Christian theology has a few thorny issues and the relationship of the Old Testament to the New Testament is one of them. In order to understand this complicated relationship, it’s essential to begin with Abraham. The Life of Abraham About two millennia before Jesus, God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a
Law and Gospel: From Abraham to Paul Read More »
An excellent illustration of mercy is given near the end of John’s Gospel. While Jesus was being interrogated by the high priest, Peter, one of Jesus’ three closest disciples, was waiting outside. As he warmed himself by the fire, Peter was confronted by a servant girl who accused him of being one of Jesus’ disciples.
Teaching Mercy: Peter Swims to Jesus Read More »
Slavery in the Old Testament poses a difficult challenge for Bible teachers. Granted slavery in the New Testament is a difficult issue as well, which I have written about here and here. But in some ways slavery in the Old Testament is a greater problem. In New Testament times, Christians could be found throughout the polytheistic,
Understanding Old Testament Slavery Read More »
The story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac is disturbing. While Abraham didn’t go through with it, he almost did, and he did so out of obedience to God’s command. So how should we teach this difficult story in Genesis 22? Here are four things to keep in mind when teaching the story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac.
Abraham Sacrifices Isaac—Almost Read More »
The Bible is a big book—about one-thousand pages long. In those pages many topics are addressed: God, creation, sin, salvation, warfare, and love to name a few. Because of its size and scope, the Bible poses a challenge to those who believe it. And that challenge is learning how to balance various biblical truths. Like
Biblical Balance: Putting the Emphasis in the Right Place Read More »