“Robbing Temples”?
Paul writes to Jews, “You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” (Romans 2:22b ESV) The English translation “rob temples” makes readers think of pagan temples. There was only one Temple for Israel, so...
View ArticleGod’s Wrath Revealed from Heaven & Pharaoh’s Hardening
In Romans, Paul says that the Gospel reveals God’s righteousness. Then he says God’s wrath is revealed from heaven. I think these are one and the same revelation in the Gospel. Thus: For I am not...
View ArticleSolomon the Riddler
What follows is based on a blog post I published exactly 13 years ago today, long before I even planned to write Solomon Says. This was part of my reason for arguing that the proverbs are riddles...
View ArticleJesus & Paul on Israel’s Heritage & Identity
Jesus and Paul do not sound the same but they both have the same basic perspective: That Israel was basically a pagan nation. There was reason they would be able to assert this. Aside from the...
View ArticlePropositions on Understanding Romans
I wrote and posted these back in 2010 (February 3) and still agree with them. Some expressions I use seem unnecessarily polarizing or patronizing, but I stand by the positive substance. Here they are...
View ArticleThe Mindset: Glory, Faith, Patience
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11 ESV I recommended a certain kind of “mindset” in my book, Solomon Says (though I don’t know if...
View ArticleJob Marked “Safe” from Calling Wife a Fool
You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to...
View ArticleLight Rules – Ephesians 4:32-5:14
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up...
View ArticleDiscipline Is Overrated: It’s Not an Alternative to Motivation
Some form of “Discipline > Motivation” is a perennial feature of “self-improvement” and especially “fitness journey” social media. It is not as helpful as as it is pumped up to be. It is not...
View ArticleThe Future of Jesus 1: Discipling the Nations before the Second Advent
What kind of future should we expect before the return of Christ and the general Resurrection and Final Judgment? in Daniel chapters 2 and 7, we have two visions representing future history from the...
View ArticleThe Future of Jesus 2: The Bodily Resurrection as Essential Context
Before I go any further on what the Bible tells us about the future history of the mortal human race, I must address the end of that history: the final resurrection. When Paul was arrested and brought...
View ArticleJustification, Sanctification, and the Illusion of Timing
Ever heard the expression, “There’s no such thing as being a little bit pregnant”? It’s used to expose people when they try to underplay something in an inappropriate way. (“I sort of told a lie.”O...
View ArticleThe Future of Jesus 3: The “Millennium”?
I have written a brief introductory case for the world being destined to become Christian in history (followed by a case for a general resurrection and judgment at the end of history). In my first...
View ArticleAn Obstacle to Reading the Bible No One Talks About
Christians are supposed to read their Bibles. They are supposed to listen to Scriptures read in public worship by a minister called to speak to them for God, but they should also augment this by their...
View ArticleHow Blood Moves History Forward
Admittedly, this is a macabre headline, but it does allude to a Biblical issue. I recently tweeted about Matthew’s Gospel, arguing that Jesus literally told his followers to expect violent death...
View ArticleWhat do you mean, “prunes”?
“Prunes” is the word used in the ESV and other English Bible translations for a word in Jesus’ discourse in John 15: I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does...
View ArticleA video debate: Is Postmillennialism Biblical?
Many thanks to Lucas Curcio of the Method Ministries Podcast for the opportunity to exchange views!
View ArticleThe Wisdom of Jael
Judges 4 and 5 tell the story of Jael. She is in the Bible for a reason. And that reason is not to give male theologians an opportunity for “mansplaining.” “Mansplaining” is typically a pejorative...
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