7
Aug
2023
After the Exile?
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Sometimes we assume we know what a verse means, but once we slow down and read through it carefully, we realize it does not mean what we think it means. It happens to us all. We can receive help in several ways—listening to what others understand a verse to mean (especially weighing their arguments) and... Read More
31
Jul
2023
Church History Resources for Children and Those Who Teach Them
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Most seminary students are involved in teaching children in some venue or another. Many are husbands and fathers, and so are responsible for instructing their own children on a regular basis. Others are not yet husbands or fathers but are still involved in teaching children within the context of their local church. Although sometimes viewed... Read More
28
Jul
2023
Summer Seminar: Biblical Counseling and Abuse
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We are excited to welcome Dr. Ernie Baker on August 22, 2023, as he presents a seminar on Biblical Counseling and Abuse. The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors is producing a series of affirmations and denials about domestic abuse and providing a framework to help counselors discern if abuse is taking place and to help... Read More
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