INTRODUCTION: THE BOOK OF ESTHER As the only book in the Bible that does not mention the divine name,[1] Esther’s place in Scripture has been questioned and scrutinized.[2] However, the careful reader will quickly discover that although the name of God is absent, the hand of God is evident in the preservation of His people.... Continue Reading →
Who tempted the man and woman to disobey God by eating of the forbidden tree? Although popular Christian authors often take for granted the identity of Eden’s serpent, some scholars believe that the serpent is either Satan[1] himself or at least a representation of Satan.[2] This view suggests that the modern reader should assume the... Continue Reading →
I'll spare you a trip through the pseudo-mystical phase wherein the preacher "gets alone" with God and through "divine revelation" receives his next sermon! It is frustrating to hear pastors say, "God gave me this message," or "God laid this message on my heart." Typically, that means (loosely translated), "I am just winging it" and/or... Continue Reading →
Preface: This article was originally written as an upper-level writing requirement for the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at Belmont University College of Law. On December 23, 1991, a fire destroyed the Corsicana, Texas, home Mr. Cameron Todd Willingham shared with his wife and three daughters.[i] Willingham, who was (allegedly) asleep when the fire started, survived.... Continue Reading →
This is part two of a three-part series: Read part one, "Interpretation of Genesis 3" Satan in the Old TestamentThe Old Testament contains three direct references to Satan, each presents him as the supernatural enemy of both God and humanity (Job 1-2; 1 Chr 21:1; Zech 3:1-2).[1] The following synopsis of these three passages will... Continue Reading →
This is part three of a three-part series. Read part one "Interpretation of Genesis 3" Read part two "Satan in the Old Testament." Satan in the New Testament The theological understanding of the person and work of Satan is expanded during the intertestamental period. This development is reflected in the numerous pseudographs and apocryphas written... Continue Reading →