Author: John Paul
-
Tree of Good and… What?
Introduction Genesis 2 gives the second Creation story recorded in the Hebrew Bible. It is part of the beginning of the whole Bible narrative that explains why things are good… and bad… in the world. This story says the Creator rested Humanity in the garden He had planted in the delightful country of Eden. He Read more
-
Passing through Chaos Waters in Baptism
Introduction I listened to Tim Mackie and Jon Collins of the Bible Project talk about four major metaphors used in the Scriptures. In the episode, The Mountain Garden and Human Ideal, Tim spoke of the Creator being a Rock in the dry land where people live. He also said that the waters of chaos were Read more
-
Strategic Value of High Places in the New Testament
Introduction In a recent post, I wrote of the strategic value of high places in the Old Testament. I explained these as intersections of Heaven and Earth, where the Creator met with people to further His plan to make the whole Earth like Heaven. This time, I want to explain how the Creator’s Son embodied Read more
-
Strategic Value of High Places in the Old Testament
Introduction In any military battle, high places give one a tactical advantage over one’s enemies. The opposing forces have to struggle uphill to reach one’s position. It is also possible to hide reserve forces below the hilltop on the other side of the hill. (See the ultimate battle in The Patriot). In the spirit realm, Read more
-
Jezebel Embodied the Unfaithful People of Israel
Introduction I have been listening again to The Mountain series of podcasts from the Bible Project. Tim Mackie and Jon Collins discussed the ancient Middle Eastern concept of the Cosmic Mountain as portrayed in the Bible. One of these is Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted Israel with the reality of Yahweh’s power. He killed hundreds Read more
-
My Favorite Response Is “Yes”
Introduction I thoroughly enjoy occasions, especially in Bible study, when there is a choice between one perspective or another, and it turns out the best answer is “Both”. When asked to choose between two options, my favorite response is “Yes”. Who Is the Son of Man? Throughout the Hebrew Bible, from Genesis to Daniel, the Read more
-
How Did Early Believers Do Church?
Introduction During the early centuries of its existence, before Constantine allowed Christianity to become recognized as a legal religion, the followers of King Jesus met in small house gatherings. See Paul’s greetings to “the church that meets in [someone’s] house” at the end of some of his letters. As Tom Wadsworth teaches, these gatherings were Read more
-
What Is Right and Wrong?: Bring Others to Kingdom Morality
Introduction Throughout this series of blog posts, I have questioned people’s varied standards of right and wrong, instructed readers to not enforce their morality on others, encouraged the “strong in faith” to bear with those who are weak and to pray the work of Holy Spirit upon them. What is THE correct standard of right Read more
-
What Is Right and Wrong: Acceptance of Others’ Differences
Introduction One series of fantasy novels I read/ listen to often is centered around the Heralds and Companions of the Kingdom of Valdemar. These honest, others- serving Heralds answer to only the monarch of the realm, who also must be a Herald. They all, the monarch included, serve the various peoples of Valdemar, dispensing justice Read more