Tag Archives: sin

Standing in a Different Context 02

Review the narrative of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. You’ll recall a major figure named Potiphar, Pharaoh’s jailer. Notice the position he holds in the Egyptian imperial administration. This is a critical element in Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) feudalism. The point … Continue reading

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Teachings of Jesus — Matthew 12:22-37

We’ve noted often that the adoption of Hellenized reason perverted the humble mysticism that once characterized Hebrew religion. Reason is inherently arrogant, convinced it can handle all truth that matters, that it is fully competent and indisputable. With this deep … Continue reading

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Sermon on the Mount 15

Judge Not 7:1-6 Jesus cites another Talmudic teaching. Matthew uses a neutral Greek word for “judge” (krino) — it’s meaning is entirely contextual. Thus, Jesus puts that teaching into a clear context regarding the hypocrisy so common to Scribes and … Continue reading

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Sin Is a Tragedy

Here at Kiln of the Soul, we teach that Biblical Law is self-enforcing. We as individuals struggle to enforce the divine will on ourselves, much less on anyone else. Yet we are obliged to try despite the inevitable failures. Moreover, … Continue reading

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It’s Alive

Mysticism is a struggle. We are always trapped in a system that cannot give full expression to what we can discern. Our postmodern Western society is designed to prevent everything that God intended for us. Even those wonderful mercies He … Continue reading

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For Example, Racism

For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16 NKJV) I’ve covered … Continue reading

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Why Tribulation?

This shouldn’t be too hard to understand if your mind knows your heart: Divine justice was never punitive in nature. It was always redemptive. Sure, you could cross some threshold and be taken from this world. The manner of execution … Continue reading

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Start with Me

In the Bible, the image of contemplation is far more than mere cerebral processing. It is the image of deferring to the heart, bouncing ideas off your convictions to discern the moral truth that only your heart can know. In … Continue reading

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Law versus Law

We operate in a context of human laws that are founded on flouting God’s Law. The Law Covenants reflect the nature of Creation itself. They reveal the moral character of the Creator, and we should hardly be surprised that His … Continue reading

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Our Crazy Ancient New Religion 3

What’s the difference between a demon and delusion? In the Old Testament we see little mention of the Devil. He’s there in Eden, mentioned briefly in relation to Saul’s torment, Job, and a few other places. This is not the … Continue reading

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