The Old Testament nation of Israel was ruled over by only three kings, after which time 10 of the tribes broke from Judah. Sometimes Judah and Israel were at war with each other, sometimes not, and each had a long line of kings that forgot God most of the time. But for a brief period Israel expanded its borders, defeated its enemies, and had a king on the throne like all the other nations. They thought they were winners. Continue reading
Author Archives: Clark Bunch
Reading More, Posting Less
For the past several weeks I have been reading the Bible more. A lot more. I started Genesis at the beginning of January and am now in II Samuel. I do not read through the Bible each year – that could be a long discussion right there – but decided to this year. I’ve read the whole Bible in King James and NRSV, but up to this point have not done a straight through read of the ESV. That has been my preferred translation of choice for reading, preaching and teaching since being introduced to it in 2003, but I’m a little ashamed to say that I have not yet read the entire thing. Well, by God’s grace I’m working on it. At my present rate I should finish in 10 months, not 12, but anything could happen. I prefer reading ahead to catching up.
So the good news is I’m reading the Bible, and having a great time doing it. The bad news, as far as this blog is concerned, is that I’m writing less. It’s okay though. At least I think it’s okay. Internetmonk.com has a team of authors posting daily and there’s a list of good blogs in my blogroll, some of which haven’t quit yet. I hate it when a good blog stops. The Master’s Table has not stopped; it has, at least for the time being, slowed down.
Easter is coming up in a few weeks. Daylight Savings Time started this morning. It’s a good time to be in church. I’m starting a three part sermon on kings of Israel today, and will be posting on Saul (hopefully) this afternoon. If you’re a follower, hang in there. Graduation is now just a few weeks away, and during the summer I should have more time to read and write. God has blessed and is blessing; just thought I would pass that along.
Blessings and Curses: Deuteronomy 28
The last of the five books of Moses, Deuteronomy wraps some things up and reviews some others. He knows that he will not be entering the Promised Land, and wants to encourage the Children of Israel one last time to remember God and keep his commandments. Chapter 28 is in two parts; first the blessings for obedience followed by a list of curses for disobedience.
The first 14 verses of Deuteronomy 28 list the blessings for obedience. In short, God will bless the land allowing it to flow with mild and honey. Crops will fill their barns, grapes will fill their winepresses, children will be born and the nation will live in peace from their enemies. They will be high and mighty over the other nations of the world. Many more verses, 15 – 68, detail the curses God will bring for disobedience. Continue reading
Who Loves You?
When I was a kid my favorite restaurant was McDonald’s. When I saw a t.v. spot for the latest Happy Meal toy, there was nothing doing until I got one. In time I had to decide between the Happy Meal and the Big Mac. All through high school and into college McDonald’s was still my favorite, but during my college years I was introduced to Applebee’s. I had a couple of friends that worked there at different times, and eventually I came to know pretty much everyone at our local restaurant on a first name basis. At a different time in our life, my wife and I ate out just about every night and wound up at Applebee’s even if it was just for desert or to see our friends there. We moved away, grew up a little bit, and now live about 45 minutes away from the nearest one. Ruby Tuesday is now our favorite place to eat out. We save it for special occasions, but their salad bar can’t be beat. I’m a big fan of the bleu cheese crumbles. We love Ruby Tuesday. Continue reading
Bible Survey: The Children of Israel
Bible Survey is a category of posts that are part of The Master’s Table but located under a unique URL. In recent weeks I have been reading the Bible more, but posting on my blogs less. Disciplined Bible reading and prayer are something I struggle with.
The Children of Israel (Gen 29 – 35) is the latest post at Bible Survey. Jacob’s name change, his wives Leah and Rachel, and a listing of his children are all covered. Click through the link to give it a read; questions, comments and discussion are always welcome.
Where is God?
Where is God? Lots of people have a take on where God might be. Atheists believe that there is no god of any kind, anywhere. Agnostics believe there may be a god or some type of higher power, but we either don’t know what that is or perhaps we cannot know. Deists believe the universe was set into motion like the gears of a clock, but that we are tiny and insignificant to such an omnipotent God. Then there’s New Agers, Scientologists, Oprah and so forth. Some spend their entire lives looking for God, but he isn’t hard to find. The truth is it should be hard to miss God. Continue reading
“Not-Quite-Public” Television
A couple of weeks ago I posted a hilarious video of Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Riders singing “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs” on Austin City Limits. That YouTube video now displays this message:
Apparently “public” television isn’t as public as we all thought it was. Public television is paid for the members who support it, rather than by the sell of commercial airtime. It is available for free to the public. Copyright holders own certain intellectual property and do not give it away in order to make a profit. It it’s public why is there a copyright claim to be made?
This is one of the best videos of any kind I’ve seen on the internet in a long time. Unfortunately I can’t see it again nor show it to anybody else. Thank you Texas, and the good people of Not-So-Public After All Television.
Are Christians Different?
Are Christians Different? Are believers different than non-believers? Are Christians different than followers of other faiths? Let’s go the scriptures.
Jesus was different. The Sermon on the Mount is recorded in Matthew’s Gospel, chapters 5 – 7. Jesus spoke to a Jewish audience familiar with the traditions and laws he spoke of. He turned those well established conventions upside down, often repeating “You have heard it said… But I tell you” something different. Hating your brother is the same as murder. Lustful thoughts are committing adultery in the heart. We are told to love our enemies. These are just examples. And the Sermon on the Mount was just the beginning. Continue reading
Atheists Don’t Have No Songs
Steve Martin on Austin City Limits
“This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Capitol of Texas Public Telecommunications Council.”
Apparently “public” television isn’t as public as we all thought it was. Public television is paid for the members who support it, rather than by the sell of commercial airtime. It is available for free to the public. Copyright holders own certain intellectual property and do not give it away in order to make a profit. It it’s public why is there a copyright claim to be made?
This is one of the best videos of any kind I’ve seen on the internet in a long time. Unfortunately I can’t see it again nor show it to anybody else. Thank you Texas, and the good people of Not-So-Public After All Television.
Things Change: A Sermon on Epiphany
Today is January 2nd, and we are nearing the end of Christmastide or the Twelve Days of Christmas. Western Christians (i.e. Roman Catholics and most Protestant faiths) celebrate Epiphany on January 6th. Let’s continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus by recognizing that when Jesus arrives, thing change.
Colossians 1:15-20 is a short passage that describes who and what Jesus is. While the following sermon does not provide exegesis of these verses, they describe not only the incarnation but also the purpose of it. The birth of Jesus is the meeting of heaven and earth; it changes everything. Let’s start simple and work our way up. Continue reading
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