Is the doctrine of creation a peripheral or secondary (or even tertiary) biblical doctrine? Some scholars opine that instantaneous, miraculous, divine creation as a doctrine should be exchanged for natural evolution. Others would soften the exchange and substitute theistic evolution–that at least keeps God in the picture, even if it removes the instantaneous and miraculous. […]
Creation–Peripheral Doctrine? Read More »
Good detectives build a solid case for indictment by gathering all necessary evidence from a variety of sources. Paying careful attention to details can resolve some of the most difficult problems. In the realm of biblical studies, the identification, nature, and use of inscriptions with psalms tends to be passed off as a waste of
Psalm Inscriptions: Inspired? Read More »
I know that I am saved, because . . . I am not like Cain (1 John 3:11-15). I do not hate others. I am like Jesus (1 John 3:16-18). I love others sacrificially. I love others selflessly. My heart says so (1 John 3:19-22). An obedient heart. A God-controlled heart. The Holy Spirit says
How Do I Know If I Am Saved? Read More »
Any search for mention of “rain” in the Old Testament finds it mentioned only in Genesis 2:5 prior to the rain that brings the Flood in 7:4. Therefore, many scholars assume that God did not use rain until that time–which would also explain why no rainbow was seen until after the Flood (9:13–16), since it
The Rain and the Rainbow: When Did They Begin? Read More »
In the week prior to Resurrection Sunday, the minds and hearts of all born-again believers turn to the marvelous redemptive work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His sacrificial death. It offers a great opportunity to consider the means of salvation throughout time–beginning in the Old Testament. A friend from long ago sent
Salvation in the Old Testament Read More »
[1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] (The earth was formless and empty, and darkness was upon the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the water.) Some expositors propose that verse 2 represents a gap in the record of creation events.
Is there a gap in Genesis 1:2? Read More »
A few years ago I posted the following Q&A entry on my website. Due to recent interest (see the Cripplegate blog), I have decided to repost it. Q: I am working through the Titus 1:6 issue (children who believe or faithful children). What support is there in this passage or elsewhere in Scripture for one view
Recently some biblical scholars have questioned the true height of the giant Philistine, Goliath. Their renewed resistance to the biblical record in 1 Samuel 17:4 arises out of a Qumran scroll among the Dead Sea Scrolls that contains a different reading that reduces Goliath’s height by three feet (nearly a meter). The Hebrew Masoretic Text
Was Goliath only 6.5 feet tall? Read More »
Q: I would like to know where, historically, would you place the Tower of Babel and Noah’s Flood and what effects those dates might have on ancient near eastern history. I have not found a reasonable response to a question about Genesis 11:10–32. From what I have read, the exodus occurred about 1445BC plus or minus.
Ancient History and Dating the Flood Read More »
I wanted to ask you if you know of any source that offers us any insight to the age of Solomon’s son (I’m assuming Rehoboam) when he shared these proverbs with him. We are assembling a class to teach parents about talking to their children about sex and sexual development and were hoping to use
Ages of Children Addressed in Proverbs Read More »
