As a follow-up question to our discussion on hermeneutics in our video about the concept of “rightly-handling” scripture, we were asked to discuss the concept of Pattern Theology. Dan walks us through the origin of the concept and how it has been applied historically. We also discuss the deeper implications of this concept on a person’s whole approach to the Bible.

Scripture References: Genesis 6:14-17, Exodus 25, 2 Timothy 1:13, 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Peter 3:15-16, 1 Corinthians 4:16-21, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15, 1 Corinthians 14:36-38, 2 Peter 3:1-2, 1 John 4:1-6, 1 John 5:1-5, John 14:26, John 15:16, John 15:26-27, John 16:7-8, John 16:12-13, John 17:20, Acts 2:1-13, Acts 2:42-47

As a follow-up question to our discussion on hermeneutics in our video about the concept of "rightly-handling" scripture, we were asked to discuss the concept of Pattern Theology. Dan walks us through the origin of the concept and how it has been applied. We also discuss the deeper implications of this concept on a person's whole approach to the Bible.

Throughout the Bible, there are a lot of references to evil spirit coming upon people. Sometimes the passage even says things like “an evil spirit from God.” What exactly does that mean? If we believe God is truly good, how does that impact our view of God? So, did God create evil?

Throughout the Bible, there are a lot of references to evil spirit coming upon people. Sometimes the passage even says things like "an evil spirit from God." What exactly does that mean? If we believe God is truly good, how does that impact our view of God? So, did God create evil?

Did Jesus pay off the Devil when he died on the cross? Is God a bully who needs payment before he will love us? These are questions that may come up when you start thinking about exactly what happed as part of the death of Jesus on the cross. Often you will hear the words ransom and propitiation used in these discussions, but what do those words mean? Are they mutually exclusive terms, or is the sacrifice of Christ something a bit more complex?

This is a very basic subject to our foundational understanding of the Word of God. However, it is a subject that has caused a lot of division and misunderstandings from just about every group to handle the Bible. So, what are some beginning guidelines for understanding the scriptures? Can we be expected to “rightly handle the word of truth” as Paul exhorts Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15? We encourage you to listen to and comment on this very important discussion.

This could be a much larger discussion, but for now, we will focus on three main ways to look at a scripture.

1) How does a passage fit into the Bible sequence?

2) Do you see God’s Word as fully inspired or written by men to the culture they were part of?

3)How does the Bible interpret itself?

Did Jesus pay off the Devil when he died on the cross? Is God a bully who needs payment before he will love us? These are questions that may come up when you start thinking about exactly what happed as part of the death of Jesus on the cross. Often you will hear the words ransom and propitiation used in these discussions, but what do those words mean? Are they mutually exclusive terms, or is the sacrifice of Christ something a bit more complex?

This is a very basic subject to our foundational understanding of the Word of God. However, it is a subject that has caused a lot of division and misunderstandings from just about every group to handle the Bible. So, what are some beginning guidelines for understanding the scriptures? Can we be expected to "rightly handle the word of truth" as Paul exhorts Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15? We encourage you to listen to and comment on this very important discussion. This could be a much larger discussion, but for now we will focus on three main ways to look at a scripture. 1) How does a passage fit into the Bible sequence? 2) Do you see God's Word as fully inspired or written by men to the culture they were part of? 3)How does the Bible interpret itself?

Our discussion on Elders prompted a lot of comments and questions. Many of the follow-up questions centered around whether or not the Elder qualifications were truly binding or if they could be (or needed to be) shifted because of different cultural settings. So, for this discussion, we looked at the overall pattern for spiritual leaders throughout the Bible. We also consider the difference between a spiritual Elder and a specific congregational Elder. Finally, we discussed some of the pitfalls of weak spiritual leadership. As always, your follow-up comments and questions are appreciated and helpful as we all explore the scriptures together.

Our discussion on Elders prompted a lot of comments and questions. Many of the follow-up questions centered around whether or not the Elder qualifications were truly binding or if they could be (or needed to be) shifted because of different cultural settings. So, for this discussion, we looked at the overall pattern for spiritual leaders throughout the Bible. We also consider the difference between a spiritual Elder and a specific congregational Elder. Finally, we discussed some of the pitfalls of weak spiritual leadership. As always, your follow-up comments and questions are appreciated and helpful as we all explore the scriptures together.