Recently, I was humbled by the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. I was humbled for the following reason: I've read the Bible through, cover to cover, many times. In various translations. Additionally, I've "camped out" in particular books and/or passages for months at a time. Finally, I've carefully studied … Continue reading The Width and Depth of Scripture
Biblical literacy
Don’t Read the Bible Through in One Year
I stumbled across this blog by professor, author, and defender of the Christian faith, Sean McDowell, and thought it was brilliant. Why? Because Sean offers encouragement to those who, desperately trying to read the Bible through in a year, grow discouraged and quit when they fall behind in the designated schedule. From the article: Why … Continue reading Don’t Read the Bible Through in One Year
Another Gospel: A Response to Progressive Christianity
I rarely consume a book as quickly as I did this one. Most often, I am reading three or four books at once. But, this one - perhaps because of the current state of North American church culture - was difficult to put down. My copy (as with any book I read) is now annotated … Continue reading Another Gospel: A Response to Progressive Christianity
Why Are There So Many English Bible Translations?
"Why are there so many English Bible translations?" I get asked that from time to time. The answer? So we can read the Bible. (The truth is, since the autographs (originals) of the Bible do not exist, every single Bible that’s ever been printed is, by definition, a translation.) But, it may be surprising that … Continue reading Why Are There So Many English Bible Translations?
What Is the Definition of Christianity?
"What's the definition of Christianity?" Have you ever been asked that question? If not, how would you answer it? How about beginning with letting God answer the question: For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received—that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was … Continue reading What Is the Definition of Christianity?
Jesus Was No Socialist
Mankind has never changed. The pharisees tried to make Jesus fit their agenda. The zealots tried to make Jesus fit their agenda. The Jews tried the same thing. And so on, and so on, and so on. So it is no surprise that socialists are trying to form-fit Jesus to their image. To do so … Continue reading Jesus Was No Socialist
Jesus Was Neither White nor European
Rioters are wanting to tear down statues of Jesus because he is “white and European." Now, I understand some of the reasoning: some churches have made Jesus white, republican and American. This, sadly, is true. But, it's the rare exception and certainly not the norm. Rioters, of course, themselves serving as judge and jury, have … Continue reading Jesus Was Neither White nor European
KJV vs. NIV: Don’t be Deceived by This Nonsense
The picture immediately below has been making the rounds on social media. Its message is fallacious, religious propaganda created to plant seeds of doubt regarding the reliability of modern English translations by those who woodenly - and ignorantly - believe the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is the only reliable English translation of … Continue reading KJV vs. NIV: Don’t be Deceived by This Nonsense
The Alarming Level of Biblical Illiteracy: Who Jesus Was, and Was Not
I teach and speak on this topic often. Sure, non-believers don't know a lot about the Bible. But, truth be told, neither do the majority of believers. It's heart-breaking. While the cursory reader of scripture envisions Jesus merely as a meek guy with great hair tenderly holding a lamb and visiting with children, the gospels … Continue reading The Alarming Level of Biblical Illiteracy: Who Jesus Was, and Was Not
The Decline of the Bible in North America
As a guy who spent 25 years in full-time Youth Ministry, I have a burning question that, with each passing year, weighs heavily on my heart and mind. But first, a disclaimer: There’s always debate between which is better: a digital copy of the Bible? Or one with real pages? One may be better for … Continue reading The Decline of the Bible in North America