ALM – Page 7 – Forward in Hope

Misinterpreted #5 – Thoughts of Peace

By George Rassovsky INTRO Context is extremely important for any literary work. However, when it comes to the Word of God, it is vital! A verse, or a part of one, taken out of context, can have enormous and eternal consequences. Despite this being the case, the fact is that the Bible is perhaps the…

Misinterpreted #4 – Two or Three

Misinterpreted #3 – Jesus at the Door?

Misinterpreted #2 – I can do all things

The God of Grace – Num 11

There is a burden you carry, a responsibility you bear … It is at this point that God says: “I will come down”

Most Misinterpreted Bible Verses #1

By George Rassovsky Context is extremely important for any literary work. However, when it comes to the Word of God, it is vital! A verse, or a part of one, taken out of context, can have enormous and eternal consequences. Despite this being the case, the fact is that the Bible is perhaps the most…

Pigheaded Pride – a terminal condition

‘He who, being often reproved, hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy’ Proverbs 29:1 It’s one thing to be a simpleton or a fool. It’s quite another to be pigheaded and proud of it. The Bible constantly characterises the fool as one who has not prepared for the future (Matt 7:26,…

The prudent hide from danger

a 2 minute read ‘A prudent man foresees evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.’ Proverbs 27:12 Some weeks after the birth of our youngest child, we went out for a walk in the Malvern Hills. The forecast was for changeable weather, and not wanting to be caught in a…

Songs of Degrees – Psalm 122

Unity & Prosperity in God’s Presence ‘I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.’ (v1) Ascending to the third step we find the psalmist looking forward with hope (this will generally be characteristic of every third step through these Songs of Degrees). His hope is that…

Songs of Degrees – Psalm 121

The LORD – our Help and our Keeper Having described his distress on the first step (in 120), Hezekiah ascends to the second step, looking for help. Where will he find it? The advice of the world around him would be to ‘look to the hills’. In other words, to the high places and idols…

Songs of Degrees – Psalm 120

Truth and Peace – Rare Commodities As the psalmist stands on the bottom step he laments his position. As one who loves truth and seeks peace, he feels that he is alone, surrounded by those who have ‘lying lips’ (v2) and ‘are for war‘ (v7). This causes the psalmist much ‘distress’ and he says ‘woe…

Songs of Degrees – Literary Introduction

Before we get into the psalms themselves, I want to examine these 15 psalms as a whole, for it is clear these psalms were compiled with thought and care. While there is linear progression from the ‘distress’ of Psalm 120 to the ultimate ‘blessing’ of the sanctuary in Psalm 134, there is also the repetition…