Book of Yahweh

So last week we discussed how the traditional penal substitution theology makes no sense. But I have written myself into a corner. If it’s not substitutionary method that saved us, what was it? Well, actually, we have a lot of Biblical backing for the idea of Christus Victor, my favorite theory of atonement. Christus Victor…

In my working on my 1 Corinthians commentary, I encountered a set of verses I really had accidentally skipped over. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. …

In Christian circles, you hear this phrase a lot “before time itself.” Often the more philosophical Christians will discuss how time was part of creation, and how God himself is timeless. However, this is honestly a silly notion. Now bear with me as this gets a little philosophical, but I think it is an important…

Kenny Rogers would be proud. The Church bus is loading up for a field trip to Las Vegas, where they are gonna earn some kiddy. Or at least that’s the plan, provided they win enough. But wait, a church going gambling? What? That never happens! Which makes you think. Why doesn’t it? The Bible doesn’t…

People are widely under the impression that Meditation is religious. It is especially associated with Eastern Religions and mysticism. But you don’t hear a lot about Christians and Meditation, and I just got started thinking, is it a Christian concept to meditate, or is it a pagan practice we should seek to end? More essential…

There is a widely held belief in Christianity, that you have to believe a set of truths in order to actually be a Christian. These are often listed as 1) the Deity of Christ, 2) Salvation by Grace, 3) Resurrection of Christ, 4) the gospel, and 5) monotheism, and sometimes the Trinity and Virgin Birth…

Alright! The day has come. It is officially time to address the Bible passage that most appeals to my strange sense of humor. Shall we? “He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go…

Christians sure like to throw this phrase around a lot. Humans are above animals, ‘because they are made in the image of God.’ Humans have souls ‘because they are made in the image of God.’ Jesus was sent to die for us ‘because we are made in the image of God.’ You hear it in…

Proverbs gives lots of advice on success and getting a fulfilling life that is both materially and spiritually secure. That’s why it is really odd when you get to Proverbs 31:6, which reads, “Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.” In other words, it sure seems…

Many of us have been told that one or another type of music is wrong. Some argue that music’s primary, or perhaps only legitimate purpose is worship. Other Christians tell you that music should primarily be soothing and induce positive emotions. These positions are mostly all bull. I’m sorry, but it shows a complete misunderstanding…