Frameworks: How to Navigate the New Testament

A brand new Christian who is sitting in the pew hears the pastor say – “Open up to Habbakuk 3:1” and has no idea where to even start looking for that book – or a seasoned Christian who has sat through innumerable sermons and Bible studies but wants to learn about the Bible on hisContinue reading “Frameworks: How to Navigate the New Testament”

Snodgrass on Reading Backwards

In light of Richard Hays fantastic new book, Reading Backwards, I’m sticking to the this weeks’s theme of “The NT use of the OT.” Here is what Klyne Snodgrass (Prof. at North Park) has to say about Understanding the Use of the Old Testament in the New Testament. [Here is]  A concluding list of suggestionsContinue reading “Snodgrass on Reading Backwards”

On Figural Interpretation

This week, I’m focusing a bit on the New Testament use of the Old Testament. I’ve been sort of inspired by Richard Hays fantastic new book, Reading Backwards.  In it he argues that we need to learn to recover a figural reading of the Old Testament, specifically we need to learn to do this withContinue reading “On Figural Interpretation”

Reading the Old Testament with Martin Luther

Why should we read the Old Testament? It seems pretty obvious to us today, but  in 16th century Germany there was a tendency to look down upon the value of the Old Testament. (No doubt Luther’s Law/Grace dichotomy had something to do with this…) Nevertheless Luther advocates for a figural sort of reading of theContinue reading “Reading the Old Testament with Martin Luther”

The Righteousness of God

What does Paul mean when he says, “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Romans 3:21a)? Romans 3:21-26 21 But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ forContinue reading “The Righteousness of God”

Book Review – New Testament Essentials: Father, Son, Spirit and Kingdom by Robbie Fox Castleman

As the person who oversees college Life Groups at my church I know how hard it is to find, write, or develop good small group/bible study curriculum. Over the years I have perused tons of Bible studies and small group materials, only to be fairly disappointed every time. However, Robbie Castleman’s New Testament Essentials aContinue reading “Book Review – New Testament Essentials: Father, Son, Spirit and Kingdom by Robbie Fox Castleman”

Tuning our Hearts to the Gospel Through the Psalms

Christians throughout history have always read the Psalms as containing hints and clues about Jesus Christ. This however usually boils down to a series of “proof texts” i.e. Psalm 2, Psalm 22, Psalm 72, etc. N.T. Wright agrees about the fact that the Psalms do in fact point to Jesus. Everything written about me inContinue reading “Tuning our Hearts to the Gospel Through the Psalms”

Book Review – Jesus Against the Scribal Elite by Chris Keith

I remember the first time I was publicly put to shame… Lets just say it isn’t easy being a Jr. Higher in a school filled with High Schoolers. I bring this up because High School/Middle School is one of the few social settings in the West that operates with honor and shame as a centralContinue reading “Book Review – Jesus Against the Scribal Elite by Chris Keith”

Book Review – From Jesus to the Church by Craig Evans

Craig Evans was my first ever professor at Fuller Seminary – he was teaching a summer course on the gospels. That was my first ever exposure to historical Jesus studies, and I have been hooked ever since. So when I was presented with an opportunity to review Evans’ book From Jesus to the Church: TheContinue reading “Book Review – From Jesus to the Church by Craig Evans”