Anders Runesson’s paper[1] on the influence of paradigm assumptions for understanding Paul is a treasury of insights into the structure of paradigms. Runesson shows that the Christian assumption present in the theological paradigm that Paul established a new religion founded on the teaching of Christ, a religion that was opposed to “Jewish legalism,” is not…
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4 NASB Ministry – Two criteria. Just two. Prayer and “the ministry of the word.” The first should be obvious (although all that is involved in the word “prayer” might not be obvious to us[1]). The second requires some investigation….
We had such a great time together. I hope you will be there next time in May. There’s an empty seat for you.
Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Matthew 18:21 NASB Seven times – So how many? Don’t be so quick to answer with the mistaken “seventy times seven” or the spiritualized “forever.” Taken out of context, such quick…
“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:35 NASB What is the difference between earning your salvation and demonstrating your worthiness? Yeshua’s parable of the servant who owed a great debt challenges our thinking about the concepts of forgiveness and…
The mind of the hasty will discern the truth, and the tongue of the stammerers will hasten to speak clearly. Isaiah 32:4 NASB Hasty – First we need to clear up the footnotes. If you read this verse in the NASB, you will see footnotes for the words “mind” and “truth.” There should probably be…
… And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” Luke 5:10 NASB Do not fear – How many times have you heard someone refer to this verse as the basis of evangelism? “If you follow Jesus, you will be a fisher of men.” Perhaps that’s true, but…
The author of the book, Created in HIs image – Kept by Covenant, has responded to my criticism. Stewart Diesel-Reynolds wrote the following: “Bloodbath” – The Author’s Response Gen 1:26 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:” (KJV) Allow me, if you will, to preface my response…
But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Luke 5:8 NASB Go away – Peter’s reaction to being in the presence of a holy man is Hebraic. “Depart from me for I am a sinner.” Peter doesn’t flee. That…
