Rethinking Revelation (Part One)
Eight Challenges for Traditional Perspectives (Part One) When I came to the book of Revelation, I didn’t even try to study it. In place of the careful, word-by-word or phrase-by-phrase exegesis that I enjoy, I simply read through the book…
John’s Message and the Professor
Using God’s Light to Reveal our Spiritual Condition In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul wrote, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” Paul was concerned that Christians should not be apathetic about their spiritual condition; they…
Striking Syria
The story of Joash, Elisha, and the arrow of the LORD’s deliverance is confusing. Why would God withhold blessing from someone who obeys? This obscure story may not make sense at first, but it reveals the character of true obedience…
God’s Humility
The world is full of busy people – people who are pursuing success, and who do not have time to think about you or me. Pouring all their energy into career, goals, or pleasure, they hardly notice anyone or anything…
Stoning Your Sin in the Valley of Achor
The death of Achan is one of the more gory tales of the Bible. The harsh punishment meted out, not only on the man, but also on his whole family, may seem at least primitive, if not excessive. But as…
Hymn of the Divine Attributes (Psalm 99)
1 Jehovah reigns, enthroned in heaven’s host, Let trembling seize the highlands and the coast. 2 In Zion’s streets his greatness is extolled, His ancient fame surpassing men of old. 3 That name, sublime in terror to address…
Guthrie on “Drawing Near Unto God”
“Study to be convinced, that ye are by nature far from God, and in your walk and conversation, from that communion with Him that ye might attain unto, even while here. And if once ye were at that, you would…
Six Reasons to Interpret Canticles Allegorically
The Canticles, or Song of Solomon, is often overlooked. Sometimes it is difficult to draw spiritual lessons from a book that focuses so much on apparently human love. Here are six reasons to view the book less as a description…
A Summary of Peter’s Life
Fishing Simon, son of Jonas and resident of Bethsaida, was a fisher with his brother Andrew. Simon encountered Jesus when his brother claimed to find the Messiah. When they were introduced, Jesus renamed him ‘Cephas’ (‘rock’ or ‘stone’ in Hebrew)…
The Question
He seemed unstoppable. Every question was answered perfectly. Try as they might, the ultra-strict, highly educated Jewish Pharisees were unable to trap Jesus. No theological question seemed too difficult for Him. Every answer demonstrated wisdom, revealing their own ignorance to…
