Bible Study

Relating to Bible studies; either personal, group or quiet time.

When Do We Render Unto Caesar?

Denarius (coin) featuring the profile of Emperor Tiberius
Read time: 17 minutes

“Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” This phrase, from Matthew 22:21, has been used as a proof text of the separation of church and state; where the religious duty ends and the secular authority begins. Read more …

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Acts 10 Is Not About Food!

A curious pig
Read time: 9 minutes

A couple of months ago I was listening to a sermon by someone whom I respect and whose work I appreciate. He is faithful to the Bible and in building up the church. The sermon was on what it is that sets Christians apart from the rest of the world. He drew parallels with how the ancient nation of Israel was to be set apart (Deuteronomy 14:2). They were meant to live in a way which was distinct from their neighbours—metaphorically as well as spiritually—so that they could be a light to the other nations (Exodus 34:10). The laws given through Moses to ancient Israel was not a way to become holy, but to show their holiness (that is, that they are set apart by God to live according to His will). As such, we do not need to fret over individual laws and what they mean; indeed, as an example, in Acts 10 God abolished the dietary laws of the Old Testament!

Except, that He did not. Read more …

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A Case Study of Attentive Bible Reading: The Myth of Good King Solomon

The wise judgement of king Solomon
Read time: 12 minutes

In this article we are going to look at story of Solomon as an example of how subtle the Bible can be and how careful and holistically the Bible should be read in order to get the most meaning out of it, as intended by the authors. Read more …

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What is the Bible?

An open Bible
Read time: 10 minutes

In my first article on this series on the Bible, I chiefly looked at reasons why I believe everyone should read the Bible. I briefly touched on what the Bible is. In this article I want to explore further what the Bible is, particularly to the Christian, as well as what the Bible is not. Read more …

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Why You Should Read the Bible

Bible and glasses
Read time: 8 minutes

As we embark on a new calendar year, I want to begin with a series of articles about the Bible: what it is, how to read it, etc. In this first article in the series, I want to give some reasons why you, why anyone—whether Christian or not—should read the Bible. Read more …

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Why Don't Christians Keep the Old Testament Laws?

Read time: 9 minutes

A common attack on Christianity is that Christians do not keep (all) of the Old Testament laws. Examples are that certain foods may not be eaten (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14), there are prohibitions on how clothes can be made (Leviticus 19:19) and there are a bunch of rules and laws regarding skin diseases and mold (Leviticus 13–14). Yet virtually no-one who calls him or herself a Christian keeps—or even tries to—these laws. Yet they will readily admit that these were divine commandments given by God. So what is the deal with Christians and the Old Testament laws? Read more …

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Saul vs David

righteousness, king david, king saul
Read time: 3 minutes

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul's dynasty comes to an end when he is judged for making an offering on behalf of the prophet Samuel. With one act, Saul loses favour with God—so much so that Samuel tells Saul that God will replace him with someone "after [God's] own heart". Had Saul obeyed, then today we might have spoken of the house of Saul as we speak of the house of David, for Samuel said that if Saul had obeyed, "the Lord would have established your kingdom on Israel forever". Read more …

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Christianity Explained Course

Read time: 3 minutes

Wow, this year has just been crazy thus far. Between university and church, little is left other than exhaustion. At TBT, especially, we have a full program, as usual. And starting tomorrow a friend and I will be presenting a short course entitled Christianity Explained in the complex where we live. Read more …

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