Category Archives: 01 – First Things First

I have recently distanced myself from a local church, after working side by side with its pastor for fifteen years.  I was a fellow elder with men I have known and respected (and still do) for thirty years.  For over … Continue reading →

What does Paul mean when he tells Timothy that he should “rightly divide” the Word of Truth?  (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)  Other translations say it differently: “handling accurately” (NASB), or “plowing a straight furrow” (Phillips).  The word in the Greek language … Continue reading →

“Orthodox” thinking is usually contrasted with thinking that is “out in left field.”  So it is in theological circles.  Theological orthodoxy can be a very good thing, keeping believers from being ensnared by every false teaching that comes along, and … Continue reading →

What does it mean to “study” the Bible?  Here are some things it does not mean… Attend a Bible study group Read the Bible Meditate on the Bible Memorize the Bible Pray the Scriptures back to God Listen to preaching … Continue reading →

There are some reference books that any serious student of the Bible should have at hand.  Of course, there are many special-edition Bibles that include abbreviated versions of these tools, and they are handy when you are on the go.  … Continue reading →

Earlier I said that I believed that the Bible, in its original languages and copies, was inspired and inerrant (without mistakes).  But I don’t speak Hebrew or Aramaic, so I have to trust what another fallable human has translated into … Continue reading →

As you begin to take a deeper personal look at the Bible, I’d like you to consider a perspective of mine that has been hammered out in the school of hard knocks.  You may find it displeasing (especially if you’ve … Continue reading →

Some might accuse me of discarding parts of the Bible when I say we should look to Paul’s writings to learn how to live as believers today.  It’s often been said, “The Bible is all for us, but it is … Continue reading →

I believe what most conservative Bible-teaching churches include in their Doctrinal Statement, with a couple of exceptions.  Here’s a list: God exists, and wants to be known and loved by makind.  God exists as one God, yet in triune form (relating … Continue reading →