How can we know what it means? Context! I was reading the local newspaper, and I came across the word “trunk.” What does that mean? Does it mean a luggage trunk, an elephant trunk, or a car trunk? You won’t know until you read the “context” of the word. What is...
The Question of Misinterpretation Have you ever experienced a moment when you completely missed the point of a conversation? It’s a common situation. Children often face the disappointment of failing a test or assignment simply because they didn’t understand the...
Introduction How important is the Jewish context when interpreting the Bible? It is safe to say Jews wrote at least 100% of the Old Testament and 90% of the New Testament; however, Luke used Jewish eyewitnesses and sources to write his gospel. Therefore, it would be...
Is hermeneutics an art or a science? This question stumps some people when it comes to interpreting literature. Therefore, it is appropriate to answer this question by examining both the art and the science side of biblical interpretation. The short answer is...
Introduction Do people need to know hermeneutics? Most people when they are confronted with the word hermeneutics ask, “Who is Herman the nudist?” They get the wrong idea. Hermeneutics is the art and science of interpreting literature. When one wants to interpret...
Jesus Never Changes, So Tongues are for Today Is this a valid argument? “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The following argument is very often used for the current practice of the gift of tongues: “Since Jesus never changes, then...
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light...
Text: John 3:1-21. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through...
“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2, ESV). Introduction Just recently, I listened to Jordan Peterson’s “Message to the Churches.”[1] Before I listened to this, I knew very little about the man. I was not...
“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 22:5, ESV). Introduction Andrew Rappaport really likes to stir the pot when it comes to Pride month. He...