That doesn't look like a very comfy chair...

  Here are five common ways that people can make hermeneutical mistakes: Ignoring Historical-Cultural Context: Neglecting the historical and cultural context of the text can lead to misinterpretation. Failing to consider the customs, traditions, social norms, and historical events of the time in which the text was written can result in misunderstanding the intended meaning. Imposing Personal Bias: Allowing personal biases, preconceived notions, or theological convictions to influence the interpretation of the text can lead to biased or distorted interpretations. It is important to approach the text with an open mind and strive for objectivity. Cherry-Picking Verses: Selectively choosing verses out of context to support a preconceived idea or agenda can result in misinterpretation. It is crucial to interpret verses within their broader context to understand their intended meaning accurately. Neglecting Literary Genre: Failing to recognize the literary genre of a text can lead to...

 Let's continue from our previous discussion we had  here . 1. When was the passage/verse/book written? Different time periods have differing themes, cultures, customs etc. We do not want to superimpose our current cultural moment onto the scriptures, but instead let the scripture speak for themselves.  2. Why was the passage/verse/book written? Some chapters of the bible are simply describing things, people, places etc. It's information to know. Other chapters are detailing very clear concepts of theology such as Christology, Anthropology, Eschatology etc. Why was the passage written? To inform us or to teach us. 3. Don't be afraid of difficult terms. Some words, particularly in the New Testament, can be long and/or misunderstood. Take that as an opportunity to dig into the text and define your terms. For example, Justification, Sanctification, Expiation, Glorification etc. all have rich meanings with detailing the relationship between the believer and Christ. The more...

Today I want to write about Hermeneutics, which is the proper interpretation of a biblical text. I really think Leonard Ravenhill's quote is appropriate here when he said "I am realizing that more and more and more that few preachers preach the Word of God. They preach about it. They don't preach it." So in order to better preach a text, we need to first understand it.  Let's cover five quick rules that will help us be better at Hermeneutics (the study of the text) , which in turn will help us at Homiletics (the art of writing and then preaching a sermon).  1. I like to read the passage in multiple translations. This will give you a good overall sense of what the passage is saying and also give you a window into how various translators translated the Greek/Hebrew texts differently. I then primarily use a more word-for-word translation for the next meaty work of digging into the text. 2. Who wrote the text? Paul? John? Jeremiah etc.? Remember, these are real writ...

If you are anything like me, I tend to overestimate my ability to get something done or to understand how something should be done. Take for example, working on a car. I know there is a problem. The car is not working (duh!). I pop the hood, grab my tool box and begin to work away, manly sweat and all. About half way through whatever I think I am doing, I stop and get that "feeling." You know the one, where you know this is way more "complicated" than you thought, that you need to call someone to come and help, the feeling of needing an "expert." You are "in over your head." Just when you think you have God's love figured out for you, think again.  You wanted something that you could explain and follow the directions and steps and "wow, it's all there!" You wanted a tiny little God that can be explained by our little finite brains. You did not get one and neither did I. But what we got was better. As a father I understand some...

Although I do not going camping very often, I do enjoy it (sort of). We spend all of this time packing up the truck, making sure we have the "potty", enough food, good sleeping gear, a roomy tent and all of the extras (like rafts, portable shower etc.) So much time is then put into the camping trip: asking time off at work, securing your spot with the park, filling up the truck with gas, stopping for potty breaks, etc. And you know what? It is all TEMPORARY . 1 week, 2 weeks at best and then....you pack up. Gather all of the trash and take it to the rusty, dented metal trash bin. Roll up that sleeping bag and buy new ice for the cooler. And then...you leave. The people before and after you who will camp on the same site you did could care less who you are or what you are about. The only ones who will remember are your friends and family that went with you. This life is a lot like camping: temporary. Let's have a look. Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrim...

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. -  1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 Christ is coming back for his church, this we know for sure since the above tells us. The $64,000 question is "when?" Before the tribulation? The middle? After? 1. "But wait!" you ask. "I don't even know what the tribulation is?" In the simplest sense, the tribulation period is a 7 year time frame in the end of man's history that is a time of trouble. To get a better, clearer picture, le...