April 8, 2004:
Paul is often held up as the prime example and the prime source of guidance for modern Christians. Often this is to the detriment of the teachings and writings of Jesus himself. I am not, however, interested in attacking Paul. I would rather simply suggest a balance in how we use the words of Jesus and how we understand Paul. Paul was an apostle, and apostles are human. Paul never thought he was writing scripture; rather, he was writing pastoral (or apostolic) letters to churches he had helped to found. His writings are extremely interesting and important.
In this essay I want to examine Paul as an exegete.
Translation and Notes on the Two Creation Stories of Genesis
This is my translation along with some color coding and notes on the first two chapters of Genesis. This is not a complete exposition of those passages, but rather serves to illustrate some other material I have said and written on the topic.
The Jesus Quest: The Third Search for the Jew of Nazareth
Review of Ben Witherington’s book published by IVP. This is an excellent overview from the conservative perspective. See also Bibliography for the Search for the Historical Jesus.
The Participatory Study Method
The very most basic outline of the participatory study method possible. This method is designed to allow beginners to work deeper and deeper into the text without getting overwhelmed at the start. See also I Want to Study the Bible for more information.
Another college paper, this time my first look at revising my views of how to understand the book of Revelation. Paper presented in 1979.
A review and response to “The Invisible War” by the late Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse. I discuss some serious issues of Biblical interpretation in looking at Dr. Barnhouse’s approach to scripture.
Biblical Inspiration – My statement on Biblical inspiration. For all those who wonder how I can be a Bible teacher and not believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, neither in translation nor in the autographs, this is my answer.
March 17, 2003: This is the season when people make a special effort to get closer to God. You might say it’s a time to try to get more holy; more spiritual, if you please. It’s also the time for those questions in the church hallway: “What are you giving up for Lent?”
Stand on the Mount Before the Lord
March 10, 2003: (Repeat Classic Essay: On prayer and listening to God.) I was reflecting recently after a powerful prayer meeting on how we can approach getting more people involved in prayer. The meeting was great, but my burden was for the empty seats, for those who were not there. Why are they not there? Are we doing something wrong?
Bible, Biblical Inerrancy and Bible Translations
Another college paper, this time my first look at revising my views of how to understand the book of Revelation. Paper presented in 1979.
A review and response to “The Invisible War” by the late Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse. I discuss some serious issues of Biblical interpretation in looking at Dr. Barnhouse’s approach to scripture.
Bible Translations FAQ – Early
stages of an FAQ to answer the numerous questions I receive as a result of my strong opposition to, and even disdain for the KJV Only position. Expect expansion of this on a regular basis.
Biblical Inspiration – My statement on Biblical inspiration. For all those who wonder how I can be a Bible teacher and not believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, neither in translation nor in the autographs, this is my answer.
Short Historical Jesus Bibliography -
Collected for the Pacesetters Bible School seminar Understanding the Search for the Historical Jesus.
A college paper on Ezekiel 1.
Divine Being(s) in Ancient Israel A
college paper on the development of monotheism in Hebrew Scripture.
Psalm 104 – God, Creator and Sustainer
A graduate school paper on the structure and imagery of Psalm 104.
Stand on the Mount Before the Lord
A short essay on prayer and listening to God.
The Two Flood Stories: A Comparison of the J and P Accounts
A translation of the hypothetical J and P sources for the flood story in Genesis 6-9.
This is a book review written for my Energion Bookshelf site, but it also deals in some detail with certain points of my own beliefs regarding origins and with the weaknesses I see in young earth creationist arguments.
This isn’t a general, technical article, but rather my personal expression of religious faith. Fair warning!