Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Category: Blog
Does God still speak through dreams and visions?
Quote: Greg Boyd on interpreting Revelation
Good quote from Greg Boyd: “…interpreting Revelation’s symbols as referring primarily to future historical events produces a multitude of contradictions and absurdities. To offer one trivial but clear example, when I first read Revelation as a seventeen-year-old recent convert in a fundamentalist church, I was troubled by John’s statement that all the stars fell from…
Quote: St. Augustine on the Eucharist
“I am not unmindful of the promise by which I pledged myself to deliver a sermon to instruct you, who have just been baptized, on the Sacrament of the Lord’s table, which you now look upon and of which you partook last night. You ought to know what you have received, what you are going…
“How have Christians missed this?”
I recently appeared on The Analytic Christian for an interview about end times-y stuff. I enjoyed the conversation and discussion very much. You can watch it below. Check it out!
Prophecy, Revelation, and Apocalypse
It was fun to be on the Behind the Curtain podcast recently to chat about my book, The End of the World as You Know It. Fun conversation! You can watch/listen below…
My interview at Logos Live
I was recently interviewed by Jason Stone at Logos Live about my new book, The End of the World as You Know It. It was a fun conversation. Check it out below…
A Collect for Grace
A Prayer for Wednesday: O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that, guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in…
A Response to Tucker Carlson on UAP and the Supernatural
I was asked to respond to Tucker Carlson’s recent statements about UAPs (aka: UFOs) with respect to the Bible and the supernatural. I offer a critique. Short story: (1) No, Ezekiel did not see a spacecraft; (2) Tucker’s conclusion seems rushed; (3) people experience strange things. We discussed a lot, and I encourage everyone to…
New Interview at RTB
I was recently invited to come on Jason Bastow’s show, Ring Them Bells, to chat about my new book. Many thanks to Jason for a stimulating conversation! You can watch the interview below.
Thy Kingdom Come: Rethinking the Darkness of Earth in Light of the Dawn of Heaven
Tradition has it that, in the beginning, humanity came from the ground. The play on words in the Hebrew Bible is poetic: Out of the adamah came the adam (Gen 2:7). In modern parlance, one might say the earthling came from the earth. Either way, the point is the same. Humanity is a humble derivative…
A Prayer for the Weak
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: I hold up all my weakness to your strength, my failure to your faithfulness, my sinfulness to your perfection, my loneliness to your compassion, my little pains to your great agony on the Cross. I pray that you will cleanse me, strengthen me, guide me, so that in all…
Interview at The Two Trees podcast
I was recently invited onto The Two Trees podcast to chat about my book, The End of the World As You Know It. You can listen to our conversation here: Two Trees: Interview with Matthew Halsted What People Are Saying… Book description:
An Interview with Steve Walton
In this episode of The Bible (Unmuted). I chat with Steve Walton, a Senior Research Fellow at Trinity, College, Bristol. Steve is the author of Reading Acts Theologically, which was published by T&T Clark in the Library of New Testament Studies series. He is currently working on an Acts commentary, which will be published as…
What hath Costco to do with Biblical Studies?
On Monday, Feb 19, I hopped onto the Disciple Dojo livestream to chat a little bit about my book (see video below – the reference to Costco makes sense after watching). It was a lot of fun! If you aren’t familiar with this YouTube channel, definitely check it out (link here).
The End of the World & Rapture Theology
Below is a recent interview I did at The Learning Laborers Podcast with Taylor and Denver about my new book, The End of the World As You Know It. Check it out below. Here’s the episode description, followed by a link to the conversation: Should our eschatology make us fearful or hopeful? Is there any…
Release Day!
Today my new book, The End of the World As You Know It, officially releases into the wild. And I have some super cool news to go along with that… I just received word from my publisher, Lexham Press, that the book is already in its second printing (their first round has been depleted). I’m…
An Interview About My New Book
Check out this interview I did with my publisher about my new book, The End of the World As You Know It. I share a little about why I wrote the book, what I hope readers take from it, as well as a few other things. Here’s a snippet: My hope for the book is…
The Hebrew Bible: An Interview with Robert Alter
My interview with Robert Alter was just published. You can watch it on YouTube or listen via audio on the podcast (links below). Enjoy! Audio: The Bible (Unmuted) is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, Amazon — and wherever you get your podcasts) YouTube:
New Interview on DiscipleDojo.
Here’s an interview I did with James-Michael Smith over at DiscipleDojo about my new book, The End of the World as You Know It (get your copy here). It was a stimulating conversation, and I enjoyed it very much.
“De Futilitate”
If you get a chance, check out C.S. Lewis’ essay “De Futilitate” (in Christian Reflections). It’s a fun read. Here’s a snippet, which gives us a window into how Lewis understood faith, doubt, justice, and morality. “There is, to be sure, one glaringly obvious ground for denying that any moral purpose at all is operative…
Celebrating Advent with Apocalyptic Eyes
The Advent season is about preparing our hearts for Christmas by reflecting on Jesus’ coming to the earth 2,000 years ago. (And it also involves anticipating what is to come in the future — awaiting the day when he returns again.) And as we reflect upon the coming of Jesus, we have to ask ourselves,…
On Walking
I went for a walk the other day and came across a cross. One might chalk it up as happenstance. Perhaps the wind blew these two sticks until they eventually married one another on this random path at just the right time before I chanced upon them. Or maybe it was by design. Perhaps some…
New SAET Article on Justification
Matthew Thomas recently published a new article on the doctrine of justification for the St. Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology. You can read it here. Thomas offers a well-rounded overview of all the important questions (and controversies) that have accompanied the doctrine through the years. I’m fascinated by the subject. It’s interesting to reflect upon not…
Nobody’s Mother
I’ve started reading Dr. Sandra Glahn’s new book, Nobody’s Mother: Artemis of the Ephesians in Antiquity and the New Testament. I’m a little more than a fourth the way in, and it’s fantastic. She’s a great writer, and if you’re interested in questions surrounding women in ministry or the cultural background of the New Testament,…
Latest Podcast Episode
In the my most recent podcast episode, I discuss Romans 9:14-33. Here Paul talks about God’s right to show mercy in the way he wants (with the same being said about divine hardening). To illustrate this, the apostle brings to the fore the story of Pharaoh, who God hardened. I connect this story, and the…
Have you heard about my podcast?
If you haven’t had a chance yet, check out my podcast, The Bible (Unmuted). The focus of every episode is anything relevant to biblical studies. Most episodes are either long form studies (we’re currently in a series on Romans right now). I also feature interviews with authors and scholars with the goal of connecting folks…
Would ET existence undermine Christianity?
I just published a new article at Premier Christianity on the topic of UFOs and ET. A lot of people are talking about UFOs, now known as UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena). And with the recent public hearing in the U.S. Congress, a lot of people will continue to do so. At the congressional hearing, testimony…
Reflections on Table, Time, and Church
When it comes to church, one thing I’ve learned is that “community” is important. In fact, the communal life is necessary. And by “community,” I mean more than a place for shop talk (as important as that is). I mean something along the lines of habitual participation, constant give-and-take, and sacramental union. I mean koinōnia. …
Science and Religion
Here is a conversation between Nick Spencer and Philip Ball on science and religion. Their discussion touches on a variety of topics: artificial intelligence, aliens, meaning, other minds, and even those aliens closer to home — namely, octopuses. Here’s the description, followed by the video: It’s a widely held view that science and religion are…
Live life in the slow lane
We often get frustrated with the speed at which God works in our lives (slow and steady). I suspect that, in part, it’s because we tend to interpret God’s ways in light of the speed at which we insist on living our lives (fast and hurried). The modern world is a very difficult place for…
Pre-order my new book!
I’m excited to announce that my new book is now available for pre-order. It’s entitled The End of the World as You Know It: What the Bible Really Says about the End Times (And Why It’s Good News). I’m excited to see this project come to completion, and I’m incredibly thankful to the good folks…
Podcast Series through Romans
I’ve started a new series through Romans on my podcast, The Bible (Unmuted). Here are the first two episodes below. If you find the podcast helpful, consider subscribing and sharing with your friends! You can subscribe via Apple, Google, Spotify, or Amazon. Romans: Introduction, Part 1In this episode, Matthew kicks off his extended series through…
Interview with Gary Habermas
This past week, I released a new episode of The Bible (Unmuted), where I chat with Gary Habermas about the resurrection of Jesus. Gary is a scholar on resurrection studies, and I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation.
New podcast episodes on Revelation
I recently launched a new podcast called The Bible (Unmuted). You can find it on Apple, Google, Spotify, and pretty much wherever you listen to podcasts. The past few episodes have been on Revelation, specifically about the mistakes we make while reading Revelation. The first two episodes are followed by a fun conversation I had…
Interview on UFOs, Aliens, and Paranormal Experiences
I recently did an interview with Preston Sprinkle about UFOs, aliens, and paranormal experiences that people sometimes report. Preston is a great guy, and I had a lot of fun chatting with him about this topic.
Why I think biblical scholars and theologians should talk about UFOs
Let me get straight to the point: I think biblical scholars and theologians should talk more about UFOs. Sounds crazy, right? But I’m not kidding. Admittedly, this topic is a strange one. A person can hardly think of UFOs without hearing the eerie X-Files theme song crawl through their head. It’s a topic often associated with tinfoil hats and quirky…
The Bible Unmuted: Episode 1
I’m happy to announce that my new podcast, The Bible Unmuted, is now live. You can listen to it wherever podcasts are published — Spotify, iTunes, etc (NB: as of today, it hasn’t yet fully propagated on Google podcasts, though). In this inaugural episode (below), I chat about what sort of show this podcast will…
Be careful when you read your Bible
Here’s something you might not have considered before: You will never be able to read the Bible objectively. There will always be some level of bias in play. To read the Bible is to interpret the Bible, after all. That’s why it’s wise to be mindful of the assumptions you bring to the text. The…
Are we losing our minds?
I recently started reading Dale Allison’s Encountering Mystery, a book packed with discussions about various religious experiences people sometimes report. It’s been a fun read so far. Toward the end of his chapter on prayer, he cites a study that caught my eye. He writes, “A few years ago, psychologists at Harvard and the University…
Bono and Franklin Graham talk about Jesus
In this article, Bono recounts a conversation he once had with Franklin Graham. It’s kind of funny and reminds me of a couple things: (1) some sectors of evangelicalism don’t quite understand the evangel (the gospel) or how to share it; (2) thank God for the renegade poets who do. Graham: “You … you really…
How to read the Bible
You’re not truly reading Scripture until you allow Scripture to read you. Do you allow the Bible to question your beliefs or do you read it in such a way that it always agrees with you? Do you simply treat the Bible as your personal answer book—a cache of weaponry you can deploy to support…
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How should we interpret the plagues of Revelation?
I recently published an article at Logos about interpreting the plague passages in Revelation. There are a lot of misunderstandings about these texts, and I thought it would be helpful to write up something that would shed some light on how to interpret them. Some people point to modern health crises (such as Covid, monkeypox,…
My new book has been released
I’m excited to announce that my book, Paul and the Meaning of Scripture, has just been released. Here’s the link to the Amazon page. This has been a labor of love, and I’m happy to see it published. It’s a project that, in many ways, began over ten years ago during my my master’s research.…
Why you should read the Apocrypha
I’m once again opening up David DeSilva‘s excellent introduction to the Apocrypha as I gear up for my Jewish and Greco-Roman Backgrounds of the New Testament class at Eternity Bible College. Here’s a link to deSilva’s book, Introducing the Apocrypha. My hope is that we modern Christians (especially us Protestants) would become more like the…
The Gospel of Beautiful Truth
Here’s what you don’t say when counseling someone who’s come face to face with evil and trauma: “God is in control” or “This was God’s will” or “God did this so you will learn something” or “We shouldn’t ask why ‘bad things happen to good people’ because there are no ‘good people’; we are all sinful,…
Playing with Theological Explosives: A Second Interview with Matthew J. Thomas
I had the privilege to once again chat with Dr Matthew J. Thomas about Paul’s well-known phrase “works of the law.” When Paul says we are not justified by “works of the law” (see e.g., Gal 2:16), what does he mean? Is he saying good works are not necessary for salvation? Or by “works” is…
Text Traditions of the Old Testament
Here’s a fun video from Mike Heiser, who answers the question, “Was there only one version of the Old Testament in ancient times?” Many Christians are unaware of the various text traditions of the Old Testament, but it’s certainly an important topic that I recommend getting familiar with. Here’s the video description, followed by the…
The Resurrection Story
*This is a slightly-altered version of an article I posted on social media this past Easter Sunday (2022). When Jesus rose from the dead, God-in-flesh looked death and evil in the face on our behalf and said, “No!” As a result, the empty tomb marks a decisive turn for humanity. The resurrection can’t be detached…
Revelation: An “endlessly fascinating text”
Revelation should be read often. It’s an important text, one that invites readers to peek behind the veil that separates the visible realm from the invisible. It offers a life-altering glimpse of ultimate reality, a summons to behold the truth about who’s really in charge of the world. The message of Revelation is, in every…
Paul’s Use of Scripture in Romans, Part 4
Here is the final installment of my series with Mike Heiser at The Naked Bible Podcast. It’s been a lot of fun chatting with Mike these past few months about the Old Testament’s messianic profile. As we’ve discussed throughout the series, knowing that profile is essential if we want to understand how New Testament authors…
Paul’s Use of Scripture in Romans, Part 3
Here is Part 3 of my series with Mike Heiser at The Naked Bible Podcast. Episode Description: In the preceding episodes, we’ve seen how Paul reconfigures Old Testament faith, faithfulness, and Torah keeping in light of the work of Jesus and his own encounter with the risen Christ. In this episode we look at how Paul…
Paul’s Use of Scripture in Romans, Part 2
The latest installment of The Naked Bible Podcast takes us back to Romans for a second time. In the following episode, Mike and I chat about how Paul employs the Abraham story in Romans 4. I discuss how Paul’s exegesis of Genesis and his christological assumptions work together to further his larger argument about justification.…
Paul’s Use of Scripture in Romans, Part 1
Mike Heiser and I have been talking a lot about the Old Testament’s “messianic profile” in several episodes at The Naked Bible Podcast. We wanted to do this because it’s so foundational for understanding Jesus’ ministry in the New Testament. It’s also important for understanding the way in which New Testament writers (such as Paul)…
Election and Messianism in Malachi
In previous episodes of the Naked Bible Podcast, Mike and I spent a lot of time observing how the Old Testament builds a “messianic profile.” It’s important for readers of the New Testament to have a working knowledge of that profile because it aids in understanding how, exactly, Jesus of Nazareth brings the biblical story…
“The Messiahs in Daniel 9”
In this episode of The Naked Bible Podcast, Mike and I return to the book of Daniel. This time we explore Daniel 9, which contains a passage where the word “messiah” (“anointed one”) is used a couple times, along with the verb “to anoint.” Are these prophecies about Jesus? How does this passage contribute to…
The Son of Man in Daniel 7
In this episode of The Naked Bible Podcast, Mike and I talk about “the Son of Man” in Daniel 7. Here’s the description of the episode, followed by a link where you can listen: In the previous episodes with Dr. Matt Halsted, we discussed how trying to articulate the Old Testament’s messiah merely by appeal…
The Messianic Story, Part 3
In this episode of The Naked Bible Podcast, Mike and I discuss Isaiah’s “Servant” as it relates to the “messianic profile” that we’ve been observing in the Old Testament. Here’s the description: In the previous episodes with Dr. Matt Halsted, we discussed how trying to articulate the Old Testament’s messiah merely by appeal to passages…
The Messianic Story, Part 2
Below is the fourth installment of my ongoing series with Dr. Michael Heiser at The Naked Bible Podcast. Throughout this series, we have been discussing the “messianic profile” that is constructed in the Old Testament. Both Mike and I have said this profile cannot be reduced down to just those instances in the Old Testament…
One Purpose of the Psalms
One purpose of the Psalms is to liberate us from the lie that says we, as people of faith, can never ask God the tough questions. The truth is that faith-filled prayer isn’t characterized by ignoring the reality of our pains, fears, questions, and doubts. On the contrary, true faith acknowledges them and pours them…
Tracing the Messianic Story on the Naked Bible Podcast
Here’s the third installment of my ongoing series with Dr. Michael Heiser at The Naked Bible Podcast. This was a fun episode. As we continue to discuss the Old Testament’s messianic profile, we start by recognizing key motifs that occur throughout the Old Testament itself. In this episode, we talk about the “offspring” motif, which…
Conversations with Mike Heiser
I’ve been honored to chat with the well-known biblical scholar Mike Heiser at The Naked Bible Podcast these past two weeks. Mike is a hero of mine, and it’s a real blessing to be on his show. We are currently in the middle of doing an extended series on Paul’s use of the Old Testament.…
Andrew Judd on Gadamer, Genre Theory, and Biblical Interpretation
If you’re interested in biblical interpretation and hermeneutic theory, check out this great conversation between Ian Paul and Andrew Judd. Andrew recently finished his doctoral thesis on Hans-Georg Gadamer, genre theory, and biblical interpretation. His work looks fascinating. Below is a snippet from the interview. Commenting on the value of Gadamer’s hermeneutics for interpreting Scripture…
Don’t Make this Mistake When you Read the Bible
What is a common mistake people make when they read the Bible—particularly the creation stories in Genesis? They forget that it is an ancient text. Why does this matter? Because ancient literature, like modern literature, is embedded with the assumptions of its own time. If we read ancient texts merely from the perspective of our…
Another Good Resource on Revelation
In my last post, I mentioned Michael Gorman’s Reading Revelation Responsibly. That book is definitely one you need to own. Another book on Revelation that I highly recommend is J. Nelson Kraybill’s Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation. It’s been a while since I’ve read it, but it left…
A Good Resource on Revelation
If you’re looking for good, accessible resources for understanding Revelation, Michael Gorman’s book would be among them. Its title captures our calling as Christians: We are to be responsible interpreters of the Bible. This is especially true for Revelation. Through the years, Revelation has often been subject to careless and irresponsible interpretations. (Some of the…
Do you suffer from Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia?
A lot of people are terrified of the number 666. For many folks, just looking at the number can send chills down the spine. Sadly, ours is an age when fear of this sort is on the rise. I continue to meet people, for example, who are deeply frightened they will accidentally receive the mark…
Quote: Epistle to Diognetus
In the Halsted house, we like to read. A lot. We especially value reading out loud to our kids. Whether it’s the Bible or Lewis or whatever, there’s something about hearing the spoken word that is so captivating—and relaxing, especially at the end of the day (the Bible is the best book to read out…
C. S. Lewis and Making Contact with Aliens
I have always been a fan of C. S. Lewis. His punchy lines and pensive reflections are something to be admired. My favorite book, by the way, is his Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold. It should be required reading, especially for those who have loved-ones (i.e., all of us). At any rate, I…
A Conversation with Dr. Matthew J. Thomas
In this video, I chat with Matthew J. Thomas (DPhil, University of Oxford). His book Paul’s “Works of the Law” in the Perspective of Second-Century Reception has received high acclaim and continues to generate discussion among those working in Pauline studies. My conversation with Dr. Thomas centers around the doctrine of justification and how thinkers…
Interview on the Mark of the Beast
I was recently invited by Neil Boron to come on his radio show to talk about the so-called “mark of the beast.” We talked about a range of things related to that topic–including the historical context of Revelation, as well as the various rumors floating around that the mark has something to do with Covid-19…
Money, Money, Money
I have been thinking a lot about money and it’s relationship to society in general and to Christians in particular. I’m not sure we think about (and question!) many of our assumptions about this relationship as much as we perhaps should. At any rate, here are a few quick thoughts… Our relationship to money often…
Video Resource: Isaiah, Part 3
Here is the third installment of my series on Isaiah. In the video below, I chat about an important feature within the book of Isaiah, namely, the Servant Songs. Enjoy!
What is the Bible?
I have read many books in my life, and many of them have had a tremendous impact on me. But none of them compare with this fascinating collection of texts that we call “the Bible.” Many people from all walks of life have found within its pages comfort, peace, and wisdom. From “In the beginning”…
Video Resource: Hermeneutics (a brief introduction)
This video offers a brief introduction to hermeneutics with special attention given to biblical hermeneutics. I talk about a host of things: What is hermeneutics? What causes misunderstandings of the Bible? How should we read the Bible? I pray this video is encouraging to you!
Video Resource: Isaiah, Part 2
Below is part 2 of a series of videos I recorded on Isaiah. This video explores one of the major themes in the book of Isaiah. I pray it’s encouraging to you!
Video Resource: Isaiah, Part 1
As part of my video series on Old Testament prophetic literature, below is an introduction to the prophet Isaiah. In this video, I introduce Isaiah’s life, ministry, and important themes. I also chat briefly about the importance of placing Old Testament prophets (like Isaiah) within the larger story of Israel. Enjoy!
“How Preaching is Usually Taught in Seminary”
My Doktorvater, Thorsten Moritz, posted a fun video today. To say the least, he offers thoughts worth considering! Here is the video, followed by its description: The most widespread method taught in seminaries to move from Bible text/Jesus story to Sunday sermon is called principlizing. You gain an anemic principle with clickbait potential at the…
What is interpretation?
Below is a great quote from Joel Weinsheimer, who reflects on the hermeneutic theory of the great German philosopher, Hans-Georg Gadamer. I did my PhD on Gadamer’s hermeneutics, and if you’re at all interested in the subject of interpretation, you’ll need to read his important work Truth and Method. In the meantime, enjoy this fun…
Introduction to Old Testament Prophetic Books, Part 3
In this video, I continue my introduction to the prophetic books of the Old Testament. You can find the first two videos here and here. In the third installment below, I offer personal reflections about how studying the prophets has helped me in my ministry and deepened my personal faith. I chat specifically about Isaiah,…
Introduction to Old Testament Prophetic Books, Part 2
In this video, I continue my introduction to the prophetic books of the Old Testament. You can find the first video here. In this follow-up video, I offer thoughts on how to understand the nature of prophecy in the Old Testament—specifically as it relates to Jesus and the New Testament.
Introduction to Old Testament Prophetic Books, Part 1
In this video below, I give a brief introduction to the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. I discuss briefly what a prophet was, as well as the the ways in which some scholars classify the OT prophets (e.g., “pre-classical” prophets and “classical” prophets). I also chat about the popular division of the prophetic books…
What does Paul mean by “Works of the Law”? An interview with Matthew J. Thomas
I am delighted to post a fun interview I recently conducted with Matthew J. Thomas (DPhil, University of Oxford). Matthew is the author of the highly-acclaimed Paul’s “Works of the Law” in the Perspective of Second-Century Reception. I read this book over the Christmas break, and I found it to be a fantastic treat. Matthew’s…
Sign up for a FREE Preview Class from Eternity Bible College
I am excited to announce two preview classes sponsored by Eternity Bible College. Both of these classes are—drum roll, please—FREE to anyone who signs up! Both of these classes are perfect for small groups, Sunday school classes, and individuals. We will be live-streaming the classes, too. So, no matter where you might live, you will…
A Prayer for the Church
From the Book of Common Prayer: Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic Church. Fill itwith all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt,purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it isamiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is inwant,…
Top Ten Posts of 2020
I am thankful to the Lord that he continues to open doors for me to teach, write, and share my work online. God is good! Before we step into the New Year, I thought I would share the top ten posts of 2020. If you haven’t done so already, take a few moments to check…
Handel: Messiah, For unto us a child is born (Sir Colin Davis, Tenebrae, LSO)
If you find my writing helpful and encouraging, please check out my Patreon page for ways you can support my ministry. Here’s the link: Patreon.com/MatthewHalsted
Should Christians allow their children to believe in Santa Claus?
Every year around this time, the question of Santa Claus tends to come up. Families who seek to raise their children in the faith of Jesus Christ want to spend Christmas focusing on one thing: The arrival of the Savior. They want their children to dedicate their lives to King Jesus without compromise and with…
Video Resource on the Book of Psalms
Years ago, I remember having a conversation with my grandma. We were talking about scripture and our favorite passages. In the course of that conversation, she made the comment, “There is a lot of comfort to be found in the Psalms.” I was just a young chap when we had this conversation, and since then,…
Does the Bible Forbid Christians from Drinking Alcohol?
In the latest installment of Practical Theology, we tackle the topic of Christians and alcohol consumption. This is a very controversial question for many Christians, especially for conservative evangelicals of the American variety. Many believers are staunchly opposed to the idea of drinking. In my own tradition (Baptist), a lot of pastors and church folks…
The Benefit of Studying at Eternity Bible College
I absolutely love my ministry at Eternity Bible College. I have the privilege of teaching students from all over the world. This has proven to be an immense blessing to me. I recently filmed a video talking about our “global classroom” and the benefit it offers our students. Here is a snippet from the transcript:…
Should Christians Get Tattoos?
In the latest installment of Practical Theology, we chat about tattoos. Is it a sin to get a tattoo? Does Leviticus 19:28 forbid Christians from getting inked up? In the video below, I also touch briefly on the broader question of interpreting the Old Testament and its commands. How should we interpret Old Testament law…
Why Should We Give Thanks?
Here is another installment of Practical Theology, an ongoing series of videos that addresses common questions and topics. Because it is Thanksgiving this week, we thought we would chat about what it means to give thanks. What are we really doing when we give thanks to God? What are we really doing when we fail…
Do You Doubt God?
I have long considered Jeremiah 20 to be one of the most transparent passages in all of Scripture. It is a chapter that contains the heart and soul of the prophet’s true self. Having been physically beaten by the priest Pashur and subsequently jailed, Jeremiah utters a prayer to God that is full of doubt…
A Sermon on Two Parables: The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Value
I was blessed to preach at New Life Bible Church (Norman, OK) this past weekend. My sermon was taken from Matt. 13:44-46. The video is embedded below. I pray it is an encouragement to you—no matter where you are on your journey with Christ.
John MacArthur on the Mark of the Beast
Currently, I am in the throes of writing a book on the end times. When it comes to this topic, the “mark of the beast” tends to get a lot of attention. In some corners, sadly, much of that attention is fueled by needless fear and anxiety. As I discuss below, I think a lot…
Another reason to love Eternity Bible College
I am blessed to be part of Eternity Bible College (EBC). It’s an incredible ministry in so many ways. Since the beginning, EBC has worked hard to provide in-depth biblical/theological education in a way that was financially accessible and debt-free. To this day, that is still very much our goal. It is, in fact, one…
Is the Bible Sexist?
This is a question that comes up a lot. Some of Paul’s writings on gender relations, for example, cause a bit of consternation in folks. Take his letter to the Ephesians. There Paul uses the language of submission to describe a wife’s posture toward her husband. He says, for example, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as…
Andrew Bartlett on the ‘Worst NT Translations Relating to Women’
If you get a few moments, I recommend you read through Andrew Bartlett’s 4-part series on the “Worst NT Translations Relating to Women.” Bartlett is the author of Men and Women in Christ: Fresh Light From The Biblical Texts. I haven’t read the book yet, but if his 4-part series on this subject is any…
Can we trust the New Testament?
Below is a short video I made with my friend, Pastor Jayson John. This is part of a series of videos where we tackle various topics and answer common questions people have about the Bible and the Christian faith. In this video, I took a few moments to answer a question about the New Testament’s…
Before you share on social media, read this…
Election drama is unfolding before our eyes. Now more than ever, we need calm and sanity. Every time I venture onto social media, it seems we are nowhere close to either one. This is due to a variety of factors—not least of which is the plethora of false information being shared. A lot of news…
Here’s How I Think You Should Vote
As you might have heard, Americans have an election today. Voters everywhere will be rooting for their candidate to take home the prize. The big win, they say, will be the Oval Office. Not only are we deciding on the next Congress and a variety of local offices, we are also voting on the next…
Video Resource on the Study of Job
The story of Job is an intriguing one. It’s a story about a godly, kind man who encounters an immense amount of suffering. The evil inflicted upon Job takes him by surprise–a multi-layered blow to his soul. The pain that he experienced was, at the same time, physical, emotional, and spiritual. In this vein, Job’s…
Is it important to know the cultural background of the Bible?
The answer to this question is absolutely! But many Christians are hesitant to say so. Though the reasons vary, a lot of these folks are concerned that such thinking undermines the Bible’s authority. Some wonder, Why do I need to know the cultural background of the Bible in order to understand it? Can’t I just…
Mission Work in Brazil
One of my students at Eternity Bible College, Nate Becker, is a missionary in São Paulo, Brazil. He and his wife, Jessica, are currently serving there, bringing the message of Jesus to everyone they encounter. Much of Nate and Jessica’s attention is focused upon serving the children living in the slums. These children live in…
Check out Eternity Bible College
If you are not familiar with Eternity Bible College, take a few moments to watch the video below. I have been teaching with EBC for a number of years, and I absolutely love it. As a faculty, we are committed to equip students to fulfill their calling to advance the Kingdom of God. The mission…
A King Worships Nero
The worship of Roman emperors is a well-documented fact that continues to capture the attention of scholars working in that field. I am fascinated by the subject, mainly because I’m currently in the throes of writing a book on Revelation, so it comes with the territory. At any rate, I thought I would make a…
The Gospel of Caesar?
Christians are familiar with terms like god, savior, and gospel. They are part of our liturgical lingo. We use them in every Sunday service to refer to the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. But what Christians may not know is that these terms were part of the stock vocabulary of pagans living in…
Exciting Course on New Testament Backgrounds
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a Christian in the first century? Do you want to take your understanding of the New Testament to a whole new level? If so, sign up for my 6-week, online class with Eternity Bible College. The fee is only $25/student (+textbook). If you are a…
“Before your face questions die away”
If you need a good book to read (not least in light of our curious times), I recommend C.S. Lewis’ Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold. It’s a risky little book on many fronts. Lewis offers a multi-layered invitation that, among other things, bids us to see the unseen, to embrace true love, and…
How To Read the Bible Faithfully: Three Things to Remember
The Bible is a fascinating book. Passed down through the ages, it remains a reliable guide for the church’s faith and practice. The Bible, though, is more than a guide. It is holy Scripture—that font of truth and wellspring of life, a source of nourishment for all. If the Bible is “holy Scripture,” and if…
A Message to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives
I was going through old blog posts, and I came across this one from a few years ago. In 2016, I was invited to be “chaplain of the week” for the Oklahoma State House of Representatives. It was a fun experience, and I pray folks were encouraged by what I had to say. Below is…
About that “Mark of the Beast”
Over at theLAB, I have written a follow-up piece to COVID-19 and The Mark of the Beast. In this new article, I offer reflections on the historical context surrounding “the beast” of Revelation, the number “666,” and a few other related items. One characteristic of many modern (popular) readings of Revelation is the tendency to…
What Does Covid-19 Have to do with the “Mark of the Beast”?
I am thankful to the folks at The LAB (Logos Academic Blog) for sharing my post “COVID-19 and The Mark of the Beast.” With the host of rumors and odd theories floating around the internet (not least on social media platforms), many sincere Christians are becoming increasingly concerned that “the mark of the beast” is…
Musing on Gregory and Plato
For all you philosophical-theological-Greek nerds out there, here’s something fun. As some have observed, Gregory of Nyssa’s On the Soul and the Resurrection is written in a way that mirrors Plato’s Phaedo.[1] A close reading of both show that this is correct. For example, Gregory utilizes the format so familiar to readers of Plato, namely, the dialogue. Gregory…
Of Marketing and Ministry
Some fifteen-ish years ago, I found myself racking my brain about what degree major to declare. It was a bit of a struggle. Sitting in my academic advisor’s office, I told him I wanted to “go into a ministry of some sort.” His immediate response was that I should go into marketing. After all, he…
Mike Bird on the Lord’s Supper
Over at his blog, Mike Bird offers his thoughts on the Lord’s Supper. Here’s a snippet: Francis Chan recently preached a sermon where he said that we’ve replaced the Lord’s Supper with “one guy and his pulpit” and he also decried the mere memorialism of such evangelical practice of the Lord’s Supper and the marginalization of the…
Interview on Pastoral Theology
Chandler Warren, a graduate student at the University of St. Andrews (Scotland), recently interviewed me on the subject of pastoral theology. We touch on a number of things–defining pastoral theology, the role of Scripture in the life of the church, prayer, etc. It was a fun conversation. You can check it out here: Interview on…
Thinking About Genesis 1-2, Part 1
Part 1: It is not necessary to interpret “days” as literal, 24-hour days. As I said in the introduction, I don’t have all the answers to questions about Genesis 1-2. I have much to learn, for sure. And so, I have decided to take a journey of sorts through these opening chapters of the Bible.…
Thinking About Genesis 1-2: Introduction
In today’s ideological climate, some sectors of both modern science and evangelicalism commune with each other about like oil and water. In other words, they don’t. When it comes to substantive issues, scientists and evangelicals have been known to disagree (to put the matter gently). Because both sides tend to have certain adherents who choose…
Near-Death Experiences: An Interview with Dr. Gary Habermas
This video is part of a larger project that my colleague, Dr. Alan Bandy, and I are working on. The aim behind these interviews is to compile research on various sub-topics that relate to the paranormal genre and supernatural experiences that people claim to have had. Our goal is to help folks understand these things…
Interview with Dr. Craig Keener
The video below is part of a larger project that my colleague, Dr. Alan Bandy, and I are working on. The aim behind these interviews is to compile research on various sub-topics that relate to the paranormal genre and supernatural experiences that people claim to have had. Our goal is to help folks understand and…
Thinking about the Love of God in Christ
One of my favorite passages in Scripture is the so-called “Christ hymn” found in Phil 2:5-11. There, we learn how God’s love for each of us is incredibly deep. Christ, the text says, “emptied himself” (v.7). So much to say about this! The cross was the way in which God put his love on public…
Alas, Discouragement
UPDATED: 5/19/21: A few years ago, a friend (and seasoned saint) came up to me and said that, during a hard season of depression, some in the church told her that mature Christians don’t struggle with things like that. “Christians,” they said, “don’t go through depression at all.” Sigh. Such statements are as dangerous as…
Show Grace or Stand for Truth?
I have been reading through the Gospels, carefully observing (the best I can) the way Jesus interacts with his friends, the crowds, and his enemies. If you study the ways of Jesus, you’ll notice that he never prioritizes grace over truth or truth over grace. Typically, his responses to the humble and lowly are tender…
Off-The-Cuff Musings on Faith, Hope, Love, and Tacos
My Bible reading this morning took me to 1 Thessalonians, and I was struck by a few things Paul had to say. When he writes to the Thessalonian church, Paul begins by extolling them for their Christian virtues – that is, for their way of faith, hope, and love. He says, “We give thanks to…
Tyndale Conference 2019
I am looking forward to the 2019 Tyndale Fellowship Conference in Cambridge, England. I will be presenting a paper in the Biblical Theology Study Group. The Study Group’s theme this year is “A Biblical Theology Perspective on Salvation.” Here are the details from the website: Soteriology is an exceptionally important aspect of Christian theology and…
Theology Matters Because Love Matters
When it comes to your relationship with God, “head knowledge” is so important. The whole “just-love-God-with-your-heart” motif won’t work. After all, you can’t possibly love God with your heart without knowing something about God in your head. To attempt to do so is nothing short of insulting, unloving, and nonsense. Let me explain. Suppose that,…
Want to Learn Greek?
I will be teaching a class beginning May 21. There are a couple of ways to participate–in person or remotely. For more information, check out the course information page at Trinityhaus.