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Study Guide: The Escape (Matthew 2:13-23)
Hosea 11:1-12 Hosea 11 is one of many Old Testament passages where God laments through his prophet over the numerous ways Israel sinned and turned away from their calling as God’s people. Jeremiah 31:15 Jeremiah’s prophecy was written just before King Nebuchadnezzar conquered the city of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Jeremiah spoke of a coming…
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“The Lord is Salvation”: The Meaning of the Bible’s Miracle-Births
Jesus wasn’t the first “miracle baby” in the Bible; there are actually seven people in the biblical account who were born by way of miraculous pregnancy. Isaac – Promised to Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 15) Jacob – Miraculously given to Rebekah, along with his twin brother Esau. (Gen. 25:19-23) Joseph – Miraculously given to Rachel…
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Study Guide: The Plot (Matthew 2:1-12)
Micah 5:2-4 Study Notes This is the prophecy of the prophet Micah. At the time it was written (between 750 and 687 B.C.) Judah faced a growing threat from the neo-Assyrian Empire. Micah interpreted the impending invasion as a wake-up call from God and a just punishment for the many injustices committed by the nation’s…
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Study Guide: The Incarnation (Matthew 1:18-25)
Read: Isaiah 7:14 Study notes At the time of Isaiah’s writing, Judah was under threat of attack and would eventually be conquered by the Assyrian Empire. In the midst of this dark period of Israel’s history, God promised to restore justice, peace, and order through a savior known as the Messiah (Hebrew for “anointed/chosen one”). …
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[New Podcast Episode!] The Kingdom Jesus Preached (Part 1)
Is the gospel simply about “getting to heaven when you die”? Anthony and I discuss Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of Heaven, and the full, biblical picture of what it means to be part of God’s Kingdom.
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The Rittenhouse Verdict Is Not . . .
. . . a moral victory for Christianity Exactly when the right to own a weapon, fight for personal liberties, and advocate for violent retaliation became entrenched in the American “version” the gospel, I do not know. I do know that none of these things have anything to do, at all, not even remotely, with…
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[New Podcast Episode!] Theologizing Life: Theology and Cinema
First off, I apologize for my inconsistency with this website over the last few months. Between teaching a course, working on some more schooling, taking care of my daughter, and spending time with family, I have not had much time to write. I do have a few articles in the works, but they’re still in…
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[New Podcast Episode!] Theologizing Life: Demons, Spirits, and Ghosts
A new episode of Theologizing Life drops today! Join our conversation about demons, ghosts, and supernatural realities in the biblical perspective: What does the Bible say, and how does a biblical theology of the supernatural affect Christians today?
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[New Podcast Episode!] Theologizing Life: Sabbath Rest
New episode drops today! Anthony and I discuss the origin and significance of the ancient practice of Sabbath rest, and how it relates to us as Christians today. Plus, find out where the best bathrooms are in the U.S.
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Mourn With Me
Cover Photo: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/08/17/world/taliban-afghanistan-news The tragedy unfolding for the underground Church in Afghanistan is a stark reminder to put your understanding of persecution in perspective. Most people of Western Judeo-Christian origin have never truly known it. Including myself. I pray that we never will. The crisis in Afghanistan is not ammunition for your political ramblings. It…