Jul 26 2012
Pool of Siloam: a Divine Moment
John 9:1-7 Photo: Recently discovered steps around the genuine Pool of Siloam
“Why are some people born blind?” This is the way most people would ask the question today. But the disciples asked it differently; “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Associating sin with medical disorders was common in Bible days. Jesus’ reply is informative; “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Like the disciples, many Christians today are quick to generalize saying ‘all sickness is due to sin’ or ‘sickness has nothing to do with sin,’ but Jesus evaluated each case separately claiming sin was the cause in some situations (Jn 5.14) but not others. He relied on his Father to inform him case by case. More
Aug 1 2012
Holy Fire
Luke 8:26-39
Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire (Lk 3.16). The Holy Spirit comes on people as tongues of fire (Ac 2.3). Jesus’ eyes blaze like fire (Rev 1.14). Ministering angels are described as flames of fire (Heb 1.7). God is described as a consuming fire (Heb 12.29). When we pray for healing we experience fire-like heat in the hands. People that are demonized sometimes shrink back when we extend our hands to heal. I wonder what demons see when believers lay hands! I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something similar to the picture above. In Scripture fire represents God’s glory on the good and God’s judgement on the bad. The fire of the Holy Spirit is a problem for evil spirits. More