hermeneutics – The Nicene Nerd

Is It Better to Be Single?

Throughout the ages, Christians have struggled with marriage. More than a few writers and pastors have taught a pretty negative view. For example, in some times and places, people have taught that marriage is basically a sadly necessary control for sexual passion. Sexuality is fundamentally corrupt, they imagine. So God had to find a way … Continue reading

Story’s End: Eschatology and What the Bible is About, Pt. 6

[This series is going very long. Here are parts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.] The Big Picture (Continued) A New Exodus With Jesus in the grave and the disciples scattered, times looked for dark for God’s people. Indeed, God’s entire plan seemed in disarray. How could God win back the nations? The Messiah was … Continue reading

Story’s End: Eschatology and What the Bible is About, Pt. 5

[This series is going long. Here are parts 1, 2, 3, and 4.] The Big Picture (Continued) The Son of David and the City of David Everything that Jesus was up to led Him to Jerusalem at the climax of His ministry. The royal city of David with the Temple of Yahweh: a fitting destination … Continue reading

Story’s End: Eschatology and What the Bible is About, Pt. 4

[This series is going long. Here are parts 1, 2, and 3.] The Big Picture (Continued) Jesus Arrives The climactic stage of God’s plan to reclaim the nations from idols finally arrived. By God’s Holy Spirit, the virgin Mary conceived a son. She named Him Jesus, Yahweh saves, for He would save His people from … Continue reading

Story’s End: Eschatology and What the Bible is About, Pt. 3

[This is a direct continuation of my previous post. Before that, part 1.] The Big Picture (Continued) A Time of Uncertainty Now back in the land, God’s people entered a strange time. They rebuilt the Temple and Jerusalem, but the glory cloud never came back. David’s city was restored, but David’s throne was empty. Pagans … Continue reading

Story’s End: Eschatology and What the Bible is About, Pt. 2

[This is a direct continuation of my previous post.] The Big Picture (Continued) A Son to Reign Israel continued lapsing into idolatry, despite all the seers and judges God had given her. But for each of them, Israel did fairly well during his lifetime. It was generally only at death that the slide back into … Continue reading

Story's End: Eschatology and What the Bible is About, Pt. 1

The Problem with Wrapping Up As any writer will tell you, it’s hard to bring a good story to an end. No proof of this should be necessary; TV has enough examples. Look what happened to Lost, Haven, or White Collar. A good ending usually has to conclude great conflicts, deal out deserved fates, drive … Continue reading

A Fantastic Saga Everyone Should Read

Fantasy, when done well, is one of the best genres of story. (Though when done poorly, it can be among the worst.) Some works of fantasy deserve to be read by almost everyone. But there is one particular series which I truly think everyone ought to read. Indeed, it would be of enormous assistance to … Continue reading

Jacob I Loved, Esau I Hated

Not long ago, I was reading Malachi when I was struck by a verse commonly quoted in the Calvinist circle. In Malachi 1:2b-3a, God tells Israel, “I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated.” The Apostle Paul later cites this in Romans 9:13. Calvinists often deploy it as evidence of individual, unconditional election. It … Continue reading

In Opposition to Christian Pacifism

I have had some interesting discussions lately pertaining to the topic of Christian pacifism. By this, I mean the view that Jesus requires that all Christians forsake all violence in all (or nearly all) circumstances. This can include self-defense, defending others, participating in the coercive power of government, and military service. Now, depending on your … Continue reading