If I could turn back time (an old 80s song just popped into my head), I would have a lot to tell the younger me. Although there are some clear advantages to being a young man, those strengths cannot compare to the wisdom that one acquires throughout life. One of the downsides to being young... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? As the cycle of rebellion, oppression, and deliverance continues, a new deliverer is introduced: Gideon, the farmer. The Midianites and Amalekites raids of Israelite farmlands caused Gideon to hide in a winepress to beat out his wheat, which certainly makes him look like a coward. However, when the angel of the... Continue Reading →
1. The sovereignty of God[1]: As the One who empowers both the oppressors and the deliverers, the LORD demonstrates His unquestionable control over human history. The contemporary reader may struggle with the notion that God uses unbelievers to discipline His people or, worse, that He would allow and instruct Israel to go to war against... Continue Reading →
What is Poimenology? On the one hand, it is a word that I made up by adding the Koine Greek word for pastor (ποιμήν or ποιμένα, lit. shepherd) to the scientific phrase "ology," which means "the study of" a field or discipline. Conversely, I believe that as a field of study pastoral ministry has been erroneously... Continue Reading →
Were Enhanced Interrogation Techniques Legal? By: Dr. Thomas W. Francis Jr. Introduction The purpose of this article is to answer the question, “Were Enhanced Interrogation Techniques Legal?” To answer this question, this article will, first, consider the use of Enhanced Interrogation Techniques (EITs) in the larger historical context by... Continue Reading →
Somewhere between the “churched” and “unchurched” classifications is a neglected and overlooked group.[1] In some communities, the largest group of people that the church will engage with the gospel is made up of persons who, in the past, attended, joined, or were active in churches. Yet, for some reason, they are no longer connected to... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Samuel’s place in redemptive history is often overlooked; he is both a transformative and transitional figure. His life and ministry serve as a high point in the history of Israel. Under his leadership, a revival of true worship is ignited (7:3-6), and Israel was freed from Philistine oppression (7:12-14). Samuel was... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? Although Abimelech’s father, Gideon, initially resisted the offer of kingship, his actions betray him and reveal his true intentions. He may not have used the royal title, but Gideon lived like royalty. Abimelech, whose name means “my father is king,” provides further evidence of the failures of Gideon. Upon his father’s... Continue Reading →
