Danny Price 9/11/25 Danny Price 9/11/25

Week #2: The Church's Role—Participant, Not Pretender

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series, IRREPLACEABLE, confronts the theological error of Replacement Theology by affirming God’s ongoing covenant with Israel. The Bible teaches that the Church and Israel remain distinct in God’s redemptive plan. Though the Church currently plays a central role in the age of grace, Israel is not forgotten—she remains God’s chosen nation, awaiting future restoration in the Millennial Kingdom. The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 11 ring clear: God’s promises to Israel are irrevocable—and so is His plan. Throughout this four-week study, we will clarify the Church’s proper role, expose the roots of antisemitism, and uphold God’s faithful commitment to Israel’s future. The Church does not replace Israel—it joins her in displaying the glory of God’s unfailing mercy.

This page is a post in the series “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

We’re part of the plan, not the replacement… The Church is not the new Israel. It is a mystery now revealed—Jews and Gentiles, one in Messiah. God is using the Church to provoke Israel to return, not to replace her. When the Church embraces its biblical role, it stands in unity with God’s covenant purposes rather than rewriting them. Scripture describes Jew and Gentile as fellow heirs, united in Messiah without erasing distinction. Gentile believers are grafted into an ongoing story, not starting a new one. God's design is not replacement but reconciliation. The Church must walk humbly, honoring Israel’s role and seeking to bless her, not bypass her. When the Church embraces its rightful role, the beauty of God’s redemptive plan shines in full.

Why it Matters:

One People, Not One Identity - Ephesians 3:6 reveals the mystery: Jews and Gentiles are “fellow heirs.” This is unity—not uniformity.
The Olive Tree Still Stands - Romans 11 teaches Gentiles are grafted in, not grown separately. The root is Israel’s promises, not a new invention.
Jealousy with a Purpose - Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles “so as to make Israel jealous” (Rom. 11:11). God is not done with His firstborn.
Don’t Confuse Mission with Identity - The Church is sent to the nations, but Israel is still central to God’s redemptive map. The roles are different—but both matter.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

Romans 11:11–15 (ESV)
"...through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous... For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?"
Ephesians 2:11–22; 3:4–6
Gentiles are no longer strangers but fellow citizens and members of God’s household. The mystery is that Gentiles are fellow heirs, part of the same body, and partakers in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Genesis 12:1–3
God’s plan to bless all the families of the earth comes through His promise to Abraham and his offspring.

Misunderstanding to Disobedience

Too many believers have unknowingly embraced a theology that marginalizes Israel in favor of the Church. This may sound harmless on the surface, but it has deeply harmful consequences. When the Church misunderstands her role, she becomes susceptible to pride, distortion of Scripture, and ultimately disobedience to God's revealed plan. At worst, this drift has fueled centuries of antisemitism.

The rise of antisemitic incidents worldwide is not just a cultural problem—it is a theological crisis. If Christians are to stand against hatred and error, we must start with what we believe about God’s covenant people. To deny Israel’s ongoing place in God’s redemptive story is to misread the Bible and misrepresent the heart of God. The Church’s calling is not to replace Israel but to come alongside in humility, gratitude, and gospel partnership.

God’s Design: Jew and Gentile Together

From the very beginning, God revealed His redemptive plan through Israel. In Genesis 12:3, God promises to bless the nations through Abraham. Israel is the means by which God brings light to the world. The Messiah would come through Israel, the Scriptures would be entrusted to Israel, and the covenants would be made with Israel (Romans 9:4–5).

Jesus (Yeshua) Himself was a Jewish man, born under the Law, attending synagogue, keeping Torah, and fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. His apostles were all Jewish. The early Church in Acts was Jewish. The Gentile mission did not begin as a rejection of Israel—it was an expansion of Israel’s call.

Paul calls this expansion a mystery in Ephesians 3:6: "This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." That means Gentiles don’t replace Jews—they join them. They aren’t a new people of God—they’re included in the people of God through faith in the Jewish Messiah.

Israel Still Matters

Paul's entire argument in Romans 9–11 is that God's promises to Israel have not failed. Even though many in Israel have stumbled, God has not rejected them (Romans 11:1). Rather, their temporary hardening has allowed the gospel to spread to the Gentiles.

But this is not the end of the story. Paul explains that Gentiles are grafted into Israel’s olive tree—not the other way around (Romans 11:17–24). Israel is not cut off permanently; in fact, their future acceptance will bring even greater blessing: “life from the dead” (Romans 11:15).

God’s plan still centers on Israel. The Church does not cancel this plan. We are called to honor it and participate in it rightly.

The Error of Replacement Thinking

Replacement theology teaches that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s plan—that the promises once made to Israel are now fulfilled spiritually in the Church. This idea began to take root as early as the second century and became dominant in much of Church history.

But Scripture says otherwise. Paul is emphatic: “Did God reject His people? By no means!” (Romans 11:1). The root remains. The promises stand.

Replacement theology not only misreads the Bible—it redefines God’s character. If God can break His eternal covenant with Israel, what hope do the rest of us have that He’ll keep His word to us?

Mission and Identity Are Not the Same

Some confuse the Church’s mission with Israel’s identity. Yes, the Church is global, but its scope does not change its source. The gospel going to all nations does not erase God's plan for Israel.

The Church is sent, scattered, and Spirit-filled. Israel is chosen, covenanted, and still called. These are not competing identities—they are complementary parts of one redemptive story.

To pretend the Church has replaced Israel is to steal someone else’s calling and misunderstand your own.

How does this help me understand, “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan?”

Our Right Response

So how should the Church respond?

Before we act, we must reflect. The Church must begin by humbly acknowledging where it has misunderstood Israel’s role. For centuries, theology shaped by error has done real harm. Now is the time to rebuild—on the Word of God.

1. Study the Whole Story

Avoid reading the Bible as if the New Testament overrides the Old. Genesis and Revelation belong together. Don’t spiritualize away Israel’s place in God’s redemptive plan. From Abraham to Yeshua’s (Jesus) return, Israel remains the central stage for God’s glory.

2. Honor the Root

Paul warns the Gentiles in Romans 11:18—“do not be arrogant toward the branches.” The root supports the branches, not the other way around. The Church must honor Israel’s foundational role in salvation history. The Messiah, the covenants, the Scriptures—they are all Jewish gifts to the world.

3. Walk Humbly in the Mystery

Ephesians 3:6 calls the Church’s role a “mystery.” That word means something hidden in the past but now revealed. Don’t pretend you invented the story—be grateful to be included. Humility is the right posture for those grafted in by grace.

4. Reject Replacement, Embrace Partnership

We don’t fulfill Israel—we join her story. The Church is not a substitute; it’s a sign of God’s mercy to all peoples. Our role is not to erase distinctions but to reflect God’s greater plan: one new humanity in Messiah, not one indistinct blur (Ephesians 2:14–15).

5. Provoke to Jealousy, Not Judgment

Romans 11:11 says the Church’s faith and joy should stir Israel to reconsider her Messiah. That means living in such a way that Jewish people see the goodness and grace of Yeshua. Not through pressure or pride—but through love, reverence, and gospel witness.

Week 2 clarifies that the Church is a participant in God's plan—not a pretender to Israel’s promises. Let this truth shape your theology, your worship, and your witness. God is not done with Israel—and He’s not done with the Church, either. But we will only be fruitful when we remember the story we’ve been grafted into.

Danny Price 9/4/25 Danny Price 9/4/25

Week #1: Rooted, Not Replaced

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

God’s promises to Israel are not placeholders. They are permanent… God’s promises are rooted in His unchanging character and covenant faithfulness. Replacement theology falsely claims the Church has taken Israel’s place, but Romans 11 clearly teaches that Gentile believers are grafted in, not substituted. From Abraham to today, God’s covenant with Israel remains active and essential to His redemptive plan. Ignoring or redefining Israel’s role distorts the integrity of Scripture and weakens the Church’s understanding of its own story. In a time of rising antisemitism and theological drift, clarity about Israel matters more than ever. Affirming God’s faithfulness to Israel is not just doctrinal—it anchors our hope in a God who keeps every promise.

Why it Matters:

Replacement theology teaches the Church has taken Israel’s place—Scripture says otherwise.
Romans 11 makes clear: Gentile believers are grafted into Israel’s tree—not the other way around.
The root (Abraham’s line) still nourishes the Church; God is faithful to His covenants.
Our response must be theological clarity, gratitude, and humility.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

Romans 9-11

The Error with Eternal Consequences

For centuries, many Christians have believed a lie that subtly reshapes Scripture, diminishes God's faithfulness, and distorts our identity in Christ. The lie? That the Church has replaced Israel in God's plan.

This belief, often called replacement theology or supersessionism, says the Jewish people forfeited their role in redemptive history through disobedience and rejection of the Messiah. It claims that the Church is now the new, true Israel—God’s exclusive covenant people.

But here’s the truth:
God’s promises don’t expire. And God’s people—Israel—aren’t replaceable.

Defining Replacement Theology

Replacement theology teaches:

The Jewish people were once God's people, but not anymore.
The Church is now the spiritual Israel.
Old Testament promises to Israel are fulfilled spiritually in the Church.
National Israel has no future in God’s redemptive plan.

This doctrine did not come from the apostles. It emerged gradually in the post-apostolic Church, especially as Christianity moved away from its Jewish roots and became predominantly Gentile.

By the fourth century, with church fathers like Augustine, the theology hardened. The result? Centuries of alienation from the Jewish people, theological pride in the Church, and spiritual blindness to Israel’s ongoing role in God’s plan.

Scripture’s View: One Tree, Many Branches

Paul, a Jew and apostle to the Gentiles, wrote Romans 9–11 to correct exactly this kind of error.

Romans 11:1–2 (ESV)

“I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.”

That’s not vague. Paul could not have been clearer. Israel is not rejected.

Instead of replacement, Paul teaches engraftment.

Romans 11:17–18 (ESV)

“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches.”

Let’s unpack the metaphor:

The tree represents God’s redemptive plan rooted in His promises to Abraham.
The natural branches are Israelites—some believe, some don’t.
The wild branches are Gentiles, grafted in through faith in Messiah.
The root is not the Church. It is Israel’s patriarchs and God’s covenant.

Paul warns Gentiles not to become proud. The tree didn’t grow out of the Church. The Church was joined to a tree already growing.

This isn’t replacement—it’s participation.

The Danger of a Disconnected Gospel

When we cut ourselves off from the Jewish root, we lose more than a theological point—we lose the Gospel’s storyline.

Here’s what’s at stake:

God’s character
If God breaks promises to Israel, how can the Church trust His promises of salvation?
Biblical continuity
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the story of God's covenant with Israel and the nations. We must read it as one story, not a divine Plan A followed by a Plan B.
Our identity in Christ
Gentile believers are not an isolated people group. We are adopted into a family with deep Jewish roots.
Evangelism to the Jewish people
If we believe God is done with the Jews, why evangelize them? But Paul writes, “Salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous” (Rom. 11:11).

Examples of Replacement Thinking

Let’s make it plain. Replacement theology shows up in more ways than we often realize:

Preaching that uses “Israel” as an allegory for the Church
Songs that claim all OT promises for the Church while ignoring their original recipients
Art and architecture that depicts Judaism as blind and broken while the Church is radiant and victorious
Attitudes that minimize Jewish suffering and spiritual need

These are not harmless mistakes. They’re theological errors with real-world consequences—including antisemitism, apathy, and arrogance.

God’s Faithfulness Demands Our Clarity

The problem with replacement theology is not just that it’s historically harmful—it’s biblically false.

Romans 11:29 (ESV)

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

Let that word settle: irrevocable.

Recently, I had an opportunity to listen to Dr. Tim Sigler teach on this subject at Camp Shoshanah. Here’s what I have come to understand and believe. God doesn’t call back His promises. He doesn’t annul covenants because people sin. In fact, that’s the whole point of grace. God keeps covenants even when people break them.

We can—and should—rejoice that the Church is included in God’s redemptive plan. But we must never claim that inclusion requires Israel’s exclusion.

Grafted In: What It Means (and What It Doesn’t)

Being grafted in means:

We are nourished by the same promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
We join a story that began long before us.
We worship the Jewish Messiah of Israel.

Being grafted in does NOT mean:

We replace Israel.
We inherit promises instead of the Jewish people.
We get to redefine God’s plan for His people.

Paul’s image of grafting isn’t just agricultural—it’s theological humility.

Romans 11:20 (ESV)

“They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.”

When Gentile believers forget this, the result isn’t maturity. It’s arrogance.

What About Israel’s Unbelief?

Some may ask: “Didn’t Israel reject Jesus? Doesn’t that change everything?”

No. Israel’s partial hardening is both temporary and redemptive.

Paul answers it head-on:

Romans 11:25–26 (ESV)

“A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written…”

God is not finished with Israel. Her story is not over. Her Messiah is coming again. And the day is coming when national Israel will look on the One they pierced and believe (Zech. 12:10).

This is not wishful thinking—it’s prophetic promise.

How does this help me understand, “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan?”

Our Right Response

The rise of replacement theology demands more than silence—it calls for a biblical response. As believers, we must approach this issue not with arrogance, but with humility and reverence for God's revealed plan. Israel’s story is not a footnote; it’s a thread that runs from Genesis to Revelation. God’s covenant with Israel is not an obstacle to the gospel but part of its foundation. Recognizing this truth shapes how we read Scripture, how we view the Church, and how we engage the world.

So how should the Church respond?

1. Study the Word as One Story

Avoid cutting the Bible in half. Genesis and Revelation belong together. Don’t spiritualize away Israel’s role in God’s redemptive plan.

2. Repent of Replacement Thinking

If you’ve adopted or taught that the Church replaced Israel, change course. Repent. Not just theologically—but relationally, toward the Jewish people.

3. Honor Jewish Roots in Worship

Jesus was born Jewish, lived as a Jewish rabbi, and fulfilled Jewish prophecy. Our faith is Jewish at the core—let that shape our gratitude and honor.

4. Provoke Israel to Jealousy—Rightly

Live in such a way that Jewish people see the reality of Messiah in you. Not to shame or manipulate—but to make them long for their promised hope.

We live in a time of increasing antisemitism, spiritual confusion, and theological drift. Replacement theology—once whispered in scholarly corners—is now preached in pulpits and spread online, subtly shaping how believers view Israel, the Church, and God’s faithfulness. When the Church forgets its roots, it risks arrogance and error. When Christians ignore God's covenant with Israel, they misunderstand their own redemption story. To stand with Israel is not political—it’s biblical. This is a time for clarity, courage, and conviction.

Danny Price 9/4/25 Danny Price 9/4/25

Book of the Month - September 2025

Engaging with Jewish People

Randy Newman - ISBN: 978-1784980528 - 2016

Author:

Randy Newman

Randy Newman is the Senior Fellow for Evangelism and Apologetics at The C. S. Lewis Institute in the Washington, DC area. He is also an adjunct faculty at Talbot School of Theology and Patrick Henry College. After serving for over 30 years with Campus Crusade for Christ, he established Connection Points, a ministry to help Christians engage people's hearts the way Jesus did. He has written three books and numerous articles about evangelism and other ways our lives intertwine with God's creation. He and his wife Pam live in Annandale, VA and have three grown sons and one delightful daughter-in-law. Randy blogs at connectionpoints.us. (Added by me: Randy Newman passed on May 23, 2024 from complications related to his heart.)

Taken from Amazon

Brief Synopsis:

Many Christians are fearful of engaging in conversations about their faith with Jewish people knowing that there are complex issues and suspicions that lie deep beneath the surface. And yet there are many points of contact, and much common ground.

This short book is designed to help both Christians and whole churches understand more about the variety of Jewish people we might work with, meet or know, and to reach out to them with the good news of the gospel. Written at a level that everyone can understand, this book emphasizes the importance of forming loving, honest and open relationships as part of the way we engage with our Jewish friends.

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

The Jewish Mindset, at its best, looks simultaneously backwards and forwards. For example, every year at Passover, we retell the story of God’s miraculous deliverance of his people from slavery. … We end every Seder (Passover meal) with the words, “Next year in Jerusalem,” a shorthand reference to the time when the Messiah comes to set up his kingdom on earth.

First, Christianity is very Jewish. The New Testament was written by Jewish people, initially for a predominantly Jewish Audience, trying to sort out how Jesus’ words and actions fitted with the Jewish scripture that came before him.

By now, you may realize you should assume a certain level of resistance to the good news from Jewish People. Your gospel presentation or preliminary conversations about Jesus may get some pushback. Your attitude toward them can either pave the way toward belief or add thickness to already constructed walls. Jude’s admonition to “be merciful to those who doubt” (vs 22) applies to those outside the household of faith as well as strugglers within. Ask God for kindness in tone of voice as well as clarity in expression of words.

Should I read it or skip it?

I never had the chance to meet Randy Newman before his passing, and I wish I had. He was well known and respected in the Messianic Jewish community, and his voice continues to bless many even after he is gone.

In Engaging with Jewish People, Randy does what few can—he speaks honestly about the challenges of sharing the gospel with Jewish friends while still encouraging us to step into those conversations with love. He doesn’t offer canned answers or quick fixes. Instead, he helps us slow down, listen carefully, and remember that people aren’t projects. They’re people made in God’s image, deeply loved by Him.

What struck me most is the balance he keeps. He’s faithful to Scripture and clear about the uniqueness of Yeshua as Messiah. Still, he’s also sensitive to the wounds Jewish people often carry from history and from encounters with Christians. That combination of truth and grace makes this book stand out.

I’d recommend this book to pastors, missionaries, or anyone who wants to understand better how to talk with Jewish people about Jesus. More than that, it’s a reminder of Randy’s legacy—a man who loved his people, loved the gospel, and taught others how to bring the two together.

Danny Price 9/1/25 Danny Price 9/1/25

IRREPLACEABLE: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series, Irreplaceable, confronts the theological error of Replacement Theology by affirming God’s ongoing covenant with Israel. The Bible teaches that the Church and Israel remain distinct in God’s redemptive plan. Though the Church currently plays a central role in the age of grace, Israel is not forgotten—she remains God’s chosen nation, awaiting future restoration in the Millennial Kingdom. The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 11 ring clear: God’s promises to Israel are irrevocable—and so is His plan. Throughout this four-week study, we will clarify the Church’s proper role, expose the roots of antisemitism, and uphold God’s faithful commitment to Israel’s future. The Church does not replace Israel—it joins her in displaying the glory of God’s unfailing mercy.

This post is the main page of the series “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan.”

Week #1 - Rooted, Not Replaced
Week #2 -
Week #3 -
Week #4 -

Danny Price 8/28/25 Danny Price 8/28/25

Week #4: When Holiness Comes Close

Blog Series Intention Recap

Holiness is not a distant concept—it is the defining characteristic of God and the central call for His people - both Israel and the Church. From the throne room of heaven to the burning bush, from the tabernacle to the trembling heart of a prophet, Scripture reveals that God’s holiness is not just something He has—it is who He is. This four-week series explores how holiness shapes heaven’s worship, how it demands reverence on earth, and how it transforms those who encounter it. As we listen to heaven’s song and trace God’s holiness through Scripture, we are invited to respond with awe, obedience, and lives that reflect His set-apart character.

This page is a post in the series “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Dying, Dancing or Going… Uzzah’s death warns us not to treat God’s holiness lightly, David’s restored reverence shows that joy must be rooted in obedience, and Isaiah’s vision reminds us that true worship begins with confession and leads to commissioning. God's holiness is never casual or comfortable—it is weighty, consuming, and set apart from all we know. When we encounter it, we are not invited to stay the same. His holiness exposes what is unclean in us, confronting our sin not to shame us, but to lead us to repentance. It humbles our pride by reminding us that we are not the standard—He is. And yet, in His mercy, He doesn’t leave us undone. He calls us to be holy as He is holy, setting us apart for Himself and giving us the grace to walk in obedience.

Why it Matters:

Holiness demands reverence: Uzzah’s death shows the danger of treating God’s presence carelessly.
Holiness moves with joy and fear: David dances before the ark—but only after learning to honor God’s instructions.
Holiness undoes us before it remakes us: Isaiah was broken by God’s glory, then sent by God’s grace.
Holiness is our calling: As God's people, we don’t conform to the world—we reflect the One who redeemed us.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

2 Samuel 6:1–15
Isaiah 6:1–8
1 Peter 1:13–21

A Sobering Scene

David was bringing the ark of God back to Jerusalem. It was a day of celebration. Songs. Dancing. Worship.

But then something went terribly wrong.

“Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there…”
(2 Samuel 6:6–7, ESV)

It seems harsh. Uzzah meant well. He was trying to help.

But God doesn’t measure intent alone. He had given clear commands about how the ark should be carried (Numbers 4:15; 7:9). It was never to be touched. Only the priests were to bear it on poles.

Uzzah died not because God is cruel—but because God is holy.

Casual Is Not Holy

David was shocked. He was angry. Then he was afraid.

“David was afraid of the Lord that day…” (2 Samuel 6:9, ESV)

He left the ark in someone else’s house. Only after seeing that house blessed did he try again—this time God’s way.

The priests carried the ark.
Sacrifices were offered.
Worship was full of joy—but also reverence.

David danced, but only after he feared. That’s the proper sequence.

We often reverse the order.

We celebrate before we listen.
We approach before we prepare.
We sing before we stop to be still.

But holiness reminds us: God is not like us. He cannot be managed, manipulated, or mishandled.

Isaiah’s Encounter

Centuries later, Isaiah had his own holy moment.

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up…” (Isaiah 6:1, ESV)

The earthly king was gone. But the heavenly King was not.

Isaiah saw the Lord. He saw seraphim. He heard the cry that never stops:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3, ESV)

Sound familiar? The same cry from Revelation 4. Because God’s holiness doesn’t change—in heaven or on earth.

Undone Before the Holy

Isaiah doesn’t sing. He doesn’t celebrate. He collapses.

“Woe is me! For I am lost…” (Isaiah 6:5, ESV)

The word lost here means ruined. Isaiah realizes he doesn’t belong in the presence of a holy God.

He doesn’t compare himself to others.
He doesn’t defend his good deeds.
He doesn’t excuse his sin.

He sees God, then sees himself.

That’s what holiness does—it exposes. And it also cleanses.

Cleansed and Called

One of the seraphim brings a burning coal to Isaiah’s lips:

“Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” (Isaiah 6:7, ESV)

Only after that does God ask, “Whom shall I send?”

And Isaiah says, “Here I am! Send me.”

This is the pattern:

See God’s holiness
Confess our sinfulness
Receive God’s cleansing
Respond with obedience

Holiness doesn’t leave us crushed—it calls us into service. But never on our own terms.

Holiness and the Church

Peter picks up this same theme for the New Testament church.

“As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…” (1 Peter 1:15, ESV)

We are saved by grace—but we are called to reflect the God who saved us.

Holiness is not optional. It’s not for the “super spiritual.” It’s for everyone who belongs to Yeshua (Jesus).

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16, ESV)

We don’t earn holiness. We walk in it because of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus).

Peter reminds us:

We were ransomed by Messiah’s blood—not silver or gold (v. 18–19).
We are strangers in this world—we live differently (v. 17).
We fix our hope fully on the return of Christ (v. 13).

Holiness is not about perfectionism. It’s about pursuit. We pursue the holy God who pursued us first.

How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”

A Life Set Apart for God

Pursuing holiness means actively aligning your life with God’s character—responding to His presence with reverence, repentance, and obedience each day. Here’s some tips to help you to walk in holiness:

Approach God with reverence – Begin your prayers and worship by remembering who He is, not just what you need.
Confess regularly – Let the light of His presence expose anything unclean and respond with honest repentance.
Obey completely – Don’t pick and choose which parts of God’s Word to follow—honor His instructions in full.
Live set apart – Let your life reflect the God who lives within you—distinct in speech, purity, and purpose.

Living in light of God’s holiness means rejecting casual faith. We must approach God with reverence, confess our sin honestly, and surrender every area of life to His authority. His holiness shapes how we worship, how we repent, and how we respond. Like Isaiah, we are meant to be undone, forgiven, and then sent.

So don’t just admire God’s holiness—let it remake you.

Danny Price 8/21/25 Danny Price 8/21/25

Week #3: Glory in the Midst

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Camping in the Wilderness with the One who created it… God’s holiness doesn’t push Him away from His people—it moves Him toward them. From the burning bush to the tabernacle, and ultimately through Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), His presence enters human space with purpose and intention. He desires to dwell with us, not as a distant deity, but as a holy God who makes His people holy. Yet He never invites us to approach carelessly; His nearness is always on His terms, not ours. Holiness is both invitation and boundary—it welcomes us in by grace but reminds us that God is never common. To walk with Him is to live with reverence, joy, and obedience.

Why it Matters:

God chooses to dwell among His people: His holy presence fills the tabernacle, not from a distance but from within.
Holiness requires preparation: The tabernacle wasn’t thrown together—it was carefully made to reflect God’s glory.
Access is possible—but never assumed: God invites, but He also instructs.
We are now His dwelling: His Spirit lives in believers, making our lives sacred space.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

Exodus 40:17–38

God's House in the Wilderness

After the Exodus, God led His people to Mount Sinai and gave Moses blueprints—not for a throne room, but for a tent.

A tabernacle.

It was mobile. It moved with the people. But it was no ordinary tent. It was holy space—designed so that God could live in the center of His people.

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34, ESV)

That cloud wasn’t just weather. It was the visible sign of God’s holiness and presence. The same cloud that had led them out of Egypt now moved in.

God had a home. In the camp. In the middle. Among His people.

Every Detail Matters

The tabernacle was not designed by Moses or the people. It was given by divine instruction.

Specific materials.
Exact measurements.
Distinct roles for the priests.
Sacred objects: the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the altar.

Why such detail? Because God is holy, and holy things are not casual.

Every stitch and structure taught the people something about God:

The veil separated the holy place from the most holy place.
The ark of the covenant held the law, a symbol of God’s rule.
The altar provided atonement—a covering for sin.

Holiness does not mean God stays away. It means when He comes close, He defines the terms.

When Glory Fills the House

The moment Moses finished the work of building the tabernacle, something incredible happened:

“The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34, ESV)

God’s presence came down. Tangible. Visible. Overwhelming.

Moses—who had spoken with God—couldn’t even enter.

“And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it…” (v. 35)

Even the leader wasn’t exempt from the awe of holiness. Access to God is always by invitation, never by entitlement.

A Holy God Who Leads

The final verses of Exodus say something extraordinary:

“Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out… For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night…” (vv. 36–38)

God’s holiness wasn’t just stationary. It led them. His presence guided their path and governed their pace.

The tabernacle wasn’t just a religious structure. It was a constant reminder:

We don’t move without God.
We don’t approach Him without care.
We don’t live as if He isn’t with us.

Holiness means God is near—but never ordinary.

From Tabernacle to Temple to You

The tabernacle was temporary. Later, Solomon built a permanent temple. It was grand. Fixed. Stone instead of cloth.

And just like the tabernacle, the glory of the Lord filled the temple (1 Kings 8:10–11).

But even that was not the final plan.

John writes:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14)

The word dwelt is literally tabernacled. Yeshua (Jesus) was the presence of God in person. Not behind a veil, but among the people.

He healed the unclean.
He touched the sick.
He forgave sinners.
He died as the final sacrifice.

Through Him, access to the holy God is now open—but still on God’s terms.

We Are Now His Dwelling

After Yeshua (Jesus) rose and ascended, the Spirit came. And now, something incredible is true:

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)

You—if you belong to Messiah—are now holy ground.

Not because you’re perfect.
Not because you earned it.
But because God chose to dwell in you.

Just like the tabernacle, every detail of your life now matters.

Your words.
Your thoughts.
Your body.
Your worship.

You don’t become holy by effort. You become holy by presence—by God living in you, and you walking in step with Him.

Four Ways Holiness Dwells with Us

Holiness comes by God’s design, not ours
Moses didn’t invent the tabernacle. We don’t invent our own way to God. We come through Jesus—the true and living way (Hebrews 10:19–20).
God’s nearness is always on His terms
His presence is a gift, but it’s not casual. We are called to approach with reverence, not entitlement.
Our lives are now sacred space
We don’t visit holy places. We are holy places. God’s Spirit lives in us to guide, teach, and purify.
Holiness shapes every part of our journey
Just as the cloud led Israel, God now leads His people by the Spirit. Holiness is not just for worship moments—it shapes your pace, your path, and your purpose.

Modern-Day Tabernacles

In a world that loves the casual and the instant, God still calls us to reverence.

We carry His presence—not in a box, but in our lives.

That means:

Worship matters.
Obedience matters.
Holiness matters.

God has not changed. His glory is still weighty. His nearness is still life-changing.

The question is: are we living like it?

How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”

Make Room for Glory

Here’s how we respond to a holy God who chooses to dwell with His people—by preparing our lives as sacred space where His presence is welcome.:

Pause often: God’s presence isn’t found in constant motion. Like Israel, learn to stop when He stops.
Clean house: Not out of fear—but because He’s worthy. Remove what doesn’t honor His presence.
Follow closely: Let God set the pace. Let holiness shape your decisions.
Worship sincerely: He is with us. So don’t treat Him like a concept. Honor Him as the living God.

You are not empty. You are not ordinary. You are His dwelling place.

God’s holiness is not a barrier. It’s a blessing.
He comes near—but always with purpose and purity.

From the tabernacle to the temple, from Christ to the Church—God’s desire has always been the same:

To dwell with His people in holiness.

So build your life carefully.
Make room for His presence.
And let His glory fill the tent again.

Danny Price 8/14/25 Danny Price 8/14/25

Week #2: Take Off Your Shoes

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

When you see something on fire… Holiness invites us close, but it never allows us to come casually. When God speaks, our first response should be listening, not acting. Like Moses at the burning bush, we remove our shoes in humility—because when God shows up, even ordinary ground becomes sacred.

Why it Matters:

Holiness interrupts routine: Moses was tending sheep—and then everything changed.
God’s presence makes places holy: A bush becomes sacred ground when God steps in.
Reverence comes before mission: Moses had to stop and worship before he could go and serve.
God’s holiness invites but humbles: He calls us close but reminds us to come rightly.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

Exodus 3:1–6

A Bush on Fire

Moses didn’t expect anything unusual that day.

He was a shepherd now—wandering with his flock near Horeb, the mountain of God. Life had been quiet for 40 years. No signs. No callings. Just heat, rocks, and sheep.

But then… a flame.

“The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.”
(Exodus 3:2, ESV)

The bush was burning—but not consumed. That stopped Moses in his tracks.

What made it strange wasn’t just the fire. It was the persistence of the fire. It didn’t die down. It didn’t devour. It didn’t make sense.

That’s holiness: a fire that burns without destroying.

Holiness Breaks In

This fire wasn’t just a visual. It was a voice. From the flame, God spoke:

“Moses, Moses!”
“Here I am,” he answered.
“Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:4–5, ESV)

God’s presence turned ordinary dirt into holy ground. The wilderness became a sanctuary.

Moses didn’t make the place holy. God did.

This is a pattern throughout Scripture:

The tabernacle becomes holy because God fills it.
The temple becomes holy because His glory rests there.
Jesus’ body is the ultimate holy dwelling (John 1:14).
Now, the church—His people—are made holy by His Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16–17).

Holiness isn’t about geography. It’s about God being there.

Why Take Off Your Shoes?

In the ancient world, removing your shoes was a sign of honor, humility, and readiness.

Honor: You don’t bring the dirt of the world into the presence of a king.
Humility: You acknowledge you are not in charge.
Readiness: You’re prepared to listen, not run.

God says, in effect, “Stop walking. Stop moving. Take this seriously.”

God doesn’t rush into the calling. He doesn’t hand Moses marching orders until He first teaches him worship. Reverence comes before mission.

The God Who Calls

God identifies Himself clearly:

“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” (Exodus 3:6, ESV)

He isn’t a new god. He isn’t a vague feeling. He is the same covenant-making, promise-keeping God Moses has heard about all his life.

That same holy God is now speaking directly to him.

“And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” (Exodus 3:6, ESV)

That’s the right reaction. Not because God is cruel—but because He is holy. His presence is overwhelming, even for someone chosen to lead.

Holiness creates awe. Awe creates fear of the Lord. And the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

Holiness Is Not Casual

This scene reminds us: God’s presence is not to be treated lightly.

If we are too casual with God, we will miss the weight of His glory.

Moses could have:

Kept walking.
Talked back.
Approached arrogantly.

But he doesn’t. He removes his sandals. He hides his face. He listens.

We often do the opposite.

We approach God:

With noise instead of silence.
With pride instead of awe.
With comfort instead of confession.

But God’s holiness hasn’t changed. He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is still fire. Still perfect. Still holy.

Four Ways Holiness Challenges Us

Holiness demands interruption
Moses’ entire life changed because he turned aside. God often shows up in the middle of our ordinary. But we have to stop and look.
Ask yourself: When did you last pause and listen for God’s voice?
Holiness turns the ordinary sacred
It was just a bush. Just dirt. Just a shepherd.
But when God enters, nothing stays common.
The places we dismiss may be where God wants to speak.
Holiness precedes calling
Before Moses goes to Egypt, he meets God at the bush.
Before we go to the world, we must meet God in worship.
You can’t speak for God if you don’t first sit before Him.
Holiness is both near and weighty
God didn’t stay far away. But neither did He come lightly.
Holiness invites us—but humbles us first.
Worship is not just singing—it’s surrendering.

A Pattern That Echoes

The burning bush isn’t an isolated moment.

We see this same theme again and again:

Isaiah: Sees the Lord high and lifted up—and cries, “Woe is me!”
Peter: Sees Yeshua’a (Jesus’) power and says, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.”
John (again): Falls at the feet of Yeshua (Jesus) as though dead in Revelation 1.

Why? Because in the presence of God’s holiness, we see our sin, our smallness, and our need.

But here’s the beauty: God doesn’t push them away. He draws them near. Not by ignoring their sin—but by covering it.

The burning bush leads to the exodus.
The exodus leads to the tabernacle.
The tabernacle points to Messiah.
And Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) brings us into God’s presence—clothed in His righteousness.

Reverence Isn’t Fearful—it’s Freeing

We don’t need to be afraid of God’s presence—but we should never lose our awe.

Reverence is not about distance. It’s about respect.
It says: “You are God, and I am not. I’m listening.”

Taking off our shoes reminds us we come empty-handed.
No merit. No power. No plan.
Just open ears and humble hearts.

How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”

What Would You Do at the Bush?

God still calls. Still speaks. Still shows up.

He may not appear in a flame—but He is present by His Spirit.
He may not light up a bush—but He’s written His Word.
He may not thunder—but He whispers.

So, how should we respond?

Turn aside: Don’t rush. Slow down and notice.
Take off your shoes: Remove whatever pride or distraction you carry.
Listen first: Don’t ask what to do—ask what to hear.
Live set apart: Holiness isn’t just for Sunday. It’s for every step.

Moses’ life didn’t change when he saw the bush. It changed when he stopped to see it.

Holiness isn’t just a heavenly concept. It’s an earthly call.

The God who met Moses in the wilderness is the same God who meets us in our weakness.

He doesn’t need a temple to be holy. He doesn’t need a fire to speak. He simply calls us by name—and invites us to respond.

So… take off your shoes. The ground may be more holy than you think.

Danny Price 8/7/25 Danny Price 8/7/25

Week #1: Heaven Sings What Earth Forgets

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

Holiness is heaven’s soundtrack… It defines who God is and demands our awe, shaping how we worship and live. Holiness is not one of God’s many attributes—it is the essence of who He is. In Revelation 4, heaven’s unceasing song centers on His holiness, reminding us that worship begins not with our needs but with His nature. When we see God as holy, our hearts respond with awe, our lives bend in surrender, and our worship realigns with heaven’s focus.

Why it Matters:

Holiness is central: The angels never stop saying “Holy, holy, holy”—it’s the core of God’s identity.
Holiness means otherness: God is set apart, pure, and unlike anything else.
Heaven’s worship is not casual: There’s thunder, lightning, and creatures who never stop.
Our response must match heaven’s: Reverence isn’t old-fashioned—it’s the right reaction.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

Revelation 4:1–11

Heaven’s View of Holiness

When the apostle John was caught up in the Spirit, he didn’t first see golden streets or pearly gates. He saw a throne.

He writes:

"Behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne" (Revelation 4:2, ESV).

Heaven begins with God at the center. Around that throne, worship erupts—not focused on what God gives, but on who God is.

The creatures don’t cry, “Love, love, love,” or “Power, power, power.” They cry:

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8, ESV)

Holiness is heaven’s headline. It’s what angels sing. It’s what creation affirms. It’s what crowns are cast before.

What Is Holiness?

At its root, holiness means set apart. God is separate—not in distance, but in nature. He is not like us. He is not like His creation. He is in a category by Himself.

Holiness includes:

Moral perfection: He is without sin, impurity, or corruption.
Majestic glory: He radiates splendor, beauty, and brilliance.
Eternal constancy: He never changes, never weakens, never fails.

The triple repetition—“holy, holy, holy”—is a Hebrew way of expressing intensity. Like underlining something three times. He is not just holy. He is the holiest. No one else is close.

Holiness is not one of many attributes of God—it’s the banner over all of them. His love is holy. His justice is holy. His power is holy. Everything God does flows from this set-apart nature.

The God behind the Curtain

In the iconic movie The Wizard of Oz, the Wizard is exposed as a fraud when he tells Dorothy and her friends to “ignore the man behind the curtain,” revealing that his grand display of power was just an illusion. John has no such illusions or aspirations. He describes a scene filled with symbols and sounds meant to stop us in our tracks.

“From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder…” (Rev. 4:5, ESV)

This is not a quiet cathedral. This is more like Mount Sinai—fire, thunder, and trembling. The throne radiates power.

Before the throne is a sea of glass—still, clear, undisturbed. Around the throne are four living creatures—like lions, oxen, eagles, and men. They represent all creation. But they aren’t resting. They’re praising.

“Day and night they never cease…” (Rev. 4:8)

That’s the phrase that hits hardest. Never cease. Worship never stops in heaven. Why? Because holiness never stops being true.

Worship Starts with Holiness

Why does this matter? Because worship on earth often starts with us. Our needs. Our preferences. Our songs.

Heaven starts with God.

He is holy—so we bow down.
He is worthy—so we cast our crowns.
He is eternal—so we don’t rush through it.

When we lose sight of holiness, we begin to treat God casually. We bring Him down to our level. We approach Him like a friend or a therapist—or worse, a vending machine.

But God is not ordinary. He is not common. C.S. Lewis records a conversation between the Pevinsie Kids and Mr. Beaver about Aslan the Lion.

Is he—quite safe?” I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion” – Susan
“If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.” – Mrs. Beaver
“Then he isn’t safe?” – Lucy
“Safe? . . . Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King I tell you.” – Mr. Beaver
C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (New York, NY: Harper, 1950)

This conversation prepares us for today’s topic.

**He is holy, holy, holy.**

Holiness demands our reverence. Reverence isn’t outdated. It’s right. It’s the only correct response to the God of Revelation 4.

Four Ways Holiness Shapes Us

Holiness puts God at the center
The throne is not empty. It’s occupied. God is on it, and everything else revolves around Him.
We are not the center of the story. God is. Holiness reminds us to reorient our lives around His glory—not our comfort.
Holiness invites worship, not apathy
The elders fall down. The creatures sing. No one stands still.
Worship is more than singing. It’s responding to who God is. Reverence is not stiffness—it’s surrender.
Holiness reveals our need for mercy
If God is holy, we are not. The clearer our view of Him, the clearer our view of ourselves.
That’s why we need the gospel. The holy God made a way for unholy people to approach Him—through Yeshua (Jesus).
Holiness sets the tone for how we live
If heaven never stops worshiping, why should we?
Holiness isn’t just what we admire in God—it’s what He calls us to reflect. As Peter writes:
“As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15, ESV).

Rethinking Our View of God

Too often, we reduce God to what feels manageable. We want a God who is close, not a God who is consuming. But both are true.

The God of Revelation is near, but He is also other. He is not like us. That’s why worship must be marked by humility.

When we gather on Sundays or pray in private, we aren’t just chatting with a buddy. We are standing before the throne.

This vision reminds us: worship is not entertainment. It’s not background music. It’s the response of heaven—and it should be the heartbeat of earth.

How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”

Let Heaven’s Cry Become Yours

How do we respond?

Start here:
Worship God as holy.

That doesn’t mean just playing slower music. It means:

Slowing down and recognizing who He is.
Letting the awe of His nature humble your heart.
Approaching Him with respect, not routine.
Living in a way that honors His name.

Take a moment today.
No music. No hurry.
Just say: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”

Let those words shape how you pray, speak, think, and live.

In a world full of noise, heaven is clear. In a church culture often focused on relevance, heaven points us back to reverence.

We don’t need to invent better worship. We need to align with what’s already happening around the throne.

Holiness is not a side topic. It’s the starting point. And in God’s presence, it’s never boring—it’s blazing.

Danny Price 8/4/25 Danny Price 8/4/25

Book of the Month - August 2025

Sunrise on the Reaping

Suzanne Collins - ISBN: 978-1546171461 - 2025

Author:

Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins is the internationally bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, which also includes the novels The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Together, the books have sold over 100 million copies and were the basis for five popular films. Her other books include the acclaimed Underland Chronicles series, which begins with Gregor the Overlander, and the picture book Year of the Jungle, illustrated by James Proimos. To date, her books have been published in fifty-three languages around the world.

Taken from Amazon

Brief Synopsis:

When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

“All propaganda is lies, even when one is telling
the truth. I don’t think this matters so long as
one knows what one is doing, and why.” — George Orwell

“Good-bye, Maysilee Donner, who I loathed, then grudgingly respected, then loved. Not as a sweetheart or even a friend. A sister, I’d said. But what is that exactly? I think about our journey — everything from sniping with her in those early days after the reaping to battling those pink birds. I guess that’s my answer. A sister is someone you fight with and fight for. Tooth and nail.”

“They will not use our tears for their entertainment.”

“You were capable of imagining a different future. And maybe it won’t be realized today, maybe not in our lifetime. Maybe it will take generations. We’re all part of a continuum. Does that make it pointless?”

Should I read it or skip it?

Having read the books while my kids were in elementary school, I remember going to the movies with teachers and the principal of the lelementary school. There was this deep sadness as educators watched children kill each other. They wtestled with the idea of could their students find themselves in the middle of a “Hunger Games” type event in the USA. To me, this book’s emotional resonance hits even harder. Suzanne Collins expertly incorporates the familiar stakes and structures we know, all the while giving us compelling new insights into the depths Power (Snow) would go through Haymitch Abernathy’s eyes. This book’s setting during the brutal Second Quarter Quell, 24 years before Katniss’s rebels first challenged the Capitol, develops the dystopian world of the United States post apocalypse.

Yet, this isn’t just a rehash. Think of it as shifting from a sleek, modern-day dystopia to a story set in a smoky, raw, 1970s disco era film. The texture feels decidedly different: the tension is more grounded, the propaganda machinery still rough around the edges, and the characters tethered to simpler, grittier realities of their time. This temporal shift deepens the emotional impact—Haymitch’s younger self, his romance with Lenore Dove, and the alliances he forms all pulse with the same emotional stakes yet feel freshly vivid and urgent.

I love when series will do callbacks or Easter eggs with the original or first seasson’s episodes. Spotting echoes of the later series—Beetee’s early rebellion when forced to watch his son Ampert compete, the haunting foreshadowing of what would shape Katniss’s world, and the roots of the Mockingjay legacy—feels like rediscovering hidden layers in something you really care about and love. These moments aren't just fan service—they’re powerful connective tissue between past and future, grounding the epic saga in intimate human tragedy and resistance. I love the connections with a younger “Mags” and would love to see the aftermath that made Wireess who she became.

In short, Sunrise on the Reaping is more than a nostalgic revisit—it’s a narrative shift to a different cinematic era within Panem, maintaining the emotional core fans know and love while deepening our understanding of the world’s history. It’s a moving, richly layered continuation—and one I loved, having immersed myself in the original trilogy in both book and film.

Danny Price 8/1/25 Danny Price 8/1/25

Holy, Holy, Holy

Blog Series Intention Recap

This post is the main page of the series “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture.”

Danny Price 7/31/25 Danny Price 7/31/25

Week #3: Blessing the Giver of the Bread and the Cup

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series invites readers to rediscover the rhythms of Shabbat as Jesus experienced them, revealing how ancient Jewish practices point to the rest, presence, and grace found in Messiah (Jesus). Each post unpacks a traditional element of Shabbat—beginning at sundown, candle lighting, spoken blessings, and shared meals—to show how they deepen our spiritual formation today. By exploring these practices, readers are equipped to follow Yeshua (Jesus) not only in belief but in the sacred rhythms of time, family, and worship.

This page is a post in the series “Dining with Jesus.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Blessing the Bread and the Cup… The Shabbat table teaches us that blessing precedes breaking. Yeshua (Jesus), following Jewish tradition, gave thanks before sharing the bread and the cup—showing that gratitude, not scarcity, frames the life of faith. In Him, old blessings find new meaning. Practice blessing the giver of your meals with intentional gratitude, remembering that every table where Jesus is welcomed becomes a place of covenant, provision, and peace.

Why it Matters:

Blessing precedes breaking—Yeshua (Jesus) gave thanks before distributing the bread and cup.
Shabbat blessings train us in gratitude, not entitlement.
The Last Supper grew from the weekly Shabbat meal, connecting provision and promise.
Bless your meals intentionally, making the table a place of remembrance and worship.

Go Deeper:

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them...” —Luke 22:19 (ESV)

When Yeshua (Jesus) gathered with His disciples in an upper room the night He was betrayed, He didn’t invent something new. He fulfilled something ancient.

He took bread.

He blessed it.

He broke it.

He shared it.

This rhythm was familiar to every Jewish home. It was the rhythm of Shabbat, the Sabbath meal, where week after week the people of God gave thanks to the Provider before partaking of His provision. A Jewish family would bless the giver of the gifts not the gifts themselves.

In blessing the giver of the bread and the cup, Yeshua (Jesus) demonstrated for the disciples that gratitude isn’t an afterthought. It is the beginning. It is the posture of a heart that sees grace where others see only survival.

When we bless the giver before we break, we live the gospel.

Blessing Comes Before Breaking

At every Shabbat meal, two primary blessings are spoken:

Over the cup (wine or juice):
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Over the bread (challah):
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

These blessings are simple, but deep. They declare two truths:

Everything good comes from God.
Gratitude changes how we receive.

Notice the order: blessing first, breaking second.

Yeshua (Jesus) honored this order. He didn’t break the bread and then say, "Oh yes, thank You." He blessed first. He named the goodness before the cost. He blessed the Giver directly, not the food.

In Luke 22:19–20, Yeshua (Jesus) took the bread and the cup, gave thanks, and then gave them to His disciples, saying:

"This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me... This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."

The blessing transforms the breaking. Gratitude transforms sacrifice.

When we begin with blessing, even our suffering becomes holy. Even our tables become sanctuaries.

Shabbat Blessings Train the Heart

Weekly Shabbat blessings are not empty rituals. They are soul-shaping practices.

Every time a Jewish family blesses the giver of the bread and cup, they are practicing trust:

Trust that God provides.
Trust that God is near.
Trust that God is real even when life feels broken.

Gratitude is not natural to the human heart. Grumbling is. Entitlement is. Scarcity is.

But the practice of blessing retrains us.

It says: “Before I taste, I thank.”

It says: “Before I take, I trust.”

It says: “Before I see abundance, I believe in grace.”

When Yeshua (Jesus) lifted the bread and blessed the giver, He was living the Shabbat story: the story of a God who gives before we deserve, who provides before we earn, and who loves before we obey.

We need this same training.

We need tables that start with gratitude, not grabbing.

The Last Supper: Shabbat Fulfilled

The Last Supper wasn’t isolated from Jewish tradition—it grew from it.

Every Friday evening, families gathered to bless bread and wine, remembering God’s provision in the wilderness and His promise of future rest.

Yeshua (Jesus), celebrating Passover and embodying the Shabbat rhythm, reframed the elements around Himself.

The bread became His body.

The cup became His blood.

The familiar blessing became a new covenant.

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
—1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV)

Every Christian communion, every Eucharist, every Lord’s Supper flows from this deep river. It is a continuation—and a fulfillment—of the Shabbat blessing.

When we bless the giver of the bread and cup today, we are not just remembering a night. We are remembering a story: the story of a faithful God, a self-giving Savior, and an endless covenant of grace.

Shabbat meals anticipated the Messiah. Now, every table set in His name proclaims that the Messiah has come.

Bless Your Meals Intentionally

What would happen if we reclaimed the practice of blessing?

Not just a hurried "Thanks for the food" prayer—but a real pause.

A real moment of worship.

A real act of gratitude.

You don’t need to learn Hebrew (though you can!). You don’t need a perfect meal. You need a willing heart.

How does this help me understand, “Dining With Jesus?”

Blessed Before Broken

In the life of Yeshua (Jesus), blessing always comes before breaking.

He blessed the children before sending them.
He blessed the bread before sharing it.
He blessed His disciples before sending them to the ends of the earth.

He even blessed those who would betray Him—loving them to the end (John 13:1).

The table where you sit tonight is not just for food—it is for fellowship. It is a reminder that you are blessed before you are broken. You are given grace before you are given tasks. You are loved before you are sent.

Yeshua (Jesus), the true Host, still lifts the bread and offers the cup.

He still blesses.

He still invites.

Come to the table—and begin with blessing.

Try This Practice:

At your next meal, before you eat:

Pause.
Light a candle if you wish.
Hold the bread in your hands.
Pray a blessing aloud:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.”
Thank Yeshua (Jesus) for being the true Bread of Life (John 6:35).
Then eat—gratefully, worshipfully.

Make your table a small altar.

Make your meal a small miracle.

In a world driven by hurry and hunger, slow down to bless before you break.

Danny Price 7/24/25 Danny Price 7/24/25

Week #4: From Cross to Crown: The Son of Man Exalted

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series explores two titles Yeshua (Jesus) used—and others used of Him—“Son of God” and “Son of Man.” Both reveal vital aspects of His mission, identity, and relationship with the Father and with humanity. Through the Synoptic Gospels, we learn how Yeshua (Jesus) embraced divine authority while walking fully among us in suffering and service. These titles are not abstract theological concepts; they are deeply woven into the fabric of Yeshua’s (Jesus) words, works, and ways. By studying them closely, we gain a clearer picture of who He is and what it means to follow Him.

This page is a post in the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Glory in Humility: The Son of Man Exalted… The Son of Man who suffered and was rejected will return in power and glory. In the Synoptic Gospels, Yeshua (Jesus) consistently connects His lowly mission with His future reign, teaching that humiliation precedes honor and suffering comes before exaltation. He did not come to avoid death but to walk through it, securing redemption through obedience. The same Yeshua (Jesus) who had no place to lay His head will one day rule over all creation. His return will not be hidden or symbolic—it will be visible, glorious, and final.

Why it Matters:

Yeshua (Jesus) connects His suffering with His future return in glory.
The “Son of Man” will come again as Judge and King.
His exaltation fulfills Daniel’s vision and affirms His authority.
Disciples are called to endure hardship with hope, following His example.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

The Son of Man Will Return in Glory

Throughout His ministry, Yeshua (Jesus) repeatedly referred to His coming again as the “Son of Man.” In Matthew 24:30, He describes His future return this way:

“Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

This is no longer the lowly teacher without a home. This is the King of heaven, the divine figure from Daniel 7—coming not to suffer, but to reign.

Yeshua (Jesus) connects His future glory with the cosmic hope of Israel: the day when God would judge evil, restore righteousness, and establish His kingdom forever. The Son of Man’s exaltation is not a new plan—it’s the culmination of the old one.

He Testifies to His Future Reign at His Trial

When Yeshua (Jesus) stood before the high priest in Mark 14:61–62, He was asked, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” His reply was unambiguous:

“I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

This statement sealed His condemnation—but it was also a prophetic declaration. The very leaders who judged Him would one day see Him return as their Judge. The courtroom of Jerusalem would give way to the courtroom of heaven.

The Son of Man would not remain the suffering servant. He would be exalted to God’s right hand, possessing divine authority to rule and to restore.

Resurrection Confirms His Exaltation

Yeshua (Jesus) had foretold that the Son of Man must suffer, die, and rise again (Luke 24:7). The empty tomb is not just proof of victory over death—it is the confirmation of His identity.

By rising, Yeshua (Jesus) validates every promise He made about His return. His exaltation has already begun. The resurrection is the first public act of His enthronement. As the risen and ascended Son of Man, He now intercedes at the right hand of God and will return to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:11; 7:56).

We Wait in Hope and Live in Obedience

For now, we live between the two comings. The Son of Man has come—and He will come again. In this in-between space, His followers are called to endure hardship with faith, knowing that our present sufferings are not the end of the story.

Yeshua (Jesus) teaches us this rhythm: humility now, glory later. He was despised before He was enthroned. We too are called to take up our cross, trusting that the crown will come in due time (Luke 9:23–26).

The Son of Man’s return is not just a theological detail—it is the believer’s hope.

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

Yeshua (Jesus) Will Finish What He Started

We live in a broken world, filled with injustice and sorrow. But the Son of Man will return to set everything right. No act of evil, no moment of grief, will be overlooked. His return is the guarantee of final justice and perfect restoration.

Suffering for Christ Is Never Wasted

If the path to glory for Yeshua (Jesus) included betrayal, beating, and crucifixion, we should not expect comfort without cost. But just as the Father vindicated the Son, He will vindicate every believer who endures in faith.

We Live with Urgency and Hope

The Son of Man could return at any time. His coming will be visible, undeniable, and final. That truth gives us urgency in mission and steadfastness in faith. We do not live for this world—we live for the One who is coming to reign.

Our King Is Human and Divine

The One who is coming is not distant or detached. He is the Son of Man—who walked our roads, bore our sin, and conquered our grave. His glory does not remove Him from us; it draws us to Him in worship and longing.

How do I apply this to my life?

Live with confident hope in the returning Son of Man. Don’t let present trials shake your faith or present comforts dull your urgency. He is coming again—not in weakness, but in majesty. Let that truth shape your worship, your witness, and your daily walk.

Daniel 7:13–14 – The original vision of the Son of Man coming with power.
Matthew 24 – Yeshua’s (Jesus) teaching on His return and the need to be ready.
Mark 14:62 – Yeshua’s (Jesus) clearest claim about His future glory.
Luke 24 – Yeshua’s (Jesus) resurrection and explanation of His mission.

Take some practical steps:

Live with Expectant Hope - The Son of Man will return in glory, just as He promised. Let this coming reality shape your daily life. In moments of injustice, pain, or weariness, hold fast to the hope that Messiah will return to make all things right.
Endure Hardship with Faithfulness - Yeshua’s (Jesus) path to exaltation was marked by suffering. As His followers, we should not be surprised by trials. Stay faithful in seasons of difficulty, knowing that humility now leads to glory later.
Be Urgent in Mission - Since the Son of Man will come suddenly and visibly, we are called to readiness. Share the gospel boldly. Live alert and obedient, not distracted by the temporary comforts of this world.
Worship the Risen and Returning King - The Son of Man who walked among us is now exalted at the right hand of God. Let His majesty draw you to deeper worship, awe, and loyalty. He is both the Lamb who was slain and the King who will reign forever.

Danny Price 7/17/25 Danny Price 7/17/25

Week #3: Crowned with Thorns: The Son of God on the Cross

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Power and Passion: The Son of God on the Cross… Yeshua’s (Jesus) death on the cross is not the defeat of the Son of God—it is the moment His identity is confirmed. In the Synoptic Gospels, the crucifixion reveals the depth of His obedience to the Father and the breadth of His love for humanity. The cross is both the place of suffering and the stage of divine revelation.

Why it Matters:

Yeshua’s (Jesus) divine identity is affirmed, not denied, at the cross.
The crucifixion is the ultimate display of obedience, love, and power.
Both Gentiles and Jewish leaders respond to Jesus’s claims with rejection—but some with faith.
The cross challenges us to see glory through suffering and to follow Yeshua (Jesus) in self-denial.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

Mocked for the Title He Rightly Bears

As Yeshua (Jesus) is crucified, He is taunted with the very titles that reveal His identity.

“If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40).

These words echo the temptation in the wilderness, where Satan also challenged, “If you are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3, 6). But Yeshua (Jesus) doesn’t come down. His silence is not weakness; it is victory. He does not need to prove His Sonship by power displays. He proves it by obedience.

The religious leaders and soldiers think they are ridiculing a false prophet. In reality, they are fulfilling God’s redemptive plan. Their mockery becomes ironic testimony—unwittingly pointing to the truth of who Yeshua (Jesus) is.

The Divine Son Submits to the Father’s Will

In Luke 22:70, during His trial before the Sanhedrin, Yeshua (Jesus) is asked,

“Are you the Son of God, then?”
He replies, “You say that I am.”

This response may seem vague, but it is legally loaded. Yeshua (Jesus) affirms His divine identity, knowing it will seal His death. He willingly walks into the suffering that had been foretold in Scripture. The Son of God does not cling to comfort or grasp for safety. He lays down His life in complete submission to the Father.

This obedience fulfills Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. The sinless One bears the guilt of the many. The cross is not accidental—it is central.

A Roman Centurion Sees What Others Miss

At the climax of the crucifixion, something unexpected happens. After the darkness, the torn veil, and the earthquake, a Gentile soldier proclaims,

“Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).

This confession is stunning. While Israel’s leaders reject Yeshua (Jesus) and His own disciples scatter, a Roman outsider recognizes what others missed. This echoes the theme of the Synoptic Gospels: God’s kingdom is revealed to the lowly, the outsider, and the unlikely.

The centurion’s declaration affirms that Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity is most clearly seen in His sacrificial death. He doesn't see Jesus call down angels or destroy His enemies. He sees Him breathe His last—and worships.

Glory Through the Cross, Not Apart from It

To modern minds, crucifixion is a tragic ending. But in the Gospels, it is the turning point of redemptive history. Yeshua’s (Jesus) passion (His suffering) is His enthronement.

The crown of thorns becomes a crown of glory.
The cross becomes the throne of the King.
The broken body becomes the bread of life for the world.

Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity as the Son of God is not set aside in death—it is revealed through it.

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

The Cross Reveals the Character of God

If you want to know what God is like, look at Yeshua (Jesus) on the cross. This is how the Son of God loves. This is how He obeys. This is how He saves.

The Father did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all (Romans 8:32). At the cross, we see holiness and mercy, justice and grace—all at once.

The Cross Calls for Our Allegiance

Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t die for admiration. He died to win hearts and claim lives. His cross demands a response: Will you follow the crucified Son? Will you trust Him even when the path includes suffering?

To confess, “Jesus (Yeshua) is the Son of God” (1 John 4:15) is to bow your knee, surrender your pride, and embrace a life of faithful discipleship.

Suffering Does Not Mean Separation

The Son of God suffered, yet He was not abandoned. Even when Yeshua (Jesus) cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He was fulfilling Scripture and bearing our curse. His cry makes room for ours.

Your suffering does not mean God has left you. If the cross teaches anything, it’s that love runs deepest when pain is greatest. In quoting from Psalm 22, Yeshua (Jesus) points us to God and how he works on behalf of his chosen. In Psalm 22:24, the Psalmist points out the fact that God does not abandon or despise those in affliction. He hears and helps them.

The Cross Prepares Us for Resurrection

Death was not the end for Yeshua (Jesus), and it won’t be the end for those who are in Him. The Son of God laid down His life so He could take it up again (John 10:18). The cross leads to the empty tomb. That same pattern holds for all who follow Him.

How do I apply this to my life?

The cross is not a symbol of defeat, but of divine glory. Yeshua (Jesus), the Son of God, gave His life not only to forgive your sin but to reveal the heart of God. Trust Him when He seems silent. Follow Him when the road is hard. Worship Him—not just for His power, but for His sacrifice.

Matthew 27:27–54 – Trace the events of the crucifixion through the lens of divine irony.
Luke 22–23 – Watch how Yeshua (Jesus) affirms His identity even under pressure.
Mark 15 – Reflect on the centurion’s confession in the middle of chaos.

Take some practical steps:

See the Cross as the Revelation of God’s Character -At the cross, we don’t just see what Yeshua (Jesus) did—we see who God is. The Son of God reveals divine mercy, justice, and love in His suffering. Let the cross shape your understanding of God’s nature: holy enough to judge sin, loving enough to bear it Himself.
Trust Jesus When You Don’t Understand the Silence - Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t come down from the cross to prove His identity; He stayed to fulfill His mission. When God seems silent in your pain, remember that silence does not mean absence. Trust the Son of God who obeyed in the dark so you could live in the light.
Respond to the Cross with Worship and Surrender - The Roman centurion worshiped at the foot of the cross, confessing, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” We are invited to respond the same way—with reverent confession, humble worship, and full surrender to Yeshua’s (Jesus) lordship.
Follow the Crucified Christ with Daily Obedience - If Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of God, then His call to deny ourselves and take up our cross is not optional—it’s essential (Luke 9:23). Faith in the crucified Son leads to a cruciform life: one shaped by obedience, sacrifice, and steadfast love for others.

Danny Price 7/16/25 Danny Price 7/16/25

Special Edition: Son of God, Son of Man, or Superman???

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into this Special Edition:

Superman: The Hero with Heaven’s Power and Earth’s Heart… I have made a lot of utilizing the new movie, “Superman,” by James Gunn and DC Studios for outreach, especially to our Jewish neighbors. You can see the article I collaborated on with Dr. Jeff Gutterman for Ariel Ministries here. Superman is more than a comic book icon. He reflects deep biblical themes that echo Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity as both Son of Man and Son of God. His story is not just myth—it’s a mirror that points us to truth, sacrifice, and hope.

Why it Matters:

Superman reflects the biblical title Son of Man: fully human, vulnerable, compassionate.
He also mirrors Son of God: possessing cosmic power used to rescue, not rule.
His story holds sacrificial patterns and moral weight that parallel the gospel.
He invites us to embrace heroic compassion, not just heroic strength.

Go Deeper:

The Gospel in a Cape

For nearly a century, Superman has been the world’s most recognized superhero. He’s faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and—perhaps most remarkably—he remains culturally relevant in every generation.

But why?

What makes a man in tights, with laser vision and the ability to fly, still resonate so deeply?

The answer lies beneath the superpowers. At his core, Superman tells a very old story—one that echoes the Gospel. He is both Son of Man and Son of God in the way his creators (some knowingly, some perhaps intuitively) shaped his character. And those titles aren’t just biblical—they’re transformational.

Son of Man: Human Heart in a Super Form

Superman may be from Krypton, but he was raised human by Ma and Pa Kent. They echo Mary and Joseph in case you were wondering.

He looks human. He feels human.

Like Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels, Superman bears the marks of human experience—weariness, sorrow, tension, even isolation. He doesn’t stand above pain; he enters it. He bleeds. He grieves. He doubts.

This is what the biblical title Son of Man captures. In Scripture, especially in the Synoptic Gospels, Yeshua (Jesus) calls Himself “Son of Man” more than any other name. It emphasizes His real humanity. He weeps over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), grows tired (John 4:6), and agonizes in prayer (Matthew 26:38–39). He suffers. He understands.

Superman is not divine—but he reflects this same humanity.

Despite being nearly invincible, he lives with the tension of two identities: Clark Kent and Kal‑El. One is grounded, uncertain, small-town raised. The other is alien, powerful, destiny-shaped. The conflict isn’t just external—it’s internal. Who is he, really? What does the world need him to be?

He lives with limits—by choice.

Superman could rule Earth. He doesn’t. He chooses restraint. He lets himself be misunderstood, criticized, and even feared. He loves people more than he loves his image.

This draws us into admiration—but more than that, it invites identification.

We all live with limitations. We feel the tension of calling and inadequacy, of strength and sorrow. Superman’s humanity makes him relatable. Like Yeshua (Jesus), he connects with the average person because he walks in their shoes.

In Man of Steel, Clark wanders the world anonymously, helping strangers, hiding his identity, working menial jobs. He listens. He learns. He suffers quietly. That humility—mirroring Yeshua’s (Jesus) own quiet early years—makes him not just someone we cheer for, but someone we trust.

Son of God: Power Wedded to Purpose

If Superman’s humanity is compelling, his power is astonishing. Much like Yeshua’s (Jesus) healings and ultimate resurrection, we see Superman leverage his power for the good of the weak.

He has cosmic strength.

Flight, heat vision, bulletproof skin, enhanced senses, invulnerability. In sheer physical terms, he could conquer planets. He’s a being of near-limitless ability.

But power alone doesn’t make a hero.

It’s how he uses it.

Superman doesn’t wield his gifts for attention, revenge, or self-promotion. He uses them to save, protect, and serve—even when it costs him dearly. This reflects the biblical picture of Yeshua (Jesus) as Son of God.

In Christian theology, the “Son of God” isn’t just a title of intimacy or sameness with the Father—it’s a title of authority. Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He calms storms, raises the dead, and forgives sins. Yet He does not crush His enemies. He forgives them. He washes His disciples’ feet.

Power, shaped by purpose.

This is Superman’s moral center. In Batman v Superman, he saves people who call him a “false god.” In Superman Returns, he’s stabbed while saving Earth. In Superman (2025), he suits up when people who turned on him need him in Metropolis. In countless stories, he lays down his life so others can live. He absorbs damage rather than deflects it. He puts himself in harm’s way because others are worth it.

He’s willing to be misunderstood.

Yeshua (Jesus) endured rejection, slander, and the cross. He didn’t correct every false accusation. Why? Because His mission wasn’t popularity—it was salvation.

Superman carries a similar burden. The world doesn’t always understand him. Governments question his motives. Enemies twist his acts. But he doesn’t retaliate. He keeps saving people anyway.

This restraint isn’t weakness—it’s strength in its purest form.

It’s divine power under divine control.

The Cross in a Cape: Death and Resurrection Themes

Superman’s story doesn’t stop with strength and sorrow. It follows a deeper narrative—a death and resurrection pattern that unmistakably echoes the Gospel.

In Superman Returns and Batman v Superman, Superman willingly gives his life to save humanity. In Snyder’s universe, he’s stabbed, dies, is mourned—and then rises again.

This isn’t accidental symbolism.

In Batman v Superman, his final pose is cruciform—arms outstretched, pierced side, head bowed. A visual reference to Christ’s sacrifice.

The parallel is striking:

Superman dies to save a world that doubts him.
He is mourned by friend and foe alike.
He rises again, bringing hope renewed.

In Yeshua (Jesus), we find this not as myth, but as history. He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, dead and buried, and on the third day, rose again. Superman’s fictional resurrection echoes the real hope where believers can anchor their faith.

What does this mean for us?

It means our stories of sacrifice, justice, and love aren’t just good storytelling—they’re reflections of the greatest story ever told.

Superman’s Kingdom: Future Justice and Eternal Hope

In Daniel 7, the “Son of Man” is shown coming with the clouds of heaven to receive eternal dominion. He is both divine and kingly.

Superman doesn’t sit on a throne. But his presence in every story points to something bigger: the need for justice that is both righteous and compassionate.

He doesn’t just stop villains. He rebuilds cities. He rescues individuals. He cares—and his actions flow from love, not obligation.

In today’s fractured and broken world, Superman speaks volumes. While many fictional heroes are tortured antiheroes, Superman remains morally upright. He believes in truth. In mercy. In second chances. He doesn’t exploit the weak—he protects them. He doesn’t bend ethics for results—he holds the line.

Like Yeshua (Jesus), he lives by conviction, not convenience.

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

More Than a Man of Steel

A mother, who struggled with a literary quandary, once reached out to C. S. Lewis, explaining that her son Laurence, after reading The Chronicles of Narnia, had become worried. He feared he might love Aslan more than he loved Yeshua (Jesus) and this idea worried him. Lewis replied with gentle reassurance:

Laurence can't really love Aslan more than Jesus, even if he feels that's what he is doing. For the things he loves Aslan for doing or saying are simply the things Jesus really did and said. So that when Laurence thinks he is loving Aslan, he is really loving Jesus: and perhaps loving Him more than he ever did before.
CS Lewis - Letters to Children, pp. 52-53

We love Superman for the same reason Laurence loved Aslan so much. We love Superman for the way he exhibits who Yeshua (Jesus) or Messiah really is and what he really did.

Why It Resonates: The Gospel Blueprint in Popular Culture

After watching Superman (2025), I have had conversations with different people from the 18-25 year old age range around Superman, Messiah, and Jesus (Yeshua). The discussions ranged across the board. One voice felt they had emphasized Superman’s humanity too much compared to previous movies. Another didn’t like how Superman’s Kryptonian parents were depicted negatively. Someone else spoke to the comparison between how Superman was treated and how his Jewish creators might have experienced anti-semitism.

All of these comparisons and conversations can easily be applied to God the Father, Jesus (Yeshua), or modern day Israel.

Superman is not the Messiah. He’s a fictional character.

But he reflects something real.

He embodies power shaped by love, authority tempered by humility, and sacrifice born of compassion. These are not just superhero traits—they’re Messiah-like virtues.

That’s why Superman endures. That’s why his story matters.

Not because he wears a cape—but because he reminds us of someone who wore a crown of thorns.

Superman invites us to imagine what’s possible when divine power meets human compassion. He is not just a symbol—but a signpost. A myth that points to the Messiah.

How do I apply this to my life?

How to Live Like a Hero with a Human Heart

1. Embrace Hope in a Hopeless World

Superman never gives up on people—even when they give up on him. You are called to reflect the same resolve. Speak truth when it’s costly. Offer mercy when it’s undeserved. Cling to hope when the world goes dark.

2. Use Strength to Serve, Not Dominate

Whatever influence or power you have—use it for others. Defend the vulnerable. Encourage the weary. Lead with grace. Yeshua (Jesus) said the greatest are those who serve (Matthew 23:11). Superman shows us why.

3. Don’t Fear Misunderstanding

You won’t always be applauded for doing right. Like Messiah (jesus) and like Superman, you may be mocked or rejected. Stay faithful anyway. The reward for obedience isn’t always visible—but it’s always eternal.

4. Live as a Bridge Between Worlds

Superman lives between Krypton and Kansas—divinity and humanity. As Christians, we are citizens of heaven living on earth (Philippians 3:20). Be a bridge. Carry heaven’s values into earthly situations. Shine light in the dark.

Danny Price 7/10/25 Danny Price 7/10/25

Week #2: He Came Low to Lift Us High: The Son of Man

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

The Son of Man: Heaven’s Servant on Earth… Yeshua’s (Jesus) use of the title “Son of Man” reveals the mystery of His mission: He came in humility to suffer and serve, but He will return in glory to reign. In the Synoptic Gospels, this title ties together His humanity, authority, suffering, and exaltation. It emphasizes that He did not distance Himself from human weakness, but fully entered into it—identifying with the lowly, the outcast, and the burdened. Yet at the same time, “Son of Man” carries echoes of Daniel’s vision of a heavenly figure who is given dominion and glory by the Ancient of Days. This title allowed Yeshua (Jesus) to speak both of His present humility and His future majesty. As the Son of Man, He forgives sins, endures suffering, and claims authority to judge the world. His path of descent—marked by service and sacrifice—is the very road that leads to His exaltation.

Why it Matters:

“Son of Man” is Yeshua’s (Jesus) favorite title for Himself, rooted in Daniel 7.
It reveals both His humanity and His divine authority.
Yeshua (Jesus) embraced suffering as the Son of Man to bring salvation to many.
His mission invites us to walk the same path: humility now, glory later.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

Jesus’s Favorite Title

In all four Gospels, “Son of Man” is the title Yeshua (Jesus) uses most often for Himself—over 80 times. Strikingly, almost no one else uses it of Him. Why?

Unlike “Son of God,” which carries immediate divine implications, “Son of Man” is ambiguous. It emphasizes Yeshua’s (Jesus) humanity while hinting at something greater. This paradox—human yet exalted—is exactly why Yeshua (Jesus) used it.

The phrase comes from Daniel 7:13–14:

“Behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man… And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom…”

Yeshua (Jesus) adopted this phrase to express both His mission and His identity—one who looks like us but comes with divine authority.

The Humble Son of Man

In the Synoptics, “Son of Man” underscores Yeshua’s (Jesus) humanity. In Matthew 8:20, He says:

“The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

He identifies with the poor, the homeless, the rejected. The title speaks not only to His appearance but to His lived experience.

As the Son of Man, Jesus came to serve—not to be served (Mark 10:45). He walked dusty roads, wept at tombs, and bore griefs. Isaiah called Him the man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3); Yeshua (Jesus) lived that role.

Even in His miracles, the title grounds His actions in humility. In Mark 2:10, Yeshua (Jesus) heals a paralyzed man and says:

“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

Rather than declaring Himself divine in the abstract, Yeshua (Jesus) uses “Son of Man” to show how God’s power comes through a human frame.

The Suffering Son of Man

The Synoptic Gospels regularly pair “Son of Man” with Yeshua’s (Jesus) suffering and death:

“The Son of Man must suffer many things… and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).
“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men” (Matthew 17:22).

This was not what the people expected. They hoped for a conquering king, not a crucified servant.

Yeshua (Jesus) flips the messianic script. His authority comes through obedience. His glory follows suffering.

The disciples struggled with this. Peter even rebuked Yeshua (Jesus) for saying it (Mark 8:32). But Yeshua (Jesus) insisted—He came not to escape death but to embrace it. The Son of Man would give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

The Exalted Son of Man

The Son of Man doesn’t remain in suffering. Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 ends in glory:

“To him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom…” (Daniel 7:14).

Yeshua (Jesus) claims this explicitly at His trial. When asked if He is the Messiah, He replies:

“You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).

The high priest tears his robe. Why? Because Yeshua (Jesus) was quoting Daniel and applying it to Himself. He claimed to be the heavenly figure who will rule forever.

The Son of Man will return—not in weakness, but in judgment and majesty (Matthew 24:30). His first coming was in humility; His second will be in glory.

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

Yeshua (Jesus) Knows What It Means to Be Human

When Yeshua (Jesus) calls Himself the Son of Man, He identifies with us completely. He grew tired, hungry, and sorrowful. He understands your pain. You are not alone in your suffering—He has walked the same road.

God’s Power Works Through Humility

Yeshua’s (Jesus) path wasn’t to power, but through powerlessness. His victory came by a cross, not a sword. In following Him, we too are called to humility and service before glory.

Judgment and Redemption Are Coming

The Son of Man who suffered will return. Those who trust Him now will share in His kingdom. Those who reject Him will face His judgment. His return will make all things right.

The Gospel Is a Story of Reversal

The Son of Man came down so we could be lifted up. He laid down His life so we could live. In a world obsessed with status and strength, Yeshua (Jesus) calls us to follow Him in the way of meekness, mercy, and eternal hope.

How do I apply this to my life?

Follow the path of the Son of Man.
Humble yourself. Serve others. Endure suffering with hope.
The road Yeshua (Jesus) walked leads to resurrection, renewal, and a kingdom that will never end.

Daniel 7:13–14 – See the original vision of the Son of Man.
Mark 8–10 – Watch Yeshua (Jesus) link His suffering to His identity.
Matthew 24 – Read Yeshua’s (Jesus) teaching on His return in glory.

1. Embrace the Humanity of Jesus in Your Suffering

Yeshua (Jesus), the Son of Man, knows what it means to be tired, lonely, and rejected. He wept, hungered, and suffered. When you walk through difficulty, remember that He has walked there first. Bring your pain to Him, not as a distant deity, but as the One who understands and cares.

2. Choose Humility Over Status

The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). In a culture that prizes recognition, power, and influence, Yeshua (Jesus) invites us to stoop low. Look for ways to serve without seeking credit. True greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humility.

3. Trust the Suffering Servant Who Will Judge in Glory

Yeshua’s (Jesus) first coming was marked by suffering; His second will be marked by power. Trust Him now—even when life feels uncertain—because the Son of Man will return to make all things right. The humble Savior is also the righteous Judge.

4. Walk the Path of Obedience, No Matter the Cost

Yeshua (Jesus) obeyed the Father even when it meant betrayal, beating, and death. Following the Son of Man means dying to ourselves daily (Luke 9:23). Ask God for courage to obey, knowing that resurrection hope follows every cross you carry.

Danny Price 7/4/25 Danny Price 7/4/25

Book of the Month - July 2025

Uncomfortable Conversations

with a Jew

Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby - ISBN: 978-1-6680-5785-8 - 2024

Author:

Emmanuel Acho is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy and the New York Times bestseller Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. He is the host/producer of the Emmy Award–winning YouTube series of the same name, and whose mission is to promote dialogue around racial insensitivity and ignorance. A former NFL linebacker, Acho is a Fox Sports Analyst and television personality. Raised in Dallas, he holds a master’s degree in sports psychology from the University of Texas, Austin. He lives in Los Angeles.

Noa Tishby is the New York Times bestselling author of Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth and Israel’s former Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism and Delegitimization. A native of Tel Aviv, she served in the Israeli army before moving to Los Angeles and launching a career in the entertainment industry. An award-winning producer, Tishby made history with the sale of In Treatment to HBO, the first Israeli television show to become an American series. One of the most visible activists on social media, Tishby is the founder of several nonprofit organizations, including Act for Israel and Eighteen, which combats antisemitism and inspires Jewish pride. She lives in Los Angeles and is a proud Jewish mother to her son, Ari.

Taken from Amazon

Brief Synopsis:

From two New York Times bestselling authors, a timely, disarmingly honest, and thought-provoking investigation into antisemitism that connects the dots between the tropes and hatred of the past to our current complicated moment.

For Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby no question about Jews is off-limits. They go there. They cover Jews and money. Jews and power. Jews and privilege. Jews and white privilege. The Black and Jewish struggle. Emmanuel asks, Did Jews kill Jesus? To which Noa responds, “Why are Jewish people history’s favorite scapegoat?” They unpack Judaism itself: Is it a religion, culture, a peoplehood, or a race? And: Are you antisemitic if you’re anti-Zionist?

The questions—and answers—might make you squirm, but together, they explain the tropes, stereotypes, and catalysts of antisemitism in America today.

The topics are complicated and Acho and Tishby bring vastly different perspectives. Tishby is an outspoken Israeli American. Acho is a mild-mannered son of a Nigerian American pastor. But they share a superpower: an uncanny ability to make complicated ideas easy to understand so anyone can follow the straight line from the past to our immediate moment—and then see around corners. Acho and Tishby are united by the core belief that hatred toward one group is never isolated: if you see the smoke of bigotry in one place, expect that we will all be in the fire.

Informative and accessible, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew has a unique structure: Acho asks questions and Tishby answers them with deeply personal, historical, and political responses. This book will enable anyone to explain—and identify—what Jewish hatred looks like. It is a much-needed lexicon for this fraught moment in Jewish history. As Acho says, “Proximity breeds care and distance breeds fear.”

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

Noa: “Because every single Jewish person is a descendant of someone who was sitting in a kitchen somewhere in the world, looked around at the family, and said, “We have to get the f**k out of here; sh*t’s about to hit the fan.”

Noa: “Many Jews are both white-passing and our experience can only fully be understood through the prism of ongoing persecution, expulsion, and execution; plus, the collective trauma of what’s been done—plus, the never-disappearing anxiety of what could come next. We have benefited from that perceived whiteness and we continue to be the subject of some of the most vicious violence and hate.”

EMMANUEL: “I felt oppressed groups too often speak in silos. Black people fight for Black people, women fight for women, and Jewish people fight for Jewish people, but why don’t we ever fight together? Imagine how powerful we would be if Black and Jewish people—two of the most historically oppressed groups—fought together.”

EMMANUEL: “We spent about an hour talking through the events of the 7th, with Noa giving me all kinds of context—or at least everything she was able to know at that point. We knew that Hamas had started a war. We knew that hundreds of people had been slaughtered and/or kidnapped. We knew everything was in chaos… Then came my final question: What can I do to help? Which elicited the most raw and authentic answer: Stop what you’re doing and check on your Jewish friends.”

Should I read it or skip it?

A few years ago, I was introduced to Emmanuel Acho. He is a Texas Ex and in our house, that gets you instant credibility. Being Burnt Orange matters more than being black or white. Then you add that he tries to pattern his life after Jesus (Yeshua). He speaks my family’s language on many levels. I recognize many in the church world cannot see beyond liberal and conservative. However, I appreciate a view different from my own. A view honed by different experiences caused by different backgrounds, different interactions and even different skin color.

In Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew, Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby deliver a bold, necessary, and refreshingly honest dialogue on antisemitism, race, identity, and shared humanity. As co-authors from different backgrounds—Acho, a Black follower of Jesus, and Tishby, an Israeli Secular Jew—they model what it means to have tough conversations with humility and candor.

This book is not a lecture—it’s a conversation. The format mirrors Acho’s previous Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, but expands the lens to confront antisemitism and its intersections with racism. Through personal stories, cultural observations, and historical insights, the authors tackle myths, stereotypes, and uncomfortable truths head-on. From misunderstandings about Zionism to the undercurrents of anti-Jewish sentiment in political and cultural discourse, they press into tension without assigning blame.

What makes this book stand out is its balance. It doesn’t sugarcoat the pain or complexity of the issues, but neither does it vilify. Instead, Acho and Tishby model mutual respect and a deep desire to educate and connect. Readers from all backgrounds will walk away not only more informed, but also more equipped to engage in meaningful conversations—especially in today’s climate where silence often fuels division. There is a deep discussion about Acho’s need to discuss both sides of the Gaza/Hamas conflict. They reference the video that started and almost ended this book. You can see these videos here.

For Christian readers, the book also offers an implicit challenge: to better understand our Jewish neighbors, to recognize the deep historical ties between our faiths, and to speak against antisemitism with clarity and conviction.

Why it matters:

It bridges cultural and religious divides with empathy.
It educates on antisemitism without condescension.
It models civil discourse in an age of outrage.
It invites readers to listen, reflect, and respond with moral courage.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew is timely, bold, and ultimately hopeful. It proves that when we lean into discomfort with humility, healing and understanding can begin. It also reminds us of how history has shaped our relationships with other religions and people. This book is a poignant reminder of how interpersonal relationships are uncomfortable. Jesus (Yeshua) didn’t shy away from them. We shouldn’t either.

Danny Price 7/3/25 Danny Price 7/3/25

Week #1: Heaven Breaks Its Silence: The Son of God Revealed

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Yeshua (Jesus) in the Gospels.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

The Son of God: Divine Identity Revealed… In the Synoptic Gospels, Yeshua (Jesus) is revealed as the Son of God—not just in name, but in action, mission, and relationship with the Father. From His miraculous conception to His baptism, transfiguration, and resurrection, every moment affirms that He is more than a teacher or prophet—He is God’s beloved Son. This title highlights His unique authority to forgive sins, command nature, cast out demons, and reveal the Father’s will. Yet His divine identity is not marked by domination, but by obedience, humility, and sacrificial love. To call Yeshua (Jesus) the Son of God is to recognize that He shares in the very nature of God and acts on God’s behalf. This claim demands more than intellectual agreement; it calls us to personal faith, surrender, and worship.

Why it Matters:

The title “Son of God” reveals Yeshua’s (Jesus) unique relationship with the Father.
This divine identity is confirmed by the Father, demons, disciples, and even enemies.
Yeshua (Jesus) wields divine authority—not to dominate, but to save.
The Son of God calls us to respond in faith, worship, and obedience.

Go Deeper:

Scripture Focus:

God Speaks From Heaven

The Gospels open with power and clarity: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). Before Yeshua (Jesus) speaks, heals, or teaches, heaven itself breaks the silence to name Him.

At Yeshua’s (Jesus) baptism, the voice of the Father declares:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

This affirmation isn't poetic—it is positional. Yeshua (Jesus) stands in the Jordan, not only as a man submitting to John’s baptism but as the divine Son beginning His redemptive work.

Luke takes us deeper:

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32).

The angel’s message to Mary isn’t symbolic. The Spirit of God would overshadow her, and the child born to her would be the holy Son of God (Luke 1:35). From the beginning, Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity is supernatural.

Heavenly Son, Earthly Mission

What does “Son of God” mean? In Jewish thinking, sonship points to nature and likeness. Yeshua (Jesus), as the Son of God, shares in the divine nature (cf. Hebrews 1:3). He reflects the character, will, and authority of God.

In Greco-Roman culture, divine sons were associated with power and ruling authority. But Yeshua (Jesus) flips these ideas. He doesn’t seize power. He lays it down.

He casts out demons (Mark 1:24–25).
He calms storms with a word (Matthew 8:26–27).
He forgives sins (Mark 2:5–12).

Each act is more than miraculous—it is a sign of divine prerogative. When Yeshua (Jesus) forgives sins, the scribes rightly ask, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:7). The answer: no one. Yeshua (Jesus) does what only God can do because He is the Son of God.

Enemies and Outsiders Confess the Truth

It’s not just the Father or the angels who identify Yeshua (Jesus) this way. Even the enemy knows Him.

In Luke 4:41, demons cry out, “You are the Son of God!” They recognize His authority and presence. Yeshua (Jesus) silences them—not because they are wrong, but because His identity cannot be defined by fear or force.

The Roman centurion, witnessing the crucifixion, exclaims:

“Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)

Ironically, it is at the moment of death—stripped, bleeding, and mocked—that Yeshua’s (Jesus) identity is most clearly revealed to a Gentile. His power is not in escaping death, but in embracing it for our sake.

Peter also declares, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). And Yeshua (Jesus) blesses him—not for cleverness, but for receiving a divine revelation (Matthew 16:17).

Sonship Is Not a Title to Be Claimed, But a Mission to Fulfill

The temptation in the wilderness shows how the enemy tries to distort Yeshua’s (Jesus) title. Twice Satan says, “If you are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3, 6). The implication: Prove it. Use your divine status for personal gain.

Yeshua (Jesus) refuses. His sonship is rooted in obedience, not performance.

The transfiguration reinforces this fact. As Jesus is revealed in glory, the Father’s voice returns:

“This is my beloved Son; listen to him” (Mark 9:7).

Yeshua (Jesus) is not merely a miracle-worker. He is God’s Son, and we are to listen to Him—follow Him—because in Him we hear God’s very voice (cf. Hebrews 1:1–2).

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

We Need a Savior Who Is More Than a Teacher

Many today like to label Yeshua (Jesus) as a moral leader or inspiring example. But the Gospels do not give us that option. Yeshua (Jesus) claims equality with God (John 10:30) and affirms that knowing Him is eternal life (John 17:3). Only the divine Son can offer divine salvation.

Sonship Shapes Our Identity Too

When we trust Yeshua (Jesus), we are adopted into God’s family (Galatians 4:4–7). His Sonship becomes the foundation for our sonship. We are not spiritual orphans—we are loved, seen, and called by name.

We Are Called to Worship and Follow Him

If Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of God, He is worthy of all allegiance. This is not a private opinion but a public confession:

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:15).

The early church’s simple creed was revolutionary: Jesus is Lord. Caesar wasn’t. No one else is.

How do I apply this to my life?

Trust His Authority
Because Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of God, His words carry divine authority. Build your life on His teaching, not cultural trends or personal feelings (Matthew 7:24–25).
Worship Without Reserve
Yeshua (Jesus) is not merely a spiritual guide—He is the divine Son. Respond to Him with awe, reverence, and wholehearted worship, like the disciples who confessed, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).
Follow Him in Obedience
The Son of God lived in perfect submission to the Father. Let His obedience shape your own, surrendering daily choices to His will (Luke 22:42).
Rest in Your Adoption
Because of Yeshua (Jesus), believers are called sons and daughters of God. Let His identity as the Son of God secure your identity as a beloved child (Galatians 4:6–7).

Danny Price 7/1/25 Danny Price 7/1/25

Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series explores two titles Jesus used—and others used of Him—“Son of God” and “Son of Man.” Both reveal vital aspects of His mission, identity, and relationship with the Father and with humanity. Through the Synoptic Gospels, we learn how Jesus embraced divine authority while walking fully among us in suffering and service. These titles are not abstract theological concepts; they are deeply woven into the fabric of Jesus’s words, works, and ways. By studying them closely, we gain a clearer picture of who He is and what it means to follow Him.

This post is the main page of the series “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels”

Danny Price 6/26/25 Danny Price 6/26/25

Week #4: Think Courageously in Hard Times

Blog Series Intention Recap

Our thoughts and emotions shape the way we see God, ourselves, and others. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but that’s easier said than done. Anger, anxiety, and discouragement often seem to have the upper hand—especially in a world full of injustice and uncertainty. This four-week series examines what Scripture teaches about managing our inner life with God’s help. We’ll learn to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), embracing mental and emotional health as vital to our spiritual walk.

In this blog series, I am not attempting to counsel anyone. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are real. Please find a biblical counselor or therapist who can help you process the very real and serious emotions we are discussing. This blog is meant to be a starting point, not an end point.

This page is a post in the series “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Think Courageously in Hard Times… The battle for our thoughts is part of standing firm in Jesus, especially in suffering. Hard times tempt us toward fear, discouragement, and mental weariness. Paul shows us that courageous thinking—rooted in the gospel—sustains joy and purpose even in adversity. Taking every thought captive means refusing to surrender your mind to fear, trusting God’s greater plan instead.

Why it Matters:

Suffering reveals your mindset: Will you fear or stand firm?
Gospel thinking brings joy: Messiah-centered thoughts anchor your hope.
Courage is communal: We stand stronger when we stand together.
Faith frames the future: What you believe shapes how you endure.

Go Deeper:

When Courage Fades

Philippians 1:24–30

Suffering does strange things to our minds. Even mature believers find their thoughts drifting toward fear or despair when hardship hits.

Paul knew this well. Writing from prison in Philippians 1, he faced an uncertain future—execution was a real possibility. Yet his words are strikingly courageous. He didn’t sugarcoat suffering; he framed it through faith.

When your thoughts want to run toward worst-case scenarios, Paul shows a better path: gospel thinking. This is how we take every thought captive in hard times.

1. Suffering Reveals Your Mindset

Paul wrestled with a tension:

“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” (Philippians 1:23–24)

He wasn’t immune to longing for relief. Yet he recognized that purpose, not personal comfort, should shape his thinking.

Suffering is a mental crossroads:

Fear asks: How can I escape this?
Faith asks: How can I glorify God in this?

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” (v. 27)

Paul calls us to think in a way that honors the gospel—even under pressure.

Hard times reveal what governs your mind: fear or faith.

2. Gospel Thinking Brings Joy

Paul’s circumstances didn’t dictate his joy. The gospel did.

“I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.” (v. 25)

Even from prison, he spoke of joy—both his and theirs. This wasn’t denial. It was gospel-shaped thinking:

Jesus had already secured Paul’s ultimate victory.
His suffering served a redemptive purpose.
Joy was not tied to freedom, but to faith.

When your mind fixates on hardship, ask: What is true because of the gospel?

You are loved by God.
Your future is secure.
Your suffering is never wasted.

Joy flows from thinking deeply on gospel truths.

3. Courage Is Communal

“…that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…” (v. 27)

Paul emphasizes togetherness. Courage grows in community. Lone believers often crumble under pressure. United believers stand firm.

Notice the mental language: one mind, striving side by side.
Our thoughts are strengthened when shaped in gospel community.

Isolation breeds anxious thinking.
Fellowship fosters courageous thinking.

Paul wasn’t writing to an individual but to a church. He knew: the battle for the mind is best fought together.

4. Faith Frames the Future

“…and not frightened in anything by your opponents.” (v. 28)

Fear is a thought battle. Paul calls believers to refuse intimidation—not because suffering won’t come, but because Jesus’ victory reframes the future.

He continues:

“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake…” (v. 29)

This is radical thinking. Paul sees suffering not as an accident but as a gift—a participation in Jesus’ story.

Faith frames the future differently:

The world says: Avoid suffering at all costs.
The gospel says: Endure suffering with Messiah-centered courage.

When you believe that nothing—not even suffering—can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39), your thinking changes.

Your mindset in suffering reflects what you believe about your future in Messiah.

How does this help me understand, “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive?”

The Courage to Think Differently

Paul’s words challenge us: In suffering, take every thought captive—not to fear, but to faith.

Your mind will drift unless you train it. The gospel is the anchor. Jesus is the example. Community is the strength.

In a fearful world, think courageously. Stand firm. Take every thought captive—and let the peace of Messiah rule your heart and mind.

How could Paul think this way? Because of Jesus.

Jesus faced the cross with unshakable courage:

“For the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2)

His mind was anchored in the Father’s love and plan. He invites us to the same mindset:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5)

Because Jesus suffered and triumphed, our suffering is transformed—not meaningless, but meaningful.
Not the end, but a chapter in a greater story.

The gospel trains our minds to think with courage—even in the hardest times.

What are some practical steps I can take?

Preach the gospel to yourself daily: Remind your mind what is true in Messiah.
Reframe hardship: Ask: How is God using this for His glory?
Pursue gospel community: Find others who will stand with you and shape your thinking.
Write future-focused truth statements: Post them where you will see them—renew your mind daily.

Danny Price 6/19/25 Danny Price 6/19/25

Week #3: When Your Mind Won’t Rest

Blog Series Intention Recap

This page is a post in the series “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

When Your Mind Won’t Rest… Even in confusion, conflict, and accusation, we can remain anchored in Jesus. Life often places us in situations where clarity is hard to find, and mental exhaustion sets in. Paul’s trials in Acts 21–23 show how a Spirit-shaped mind can stay steady when the world around us spins. Taking every thought captive means learning to rest in God’s sovereignty—even when your mind races.

Why it Matters:

Uncertainty is normal: Faith is not the absence of unknowns.
Anchor in your calling: Knowing your God-given mission clarifies your thinking.
Lean on the Lord’s presence: Jesus stood by Paul—He stands by you.
Community matters: Encouragement helps guard against mental collapse.

Go Deeper:

A Mind Under Siege

Acts 21:17–23:22

Have you ever lain awake at night, replaying conversations, wondering what will happen next?
When the future is uncertain and pressures mount, your mind can feel like a battlefield.

In Acts 21–23, the Apostle Paul faced exactly that. Arrested unjustly, misunderstood, and in constant danger, he had every reason for mental and emotional collapse. Yet he remained anchored.

How?

He practiced a mindset rooted in trust, purpose, and divine presence. If Paul could take every thought captive in that storm, so can we.

1. Uncertainty Is Normal

Paul arrived in Jerusalem knowing danger awaited him (Acts 21:10–14). Prophet after prophet warned him that imprisonment was coming. Yet Paul went anyway—because obedience mattered more than comfort.

When the crowd turned on him, chaos erupted:

“All the city was stirred up… They were seeking to kill him.” (Acts 21:30–31)

False accusations flew. Soldiers had to intervene to save his life. Paul could have panicked. He could have questioned God’s plan. But he did not.

Faith is not the absence of unknowns. It is trusting God within the unknowns.

If your mind can’t rest because you want certainty, remember: even apostles faced uncertainty—and God used it for His glory.

2. Anchor in Your Calling

When Paul was taken before the crowds and later the council, he did something remarkable:
He told his story (Acts 22:1–21).

Paul understood that his calling gave clarity in chaos. When your mind is under siege, remembering God’s purpose for you brings focus.

Paul wasn’t just a prisoner—he was Messiah’s ambassador.
His trials weren’t just setbacks—they were platforms for the gospel.

“But I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13)

That conviction shaped his mindset. It wasn’t about survival—it was about faithfulness.

When you anchor in your calling, your thinking aligns with God’s bigger plan.

3. Lean on the Lord’s Presence

After being nearly torn apart by the council, Paul was placed in the barracks—alone, awaiting further danger.

But look what happened:

“The following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage…’” (Acts 23:11)

Jesus Himself stood by Paul. That changed everything.

No amount of mental discipline can fully calm an anxious mind. Only the presence of Christ can bring true peace.

Paul could rest because he knew: I am not alone.
Neither are you. Christ is with you through His Spirit.

Taking every thought captive requires remembering this truth daily: The Lord stands by me.

4. Community Matters

In the midst of these events, we glimpse Paul’s community at work:

Fellow believers warn him and encourage him (Acts 21:4, 21:10–12).
Paul’s nephew alerts authorities to a plot against his life (Acts 23:16–22).

Isolation is dangerous to your mental and emotional health. We are not meant to walk through trials alone. Encouragement from others is part of God’s design to stabilize us.

Paul leaned on his community—and so should we.

Taking thoughts captive is not a solo project. Surround yourself with people who remind you of truth.

How does this help me understand, “Mindset: Take Every Thought Captive?”

Peace in the Storm

Paul’s mind had every reason to spiral—but it didn’t. Why? Because he practiced what we are learning:

He trusted God in uncertainty.
He anchored in his calling.
He leaned on Christ’s presence.
He drew strength from community.

Your mind may not rest easily in times of trial—but it can rest securely in Christ. Taking every thought captive means choosing, day by day, to trust the One who stands with you in every storm.

Why could Paul stay mentally anchored through false accusations, imprisonment, and death threats? Because of the gospel.

He had already surrendered everything to Christ. His identity wasn’t in status or safety—it was in Jesus.
He wrote elsewhere:

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

The cross teaches us this mindset: Jesus endured injustice, pain, and even death—yet trusted the Father fully. Because He rose, we too can face trials with courage and peace.

In Christ, your future is secure. That truth can calm even the most restless mind.

What are some practical steps I can take?

When anxious thoughts rise, name them: Then rehearse God’s promises in response.
Write out your calling: What has God called you to in this season? Keep it visible.
Practice the presence of Christ: Pause throughout the day to remember: He stands by me.
Lean into community: Don’t isolate. Ask others to pray with you and remind you of truth.

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #2:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan?”

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #1:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Irreplaceable: Israel’s Place in God’s Plan?”

Engaging with Jewish People

Author:

Brief Synopsis:

Insights:

Should I read it or skip it?

Blog Series Intention Recap

Week #2 -

Week #3 -

Week #4 -

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #2:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #1:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

He is holy, holy, holy.

How does this help me understand, “Holy, Holy Holy: Understanding Holiness According to Scripture?”

Sunrise on the Reaping

Author:

Brief Synopsis:

Insights:

Should I read it or skip it?

Blog Series Intention Recap

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Dining With Jesus?”

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

How do I apply this to my life?

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

How do I apply this to my life?

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into this Special Edition:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

How do I apply this to my life?

How to Live Like a Hero with a Human Heart

Blog Series Intention Recap

Let’s jump into Week #2:

Why it Matters:

Go Deeper:

How does this help me understand, “Son of God, Son of Man: Understanding the Identity of Jesus in the Gospels?”

How do I apply this to my life?

Uncomfortable Conversations

with a Jew

Author:

Brief Synopsis:

**He is holy, holy, holy.**