There Are No Lost Tribes
Paul the Apostle was from the tribe of Benjamin. In Luke 2:36a, we read about a widow named Anna who prophesied about the infant Jesus. “There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher.” The priests were from the tribe of Levi. The largest of all the tribes, however, was the tribe of Judah. We see these particular tribes mentioned in the New Testament (obviously excluding Revelation 7, where all the tribes are mentioned except Dan).
Discussion
“I am convinced that rejection of substitutionary atonement is a step toward liberal theology if not a sign of it.”
Body
“I gladly admit that I am simply bewildered whenever I meet someone who claims to be an evangelical Christianity but rejects substitutionary atonement as the latter is so intrinsically tied in with the former—historically and theologically.” - Roger Olson
Discussion
Russel Moore: Divorcing an Abusive Spouse Is Not a Sin
Body
“Abuse is much worse than abandonment…. Abuse of a spouse or a child is exactly what God condemns everywhere in the Bible—the leveraging of power to hurt the vulnerable (Ps. 9:18; Isa. 3:14–15; Ezek. 18:12; Amos 2:7; Mark 9:42; etc.).” - Russell Moore
Discussion
A Look Inside the New Issue of Credo Magazine: What does Plato have to do with Jesus?
Body
“…a long tradition before them—from Augustine to C.S. Lewis—considered themselves Christian Platonists…. philosophy capable of defending Christianity’s belief in an eternal, unchanging first cause whose goodness, truth, and beauty explain reality and give this life true meaning and purpose.” - Credo
Discussion
Deciphering Covenant Theology (Part 2)
Read the series.
I am still writing some introductory remarks about Covenant Theology. I still think that we need to say something more about how to orient oneself to CT thinking. If I just move to outline the three basic covenants of CT I will obscure an important truth that should be out in the open right at the start. That important truth is this: Covenant theologians do not begin their thinking with the OT. They do not start at Genesis 1. They start at the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Discussion
6 Wrong Ways to Approach Difficult Bible Passages
Body
“…avoiding these texts doesn’t make them disappear. Eventually you or someone you love will want an explanation.” - TGC
Discussion
What is your view of the Masoretic text in contrast to the LXX and Dead Sea Scrolls?
Most Old Testament translations rely on the Masoretic Text. Some sometimes modify that text based upon the Dead Sea Scrolls and even the Septuagint. Although I think most of us favor the Masoretic Text (MT), can the other traditions be of textual value?
We know there are many principles involved in Biblical criticism, so we are painting with a broad brush.
There seems to be a renewed movement toward respecting the LXX text as a tradition to be reckoned with.
So, what are your thoughts? Have your views on this subject changed? Comments (brief ones esp.) appreciated.
Discussion
Updating the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy: A Proposal
Body
“…should we concur with Geisler that the CSBI is in no need of revision? Has there been no positive advance in the doctrine of Scripture since 1978 that may help strengthen the CSBI for future theological and ecclesial use?” - TGC
Discussion