Eschatology

Jeremiah 33 and the Certainty of God’s Future Promises to Israel

Does God have a future plan for Israel? The prophet Jeremiah answers that question with an emphatic affirmative. While the bulk of Jeremiah’s prophecies concern coming judgment, the Book of...
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Jeremiah 33 and the Certainty of God’s Future Promises to Israel
Eschatology

BLESSING AND DOMINION: The Role of Israel in God’s Restorative Purpose for Creation

The Bible is a storyline spanning Genesis to Revelation, replete with interactive themes similar to subplots that contribute to the main plot of a novel. Scholars summarize the key theme...
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BLESSING AND DOMINION: The Role of Israel in God’s Restorative Purpose for Creation
Eschatology

A Future for Israel in Romans 9-11

James Montgomery Boice relayed the account of Frederick the Great, king of Prussia, conversing with his chaplain concerning the reliability of the Scriptures.((James Montgomery Boice, Romans (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993),...
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A Future for Israel in Romans 9-11
Eschatology

Ezekiel 37:15-28 and Elements of God’s Future Promises to Israel

The Prophet Ezekiel was called to an unusual but important ministry to the captives of Judah in Babylon. Despite his unusual methods (e.g., symbolic acts) and extraordinary visions (e.g., Ezek...
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Ezekiel 37:15-28 and Elements of God’s Future Promises to Israel
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Seeker Sensitive or Sinner Sensitive? Part 1

Maybe it’s just me, but does it seem as if many are saying that no one has been “sensitive” to “seekers” until the end of the twentieth century? One gets the feeling from such writers that, until recently, most Christian evangelism was overly aggressive, mean-spirited, and did everything possible to turn sinners off to the gospel. But, now, thanks to contemporary cultural relevancy, the world can finally be won because now we can understand and truly reach out to the sinner.

David’s Musical Therapy, I Samuel 16:14-23, Part 2

In part one we looked at three topics relating to 1 Samuel 16:14–23: The problem of evil, the identity of the evil spirit, and the solution for King Saul’s affliction. In this article, we will investigate the ability of David’s music to bring about a two-fold deliverance for King Saul’s affliction, but, first, some interpretive issues are appropriate to consider. A number of commentaries say that David’s music had little if anything to do with Saul’s recovery; this interpretation, however, ignores the language employed by Samuel under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

David’s Musical Therapy, I Samuel 16:14–23, Part 1

A hot topic brewing in Baptist churches today is the subject of music. Although music is not on the theological level of Christology, the practical considerations of a leader’s music philosophy affect the local church on every level; for that reason this topic is on the front burner for many people. These articles will discuss a premier text dealing with the power of music. Part one will discuss the problem of evil, the identity of the evil spirit, and the solution for Saul’s affliction.

What I Like to See in a Bible Version for Study Purposes

Introduction In this brief article I am not giving a detailed evaluation of Bible translations. Rather, I am sketching in broad strokes three issues that are important when choosing a version of the Bible for study purposes. A Literal Translation A literal translation is based upon the idea that the purpose of a translation is to let the reader know what the Bible says rather than what the Bible means. Yet many modern readers use meaning-for-meaning versions and paraphrases because they think the meaning of the Bible has been made clear.

The Da Vinci Code and Early Christian History, Part 2

Other Historical Issues Teabing argues that Christians and pagans were warring in the early fourth century, “and the conflict grew to such proportions that it had threatened to rend Rome in two.” FACT: Christianity did not have enough political or military clout to rival the pagan masses in the early fourth century. Christianity actually began the century as an oppressed minority suffering under the Great Persecution of A.D. 303–313. Langdon asserts that early Christianity “honored the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagan’s veneration day of the sun.”

The Da Vinci Code and Early Christian History, Part 1

The Da Vinci Code, authored by Dan Brown, has quickly become an international bestseller and is now in theatrical release.1 Because of its depiction of Jesus Christ and Christianity, this fictional page-turner has caused vociferous reactions far outside the literary world. Page one of the work, entitled “FACT,” asserts that “All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.” The book actually includes numerous historical inaccuracies, however. For the sake of time and convenience, this article will simply highlight those factual errors surrounding the book’s portrayal of early Christianity.2 These historical blunders particularly concern the fields of canonicity and Christology and are especially concentrated in the discussions on pages 230–259.

The Value of Bible Software for Ministry, Part 2

Choosing the Right Bible Software: A Closer Look at BibleWorks and Accordance There are numerous Bible software programs available to students of God’s Word. We will raise three basic factors to consider in choosing the right program for your circumstances. First, consider the cost. For the most part, you get what you pay for, because most of the databases for biblical research (e.g., various Bible translations, lexicons, and dictionaries) are available to any software maker. While some of the databases are public domain and are therefore free, other databases cost money.

The Value of Bible Software for Ministry, Part 1

Never before has there been a more exciting time to study the Word of God. Resources that at one time were available only to a few privileged people are now available to anyone with a computer. Over the last two decades, Bible software has made incredible leaps in providing students of the Word of God with powerful tools for exegesis. Both of us have used Bible software programs extensively in our education, teaching, and church ministries. Barely a day goes by when we are not using our respective research programs for classes, sermon and lesson preparation, scholarly research, or simply for devotions.

When Does (the Sanctity of) Life Begin?

When life begins is a question of current interest in theology, science and the media. The issue is clouded by emotion and personal beliefs. Some contend that life begins at conception. Some believe life begins at birth. Others say the beginning of life occurs in various stages of individual development. The “beginning of life” is germane to stem cell research, cloning, abortion rights, and euthanasia. As with many controversial issues, a clear understanding is seldom achieved. Definitions are, many times, drafted to suit a particular personal belief or political position.

The Meaning of 1 John 3:9

Four Views That Appeal To This Verse 1. The works-righteousness view This view teaches that one earns or keeps salvation by good works, and thus that the person who chooses to sin has forfeited any right to heaven. This view contradicts the Bible’s clear teaching on salvation as God’s gift through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), purchased for us not by our works but by the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross (Romans 3:24–25, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24). 2. The instantaneous sanctification/Wesleyan view This view states that it is possible for a believer to have an experience following conversion in which the principle or root of sin is removed and replaced by love for God.