I was asked to speak briefly on these issues to a group of Christians following a Wednesday evening meal at the Oliver Creek Church of Christ, in Arlington, TN. It is VERY informal and brief. These comments are certainly not polished or extensive. There has been more interest in the topic of Hell in recent … Continue reading Reflections on Hell, Location of the Dead, and Other Easy Questions
The Enchantment of Assimilation
The history of Israel, documented by both the prophetic and narrative texts, leaves little doubt that assimilation to the surrounding idolatrous values and culture was an easy path for most of God’s people. If Jesus’ own perceptions are to be trusted, and they are, then he also detected the almost inevitability of this when he … Continue reading The Enchantment of Assimilation
“Why Can’t Johnny Count?” A Needed Guide for Preachers (and Commentators) on Gematria (666/616), Isopsephism, and Counting
This should be the last post on this particular topic of gematria, isopsephism, and related areas for some time. However, there is so much bad information in preaching, in commentaries, in various Wikipedia articles, in DVD Bible lessons, and in cyberspace that I feel the need to point out some of the more widespread misunderstandings … Continue reading “Why Can’t Johnny Count?” A Needed Guide for Preachers (and Commentators) on Gematria (666/616), Isopsephism, and Counting
Part 3, Color Photos for Seven Congregations in a Roman Crucible
Hello Everyone, This URL will take you to a third (and final) page of color photos from the commentary. I am not including the ones that were never in color, like many of the coin photos, but the rest that are enjoyable to see in color. So, enjoy. Click this link, or copy and paste … Continue reading Part 3, Color Photos for Seven Congregations in a Roman Crucible
Part 2, Color Photos for Seven Congregations in a Roman Crucible
Hello Everyone, This URL will take you to a second page of color photos from the commentary. I am not including the ones that were never in color, like many of the coin photos, but the rest that are enjoyable to see in color. Due to the number of color photos I will not try … Continue reading Part 2, Color Photos for Seven Congregations in a Roman Crucible
King James I, the KJV, and John’s 7 Congregations
When writing my commentary on Revelation chapters 1-3, I finally reached the point when I could no longer vacillate about the title of my commentary. How was I to translate the Greek term ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia) that the prophet John used for each of the communities that he wrote? It has certainly been traditional to entitle … Continue reading King James I, the KJV, and John’s 7 Congregations
Molding Citizens for the Kingdom of God 