Posts from May 2022

8 Items

What Do We Do With Balaam?

by Tyler Dirks

If you press into the details of Balaam’s story, and if you operate with stouthearted integrity; then you will find yourself imaginatively inhabiting the complicated and highly nuanced realities of the world in Balaam’s day. And you will invariably be immersed in the tension of: a healthy distrust of fallible humans, and a holy delight […]

Bemidbar [דבר] Chapter 14

by Tyler Dirks

People were hysterical. Everyone was upset. The entire community turned against the leaders. They brought charges against them. The accusations were serious. Attempted murder, child abuse, gross misconduct that made 400 years of slavery look “pleasant.” In fact, there was serious talk of electing new leaders who would escort the nation back into bondage. The […]

Saved Sinners Will Judge Angels

by Tyler Dirks

“You have to admit, it’s difficult to make sense of this plan.” “Absolutely! I dare say it’s impossible to make ‘SENSE’ of it. We’re not dealing with something designed to accommodate our comprehension, but rather we are dealing with a mystery.” “So, you’re in favor of this plan?” “Absolutely! I love it!” “But you admit […]

Flight Attendants, Please Prepare For Landing

by Tyler Dirks

It’s been a six month voyage, but we are now making our final approach and denouement of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Here’s a preview of the final scene… Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. I, Paul, write this greeting […]

Stay Engaged Forever?

by Tyler Dirks

John was a matchmaker maniac! John was instrumental in Kirche and Joshua getting engaged! As Kirche and Joshua coordinated with the wedding planner and met with their premarital counselor, Kirche started to wonder if the engagement perhaps needed to be prolonged. As she got into the thick of wedding planning, she realized that there were […]

intermission [the HE>I roadmap]

by Tyler Dirks

PROLOGUE. John said, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away […]

Don’t Follow John (Part II)

by Tyler Dirks

Jesus was enjoying time with His friends at a house party. Some Pharisee folks were monitoring Jesus, and they were upset with Him for attending this party. Why you ask? That’s a good question. It seems like, if Jesus attends a party, then there is absolutely no way to condemn Him, because He’s perfect. But […]

Don’t Follow John (Part I)

by Tyler Dirks

The thing you gotta know about John was that …he was a sensation! All kinds of people from Judea and all the region about the Jordan River were flocking to John, and they were hanging on his every word and confessing their sins to him and being baptized by him! Really try to imagine the […]