Tag Archives: Scripture

Two Mistakes We Make Reading the Bible

Posted on by under Bible, hermeneutics, Scripture, systematic theology, theology

book and coffee

I love reading the Bible. I love studying the Bible. I love teaching the Bible.

I will admit I am not the best at teaching it. There are others that surpass me, surpass me significantly. Yet, after a sense of God’s call in my life in 2001 to teach the Bible, going to seminary, and now teaching the Bible for fifteen years both as a pastor and in higher education, I know it is one of my deep loves.

In these fifteen years of studying and teaching the Bible, I have encountered some interesting perspectives on studying the Bible – “prodigal thoughts,” if you will. I have embraced some of these myself, but over time I have learned there are better ways in approaching the study of Scripture.

In all, I would highlight two easy mistakes we make in studying the Bible. Continue reading →

The Misapplication of Jeremiah 29:11

Posted on by under Bible, hermeneutics, Scripture

bible

Yesterday, I saw some people posting a link to an article written by Dr. Russell Moore: Does Jeremiah 29:11 Apply to You?

I think Moore hits on some very good points. One point he emphasizes is how this verse is situated within the context of Jeremiah 29, as well as the whole book of Jeremiah. As Moore says himself: Continue reading →

Re-telling a Disturbing Story

Posted on by under Bible, Jesus, Scripture

jesus and scrollThe storied accounts of Scripture are there to challenge us, transform us, and shock us at times. However, we have become so acquainted with Scripture that we rarely have such encounters, me included. I’m not necessarily talking about a writhing moment of crying out at the top of our lungs in repentance, though that surely might be needed at times.

But many of these biblical accounts have lost their punch.

Knowing this, I like to re-tell stories at times. I’ve done this before with the Good Samaritan, so I want to do it again. Continue reading →

The Shack, Scripture, Ancient Jews, & Modern Americans

Posted on by under Bible, contextualization, culture, Scripture, The Shack

scroll

Yesterday, I posted an article with some details about the upcoming release of a film based upon the book, The Shack.

I’ve been watching interaction from a couple of different places on social media and, as expected, it is once again stirring up memories of the split-decision from 7-8 years ago when the book was released. Many see the value of the book; many see it as dangerous material.

Because of my recent work around the area of missiology (study of missions), I’m regularly thinking about contextualization. What does it mean to communicate the truth of God, the word of God in a particular context?

In one particular social media place, I offered some thoughts on contextualization of the word of God and so I thought I would post similar thoughts here. Continue reading →