I just saw that my old published journal article on this subject is no longer accessible online (it appeared in a peer-reviewed e-journal back in the day). Here is the citation, along with the PDF. Heiser, Michael. “Did Jesus Allow for Reincarnation? Assessing...
Biblical Theology
Thoughts on Signs and Wonders: Part 3: Are We Supposed to Be Raising the Dead?
Let me start by saying (to your relief no doubt) that this Part will be shorter than the previous two. It was prompted some time ago, when I read the tragic news that the folks at Bethel Church in Redding were praying for the resurrection of a deceased little girl....
Thoughts on Signs and Wonders: Part 2: What’s An Apostle?
The title of this post probably makes it clear that by “signs and wonders” I’m sort of picking off various topics that have something to do with sign gifts. Yes, it’s a bit random in terms of approach, but I’m setting the stage for future blogging. It will make sense...
Thoughts on Signs and Wonders: Part 1: Deuteronomy 13:1-5
A short time ago I blogged about my ministry going forward and mentioned Deuteronomy 13. More specifically, I wrote about how, due to the nature of what I often write about (the supernatural worldview of the Bible), there was potential for my work to be cherry-picked...
Like Jesus and Paul Before Me, I Love Israel and Its People
I know … not the sort of “academic” title you’re used to seeing here. It’s prompted by some recent feedback I’ve gotten for my post “Can We Please Stop Appealing to Rabbis for Biblical and Ancient Text Interpretation?” You guessed it. There’s fear that my words...
The Biblical Prohibition of Intermarriage
I came across the article below today. It’s on a site for an old journal — all the issues are freely accessible. Here’s the article, but check out the site! Cohen From the Bible to the Talmud-The Prohibition of Intermarriage Note: The Old Testament...
Genesis 1-3, the Sin of Achan, and Acts 5 (Ananias and Sapphira)
The most recent Naked Bible podcast featured some discussion of the point of the punishment of Ananias and Sapphira. I made the comment that Luke wanted readers to see a patterning contrast between others who sold something and “laid the money at the...
Dr. Craig Keener on Miracles
Craig Keener was at Logos recently to record a course for our Mobile Ed program. Craig is a New Testament scholar and is widely known for his writing. His recent two-volume work (1200+ pages) on miracles has garnered a lot of attention: Miracles: The Credibility of...
Kingdom of Heaven, Kingdom of God
I recently got an email that read as follows: I am studying with Koinonia Institute and have recently encountered a teaching that is making me feel very uncomfortable. I am being a Berean about this teaching and am therefore looking for some help from you if you can...
What is the Bible About?
I watched this video today (4:44), looking for something simple (very difficult to find). It’s awesome. Brought me to tears. This is the sort of thing that should go viral.
Ever Heard a Sermon on Numbers 5?
Me neither. I just got an email at work letting me know that an old Bible Study Magazine (BSM) article I wrote on the ritual for detecting adultery was re-run on the BSM blog today. It’s entitled, “Love Potion: Numbers 5.” Yes, it’s a cheesy...
Genesis 1-2 as Polemic
Cris Putnam, the force behind the Logos Apologia website, has recently blogged about how the creation stories of Genesis 1-2 target ancient Egyptian creation myths. The impetus behind Cris’ efforts is a recent book entitled, In the Beginning… We...
Fun with the Mosaic Law: What to Do with Your Ox in a Flowchart
You have to check this out. The flowchart on what the Law says about oxen was created by a friend at Logos, Vincent Setterholm, a few years ago. I’m glad to see it’s finally gotten the attention it deserves via Christianity Today. This alone should make...
Math and Genesis 5’s Genealogies
In view of the recent post on the antediluvian genealogies, I thought some readers might be interested in mathematical attempts to decipher them. Here is a summary of the numbers in the genealogies in Genesis 5, excerpted from the Word Biblical Commentary (vol 1) by...
Genesis 1:1-3 – Does Hebrew Grammar Matter for Understanding the Hebrew Scriptures?
Stupid question? To anyone thinking clearly it is. There are, naturally, exceptions. It’s just unfortunate that you can find them in Christian ministries. Readers may recall that I have posted several items about the grammar and syntax of Genesis 1:1-3. One such...