Why read the Psalms; why are they such a treasure to us? What does "blessed" mean in verse 1? What is the benefit of meditating on God's law both day and night? How well does God know us? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23871753
Q&A: Honesty about Dependence
Someone recently asked me this question about my translation of the Greek pistis/eo (commonly translated as faith, belief, trust) as “honesty about dependence”. Question: Does the phrase “honesty about dependence” weigh the concept of faith toward the verb? Should “faith” not also hold the noun, as God’s gift? Answer: There is more to pistis/eo than can be … Continue reading Q&A: Honesty about Dependence
Podcast: 1 John 5:13-21
How do we know God hears us when we pray? What does it mean to pray according to Jesus' will or in His name? What is a good definition of sin? What is the sin leading to death, as opposed to the sin not leading to death, as mentioned in verses 16-17? How is it … Continue reading Podcast: 1 John 5:13-21
Podcast: 1 John 5:4-12
How can we be confident that our faith overcomes the world, as stated in verse four? Why is it important that Jesus came by both the water and the blood? What is the life that it is in God's Son, referenced in verse 11? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23811422
Podcast: 1 John 5:1-3
There is so much content in these three verses! What is lacking in most English translations of this passage? What is it to believe? What is essential in order to obey God's commands? Are God's commandments really not burdensome, as the text says? How does that align with the common view of religion? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23783171
Gifts from God?
Gifts from God inevitably bring challenges. Can that be right?? If so, are His gifts really gifts or traps? In the account (not parable) of Lazarus and the rich man, Abraham reminds the rich man, “… in your lifetime you received your good things” (Luke 16:25). Notice the expression “your lifetime”? The rich man collapsed … Continue reading Gifts from God?
Podcast: 1 John 4:12-21
How does the Greek grammar in this passage help our understanding? How do we see God? What verse would be especially good to keep with us all day? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23750528
A table in the presence of my enemies
Many people are familiar with Psalm 23 and take great comfort in knowing that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Certainly, the Word and Spirit of Jesus (His rod and staff) guide us through this world full of the shadows of valleys of death. But how many of us remember that our Good Shepherd “prepares a … Continue reading A table in the presence of my enemies
Podcast: 1 John 4:5-11
Who does "they" refer to in verse five? What is the source of love? What are the proper definitions of key words from this passage? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23399180
Podcast: 1 John 3:22–4:4
What is God's will for us? How do we test the spirits to see what is from God? Why is that so important in our culture today? How is Biblical Christianity different from every other religion? https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=23350793