Talking with Your Kids about Jesus: a tool to help guide conversations about Jesus

Talking With Your Kids about Jesus: 30 Conversations Every Christian Parent Must Have by Natasha Crain is an in-depth guide to help parents have these important conversations. Many parents struggle to answer their children’s questions, worried that they will say the wrong thing or the answers in general. Talking With Your Kids is organized in a curriculum oriented way to provide a learning experience, each chapter asks important questions about Jesus from his identity, his teachings, his death and resurrection and the difference Jesus makes. Each topic is broken down into easy topics for conversations with children of any age. With discussion questions and tips and with skeptic’s questions and objections, historical and Scripture-answers, Talking With Your Kids about Jesus helps parents talk with their children effectively on a day-to-day basis. 

Many Christian parents leave the discussion of Jesus and the gospel to Sunday School. However, it is important that parents teach their children as God commanded. With a world that will challenge anyone’s faith, parents are often unsure how to or ill-equipped to talk with their children about the tough questions the world will ask. As a mom who talks often with my children about God and Jesus, I was afraid that I was still missing important information to help my children grow in faith. With this book, I learned so much. Talking with Your Kid about Jesus is a great tool to get started and open the door to these important conversations. Ms. Crain breaks down the basics of what Christianity is and who Jesus is. I highly recommend Talking With Your Kids about Jesus. 

Talking With Your Kids about Jesus: 30 Conversations Every Christian Parent Must Have 

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Trinity: the mysterious nature, difficult to understand but does the Bible teach it?

The Trinity is one of the most difficult to understand for Christians and non-Christians alike. And yet it is one of the cornerstones to Christian beliefs. Simply, the Trinity is God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit. God exists three in one. They are consubstantial as they come from the same source and of the same substance. There are relational distinctions as in three distinct realities in relation with each other, but subsist in one being. Confused so far? The nature of the Trinity is mysterious and we can only know in part as full understanding is beyond us, at least for now, as I believe we will fully understand in heaven. What exactly is the Trinity? What does the Bible teach about it? Why is it so difficult to understand?

As stated above, the Trinity consists of three parts: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. First, God the Father is acknowledged throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 1:31, Moses calls God a father who carried his son through the desert to the promised land. In Psalm 103:13-14, God is the father who has compassion on those who fear him. In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Paul calls God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as the Father of compassion and of all comfort. Second, Jesus is God the Son saves the sinners. He is truly God and truly man (Philippians 2:6-8), born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law (Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus also claimed an eternal existence as in John 8:58, he states “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!” The “I am” statement, referring to Exodus 3:14, would not have been lost on the Jewish audience that they tried to stone him and Jesus left the temple (John 8:59). Third, God the Holy Spirit who adopts and unites the believer with God the Father. The Holy Spirit guides, testifies, speaks, discloses and glorifies. In 1 Corinthians 2:11, Paul writes that the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God. How can the Holy Spirit know the thoughts of God if he was not God? The image below is a conceptual diagram to give a visual of how the Trinity works. 

Trinity does not appear in the Bible as the term was first used by Tertullian (c AD 160-230) meaning TRI-UNITY (Kou, 2023, Winger, 2019). However, the concept can be seen throughout the Scriptures. In Genesis 1:26, God spoke in the plural: “Let us make man in our image.” John 1:1-18 summarizes the creation in Genesis: how God spoke, how his Word (Jesus) as the agent of creation, did the work (John 1:1-4) and how his Spirit hovered over the waters (Genesis 1:2). There is also a plurality in God. One of the many names of God, Elohim, is plural in Hebrew (Kou, 2023). There are three core elements of the Trinity (McGarry). First, they are equal. No one is greater than the others and they are equal in honor and eternality. Many skeptics who know the Scriptures might stop here and interject with “didn’t Jesus say “the Father is greater than I?” Yes, he did in John 14:28. However, Jesus willingly submitted to God the Father and while on earth, submitted to the limitations of his physical form. It is also temporary as Jesus also prayed in John 17:5 that he be glorified in the Father’s presence as he had before the world began. Second, they are distinct as Ephesians 1:3-14 states God the Father chooses us “before the creation of the world” (verse 4). Jesus as God the Son did the work to accomplish our salvation (verses 5,9). God the Holy Spirit is the one who secures our salvation like a seal (verses 13-14). Each person has a particular role and works together in perfect cooperation as they are one. Three, they are united. They are not isolated from each other. In John 17:20-26, Jesus prays for believers’ unity as he is united with the Father. 

I think The Trinity is so difficult to understand because we do not have a perfect analogy to help explain it. Sometimes the Trinity is taught as one person has different relationships. For example, I am one person; however, to my husband, I am a wife, to my daughters, I am a mother and to my mother, I am a daughter. However, this analogy fails to fully encapsulate the Trinity. Since my birth, I have always been a daughter, but not a wife and a mother. While I was born a daughter, the expressions of a wife and mother, I took on as I married and had children. As God is “a unity of three persons, not one person with three expressions” (McGarry). There are plenty of other bad analogies. One in particular is the egg analogy. The shell, yolk and egg white are all components of the same egg. However, this is faulty as the shell is discarded to use the yolk and the egg whites and even the yolk can be separated from the egg whites. Since the components can be separated and are not equal in value where every Person of the Trinity is equal in value and cannot be separated from one another. As James White wrote “Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally, three co-equal and co-eternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (Forgotten Trinity, 26). There are three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that share one essence or being of God (Winger, 2019). 

In conclusion, the Trinity is a unique concept that our human brains cannot easily wrap itself around and we may never truly be able to explain it to the satisfaction of skeptics and detractors. Our job as believers is not to fully understand and comprehend all things; but, to trust what God has revealed at this time. However, the question we have to ask ourselves is: do we believe the Bible teaches it? Yes? Then that is enough at this time as God may reveal more to help us understand in the future. It may be seen as a cop out to some but I can honestly say that I understand more now than I did when I first became a believer, so who can say what God will reveal to me as I study His Word and seek Him? 

References

Kou, Christopher (April 4, 2023). The Trinity 101: What Every Christian Should Know. Logos. https://www.logos.com/grow/nook-what-is-the-trinity-doctrine-101/. Retrieved December 1, 2024. 

McGarry, Mike (October 11). Teaching the Trinity to Students. Youth Pastor Theologian. https://www.youthpastortheologian.com/blog/teaching-the-trinity-to-students. Retrieved December 1, 2024. 

White, James (1998). The Forgotten Trinity: Recovering the Heart of Christian Belief. Revised and updated edition, November 5, 2019. 

Winger, Mike (2019). The Trinity: Can We Defend it Biblically? Bible Thinker. https://www.youtube.com/live/p0cLKtR5kfE?si=WUU3plLpG7Qbxb9X. Retrieved December 1, 2024. 

The Fruit of the Spirit: what it means to live by the Spirit and produce the fruit

This month I studied the Fruit of the Spirit which I briefly touched on in a previous post a couple years ago. However, this time I wanted to study it in more depth. Writing to the Galatian church, Paul discusses what it means to live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:14-26). Simply put, living by the Spirit is simply resisting the desires of the sinful nature as they are in conflict (verse 16-17). The acts of a sinful nature are listed in verse 19-21, including sexual immorality (which I will do an in depth study at a later date), hatred, jealousy and fits of rage. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (verses 22-23). We can see why our sinful natures would be in conflict with the Spirit. These are character traits found in the nature of Christ and as the Spirit grows in every believer, he or she will begin to exhibit the same Christ-like nature. 

Love is declared the greatest above all (1 Corinthians 13:13). To love others was commanded by Christ (Matthew 22-37-40, John 13:34-35). To love others is to help each other out in times of need or struggle. It doesn’t have to be monetary. It could be a phone call at 3 am. It could be answering a question for a stranger while at the store. Taking time out of your busy day, errands and schedule to help with a gracious heart. Essentially, as 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, “do everything in love.” Joy in a true believer is undeniable. It is that despite their struggles, despite their pain, they are joyfully seeking God’s guide, love and grace through their valleys as well as their mountain tops. Proverbs 17:22 says that “a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Sometimes it is hard to be joyful when life looks bleak; however, because we love Christ and believe in him, we are “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8). Peace is hard to imagine in this world as it seems we are always at odds with each other. But Christ tells that we will have trouble in this world but to take heart as he has conquered the world (John 16:33). We can claim the peace of Christ in the most troubled times as we know Jesus has already been victorious. 

Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate something without getting angry or upset. It is not rushing into a situation, into a relationship or a decision. Patience is something we all struggle with as we deal with frustration. Psalm 37:7 tells us to be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. It is following God’s plan and timetable rather than our own. Patience is not just waiting but having the right mindset and attitude while we wait. Kindness is showing mercy to others, generosity with our time and resources, and being sympathetic. It is being civil. Proverbs 11:17 tells us that kindness is a benefit to those receiving the kindness as well as the one giving it. Kindness has a boomerang effect. Give kindness and you will receive kindness (although we all know it’s not always from the same person). The kind person honors God by sharing his resources with others and in return, God will bless him. Goodness is working for the benefit of others and not just ourselves. In Greek, the word for goodness is agathosune which means “an uprightness of heart and life.” It is not done for recognition but to bring glory and honor to God who loves us. In Galatians 6:10, Paul writes, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” To return goodness with goodness and overcome evil with goodness. 

Faithfulness is consistently doing what one says he will do. It is keeping your promises. It is fulfilling your duties as a follower of Christ. Another divine characteristic of God as He does as He promises. Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Faithfulness is being reliable and trustworthy. It is being steadfast until the very end. Despite our struggles. Despite the world coming in around us. Gentleness is tender, compassionate, tenderness and consideration. It means showing love and care for others in how you act and speak. It is to have a soft spirit or nature. Gentleness is also humility. Humility in reference to who God is and it is not self-hatred or to see yourself as unvalued but to think of yourself less. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Humility is seeing that apart from God, we can do nothing of worth (John 15:5). Self-control is the discipline to resist the sinful nature. Jesus perfectly demonstrates this disciple during his time in the desert. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is tempted by Satan and does not give in. Self control is also not rushing into a fight without a thought. It is to gather all the information before making a decision. “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). 

In conclusion, the word fruit is singular which highlights that these attributes are intertwined, growing in harmony with and interacting with each other. Living by the Spirit and bearing the Fruit of the Spirit is not something we can do on our own. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As each believer exhibits these behaviors, it can be viewed as the Spirit winning the conflict with our flesh (Galatians 5:17). The fruit of the Spirit are not something we can work on to achieve but flows naturally when we abide or walk in the Spirit. How do we do that? By prayer and studying His Word. “It is living moment by moment in dependency on Him, to listen for His Voice and be obedient to it” (Charles Stanley). Living by the Spirit and exhibiting the fruit is a daily activity. Some days we can be on point and others we will need help. But God is faithful to those who live by faith. 

Grace: simply defined and yet sometimes hard to grasp and accept

What is grace? Simply put, it is unmerited favor or getting what you don’t deserve. Grace is central to the Christian faith. It is the basis for our standing before God, our salvation, and forgiveness. It is something that many people have a hard time grasping. As our sense of justice cannot fathom someone not getting what they deserve. How can I be forgiven for a horrible act? Why should I show grace to someone else? The word grace is used roughly 131 times in the Bible with 124 in the New Testament. Paul, being called the apostle of grace, used the term 86 times. How can we define grace? What example do we have of grace? What is grace so hard to accept? 

First, grace is unconditional. Just as God’s love for us is unconditional, He extends grace and forgiveness freely to those who seek it. While in our sinful nature, we deserve judgment, God’s grace gives us salvation  and transforms our desires, motivations and behavior (Titus 2:11). There is nothing we can do to earn or deserve God’s love and forgiveness. It is not a one-time gift either. It is a continuous flow as we are imperfect and prone to marketing mistakes. It is “not a reward for good behavior, but a gift for repentant sinners,” (In The Grip of Grace). Second, grace is power for living. Paul was a powerful and influential apostle. However, he did not take credit but saw the power of God’s grace in his life (1 Corinthians 15:10). Grace is the power in our lives to help through difficult and challenging times. God tells us that his grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) and through our weakness, He makes us strong. Third, grace transforms lives and allows us to extend grace to others. 

It is an influence of God on our lives that works in us to change (2 Corinthians 9:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus is the embodiment of grace itself. First, in his incarnation. John 1:17 says “ For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Law and grace are important parts of God’s nature. Moses gave the people God’s law and justice while Jesus would display God’s mercy, love and forgiveness. Second, in his actions. Jesus’s interactions with others gives us examples of graciousness. From his miraculous healings to the parables, Jesus taught grace, His forgiveness of the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11), forgiving Peter after his betrayal (John 21:15-17) and the conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19) are examples of grace’s unmerited favor, redemptive power and transformative influence. Third, with his sacrifice on the cross. Lastly, in his teachings. The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a prime example of Jesus teaching grace. In John 15:11-32, the story of the son who turned his back on his father to live a life that squandered his wealth. The son would return, expecting to beg for scraps, and found himself being welcomed with open arms. It is a beautiful image of what happens when a sinner turns to God and asks for forgiveness. 

We can receive free gifts all time in other forms; but accepting free grace from God is hard. Why? The world fears grace. Grace threatens those with possessions, privilege and power. Grace offers a different value system for assessing our worth than the world does. Our sinful nature fears grace and whispers to us on a daily basis that grace simply cannot be free. Because “nothing is free,” right? Through God’s grace, we are not valued based on what we have, what we do or don’t do. It is a gift. A free and clear gift. It is a generosity that the world cannot comprehend. God knows us for who we truly are, past, present and future. And yet He continuously invites us into His unending grace for healing to every hurt, empowering for daily living and transforming into who we were meant to be. All we need to do is trust and receive it. And accepting grace is a daily enterprise. It is a gift every single day. Like manna, it has to be collected fresh each day.

In conclusion, grace is so simple and yet so complex. As I began this study, I thought I knew grace. I thought I would be able to effectively convey the message of grace. And yet, with numerous Scriptures at my fingertips, I struggled with the words. I struggled with doubt that I was explaining grace adequately and accurately. And I hope my words are a beginning to understanding grace and accepting it in your lives. It is with grace that we are saved through faith as a gift that we cannot achieve through works (Ephesians 2:8-9).  In the words of Brennan Manning, “He comes to where I live and loves me as I am,” And yet, God will not leave you there. We are transformed by His grace and love.  

Gomer: a story of unfaithfulness, redemption and love

Gomer is known in the Bible as the unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea. We don’t hear from her in Scriptures. We only know of her actions. After she married Hosea, she carried on numerous affairs. She would give gifts to her lovers than were gifted to her by Hosea. She is the symbol of spiritual adultery. A picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. However, Hosea continued to love her despite her unfaithfulness. She is more than just an unfaithful wife. She is an illustration of the redeeming love that God has for us despite our unfaithfulness. What’s her story? What is a redeeming love? How is she an illustration? 

Hosea was a prophet. An important man in Israel. He was the mouthpiece of God to His people. He would be the man to steer the nation with his prophecies; but, he couldn’t control his wife. God had instructed Hosea to take Gomer as his wife and love her as God loved Israel. Many scholars believed that Gomer was faithful in the beginning. Hosea 1:3 says that Gomer bore Hosea a son. However, in verses 6 and 8, Gomer has two more children. However, Hosea’s name is not mentioned. It has led scholars to believe that the last two children were not Hosea’s biological children but the children of her lovers. Sometime after the birth of her first child, she became unfaithful. When Gomer is mentioned again in Hosea 3, Hosea is instructed to buy her back. The Bible doesn’t say why she had to be bought back. Two possibilities is that she sold herself into prostitution or she was another man’s mistress. But he pays and he brings her home. 

A redeeming love is a love that frees someone from a burden. Hosea redeemed Gomer from the burden of being a prostitute or another man’s mistress. God has redeemed us from sin through His Son, Jesus Christ. God loves us and remains faithful even when we are not. He waits with open arms for us to repent and turn back to Him. God remains faithful at all times. When we get busy and put others before Him. Whether it is work, family responsibilities, and even our church and charitable obligations. Like many people, I am prone to pay attention to what needs my immediate attention and push, even unwittingly, aside my time with God. But He always welcomes me back with open arms and forgiveness for my inattentiveness. I try to do my best but I’m not perfect. I will never be perfect. I will fall from time to time but God will be there to help me up when I do. He will let me try again. You may think you are too far gone for help. But you are not. He is there waiting. He will welcome you back and let you try again. 

Gomer becomes an illustration for us. A person who seeks other pleasures and desires, turning from the One who remained lovingly faithful. Like Hosea, with every reason to cut ties with Gomer, God could have walked away from us. Leaving us to our choices and consequences. But God doesn’t walk away from us. He is not asking for perfection. He is asking for consistency, regular meetings. A prayer as you head to work, before a meal, and even before bed. You can pray whenever and wherever you want. A quick “Help me, Lord” in a moment of frustration or a stressful situation counts and He will hear. One of my favorite quiet times is bedtime as I lay my youngest daughter down to sleep, I pray. I pray for my shortcomings as a mom, a wife, and an overall person. I pray for my daughters and their successes and struggles. I pray for my husband as he prepares to rest and face work the next day. I pray in thankfulness for God’s love and mercy. I pray for this continued help as I live this life that He has given me. No fancy words needed, just words from your heart. 

In conclusion, Gomer was a woman who was unfaithful. She turned from her husband who loved her. She is later redeemed when she deserved to be left behind. God doesn’t want to leave us behind. He wants to love us and provide for us. We just need to come to Him. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, we are redeemed. Hosea redeems Gomer with valuables but we are redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19). Many people would focus on the fact that Hosea was forced to marry Gomer, a prostitute; however, they miss the most important picture. Gomer’s story is a story of redemption and love. 

The season is more than just a phrase

The holiday season is in full swing. Christmas songs are playing on the radio. The stores and malls are decorated with garlands and trees. And the ads are begging you to buy the expensive gift for your special someone. I love this time of year especially now that my daughter is old enough to fully participate in decorating the tree and wrapping the presents. Even old enough to ask for specific gifts and talk about Santa (even though she really knows Santa is Daddy). This year I have been studying the Bible book by book and I’ve been thinking about many things that some Christians do that I think really shouldn’t be done.

First, harping over “Happy Holidays.” I’ve heard stories of people, very rudely, lecture “Merry Christmas” when a cashier has told them “Happy Holidays.” This attitude takes away from the meaning of the holiday. Yes, Christmas is Christ mass, a celebration of Jesus’ birth. However, it does not give Christians the right to bully others to say “Merry Christmas.” Yes, I said bully because that’s how I see it. Christmas isn’t the first holiday to be celebrated in the winter. The celebration of Christmas was moved to the winter solstice to encourage non-believers to convert to Christianity. Everything we love about Christmas has non-Christian origins. The Christmas tree was originally a Scandinavian tradition as it was thought to protect the home during the long dark winter. Even gift giving, originally a New Year’s Day tradition, was shifted to Christmas in the Victorian Age  when Queen Victoria gave her family gifts on Christmas Eve in 1850. So I’m not going to get snippy with a cashier for saying “Happy Holidays.” I’m going to reply “Thank you. You too.” Why? Because the cashier was pleasant enough to acknowledge the season and he or she doesn’t know if I’m Christian or Jewish, etc. I know why I celebrate Christmas and someone saying “Happy Holidays” to me doesn’t take away that reason.

Second, I think too many Christians are seasonal Christians at Christmas and Easter. As Christians, we should celebrate Jesus’ birth, as well as his death and resurrection, every day. To be thankful that I have Christ in my life every day. I wake up every morning knowing that Christ will be there to be my guide. And peace on earth and goodwill toward men should be practiced every day. While at Christmas time, I am more active to give to my fellow man in the form of physical gifts; however, every day I give the gift of my time. Every day when someone asks for my help, I will help. Even though I may grumble about the person needs my help again. I am reminded that Christ helps me when I absolutely don’t deserve it. I’m not saying that Christians should be a doormat and be taken advantage of. What I am saying is if someone truly needs your help, even time after time, reach out your hand and help. If it’s to help a tired new mom watch the baby as she takes a shower she desperately needs and wants, do so. If it’s to help the man with the car that constantly breaking down, do so. If it’s the friend who needs to talk at 1 am and you want to sleep, talk. We can show Christ’s love more in our actions than our words.

Lastly, many Christians forget that Christ told us that many will be invited but few will be chosen (Matthew 22:14). Don’t be surprised when your family and friends resist your message of salvation through Christ. Christ even warns us that His message will divide people (Luke 12:53). Jesus speaks of the four soils in Matthew 13:1-23 when the seed is thrown in different soils and not of all them take root. Just as His message will not take root in everyone’s hearts. We see the division that Jesus speaks about in the world today. Today Christianity is becoming the number one persecuted religion in the world. However, again do not be surprised at that. As Jesus warned about that. Matthew 5:11, Christ says “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Also don’t forget that many evil things were done in the name of Christ either. Many people have read the message of Christ and perverted to their own means. Totally missed the message and used it to persecute others for their gain. Today’s true believers will have an uphill battle to show the world Christ’s love and message. Many non-believers will not let you forget about the atrocities done in Christ’s name. Keep in mind Matthew 5:11 when they spit back at you.

In conclusion, the holiday season is a time when we stop to reflect on the year past, to celebrate Christ’s birth and remember what’s more important. It’s not the gift but the person giving it. We need to stop nitpicking on the small details like Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas and remember Christ’s message of salvation. Reach out with love as we spread Christ’s message. Be gentle but firm and remember that not all well receive His message. Remember the parable of the four soils and keep in mind that it may not be their time for the message to take hold if it does at all. So refrain from insults and name calling when someone rejects your message. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, may you and your family’s holiday season be filled with love, laughter and precious time together. 

Jesus (Yeshua) is a worm...and a snake too among other things: an interesting and thought provoking book

Jesus (Yeshua) is a worm…and a snake too among other things by Kendall T. Shoulders is an interesting in-depth study of the imagery throughout the Bible as it points to Jesus as the Messiah. The book is actually two books in one. Book 1 focuses on the imagery of the worm and a snake to indicate the coming of the Messiah in Jesus. Book 2 continues that theme as similarities between figures of the Old Testament to Jesus and the prophecy of Revelation.

Book 1 is the Jesus as the tola worm as it is used throughout the Old Testament. The tola worm is an important worm to the ancient world. It was a source of dye for cloth. It was environmental cleaning. Parallels between the tola worm’s appearance in the Old Testament and the events of Jesus’ life is amazing. The imagery that is drawn between the parallels are mind-blowing. The author also draws conclusions about the use of the materials and decorations in the Tabernacle to Christ. The use of gold, silver, bronze and the colors used in the priestly garments all have a purpose pointing to the coming of Christ. The tola worm’s presence in the story of Jonah teaches that “a self-righteous attitude compels us to compare ourselves to other people” and how easy it is to accept God’s grace on our behalf but how difficult it is to accept God’s grace and even extend grace to others.

The author also draws a parallel with a snake and Jesus in Book 1. While many believers would see the snake as a symbol of Satan, an interesting point was made in the story of Exodus. When Moses makes his request to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, Aaron’s staff becomes a snake. The Pharaoh’s wise men and sorcerers perform the same feat (Exodus 7:8-13). However, Aaron’s snake swallowed the other snakes. This is an image of Jesus “swallowing our sins, including every possible vile, evil thing that Satan could imagine.” The author also takes the story of the Israelites in the desert and they were told to look at a bronze snake in order to be healed from a sickness brought on by the people’s constant complaining (Numbers 21:4-9). Those who looked at the bronze snake high on a pole were healed, those did not died. This story seems to be a foreshadowing of Jesus on the cross. Those who look to him are healed and saved from their sins and those who don’t…

Book 2 is a bonus section which continues the theme of how Jesus is the fulfillment of all things concerning the Law (Genesis through Deuteronomy), the Psalms and the prophets. From Adam to Isaiah, images and prophecies foreshadow an event of Jesus’s life. It’s a great way to see how every book of the Old Testament points to the Messiah in Jesus. The author compares interesting similarities Genesis figures to Christ, Satan and the end times. While some are interesting and thought provoking, I found some to be a bit of a stretch. For instance, the author claims that Abel’s birth points to the virgin birth of Christ because the Bible states that “Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain” (Genesis 4:1); however, in verse 2 simply states “Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.” He claim is that Adam did not “lay with” Eve in order for her to conceive Abel, this is a foreshadowing of Christ’s miracle birth. Is he wrong? I don’t know but there isn’t any evidence to say it’s true.

Jesus (Yeshua) is a worm…and a snake too among other things is an interesting and thought provoking look into the Bible and how Jesus is seen in every story. When I first saw this book as it was available to review, the title caught me off guard. I requested to review it as I was anticipating being angered at the possibilities of what the title seems to suggest. However, once I started reading, I realized the title doesn’t fully give the picture of what an amazing book it is. While I disagreed with some of the author’s claims, he presents them with verses and cultural references for support. I highly recommend this book as a new and unique look into the amazing works of God as it is told in His Word.