The topic of Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Cor 12:7) is, on the one hand, like a puzzle to be solved—what could have caused Paul such agony?—and, on the other hand, the source of a powerful spiritual lesson—“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Perhaps … Continue reading Profound Skepticism: Has Modern Scholarship Impeded the Study of Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh?
Tag: Bible
The 12 Most Important Books of the Bible
Suppose a Christian were stranded on a deserted island and could only select 12 books of the Bible from which to read. Which books would be most valuable? Which books are most important for understanding the character of God, the person of Christ, how God redeems a fallen world, the mission of the church, and … Continue reading The 12 Most Important Books of the Bible
Is the Christian Life Primarily Intense or Primarily Relaxed?
Should the Christian life primarily be viewed as intense (focused, passionate), or primarily as relaxed (peaceful, trusting)? Trudi and I regularly invite college students to our house for dinner, and this was the question we discussed during a recent dinner. As we conversed, students at the table brought up a variety of Scriptures, some of … Continue reading Is the Christian Life Primarily Intense or Primarily Relaxed?
Dramatic Drop in Bible Reading: Why?
In 2011, the percentage of Americans who “used the Bible at least 3-4 times on their own, outside of a church setting” was around 50%. Again in 2012—around 50%. Then again in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Always around 50%. But according to the American Bible Society, in 2022, that … Continue reading Dramatic Drop in Bible Reading: Why?
What was Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7)?
Paul’s thorn in the flesh was some sort of unusual, long-term, intermittent, stabbing, face pain that was viewed by others as shameful and the result of black magic attacks, but by Paul as attacks of a demon permitted by God. This is the conclusion of my newly-released book focused on answering one of the most … Continue reading What was Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7)?
Wordle or God’s Word?
What is the average amount of time it takes to solve a Wordle puzzle? I can’t locate any hard data on this question, but a guy who wrote a computer simulation to figure out the best two starting words for Wordle—and who claims he has played Wordle “a million times”—estimates that it takes about 15 … Continue reading Wordle or God’s Word?
What is a “Stronghold”? (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
“We pray against this stronghold…” Have you ever heard someone utter this line in prayer—or have you uttered it yourself? If you have ever used this expression, what did you mean when you used it? What is a “stronghold”? The answer to this question depends upon 1) whether you are trying to define the word … Continue reading What is a “Stronghold”? (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
The Relationship between Revival and the Bible
The final two pages of J. N. Morris’s study on the history of spiritual renewal (Renewed by the Word: The Bible and Christian Revival Since the Reformation) draw a clear relationship between revival and the Bible. Morris’s comments are worth the two minutes it will take you to read them: "If it is the conviction … Continue reading The Relationship between Revival and the Bible
Bored with the Bible
“Your law is my delight.” (Psalm 119:77). Have you ever felt like this verse, or verses like it, mock you? I certainly have felt that way at times. When you read the Bible, do you find yourself yawning, allowing your mind to wander, or wishing that you could be anywhere doing anything besides reading the … Continue reading Bored with the Bible
Why It’s More Important to Read the Bible than Devotional Books
I have received considerable help in my spiritual life over the years from reading devotional books. What is a devotional book? A devotional book is a book that assists you in growing in your spiritual life by explicating and making personal applications from what is written in the Bible. Examples of devotional books that have … Continue reading Why It’s More Important to Read the Bible than Devotional Books
