Let’s not abandon her. But America must not ignore the “Palestinians,” either. I answer objections throughout the post.
Twelve Reasons the USA Should Support Israel
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Category Archives: Interpreting the Bible
4 In Search of a Grand Biblical Narrative
The term ‘biblical metanarrative’ can also be used instead of a ‘grand biblical narrative.’ Either way, they mean an overarching storyline, the main story of the entire Bible from Genesis to the Revelation. Is there one? If so, what is it?
Plucking Grain on the Sabbath
Bible Study series: Matthew 12:1-8. Did they really break the Sabbath or just the traditions built around it, functioning like a wall to protect it?
Be Balanced and Avoid Hyper-Teachings
This is a huge problem in the church, particularly the charismatic branches. .
Why Our Churches Must Consider Communion Elements and Baptismal Waters As Sacred
No doubt dozens of professional theologians have thought of this before. But it struck me just recently.
New Testament Must Always Filter Old Testament
American Bible teachers appear confused about biblical interpretation between the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT).
False Prophets in Sinai Covenant and Imperfect Prophets in New Covenant: Life and Death Differences
Youtube critics daily, it seems, call for the blood of Christian prophets who are mistaken about some of their prophecies. The critics read Deuteronomy 13 and 18 and sarcastically demand the death penalty for their ministries. But what did Paul say about their mistakes? Let’s do a side-by-side comparison of the OT and the NT.
Do Christians Have to ‘Keep’ the Ten Commandments?
Do we ignore the Old Law so we can be free to live as we wish in the New Covenant? What about Christian Sabbath keeping? What does the Bible really say?
What Does the New Covenant Retain from the Old?
How much continuity and discontinuity is there between the New Covenant and the Sinai Covenant? This article is designed to answer the confusion between hyper-grace on the one side and legalism on the other.
The ‘Seven Spirits of God’ and American Prophets and Pastors
There is a teaching circulating through the American church, particularly in the prophetic community, that prophets (and others) can “exercise” the “seven spirits of God.” What about this?
Law versus Gospel
It is important to distinguish law from the gospel. If we don’t, we’ll get confused about how to walk the walk.
Does God Cause Natural Disasters to Punish People Today?
Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes and tsunamis—natural disasters slam humankind every year. Did God do that? What does the Bible say? Two different covenants make all the difference—a progressive revelation.
How Jesus Christ Fulfills the Law: Matthew 5:17-19
Christ fulfilled or paid off your debt to the Law. It’s paid in full. He accomplishes this by fulfilling the holiness demand in the law and the fullest revelation of God’s character.
How Christians Should Interpret the Old Testament
When the Old and New Testaments are interpreted carefully and rightly, using Scripture to interpret Scripture, this truth will emerge: Jesus Christ fulfills the old law, in many, many areas.
8. Postmodernism and the Bible: Conclusion
This article is the conclusion to the series on postmodernism and the Bible. A good summary of the entire series.
7. Interpreting the Bible and Finding the Truth
The words “the truth” will shock postmodernists and deconstructionists. Good. But it asks: How do we study and interpret the Bible? How do we find truth which really is out there, around us? This post is a simple reply to claims of unsolvable ambiguities in the Bible.
6. The Reconstructed Jesus: What the Bible Actually Says
It is now time to counter the extreme views spelled out in Part Five. Who was Jesus, really?
5. The Deconstructed Jesus
Deconstruction overturns privileged hierarchy and meaning. Defenders promise us that they do not practice Anything Goes in their deconstruction of texts. Do they keep their promise? How do we verify it? Click on this link only if you have courage.
4. Deconstruction: A Primer
Do you want to know what deconstruction really is? Read about it from its practitioners.
3. Postmodern ‘Truth Soup’
Postmodernism has produced all sorts of confusing interpretations of Scripture. For the postmodernist, Scripture has turned into a pot of stew.
2. The Origins of Postmodernism
Does postmodernism spring out of the head of Zeus unconceived or misconceived? Or does it carry a heavy debt on its back to earlier movements and trends?
1. Postmodernism and the Bible: Introduction
So begins an eight-past series. In the late 1980s or early 1990s, a pastor reported this conversation (as I recall it) between him and a woman from his large congregation. She apparently wanted him to approve of something.
Ten Commandments: God’s Great Compromise with Humanity’s Big Failure
That’s a shock. Aren’t we supposed to obey the Ten Commandments? Well … only if you don’t do something else first.
Cosmic Disasters = Apocalyptic Imagery for Judgment and Major Change
“Four blood moons!” said popular books. If we interpret the following passages literally, then the cosmos (earth, sky, heavens, stars, worlds, seas, planets, sun, moon, and so on) would not exist as we observe it today. Instead, let’s use wisdom to interpret the Bible in its context.
Grace to You
Paul begins and ends each letter with grace. Great for your personal edification or a series in a Bible study or sermons.
Alternatives to Grace?
What are those alternatives? Only one man, inspired by the Spirit, turned the problem and solution on its head.
Two Approaches In Interpreting Scripture
One approach says, “Just do it!” The other one says, “It’s already been done.”
What Is Biblical Imputation?
Hint to its meaning: Think about it and take it on credit.
The Law Teaches Virtue and Restrains Vice
Several years ago, my city installed cameras at various intersections, and I got caught three times. I “miraculously” became an awesome driver!
Law versus Grace
The New Testament issues all sorts of commands and imperatives that many of us can’t live up to. What then?
Being Justified in Paul’s Epistles
What does “being justified” mean? Acquittal in law court, put right in a covenant, or both, or what?
Paul Quotes the Old Testament
This study looks at the Old Testament passages that Paul quotes in his writings, and the post places the references in categories.
The Law in Paul’s Theology
The “Grace Revolution” must adequately deal with this topic, for a change.
Law in the Epistle to the Romans
How does Paul use of the Old Testament in this most important epistle? Does he put people under the Old Covenant, by referring to its Scriptures? If not, then why borrow from them in the first place?
Interpreting the Bible and Accommodation
God accommodated humanity when he inspired ancient authors to write infallible Scripture to ancient people. Now we follow him by accommodating ancient Scripture when it seems to make scientific claims about the world of nature.
Augustine Says No to Silly Interpretations of Genesis
Augustine lived from 354 to 430. He was easily one of the most profound thinkers who ever lived. His words are relevant today.
Works Cited
Here is a list of the principal works referenced or used at this site. More will be added as time goes on, so please check back.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 