BibleExposition.net exists to share ideas related to the exposition of God's Word and explore topics related to the Bible in general, theology (both biblical and systematic), archaeology, ministry, and life.
Peter Mead takes a shot at the problems associated with preaching difficult passages. In my opinion, this is one way that preaching is different from teaching. In teaching, the context better allows for the pursuit of different views and positions because questions can be asked and answered. But preaching is more of a monologue than a dialogue. I would suggest that in preaching you acknowledge the differences of opinion and then stress the position that you prefer and why you prefer it. You do not want people walking away from a sermon remembering the problems, but rather remembering the broader message and application of the text as a whole.
Jin Yang Kim has a good discussion on the rejection of Cain's sacrifice. Although, I would hold a mixture of the first two views (see his post) that he rejects.
According to a story in the IndyStar, a church in Indianapolis church is promising to return refund any money given to the church if the giver loses their job. This may make for good P.R., but it is problematic theologyically for at least three reasons. First, giving is an act of worship, and worship is not returnable. Second, giving should be an act of faith. This promise removes at least some of the faith element. Third, the gifts given to the church are actually given to God through the church. In a very real sense, it is not the church's money, it is God's money. In addition to these theological concerns, there might be legal ramifications. I am not a tex-expert, but I suspect that the IRS will have some problems with this kind of giving.
See this article by Robin Foster on OpenText.org, a free site that that displays New Testament Greektext (and some NT Apocrypha and Apostolic Fathers texts) in semantic structural layout form.
Read this interesting and provocative post on Christocentricity and the Hermeneutics of the Reformers. The basic point is that this hermeneutic was Christocentric and ours should be as well.
Keith Mathison Ligonier Ministries has a list and discussion of his top five commentaries on Ezekiel at the Ligonier Ministries blog. Block's two volumes at the top spot is hard to argue with. But I would suggest that Lamar Cooper's commentary in the NAC series is better than either Duguid or Stuart and that although they are more critical in orientation, Allen (WBC) and Zimmerli (Hermeneia) deserve a place in the top five. I would also add Feinberg to th Runners Up category. In any case, the Mathison’s top five are:
1. Daniel I. Block -- The Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 1-24; The Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 25-48 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1997, 1998). 2. Iain M. Duguid -- Ezekiel (NIV Application Commentary, 1999). 3. Douglas Stuart -- Ezekiel (The Preacher's Commentary, 2002). 4. Derek Thomas -- God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained (Welwyn Commentary Series, 1993). 5. Patrick Fairbairn -- The Visions of Ezekiel (1842).
AnimatedHebrew.com has a neat interactive Hebrew Jonah comic. According to the instructions,
Every word of the Hebrew text is included in this Jonah comic in multiple scripts (square, cursive, paleo-Hebrew) and multiple forms (consonantal, pointed, cantillated). You can also listen to my slow, deliberate read of the Hebrew text, and pause or repeat at any time. At the bottom of the screen you'll find ancient and modern translations that you can compare with the Hebrew text (Aramaic, Syriac, Greek, Latin, German, French, and 3 English translations). This comic is a great way to learn or practice your biblical Hebrew. It will help you develop an “ear” for the language and wean your dependence on pointed texts. For an extra challenge, use the 'no text' option to try memorizing the whole book. :)
