Romans, Part 43

So I ask, Paul began the eleventh chapter of Romans, God has not rejected his people, has he?1 referring to his fellow countrymen.2  In regard to the gospel they are enemies for your sake, he concluded finally, but in regard to election they are dearly loved for the...

Son of God – John, Part 5

Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s1 Portico.2  Religious leaders surrounded him and asked, “How long will you keep us in suspense?  If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus replied, “I told you and you do not believe (πιστεύετε, a form of...

Fear – Exodus, Part 3

The Lord said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews: “Release my people so that they may serve me!”’”1  This is the seventh plague on Egypt.  You are still exalting yourself against my...

Antichrist, Part 2

Before I could write about Lars von Trier’s movie, I had to return to what John the Apostle had to say about antichrist (ἀντίχριστος).  1 John 2:3-6 served as a preface and point of departure for that study. Now by this we know that we have come to know God: if we...

Romans, Part 42

For I do not want you to be ignorant (ἀγνοεῖν, a form of ἀγνοέω) of this mystery (μυστήριον), brothers and sisters, Paul continued, so that you may not be conceited (φρόνιμοι, a form of φρόνιμος; [παρ᾿] ἑαυτοῖς φρόνιμοι)…1  The Greek word ἀγνοεῖν, translated ignorant...

Antichrist, Part 1

I was introduced to Lars von Trier’s movies in a backhanded way.  A friend wanted me to watch “Melancholia” because she thought it was a waste of two hours of her life.  I suspected she was afraid I might like it and call her taste into question.  I was...