The Bible is a big book, encompassing almost four thousand years of human history and containing various genres of literature from poetry to prophecy. Even though the Bible seemingly contains so many disparate parts, the church has historically discerned a general movement, or plot structure, to Scripture's story. In the recent history of the American … Continue reading What moves the Bible’s story forward?
Bible
How do you actually outline the Song of Songs?
Christians and Jews have long recognized the Song of Songs to be one of the most mysterious books of the Bible. One medieval Jewish commentary, Saadia, claimed the book was like a lock whose keys had been lost. When reading the book, a host of questions arise like, "How 'literally' should the book be taken?" … Continue reading How do you actually outline the Song of Songs?
Doug Moo on the New Covenant in Paul
In NT scholar Doug Moo's article, "Every Spiritual Blessing," he seeks to provide the "general contours of Paul's concept of salvation" (135). In other words, Moo wants to sketch out the basic framework that Paul used to explain what Christ had done for the church. Moo first begins explaining the idea of "new creation." New … Continue reading Doug Moo on the New Covenant in Paul
Walter Kaiser on 2 Samuel 7:19
Walter Kaiser, in his article "The Blessing of David: The Character of Humanity," seeks to explicate the meaning of the phrase, "this is the torah of man" in 2 Samuel 7:19. Kaiser examines the context of the passage to highlight the unconditional nature of the Davidic promise (305-07). While individuals in David's line can break … Continue reading Walter Kaiser on 2 Samuel 7:19
How to Spend an Hour in God’s Word
Spending time in God's Word is always beneficial. But sometimes you might feel like you just don't know what to do. You know you should read. You know you should pray. But how? What does a realistic plan look like? Here I want to give you a sample schedule for how to spend an hour in … Continue reading How to Spend an Hour in God’s Word
Out of Exile (Psalm 126)
When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; We are … Continue reading Out of Exile (Psalm 126)
A Way Out (Psalm 124)
Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper; The snare is broken and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:6-8 God is … Continue reading A Way Out (Psalm 124)
God is FOR You (Psalm 124)
“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say, “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side When men rose up against us, Then they would have swallowed us alive.” Psalm 124:1-2 God is on our side. Literally, Lord is “for us.” David recognizes that … Continue reading God is FOR You (Psalm 124)
Little Notes on Anger
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. - Proverbs 14:29 Great understanding of what? I think the patient person has great understanding of himself. He knows anger only hurts himself. When you harbor anger, you can begin to have it harden to hate. It can … Continue reading Little Notes on Anger
Fatherhood for Older Father’s
Two weeks ago I preached on fatherhood from Ephesians 6:4. Unfortunately, due to a congregational medical emergency, I wasn't able to conclude my message. Here is my conclusion: Some of you in here may be thinking, "What can I do? My children are all grown up and out of the house! I've blown it with my … Continue reading Fatherhood for Older Father’s