The Role of Emotion in Philippians: Discerning Affections

My colleague, Dr. Isaac Blois, who teaches in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University, recently published an academic book entitled The Role of Emotion in Philippians: Discerning Affections. I was intrigued, to say the least, when I learned last summer that he was almost done writing a book about emotions in Paul’s wonderful—and emotional—letter … Continue reading The Role of Emotion in Philippians: Discerning Affections

Did the Author of Hebrews Really Not Know Where He Was Quoting From? (Hebrews 2:6 and 4:4)

I used to find a strange sort of comfort in two verses that seemed to indicate that the author of Hebrews sometimes didn’t know where he was quoting from. At least I wasn’t the only one! But you might ask: “That happens in the Bible? Where?” There are two places in the book of Hebrews … Continue reading Did the Author of Hebrews Really Not Know Where He Was Quoting From? (Hebrews 2:6 and 4:4)

The Fathers on the Future: An Interview with Michael J. Svigel

I recently read Michael Svigel's 2024 book The Fathers on the Future: A 2nd-Century Eschatology for the 21st-Century Church (Hendrickson Publishers). This book is full of many insightful discussions—both biblical and patristic—all focused on the future. I reached out to Dr. Svigel to see if he’d be willing to do an interview on his book. I’m so happy … Continue reading The Fathers on the Future: An Interview with Michael J. Svigel

Is it Satan or God?

I was driving to work this morning and happened upon a Christian radio station where a preacher (I’m unsure who) was expositing a passage of Scripture.[1] Unlike so many radio preachers who play fast and loose with God’s word, this preacher was carefully unpacking the passage and making relevant applications. As the preacher moved toward … Continue reading Is it Satan or God?

A Heart Aflame for God: An Interview with Matthew Bingham

I recently read a deep and thoughtful book on Christian living entitled A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation. I reached out to the author, Matthew Bingham, to see if he would be willing to do an interview about his book. I’m delighted that he agreed! Ken Berding (KB): First, can … Continue reading A Heart Aflame for God: An Interview with Matthew Bingham

“That’s Just Wrong!” Is it Wrong, or is it Unwise?

How many times have I heard someone say, “That’s just wrong!” when the action being discussed isn’t wrong in a moral sense, but is simply unwise from the perspective of the speaker? This got me thinking about the nexus between morality and wisdom, between an action being right or wrong, on the one hand, and … Continue reading “That’s Just Wrong!” Is it Wrong, or is it Unwise?

Whether-by-Life-or-Death Prayers

In Philippians 1:19, Paul writes, “for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.” New Testament scholars disagree about what Paul is affirming. A proper understanding of this verse can help us increase our confidence in prayer. Option 1: Physical Deliverance. … Continue reading Whether-by-Life-or-Death Prayers

A Thousand Years is Like a Day: A Thought Experiment

Here’s a thought experiment. Suppose that we were to take the statements in Psalm 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8 about a thousand years being like a day literally (which are probably not literal in their literary settings). Then let’s assume that the difference is not just how God sees time, but also represents the difference … Continue reading A Thousand Years is Like a Day: A Thought Experiment

How Wrestling with Hard Bible Passages Expands our View of God

My thoughts wandered this morning on my prayer walk.[1] I kept bringing my mind back to prayer, but my mind was wandering from my very first steps. I decided to use the Lord’s Prayer to guide me—I sometimes do this when I’m struggling with mind-wandering—but I still had trouble concentrating on prayer. (By the way, … Continue reading How Wrestling with Hard Bible Passages Expands our View of God

A Devotional Reading of Hebrews 12:18-24: Expand Your Awe of God

This morning I spent time in Hebrews 12:18-24 during my morning reading in God’s Word.[1] I found myself particularly attuned to some things I had never previously noticed. In the middle of a warning passage—a passage written to caution professing believers not to be passive or turn away from reverent submission to an awesome God—I … Continue reading A Devotional Reading of Hebrews 12:18-24: Expand Your Awe of God