by admin | Apr 16, 2017 | Deuteronomy, Section Three, The Fear of the Lord
In this essay I’ll consider three occurrences of yârêʼ (תירא), the first two very briefly. They simply mean fear, the fear of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more they can do.[1] Numbers 21:33-35 (NET) Deuteronomy 3:1-4 (NET) Then they turned and...
by admin | Mar 6, 2017 | Paul's Religious Mind, Section Three
My gift is showing mercy. Also, I’m an outsider in many ways. I was persona non grata when I returned to my childhood church, ostensibly because my wife divorced me, but the impossibility of repentance after apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-6) is an ever-present...
by admin | Mar 22, 2016 | Condemnation or Judgment?, Section Three
My bias that—He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked[1]—prophesies Jesus’ return to earth to preach the Gospel effectively (as opposed to executing people for a thousand years) led me to investigate...
by admin | Apr 24, 2015 | My Reasons and My Reason, Section Three
I am persuaded that the primary meaning of πορνεία in the New Testament refers to ancient idolatrous worship practices. It can be stretched to mean adultery in general (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7 NET Table): For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away...
by admin | Feb 6, 2015 | Chapter 12, Do not lag in zeal, Love, Romans, Section Three
I am continuing my attempt to view—Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord[1]—as a definition of love (ἀγάπη) rather than as rules. This particular essay is focused on the story of Jesus feeding five thousand plus people in the light of his...