The Revelation of God in Christ-Mark Jones

This clear explication by Mark Jones shows the bigger picture of the purpose of God in Christ. For me, it has resolved some outstanding issues of the Trinity. The Triunity of God has always been revealed from the first pages of scripture (Gen. 1.2 – the Spirit, Ge. 2.4-Yahweh God). It is on the basis of Christ that God will judge the world: Moreover, the … Continue reading The Revelation of God in Christ-Mark Jones

Top Ten Discoveries Related to the Book of Daniel

Here is a nice write up of historical evidence of Daniel and his text (the book of “Daniel” in the bible). I firmly support the 6th c. BCE timeframe of both the miraculous history and prophecies of the book. In addition to the following reblogged post, I add two of my own lines of evidence for Daniel’s authenticity. 1. Jesus would not have referenced Daniel … Continue reading Top Ten Discoveries Related to the Book of Daniel

Contra Replacement Theology: Who are the “People” in Mt. 21.43?

Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit (NIV) This statement of Jesus comes on the heals of the Parable of the Tenants of the Vineyard. The parable is recorded in Mt. 21.33-45, Mk. 12.1-12, and Lk. 20.9-19. Mark and Luke use the term others instead of people … Continue reading Contra Replacement Theology: Who are the “People” in Mt. 21.43?

In Search of Meaning: The Doctrine of Angelic Replacement

This is a previously published post substantially revised and retitled. Also, since these brief thoughts have been brewing in my theological history for many years, I place them at the top of my site. Angel Definition Angels can be thought of as God’s assistants: Who makes his angels spirits, His ministers a fire (Ps. 104.4 Sept.). The popular conception of angels, chubby infants with wings, … Continue reading In Search of Meaning: The Doctrine of Angelic Replacement

How Ephesus causes problems for Skeptics

John the Apostle, the brother of James, ministered in Ephesus during his later years and was exiled to the isle of Patmos, not far from Ephesus. Of the seven letters of Revelation 2&3, Jesus wrote to Ephesus first, mediated through John. Rev. 2.1-7 is the only letter to the Ephesians. It is fairly clear that the Apostle John was the younger brother of James and … Continue reading How Ephesus causes problems for Skeptics

The Body Of Christ in 1Cor. 11.29: Who or What?

Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep (1Cor. 11.28-30 NIV). The bible can be hard to understand sometimes. Even the Apostle Peter … Continue reading The Body Of Christ in 1Cor. 11.29: Who or What?

The Two Leavened Loaves at Pentecost-Lev. 23.15-17

From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord. From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour, baked with yeast, as a wave … Continue reading The Two Leavened Loaves at Pentecost-Lev. 23.15-17

How Did the N.T. Books Get Their Titles?

It is probably worth mentioning that Paul’s command in Col. 4.16 to have his letter read in neighboring churches was somewhat different than a pure personal correspondence between individuals. The Colossian and Laodicean churches were located on a major trade route (an extension of the Silk Road), and were wealthy (see Rev. 3.17). I think it unusual for them to have circulated the original document … Continue reading How Did the N.T. Books Get Their Titles?

The Divine Name is the Existential Verb: “I Am”

In the O.T. the ‘to be’ verb is the same as the Name God revealed Himself to Abram (Gen. 12.1). The idea seems to be “the self-existing One”, or, “the always existing One,” or, the extended idea that Yahweh is the author of life. In the Book of John, Jesus referred to Himself as “ego eimi:” (“I Am”). He explicitly used the expression to connect … Continue reading The Divine Name is the Existential Verb: “I Am”

Ancient Cush

Our last couple of posts have dealt with Pharaoh Tirhakah, the Cushite (Ethiopian) king of Egypt’s 25th dynasty, and mentioned by name in 2 Kings 19:9, in correction with Judah’s good King Hezekiah, and the Assyrian King Sennacherib. We noted, “In some translations (i.e., NKJV) Tirhakah is said to be king of Ethiopia. “Ethiopia” here refers to […] “I Am Nubian” — Leon’s Message Board Continue reading Ancient Cush

Methodological Naturalism and Divine Inspiration

Here is a post by Craig Carter I believe is helpful. It’s not that I completely ‘buy in’ to all that the Credo guys are saying, because I do have differences with them. I am preparing a post that, I hope, will show addition instead of an either/or formulation that is demanded by some. Nevertheless, this article is agreeable. Methodological Naturalism and Divine Inspiration – … Continue reading Methodological Naturalism and Divine Inspiration

You Can’t Fix the Church

Jesus was clear as to who builds His Church: Himself. What is “radically wrong” with the church is no different than what is wrong with all believers throughout history, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. After Abram tried his own devices, God told him to walk with Him and be perfect (implying that he was not perfect previously; see Gen.17.1). This is the process of sanctification … Continue reading You Can’t Fix the Church

Dispensational or Covenantal?

Stephen Wellum continues his labors of bringing precision to the understanding of the Biblical Covenants. He doesn’t claim that his formulation is the “end of the discussion,” but rather interacts with scripture to note variances in the two competing synthetic theological systems. I think he identifies crucial problems in both inorganic systems and brings scriptural alternatives. Dispensational or Covenantal? | Desiring God Continue reading Dispensational or Covenantal?

Pharaoh Tirhakah-2Kings 19.9

In our present post we further consider Tirhakah, the Cushite (Ethiopian) Pharaoh mentioned in 2 Kings 19:9: “Now Sennacherib received a report that Tirhakah, the Cushite king of Egypt, was marching out to fight against him. It is fascinating (and illuminating) when there are other historical records, inscriptions, and artifacts which coincide with biblical persons […] Pharaoh Tirhakah, cont’d — Leon’s Message Board Continue reading Pharaoh Tirhakah-2Kings 19.9

The Seed of the Woman-Gen. 3.15

The Curse on The Serpent signaled his doom having his head crushed by the Promised Seed. Yet this Promised One would also suffer a deadly wound from the strike of the Serpent (the same Hebrew term I translated as “crush” by an action of the heel, I translate “strike” by a viper since injection of venom is a different action although the outcome is shared). … Continue reading The Seed of the Woman-Gen. 3.15