Looking at Abraham’s obedience in sacrificing his son, Isaac, can be discouraging. We doubt that we could be like him if given a a test of such magnitude. But God prepared Abraham for the test in Genesis 22, and it should be an encouragement that He also prepares us for the trials and tests we […]
abraham
The Rich History of Moriah & Jerusalem
Jerusalem is mentioned six hundred forty-three times in Scripture, which is more than any other location. This does not even include the times it is called Zion, the City of David, or referenced indirectly. Babylon is second, occurring only two-hundred sixty-two times. Jerusalem is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18 when Melchizedek, the “King of Salem,” […]
Five Lessons from Abraham’s Example
Abraham sets a tremendous example in Genesis 22 when God commanded him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. We can be encouraged by his great faith and challenged by his tremendous obedience. Here are five lessons we can learn from him. First, Abraham was Ready to Obey God Now it came to pass after these things […]
Who Is the Angel of the Lord?
If you want the short answer, the Angel of the Lord is the preincarnate Son of God. In Greek, “theos” is “God,” and “phaino” is “appear.” In the Old Testament, the Angel of the Lord is a Theophany (appearance of God) or Christophany (appearance of Christ). If you want the long answer, read on! People […]
Jesus and Isaac’s Submission to Their Fathers
The summer after eighth grade, I flew from California to upstate New York to work on my uncle’s dairy farm. Being thirteen years old and having no friends in the area, I had to find things to do to entertain myself. A bull stood at the end of the barn staring straight ahead all day. […]
Where Does the Old Testament Prophesy Jesus Would Be Raised on the Third Day?
There are clear Old Testament prophecies that Jesus would be raised from the dead, but where does it prophesy that Jesus would be raised on the third day? Psalm 16 is a messianic psalm, which means that even though David wrote it, we read it as though Jesus is speaking: For You will not leave […]
