Category Archives: Understanding the Bible

Should we imagine the Bible to be outside of culture?

Posted on April 23, 2012 by PaulVK

Authority is neither outside of Biblical authors, or their historical context, nor does it bequeath them with omniscience. (BTW Jesus is not a Biblical author. He IS the word of God already.) In Christian theology part of canon is related … Continue reading →

Posted in philosophical reflection, Saved Blog Comments, Understanding the Bible | 1 Comment

A few things to consider about contemporary complaints about the Old Testament

Posted on April 16, 2012 by PaulVK

This from a comment I made in a blog discussion. It’s not a full treatment, just a few things to think about. I think your concern is VERY common one. I hear it articulated honestly and sincerely. 1. As Christians … Continue reading →

Posted in Understanding the Bible | Leave a comment

The Daniel 7 “Son of Man”

Posted on August 25, 2011 by PaulVK

This too followed a “Calvin in Common” conversation following up on my post on believing the resurrection. What do I mean by this Daniel 7 “Son of Man”? I am indebted to NT Wright for much of this (I think, … Continue reading →

Posted in Understanding the Bible | Tagged | 1 Comment

J.R.D. Kirk on Romans

Posted on April 29, 2011 by PaulVK

I find this kind of overview very helpful. Here are the links to Kirk’s blog posts on Romans http://www.jrdkirk.com/2011/04/23/law-in-romans-for-wrath/ http://www.jrdkirk.com/2011/04/25/law-in-romans-not-for-law-but-for-christ/ http://www.jrdkirk.com/2011/04/29/the-just-requirment-fulfilled/

Posted in Links, Understanding the Bible | Leave a comment

The Central Challenge of Discipleship: Recognizing Jesus

Posted on April 25, 2011 by PaulVK

The four synoptic gospels all seem to assume: 1. the historical existence of Jesus of Nazareth 2. Jesus to be a great teacher 3. Jesus to be a miracle worker 4. Jesus to be a sort of a prophet. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Reflection, Understanding the Bible | 1 Comment

Why we can listen to 52 sermons a year and never learn a thing

Posted on April 21, 2011 by PaulVK

Got a nice link from Bill Harris on an article about why clear communication isn’t always the best for learning. That link then led me to a good youtube link that talks about why students don’t learn from very clear … Continue reading →

Posted in Institutional Church, Links, theological, Understanding the Bible | 1 Comment

The Servant of the LORD in the Time of Trial

Posted on March 30, 2011 by PaulVK

In Luke 22:39-46 the emphasis is on prayer in the time of trial. In Luke 22:47 that time of trial comes upon them while Jesus is still speaking. Luke more than the other gospels casts this scene as a conflict … Continue reading →

Posted in On the way to Sunday's sermon, theological, Understanding the Bible | Leave a comment

All the Kissing of the Bible

Posted on March 30, 2011 by PaulVK

In my text this week Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss so I did a quick Bible search to find all the kissing of the Bible. 1. Most kissing in the Bible is family kissing, usually same sex at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Understanding the Bible | Leave a comment

Does Raising “issues” with the Bible destroy faith

Posted on March 21, 2011 by PaulVK

Another discussion from CRC-Voices on whether poking around with Genesis-origins, issues, etc. destroys faith. My experience is different. I think about it more like a marriage. It is common for couples when they marry to imagine that marriage will be … Continue reading →

Posted in Saved CRCVoices Posts, Understanding the Bible | 2 Comments

Why organic inspiration of Scripture is cooler

Posted on March 4, 2011 by PaulVK

This from a CRC-Voices discussion about Genesis Cosmology responding to the attempt to re-read the Genesis cosmology in terms of our modern conception of planets and solar systems. The irony of this approach is that in an attempt to preserve … Continue reading →

Posted in Understanding the Bible | Leave a comment