(Updated 8/10/2024) Jew, Gentile, and the Law Those familiar with the Bible may recall a narrative in the Book of Acts wherein the elders of the Judeo-Christian congregation in Jerusalem debated the responsibility of Gentile Christians with respect to observing Mosaic Law. After hearing the reports of Barnabas and Paul about the signs, wonders, and…
“Has God Said?” Series, Vol. 1
Did Jesus Not Condemn Abortions? A Recent Observation From “Prolifeupdate.com” A recent article posted by “prolifeupdate.com” observed that an MSNBC host (and others, most notably a Georgian senator) recently claimed Jesus was ambivalent about abortion. The host’s argument was that Jesus never directly addressed “abortion.” The underlying premise of this host’s claim is that because…
The “Has God Said?” Inquiry Series
The “Has God Said?” Project A very dear friend and academic mentor wrote a monograph entitled, Has God Said?: Scripture, The Word of God, and the Crisis of Theological Authority.1 He opened his examination of the crisis of theological authority with an allusion to Genesis 3 where the serpent asks of Eve, “Indeed, has God…
Who is the “Restrainer” of 2 Thessalonians 2:7?
Restrainer or Perpetrator? Under many translations to which I have access, 2 Thess. 2:7 suggests a “restrainer” is holding back the “mystery of lawlessness,” as in restraining lawlessness. Interestingly, the KJV and NLT allow a different interpretation. Their renditions suggest the mystery of lawlessness will continue until its originator is “taken out of the way”…
Psalm 73: God’s Strength Amid The Allure of the UnGodly
The Temptation of an Upside-Down World Amid an upside down world I find strength and peace in Psalm 73. The author admits the allure of power, wealth, and prestige sans God are powerful, and seemingly rewarding. He confesses that he almost succumbed to jealousy and covetousness for the trappings of those who attempt to replace…