Understanding the history and background in the Old Testament of the priestly function prepares us to answer the questions, “What does it mean that Jesus is our High Priest? Why is this important?”

Scripture teaches that God created people to exist in a deeply personal and enrichening relationship with Him. Indeed, it’s the basis for genuine human flourishing in all areas of life.
 
Scripture also teaches that the entrance of sin into the human race caused an immediate and permanent estrangement between people and their Creator-King. To put a fine point on it, in their fallen human state, everyone is alienated from the Lord, as well as from each other.
 

"These are dangerous times, and the threat of war is greater now than at any time since the end of the Cold War, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told the Senate Armed Services Committee... (2)

Topical Index of Hal's Blogs

God has a kingdom.  Jesus came to herald the coming of that kingdom, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns too, for that is what I was sent to do.” Luke 4:43 _{Net Bible.} When Jesus sends out the seventy, He tells them to say, “The kingdom of God has come upon you!” Luke 10:9_{b  Net Bible.} Interestingly in that same passage Jesus makes this comment as well, “The one who listens to you listens to me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” Luke 10:16 _{Net Bible.} Do you see a chain of authority? Do you see the relationships here and how your relationship with those with whom you share the gospel message is a connection through you to God? We are the messengers now, the ones sent forth. What better place to preach the gospel than in our own homes, churches, and classrooms?

One of the top search phrases leading people to Bible.org is this question, “What does God say about me?” That could be a natural question for anyone to ask who does not already know the Bible’s teachings. But, a lot of times, that question is wrapped up in mega insecurity, even among Christians. Perhaps this question is constantly rolling over in your mind. 

Looking at stuff on the internet and reading through some devotionals and Bible studies, it’s obvious that there is a lot of shallow teaching out there that focuses constantly on our sinfulness (and, yes, every human is prone to sinfulness) but leaves out the good news of God’s grace toward us and His life in us. It drives me nuts when I see it in women’s Bible Studies—application questions that focus only on avoiding sin in your life. 

No wonder many women look at their lives, which may be very messy compared to others, and think to themselves, “God must not like me as much as He does her.” Then, you resign yourself to your “fate” because you don’t deserve better, or you do as many good deeds as you can to try to get back into God’s good favor so He will love you again. Stop it! Grasp the fact that as a Christian you are dearly loved by your God. And, God loves all of His children equally. That’s what God says about you. 

How’s your schedule? Are you looking for things to do? Are your days full? Or are you feeling buried by the demands of home, work, and church commitments?

Commitments in my life tumble on top of each other in April through June. So when a drastic drop in temperature canceled a lunch picnic last Saturday, I breathed a sigh of relief. Even without the picnic, activity filled the day as I prepared for a dinner. I shopped, chopped mountains of vegetables, put casseroles in the oven and scrubbed dishes. As guests streamed in the front door, I was spot cleaning the kitchen floor with a wet paper towel and wished I wasn’t so behind on my housework.

Last week I moderated a panel at the Evangelical Press Association’s national meeting about abuse against women. The panelists included an expert in data about causes of domestic violence, a journalist with Christianity Today who has been in the thick of the stories about high-profile Christians abusing their power, and a former pastor who is the violence prevention coordinator for a campus in the California university system.

Easter Sunday was a little over a week ago, but that doesn’t mean its accompanying opportunities have ended.

Shy, timid, aloof, anti-social, not a team player, nor a good leader—what type of person does this describe? An introvert, right? No, not necessarily. Your boss and the most successful leaders in your organization might be introverts. Your favorite music artist who performs on stage in front of thousands might be an introvert. Many famous actors, athletes, authors, CEO’s, movie directors, teachers, presidents, vice-presidents, and human rights activists are known introverts.

It is the opposite of trust, breeding disconnect and discontent. It leaves you with that awful sting right in the center of your chest that knocks the breath out of you. It makes you question, and replay every word spoken between you and the other person searching for understanding, answers and validation.