The Story of Jonah

Wow!!!  Every now and then you get blessed with a GREAT retelling of a Biblical story.  Watch and enjoy!!

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

The Will of God

Hey gang!

Over the last 18 months, I have been inundated about the issue of the "Will of God".  There are ALOT of books out in the Christian community about the Will of God.  A google search hit 663,000,000 hits.  Why is it that this area in one of the most striking issues among Christians today?  Well - to introduce our discussion, I thought it might be fun to kick things off with the Skit Guys - Check it out HERE



What are your thoughts on the Will of God

Touching Phone Call

Social Media

What are your thoughts on social media?


Do you agree or disagree?

The NIV has been updated!!

Hey gang,

Check this out - after 26 years, Zondervan has updated the NIV - New International Version.  Check out this intro by Douglas Moo:


As you know, I am fascinated by Bible Translations and I am looking forward to seeing the new NIV.
BUT WAIT!  You can actually check out the new NIV online NOW before the print release in March 2011.
Check out www.biblica.com and http://biblica.com/bible/search/ to see the new text.  Search your favorite verses and see how they compare.  Let me know what you think.

Also, the gang over at www.biblegateway.com also have the new NIV online as well.

Bible Cycle Step 4

Bible Cycle 4: Verses             = The Nitty Gritty – Phrases and Word Meanings

Our last step is the Bible Cycle Step Four: Working with Phrases and Word Meanings.  

1. This time, sit down and read the specific literary unit that you have identified of which the verse or set of verses fall under. 
2. Re-read the literary in a couple of different translation theories

• Here is the spectrum again:

• Word for Word – NKJV, NASB, ESV
• Balanced – HCSB, NIV
• Thought for Thought – CEV, NLT
• Paraphrase – Living Bible, The Message

2. Look for Literary and Grammatical Gems – Make written notes and explore
• Items that are emphasized – Stated purpose, space allotted to a topic/theme, order of events, lists
• Repeated phrases
• Repeated grammatical structures
• Contrasts – cause and effect or things that are unalike
• Similes – comparisons using ‘like’ or ‘as’
• Metaphors – figures of speech that do use ‘like’ or ‘as’
• Irony (something unexpected)
• Pictures or stories of reality
3. Use Study Aids to explore specific word usage as it relates to the context of the studied passage.
4. Special Note on Paradoxical pairs.  Allow me to quote directly from Dr. Bob Utley’s Fourth Reading Cycle:
• “Look for possible paradoxical pair[s] within your subject.  Many biblical truths are presented in dialectical pairs; many denominational conflicts come from proof-texting half of a biblical tension.  All of the Bible is inspired, and we must seek out its complete message in order to provide a Scriptural balance to our interpretation.”  http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/good_bible_reading.htm
5. Continue asking the Application questions and making notes as you further your understanding of the meaning in paragraphs. Here are the application questions again:
• 1.      Is there an example for me to follow?

  2.      Is there a sin to avoid?

  3.      Is there a promise to claim?

  4.      Is there a prayer to repeat?

  5.      Is there a command to obey?

  6.      Is there a condition to meet?

  7.      Is there a verse to memorize?

  8.      Is there an error to mark?

  9.      Is there a challenge to face?

Bible Cycle Step 3

Bible Cycle 3: Paragraphs    = The Smallest Unit of Meaning

Onward to the Bible Cycle Step Three: Grasping the Smallest Unit of Meaning.  

1. Sit down and read a book of the Bible all in one sitting, again (this will be your fourth reading of the entire book).
• This time you are seeking to identify the historical situation within the book.  This includes identifying:
• The author
• The recipients
• The date the book was written (outside sources will help with this)
• The specific reason for writing
• The cultural setting – aspects of the culture mentioned in the book as it relates to the purpose for the writing
• References to historical people and events
2. Context determines meaning.  Allow me to emphasize that again – Context determines meaning!
• One of the greatest tragedies we have in Bible study is stripping verses out of their context. Verses should be read within their paragraph context. 
• Words, sentences, clauses, and verses ONLY have meaning in context.
• There is one and only one meaning (except in prophecy) that is valid in a particular context of Scripture as determined by the original author’s intent.
3. Application begins here.  Here are some quick notes on Application:
• Application is based upon the context of the passage as revealed by the original author’s intent and meaning in communicating.
• Application is made at here at the paragraph level, NOT at word level.
• Do not allow today’s issues, personal filters, cultural biases interpret the Bible:  Let the Bible speak for itself!
• Check out the following Application Questions to help you in your study:
• 1.      Is there an example for me to follow?

  2.      Is there a sin to avoid?

  3.      Is there a promise to claim?

  4.      Is there a prayer to repeat?

  5.      Is there a command to obey?

  6.      Is there a condition to meet?

  7.      Is there a verse to memorize?

  8.      Is there an error to mark?

  9.      Is there a challenge to face?
4. Expand your chapter outline to include paragraph headings and points.
• A quick note here about outlining – your outline headings may include a couple of paragraphs denoting a literary unit.  That is totally okay – it your outline to help you study the Scriptures.  J
5. Check your historical situation work with Study Aids as well as your updated outline entries at the paragraph/literary unit level.