Was Genesis Copied From Pagan Myths?
One of the most repeated atheist talking point is the claim that Genesis was copied from older pagan sources. The argument sounds scholarly until it is examined carefully. Critics point to ancient texts like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Enuma Elish, and argue that because these writings appear earlier in history, Genesis must be […]
The Church’s Foundation
The first issue Paul raised with Corinthian brethren was the “party spirit” which led to divisions among them (1 Corinthians 1:10-15). He returned to the root of that problem in the fourth chapter when he charged them with carnality, immaturity, and being babes instead of mature Christians (1 Corinthians 3:2-4). The proof of his charges is […]
God’s Hidden Mystery
In 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 Paul wrote, “But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden which God foreordained before the world unto our glory: which none of rulers of this world hath known, for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory …” In […]
Christ Crucified
The gospel (Christ crucified for our sins, buried, and raised the third day, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) was said by Paul to be a stumbling block to the Jew and foolishness to the Greek (1 Corinthians 1:23). The Jews sought after signs (1 Corinthians 1:22). The gospel accounts of Jesus’ personal ministry show this trait of theirs, […]
Divisions at Corinth
After Paul had concluded his standard greetings to Corinthian brethren, he went to the heart of the purpose of his letter to them. He had questions from them which he would address, but there were issues among them (which they had failed to disclose to him) which were serious and he dealt with them from […]
Heresy
Recent political discussions have brought the word “heretic” into the public discourse. A recent political candidate for a U.S. Congressional office was called this word by a journalist. Before I continue, let me first be clear: a religious article, platform, venue, etc. is never a proper place for political discussion. Politicians are, by their very […]
Paul’s First Letter to Corinth
The letters of Paul were not arranged in the order of the time they were written; they were arranged in the amount of their content. Romans, the largest of Paul’s letters which have been preserved for us in the New Testament, is the first that appears although it was the sixth of his thirteen letters. […]
Priscilla and Aquila
Romans 16, the last chapter of the book, is largely comprised of greetings to brethren (almost 30) at Rome with whom Paul was acquainted, as well as from brethren in Corinth who sent greetings to Roman brethren. In vv. 3-5 Paul wrote, “Salute Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus who for my life […]
“Be of the Same Mind to One Another”
In Romans 14 Paul urged that those who were weak in faith (conscience) were to be received by those who were stronger in conscience. He showed that those who had no scruples about either eating meats sacrificed to idols or could, with good conscience, eat things the Law had forbidden them to eat, receive those […]
“Him That Is Weak in Faith, Receive Ye”
Paul wrote, “But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for doubtful disputations. One man hath faith to eat all things; but he that is weak eateth herbs” (Romans 14:1-2). The preaching of the gospel to all nations and the blending of those nations into one, harmonious body brought varying customs and […]