For quite some time I have been observing a movement in evangelical Christianity that calls everything under the sun, besides the worship of God, idolatry. If the Trinitarian God of the Scriptures is not receiving glory, then idolatry is being committed. A verse such as 1 Corinthians 10:31 is a good example, “Whether you eat, drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” We’re often told, in light of this verse that when we eat, drink, or do anything not to the glory of God, we are committing idolatry. But is this biblical? Is all sin idolatry? If so, how can the following verse make any sense whatsoever? Read more... (1117 words, estimated 4:28 mins reading time)
I picked up several interesting looking books at ETS this year and have begun to sit down and get into them. Today I started reading To the Jew First: The Case for Jewish Evangelism in Scripture and History (Kregel, 2008; ISBN:0825436583), which was edited by Darrell Bock and Mitch Glaser. Several very prominent scholars have contributed to this volume of articles that cover biblical, theological, and missional topics related to Jewish evangelism in the 21st century. I’m both curious and eager to read through it. One of the reasons is that Walter Kaiser, Jr., wrote one of the best forewords to a book that I’ve ever read. I wanted to share a little excerpt to whet your tongue for more. He said: Read more... (427 words, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)
I started an online book forum for John H. Sailhamer’s new book, The Meaning of the Pentateuch (IVP Academic, 2009). I just received my copy of the book yesterday and am very excited about getting into it. From what I’ve heard, professor Sailhamer has incorporated much of the material from his classes over the years, and has even dedicated the book “to my students”. As one of them, I’m not only looking forward to the material, but also to the memories of some classes that will surely come back to mind. Read more... (534 words, estimated 2:08 mins reading time)
A few months ago I posted about an idea I had concerning the kingdom of God. After reading some more on this topic, I think I’d like to nuance my view a little. I still think one of the more confusing aspects of this whole discussion is the relationship between the new covenant and the establishment of the kingdom. I’ve realized that one’s view of the kingdom of God is bound by one’s view of eschatology, which is to say that the position one holds about the kingdom is not in isolation from other issues surrounding the last days. So I guess I can begin by saying that I find myself agreeing most broadly with a historical premillenial view of eschatology. This means I have a fairly literal interpretation of Revelation 20:1-5, yet cannot give in to some of the dispensational views which I have a hard time with (e.g. Israel/Church distinction, futuristic new covenant, etc.). You can google to find out some of the general parts of the view. Read more... (1082 words, estimated 4:20 mins reading time)
I had the opportunity to teach about the Return of Christ and Millennium tonight at my church for a Christian Doctrine class. I think it went well, but what a daunting topic! There are so many little pieces that fit into each major view that it seemed impossible to cover in one one-hour class. Getting through all the material was one thing, but as I did I realized something about all the minute details —- though they matter, there’s just so much that it’s almost impossible to wrap our minds around it. There remains a mystery in it all, such that God’s thoughts are higher than ours, and his ways much more beyond ours. By the end of class I felt like I had information overload – so I’m sure the rest of the class did too. In the end the observation was made that it’s a good thing we don’t need to know everything about the end in order to participate in all the activities. We are led to praise God in the midst of our ignorance, humbled that he even knows our names. Read more... (377 words, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)
This upcoming weekend I have the opportunity to read a paper at the Eastern Regional ETS (www.etsjets.org) meeting. This is the first big academic activity I’m doing outside of seminary, and I’m pretty nervous about it. I thought I would post my paper for you all to check out if you’d like. I just finished one of the ‘almost final’ drafts, so it won’t change too much before I read it. If you do read through it by Friday then leave a note for me, any feedback would be helpful.
Click here for paper. Read more... (320 words, estimated 1:17 mins reading time)
Last semester I spent a great deal of time studying the relationship between the Abrahamic covenant and the exodus of Israel out of Egypt. The outcome of that research is a paper that I wrote for a seminar, which I have since posted on my “Papers” page above. One of the most helpful things I learned had to do with Abraham’s call in Genesis 12:1-3. Most translations of that text I’ve come across do not capture the sense of the text as it stands in the original language, Hebrew. For instance, the ESV reads, “Go…to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” According to the translation, there is only one imperative, “Go…”. If Abraham goes, then God will make a nation of him, bless him, and make his name great. He’s going to do this so that Abraham would be a blessing. In Hebrew, however, the relationship between the different clauses is structured in a far different way. Read more... (922 words, estimated 3:41 mins reading time)
In light of the recent inauguration of president Barack Obama, I thought it might be interesting to give you some of my ideas about the kingdom of God and the popular concept of “inaugurated eschatology” (referred to as “IE” later). I know, those are big, theological, 10-cent seminary words. But essentially IE is the popularized “already, not yet” view of the kingdom of God. Paralleled by other parts of Christian theology which also seem to be already, not yet (e.g., sanctification), this view understands that the kingdom of God was inaugurated with Christ and is a present reality, yet also maintains that the fullness of the kingdom has not yet entered the scene. In simpler terms (perhaps), the kingdom began with Christ, but will only be fully manifested (or, reach its climax?) at some future date. The life and death of Christ meant that Christians are presently enjoying the benefits of that inauguration. Read more... (1558 words, estimated 6:14 mins reading time)
One of the most encouraging topics of conversation between Christians concerns the fruit of the Spirit. I think Christians often view their relationship with God as one of pressure: will I be able to live up to all that God has called me to? No wonder we are so judgmental and conceited; and talk about anxiety and pressure! How would you even answer that question? It sets you up for failure and hopelessness. It will continually leave you full of shame and empty. And if you are like me, it will certainly envy others, or worse, provoke them to envy you! Certainly God must want us to ask a different question. The burden for the Christian life does not lie with the believer, but with God. So, take your attention off of that question, it is entirely the wrong one. Even for Moses that would be the wrong question, and he was the mediator of the Sinai covenant! Read more... (3644 words, estimated 14:35 mins reading time)
I just finished reading through the book of Acts, which I had not read the whole way through in a little while. One part of that book which struck me, something I had never noticed before, was in 26:4-8. Throughout the book of Acts, the apostle Paul gives his testimony a few times. Here, he is giving it to King Agrippa. In it he said something I found quite interesting about the Sinai covenant, and the cultic worship in ancient Israel. Here’s what the passage says: Read more... (2792 words, estimated 11:10 mins reading time)
Your Responses