Have you ever read a book which follows the life of a main character, yet there doesn't seem to be a story? This character does a variety of things, things good and bad happen to him or her, but they are just disconnected happenings without a point. Evidently, the writer had no idea how to … Continue reading The story arc
The Bible
Understanding the language of the Bible
There is a good possibility that using a dictionary of the English language will muddy the waters when it comes to trying to understand a word used in the Bible. The word science found in 1 Timothy 6:20 is a case in point. The Greek word here translated science is gnosis, which in all its … Continue reading Understanding the language of the Bible
Four women named Mary, three men named James
I suppose there has always been a fashion in names. When I was a boy in school there were three Roberts in one classroom. To our teachers we were Bob, Bobby and Robert; to our classmates we were Bob, Professor and Goofy. I was Professor, I must have been a know-it-all. Goofy was the class … Continue reading Four women named Mary, three men named James
In the beginning
The Bible begins with the earth in total darkness and covered with water and ends with a new earth which has no sea and no night. (Genesis 1:2; Revelation 21:1 and 22:5) Everything that comes between is there to tell us how to get from the first place to the last. Darkness is where the … Continue reading In the beginning
Exegesis vs Eisegesis
(First posted six years ago) I know some people will see this title and will already have a pretty good idea of what I am going to say. Others may wonder why I am using such fancy words. I hope you will all bear with me, read the post and feel free to comment. In … Continue reading Exegesis vs Eisegesis
Glossary of unfamiliar words in the AV (KJV)
These are words that have shifted in meaning since 1611 or are no longer in general use. The list is not complete and probably not error free. I would be happy for suggestions from readers. Words of Anglo-Saxon or Old Norse origin anon - at once cattle - domestic livestock. Small cattle - sheep and goats. … Continue reading Glossary of unfamiliar words in the AV (KJV)
Just open it and read
[First posted June 13, 2014] What is the best way to read the Bible? Just open it up and start reading. It’s that simple. I quit attending church when I left home. I had heard all the old familiar Bible stories that are taught in Sunday School. I had also absorbed a lot of contradictory teachings … Continue reading Just open it and read
Women of the Bible – answers
1. Who was Adam’s wife? - Eve (Genesis 3:20) 2. Hadassah changed her name when she became Queen of Persia. What was her new name? - Esther (Esther 2:7) 3. Abraham married again after Sarah died. What was the name of his second wife? - Keturah (Genesis 25:1) 4. There are three women mentioned in … Continue reading Women of the Bible – answers
Anchored in the rock
My father’s parents came from St. Lawrence County in upstate New York. They were dairy farmers because the soil there could not support any other kind of agriculture. That area is part of the Canadian shield, where the solid bedrock is often exposed, and never far below the surface. This is the kind of soil … Continue reading Anchored in the rock
The untold story of Samson
I intended that headline to be sensationalist and grab your attention. There is a big problem with how people usually tell the story of Samson. The whole story is in the Bible, but few people seem to be aware of any but the most lurid details. Let’s start at the beginning. At the time an … Continue reading The untold story of Samson
Flatlander Faith 