24
Jul
2023
Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters (Eccl 11:1): A Call to Bold Action
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Recently in my work on the Ecclesiastes commentary, I came across the enigmatic proverb “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you may find it” (Eccl 11:1). This rather puzzling advice has given rise to no fewer than nine interpretations as to its meaning. Which is the most likely interpretation, and how... Read More
17
Jul
2023
The Descent of Christ
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Beyond doubt, the most hotly debated assertion of the Apostles’ Creed is the descent of Christ to “hell” or hades (ᾅδης/inferos/inferna). This line conjures images of Renaissance frescos and medieval ambiance. One wonders whether the tenet reflects apostolic teaching or was inserted wrongfully by later church councils. Three questions guide the investigation: 1) Does this... Read More
10
Jul
2023
Fearing God as Sons, Not Slaves
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The fear of the Lord is a key concept in the Bible but is often misunderstood by Christians today. There are three elements of the fear of the Lord: 1. A reverence/respect for the majesty of God “There is none like You, Lord;You are great, and Your name is great in might.7 Who would not fear You, O King... Read More
3
Jul
2023
Discovering Dispensationalism
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Just a few weeks ago, SCS Press released a new book that will likely be of interest to many of our readers. Editors Cory Marsh and James Fazio, both professors at Southern California Seminary, have brought together a group of scholars from a variety of educational contexts to discuss an often-controversial issue, namely, the history... Read More
26
Jun
2023
Layers in the Creation Account? A Review of Davidson and Turner
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Studies of the creation account in Genesis 1 show no sign of abatement. A recent addition to the literature by Gregg Davidson and Kenneth Turner proposes a middle way between proponents of young-earth creationism and old-earth approaches (The Manifold Beauty of Genesis One: A Multi-Layered Approach [Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2021]). Gregg Davidson is the chair... Read More
23
Jun
2023
Review of Redeeming Productivity
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I love productivity. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about the 2023 E3 Pastor’s conference. This year’s theme is “Focused and Faithful: Dealing with Distractions and Demands in Ministry.” One of our guest speakers is Reagan Rose. He is working hard to help pastors and non-pastors be more focused and faithful in... Read More
19
Jun
2023
Marriage: The Foundation of God’s Civil Order
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I was privileged last week to officiate my younger son’s marriage. It was a beautiful event held in a chapel at the Christian university from which he had just graduated. It was not a church wedding, per se. I did use a (modified) version of the Anglican marriage order. My son’s pastor delivered the charge. We... Read More
12
Jun
2023
How are We Running the Race?
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Paul described how he ran with purpose, “Run in such a way as to get the prize….Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly….No…I make [my body] my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize“ (1 Cor 9:24-27). “I press on toward the... Read More
9
Jun
2023
Fear of Man vs. Gospel Credibility
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One of the greatest and most common dangers for Christians is falling into the trap of the fear of man (Prov 29:25). Christians must be on constant guard against allowing their lives to be controlled by what others might think of them. Today the fear of man often manifests itself in a Christian beginning to... Read More
5
Jun
2023
“Spirit of Glory and of God” Or “Eschatological Glory and the Spirit of God”?
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The Greek article usually has minimal influence on the interpretation of a passage, but sometimes its presence is quite meaningful. 1 Peter 4:14 is one of those times. It is debated, however, and our goal in this short blog post is to consider the best interpretation of the passage. The broader passage is referring to... Read More