Psalm 38 (JDV) Psalm 38:1 Yahveh, do not punish me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath Psalm 38:2 because your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has pressed down on me. Psalm 38:3 There is no soundness in my body because of your … [Read more...]
toy machine gun lesson
In "toy machine gun lesson" Jefferson Vann talks about the ultimate consequence of disobeying God: destruction in hell. Jeremiah 2:14-22 (JDV) Jeremiah 2:14 Is Israel a slave? Was he born into slavery? Why else has he become a seized property? Jeremiah 2:15 The young lions have roared at him; they have roared loudly. They have laid waste his land. His cities are in … [Read more...]
not an alternate cosmology
In "not an alternate cosmology" Jefferson Vann explains why Paul's "resolve to leave the body" did not contradict what he said about resurrection. 2 Corinthians 5:8-11 (JDV) 2 Corinthians 5:8 What’s more, we are also encouraged, and resolve to leave the body and stay at home with the Lord instead. 2 Corinthians 5:9 So whether we stay at home or leave, we are ambitious … [Read more...]