(I alluded to this article in my previous entry on “Reflections on the COVID season”) In his class on the Doctrine of Man, my professor of Systematic Theology, Dr. Bob Strimple, quoted from a French writer and statesman, Andrea Malraux. Malraux fought against the Nazis during World War II and served as a cabinet member…
Read MoreReflections on the COVID-19 Season
Like so many others, this past spring and summer of 2020 was a growing and learning time for me. Painfully and regretfully so. As time progresses, these lessons may grow dimmer, so I wanted to record them and share them here with all of you (sorry, this turned out to be a much longer entry…
Read MoreShiloh of Genesis 49:10
There is no doubt that Old Testament kingship reaches its climax with the rise of the Davidic monarchy. What is also just as clear is that the promise of kingship did not begin with David. It goes back as far as Abraham. Recall that the Lord promised Abraham that “kings shall come from your line”…
Read MoreLessons from the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, Part 6 of 6: THE Seed of the Woman
Imagine, you are in the Superbowl. You are down by four points, but your offensive is on the field with only a few minutes left in the game. The opportunity of a lifetime – you can win this game and the championship, but you are ninety yards away from the game-winning—no, Championship-winning—touchdown. After executing a…
Read MoreLessons from the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, Part 5 of 6: Christ for All Sinners
Family relationships are very complicated. Is that not stating the obvious?! Well, Jesus’s genealogy shows some of that as well. We already looked at the inclusion of a few women, which was mildly unexpected. That isn’t the truly odd thing. There are two more curious names included in His genealogy that is very curious. A…
Read MoreLessons from the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, Part 4 of 6: Christ for All Nations
We all have “interesting” people in our family history. Some are fun and lovable with eccentric personalities. I have tried to learn magic tricks to perform at family gatherings for my younger nephews and nieces. That’s right—I am that crazy uncle! You can imagine what they think of me! Some family members, however, bring an…
Read MoreLessons from the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, Part 3 of 6: Christ, the Son of Abraham
Ancestory.com is a big business and they are making recording setting sales. This tells me that there is a sense (and need) for a self-identity. Who are we? Where do we come from? This is also seen in the way that so many identify with various groups, which builds a tribalistic mentality. Well, the genealogy…
Read MoreLessons from the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, Part 2 of 6: Christ, the Son of David
Matthew begins his genealogy by proclaiming that Jesus is the “son of David, the son of Abraham.” These two covenantal forefathers are so significant that Matthew mentions them before starting the actual genealogy. So, we will also begin by discussing the significance of Jesus as the son of David, the son of Abraham We begin…
Read MoreLessons from the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, Part 1 of 6
Many years ago, when I was a “real pastor” (meaning, I was a pastor of a local congregation), I had a nonbeliever who began to attend my church. After many months of meeting together, the Lord blessed him with new life and he embraced Jesus as his Lord and Savior. It was a very exciting…
Read MoreOde to Theological Studies
O Studies, O Studies, we’ve been your sad prey For you have worked us so diligently ‘til May Our minds are weary, our bodies fatigued Our teachers are ruthless, folks of intrigue . Midterms were a pleasure, howev’r only some Finals are more a burden than fun Papers, papers, more papers we write ‘Bout the…
Read MoreETS Presentation 2023: “The Great Nation of Abraham: An Analysis of Gen 12:1-3”
The importance of Genesis 12:1–3 cannot be overstated. Gordon Wenham alludes to this when he says: “[Genesis 12:2–3] is generally regarded as the key to the Yahwist’s interpretation of the patriarchal history . . . Whatever one’s critical position, there is no doubt about their cardinal importance for the understanding of Genesis.” Wenham is correct,…
Read MoreDeuteronomy for Asian Americans, Part 7 (Covenant Renewal)
Covenant Renewal: Marks of Godly Leadership Once a treaty was drafted and ratified, it became binding upon both the suzerain and the vassal. However, as is the case in life, people die. If one of the two covenant parties passes away, his successor is required to go through a covenant renewal ceremony where he must…
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Redeeming Chillingworth 