Bible Encounters

Because of God's salvation, Peter gives 4 commands for us to consider

In this episode, we will look at 8 things Peter says about our salvation, and surprisingly he won't be talking about going to heaven. I will be on that soapbox for a while. 

reflections regarding the 4 contexts and ideas regarding the doctrine of 'election'

Peter addresses his recipients as 'selected sojourners of the scattering'. What does that mean? In this lesson, we will highlight some key ideas that may show what Peter wants to address in his letter. 

We are diving into our study of 1Peter by thinking about how to read NT letters. Hope this provides a helpful foundation for us. 

I admit that this view is really going to mess with you. It messes with me. Does that necessarily mean it's wrong though? Maybe not. In this view, Peter Enns, Abram S. Clemens professor of biblical studies at Eastern University, will argue that the Joshua conquest account describes how Israel viewed God but not necessarily what Israel did or what God told them to do. Instead, Enns argues a theological point is made regarding what it means to be a member of God's people (i.e. Rahab and Achan). Brace yourselves guys, this will make you uncomfortable. 

Great questions guys! Thanks so much. I hope my responses are helpful. I am going to dive into a bit of technical stuff regarding the Hebrew words for Genesis 15.16.

In this lesson, John Walton will present his argument that the language in Joshua represents ancient war language. What makes his view different from Paul Copan is that Walton will argue that the conquest is not God using Israel to punish the Canaanites. Instead Walton will argue that even the descriptions of the Canaanites was common ancient language regarding an enemy. He calls it the 'barbarian motif'. At the end, Walton will provide a very interesting critique of Genesis 15 that is worth thinking about. 

Man, you guys asked some great questions! Thanks so much for your involvement. I hope my comments are helpful and are charitable. Please reach out if you have any follow-up questions on anything I say. 

In this lesson, I am having you listen to a message by Paul Copan, who is Professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Copan wrote the book, Is God a Moral Monster. Copan will be calling us to think about the details in the text that should challenge our understanding of what 'history' narratives are. He will argue that we should read the Bible literarily and not literally. As we notice the details in the text, Copan argues we will find parallels to other ancient war texts that use similar language.