Do I Want What He Wants?

by | May 3, 2021 | Articles, Mentors Corner

Romans 7:15-20 (NASB) reads: “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.  But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.  So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.  For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.  But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.” I became a Christian at age 34 at a businessman’s outreach breakfast on May 8, 1992 listening to a talk by Adolph Coors IV.  That was almost 30 years ago.  How can it be possible that I would still be sinning?  I have to acknowledge after years of studying scripture, leading bible studies, teaching at men’s retreats and discipling men that Paul’s words found here describe me perfectly.  I say to myself like Nathan said to King David: “You are the man!” Having studied Romans numerous times, Chapter 7 has always gripped me.  I have been deeply comforted to know that the great Apostle Paul wrote these words about himself toward the end of his life— explaining the struggle of...

Lessons From the Life of Moses

by | Feb 3, 2021 | Articles, Mentors Corner

Everything I know about hermeneutics I have learned from being in a bible study with like-minded men using as a tool Walt Henrichsen and Gayle Jackson’s book: Studying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible (the “SIAB”).  Our group started 27 years ago with six men and next month we will begin a one and half year study of Romans with hopefully a couple dozen men.  In the SIAB there is a process for doing Biographical studies (Ch. 6 SIAB).  We studied Abraham, Moses and David using the SIAB methodology.  This article is merely a summary of my notes for Steps 4-7 on the life Moses. Step 4- Strengths and Weaknesses Weaknesses- Could be impulsive (Ex. 2:12), married outside his tribe (Ex. 2:21), failed to circumcise his sons as commanded by God (Ex. 4:24-26), has some self-esteem issues (Ex Ch. 3 and 4), has some pride issues (Num. 20), at times took on too much responsibility (Ex. 18). Strengths- Greatest prophet whom the Lord knew face to face (Deut. 34:10), great faith (Heb. 11:23-29), an intermediary between God and men, a friend of God who knew His ways not just His deeds (Psalm 103:7), leader of a nation, stood up to Pharaoh, a judge, a great writer, a historian with attention to detail, God’s chosen man for giving the Law and forming a nation. Thought for consideration: In the storied and amazing life of Moses, when did he exhibit the greatest exercise of his faith?  (Caution to self- no right or wrong answer). Step 5- Key Verses Numbers Chapter 16 whole chapter, read verses 1-5, 28, 31-33. Observation 1-  Moses evidences...