Logos Bible Study Forum

Wedding at Cana idiom

Juttrichaz — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:51:01 +0000

I am having trouble grasping the idiom in the verses, “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” –John 2:3-4. I read that the Greek translates better as "What does this have to do with you and me?" I take it to mean that it's not their problem that the wine is gone. They weren't in charge of determining how much was needed. Is this correct? Thanks for your time.

Apollos knows Jesus and the baptism of John but knows not about the Holy Spirit

dnichols1 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:35:27 +0000

Dr. Creasy teaches Apollos does not know Jesus had come as Messiah and is led to Christ by Prissilla and Aquila yet it is much more likely Apollos knew the Lord Jesus but had not been baptised in the Holy Spirit because Luke tells us Apollos was teaching boldly in the Synagogue and in Acts 18;25"He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and with great enthusiasm he spoke and taught accurately the facts,about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John." Later Prissila and Aquila take him aside after hearing him speak and tell him more accurately "the Way of the Lord." " The Way of the Lord" is about the Holy Spirit filling believers and the speaking of tongues" as shown to us later in Acts 19:1-7 "While 1 Apollos was in Corinth, 2 Paul went through the inland 3 regions 4 and came to Ephesus. 5 He 6 found some disciples there 7 19:2 and said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” 8 They replied, 9 “No, we have not even 10 heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 19:3 So Paul 11 said, “Into what then were you baptized?” “Into John’s baptism,” they replied. 12 19:4 Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, 13 that is, in Jesus.” 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, 19:6 and when Paul placed 14 his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came 15 upon them, and they began to speak 16 in tongues and to prophesy. 17 19:7 (Now there were about twelve men in all.)NetBible version. I understand where Dr. Creasy gets his interpretation but I respectfully disagree but am open to discussion and further explanation.

Explaining Old Testiment Violence

JimL — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 03:05:30 +0000

I'm having difficulty responding to a recent challenge from a non-believer. His challenge is along the following lines: "If your God is truly a loving God, how do you explain the terrible violence attributed to God in the Old Testament?" Specific examples: 1 Samuel 15 3: ""Go now, attack Amalek, and deal with him and all that he has under the ban. Do not spare him, but kill men and women, children and infants". The question put to me "Kill children and infants? How could your loving God possibly command that?" Also, a less dramatic but puzzling quote: Exodus 22 17: "You shall not let a sorceress live". "Wouldn't an all knowing God be aware that such a commandment would result in many innocent women being killed (burned) as alleged witches/sorceresses? And how could an all loving God let that happen?" Would appreciate your insights here!

INIQUITIES

logosjim — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 02:37:43 +0000

Bill - Iam always amazed at your knowledge of the original Greek texts of the 'New Testament. The translations that have occurred often miss the original nuances of the Greek language - i.e. your explanation of the ways to say "love" - philos, agape, and I forget the third! Anyway, I just looked up the word "iniquities" and found that is derives from Latin - not equal - but that it also became to mean moral errors. You have explained that Sin is a major theme of the Bible - a separation from God, an estrangement, or even deliberate disobedience. What about this word? Why did it become the word used in English translations? Does it come only from Latin or is the Oxford Dictionary incomplete? Thanks -- Jim

The meal in the upper room...

salzizzo — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:22:09 +0000

Have you written anything on the Last Supper in the upper room? I understand it was a Passover meal. And, in the Passover meal there are four (4) cups that are involved. They include; The Cup of Sanctification, Deliverance, Redemption, and Praise. Jesus partook in the first three cups; however, he did not finish the last cup until the final moments on the cross. Can you please explain in your fine words as you always do… Thank you.

Home from a Great Trip to Israel

russwills — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:55:11 +0000

Hey, Dr. Bill. Thank you again for your advice about traveling to Israel. We spent a few days exploring Old City Jerusalem where I learned (slowly) to barter. We stayed at Saint Andrews Scottish Guesthouse. Not sure what to compare it with, but we loved it. It was just outside the Old City, a short walk to the Jaffa Gate.

After three days in Jerusalem we went down to Arad and stayed at a Bedouin camp. The Bedouins explained their traditions of hospitality. They give guests a cup of tea and three small cups of freshly roasted coffee. The tea is sweet and the coffee is expensive, both demonstrating their hospitality. If a guest outstays his welcome, they give him one full cup of coffee - all three small cups in one, as if to say, "Drink your coffee quickly and go." We stayed with them two nights. When Katie and I went to our final (second) breakfast with them, the server gave us one cup of tea to split and gave each of us one full cup of coffee. Hmmm.

By the way, camels are not very comfortable.

We tried to find Abraham's well in Beer-Sheva, but got lost. Somehow I don't think Abraham sat in that much traffic. Ugh. Just after we gave up on finding the well we drove within a couple blocks of it. By that time, though, we figured fighting the traffic and finding a legal parking spot wasn't worth looking at more rocks that Abraham may or may not have ever touched. Maybe next time.

We stayed at the place you recommended in Nof Ginosar. It was beautiful! Thank you for pointing us there. We drove around the Sea (Lake?) of Galilee and stopped at a few tourist sites along the way. We also explored Masada and saw the En Gedi park from a distance (the park was closed before we got there.) We walked in the Sea of Galilee for a minute or two just to say we did, then went to dinner at the Ein Gev fish restaurant for Peter's fish. Katie ordered a whole fish. I wimped out after I discovered the fish would be staring at me.

Our final night was in Jaffa, right near the old city. The area we stayed in was a bit run down, but the place we stayed in was beautiful. I think it was Beit Immanuel Guest House if I remember correctly.

Overall we had a great trip. If we didn't have three little boys waiting for us to get home I would have wanted to stay longer. (That and I really missed cheeseburgers. Why can't they at least put goat cheese on cow meat? Surely that won't violate the Torah?) Now that I'm back in NJ I miss fresh falafels. I hear there's a good place in Jersey City that I may need to visit.

If you're interested I posted photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/russwills/collections/72157626821161511/

Anyway, thank you again for your advice. I appreciate all you do!

-Russ

The Kingly List

mikekler — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:20:33 +0000

I wanted to follow up on the list kings in the divided empire. As you have stated there were 19 in the North, 20 in the South. You also mentioned that there were seven good kings in the South, five of which who instituted reforms. That got me curious. Who exactly were these kings? However, when I went through my Bible, I found eight kings who "did what was right." The list of kings and there references are: Asa 1 Ki 15, 2 Chr 15, reformer Jehoshaphat 1 Ki 22, 2 Chr 19, reformer Joash 2 Ki 12, 2 Chr 24, reformer Amaziah 2 Ki 14, 2 Chr 25 Azariah 2 Ki 15, 2 Chr 26 Jotham 2 Ki 15, 2 Chr 27 Hezekiah 2 Ki 18, 2 Chr 29, reformer Josiah 2 Ki 22, 2 Chr 34, reformer So my questions are why do you get seven and I get eight? What criteria did you use to determine a good king?

psalms book 1

ttm7 — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:34:55 +0000

is it possible to have the colored break down with the down load, that would match the class work.

Meat for the Israelites

mikekler — Sat, 07 May 2011 23:11:10 +0000

In Exodus 12:38 it says "A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds." In Exodus 16:3 it says "...when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." What happened to the flocks and herds they started with? It has been only one month (Ex 16:1) since the passover. Couldn't they have eaten some of the flocks and herds for food? Am I missing something here?

Dr. Creasy Is Badly Mistaken

Dr. Creasy — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:50:21 +0000

I received the following email from Logos Bible Study student, Dan:

Dr. Creasy:
Despite being a devoted Creasy fan, in your lectures you misunderstand the random origin cause theory. You state words to the effect, that you can’t believe that the world came into existence due to random action, i.e. an explosion in a print shop, which produced the Oxford English Dictionary. This is not what the random original cause theory states. Quite frankly, your response makes you look bad. You should understand the argument before you attempt to refute it.

In short, the laws of physics, chemistry, biochemistry, biology etc. state that no original cause is necessary in that energy or matter, moved originally by random processes, will automatically organize itself into atoms, compounds, organics, living organisms and cognitive animals. In simpler experiments, this is repeatedly demonstrated beyond question. Thus, Stephen Hawking argues that God is not necessary to create anything as an original cause. It gets going all on its own. Actually, it is continually getting going all on its own.

This, of course, only begs the question of who ordered this all up, i.e. where did the laws of random original cause and self-organization of matter come from? I say God. Who's to say He doesn’t have the power to create in that way? Why that way? Who knows? He didn’t ask for my opinion. See book of Job concerning the question of God's responsibiltiy to provide an answer to us of “why that way?”

Dan is correct: I am totally ignorant of the random origin cause theory. As Alexander Pope said: "I bow and kiss the rod!"

So, here's my plan: I am going to read Stephen Hawking's book, "The Grand Design," (I just downloaded it from Amazon to my iPad--as I'm writing this). Also, I would like to ask Dan to write a guest article that we can feature on my weekly blog.

If I'm wrong on ANYTHING, please let me know (I don't want to be an ignorant lout). Kudos to Dan!

Joshua/Judges/Rurh Bible Commentary

mikekler — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:00:38 +0000

In the paragraph about Judges being a book of settlement, it is stated that "...triggers the slaughter - and near-extermination - of the entire tribe of Dan by their brother Israelites." I may be out in left field :), but shouldn't that be the tribe of Benjamin?

After the Resurrection

jmparish — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:37:57 +0000

During this recent Holy Week I have read the Passion and Resurrection stories from each of the four gospels. It is interesting that the actions of Jesus and the Apostles seem to vary significantly in each gospel. In Matthew, Jesus tells the Apostles to go to Galilee, and there gives the Great Commission, but gives no specific information about the Ascension. In Mark, according the added verses 16:9-20, Jesus appears to the Apostles on the day of the Resurrection, rebukes them initially for their lack of faith, then tells them to go out to the world to preach the gospel, and then ascends into heaven presumably on the same day. Although the location is not specified, it seems that all takes place in Jerusalem. In Luke, Jesus appears to two Apostles on the road to Emmaus, then appears to the Apostles in Jerusalem, all apparently on the same day. He leads them to Bethany and then ascends into heaven. Looking at the first chapter of Acts as a continuation of Luke, the Apostles are specifically instructed to stay in Jerusalem, contradicting the instruction at the end of Matthew to go to Galilee. In the Book of John, there are two appearances a week apart in Jerusalem, and then chapter 21 describes the famous story of Jesus and Peter at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. In John we are told Jesus performed many miraculous signs, but I did not find a specific mention of the Ascension. So there appear to be significant variations in each of the gospels about the events following the Resurrection. Since presumably the authors read each others work and borrowed from each other, it surprises me that the stories vary so much. I would be very interested in your comments and reaction to the different stories after the Resurrection. I enjoyed the recent Lenten retreat at the Casa in Arizona very much. Jim Parish

Israel Trip

russwills — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 03:32:14 +0000

Hi, Dr. Bill. My wife and I will be heading to Israel soon (leaving May 27). We'll be mostly staying in Old City Jerusalem, En Gedi and/or Mesada, and Galilee. Do you have any suggestions for places to stay? Also, what do people normally pay and tip tour guides? Thanks! -Russ

Gospel History

JimL — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 23:58:39 +0000

Gospel History: Is it true that the original manuscripts of Mark ended at Mark 16:8 ("Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."), and that the last 12 verses were later added by early scholars? If so, what is the explanation for this? Why did Mark end his gospel account prior to describing the resurrection?

people of different nationalities as descendents of Noah

willie — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:47:06 +0000

This may be a weird question but as we are all descendents of Noah in some form or fashion how is it that we have such a variety of skin colors (this one I can understand somewhat), eye shapes, facial features, body habitus, etc

Being Jewish

russwills — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:43:23 +0000

Hey, Dr. Bill. I have another question that has puzzled me for some time. I know that a person's "Jewishness" is determined by the mother. If the mother is Jewish, the children are Jewish. If the mother is not Jewish, the children are not. Nearly everything I see in Scripture, though, seems to point to the father, not the mother, determining whether or not a person is Jewish. Am I misunderstanding Scripture, or did this tradition change at some point in history? Thanks again! -Russ

Evil Spirit Sent By God to Saul

mtavares — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:27:39 +0000

What is the meanining of 1 Sam 16:14, where God seems to explicitly send an "evil spirit" upon Saul? I could understand removing "the spirit of the Lord". With Job in mind, I could understand God allowing the evil to happen, but this seems explicit from God.

Thanks,
Matt

When Jesus says "church", what did the original disciples think?

mtavares — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:40:28 +0000

When Jesus uses the word church, what is he talking about exactly? (e.g. "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church", or "If a brother sins against you...take it to the church"). Obviously there wasn't a Christian church as we know it today when he was speaking these things. This is before the "great divorce" from mainline Judaism, as Rabbi Mayersohn calls it. Is this referring to the body of his believers in general? What was the Greek word? Do we know the original Aramaic?

Thanks, Matt

Geography Question

knuffer — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:28:12 +0000

A non-Christian friend brought up the following issues about geography errors in the bible. What do you think? "Mark's Gospel makes errors in geography, like Jesus traveling from Jericho to Jerusalem by way of Bethphage and then Bethany, a strange route (Mark 10 and 11); anybody going from Jericho to Jerusalem would have passed through Bethany first and then Bethphage, so Jesus' route would be unnecessarily circuitous (if even possible given the roads) for foot travel. Just as confusing is when Mark claims that Jesus goes from Tyre to the Sea of Galilee by way of Sidon (7:31), which, if you look at a map, is a bit like driving from Los Angeles to San Diego by way of Ventura. Also, there's the famous story about the pigs and Legion. In Mark 5:1-20, we hear that the pigs rush from Gerasa to the lake (presumably the Sea of Galilee, a distance of ~30 miles); Matthew 8:28-34 changes this to Gadara, which is helpful, but those pigs still have to trek 6 miles "down the steep slope into the lake."

Leaving Egypt

russwills — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 03:00:54 +0000

The group leaving Egypt had appx. 2 million people, including over 600,000 men of fighting age. I've struggled for quite awhile to reconcile the numbers of that generation dying off in the wilderness. I'm assuming people in general lived to be 70 or 80 (though quite a few are mentioned who lived quite a bit longer) and men of fighting age were at least 20 years old. The "generation" that died off in the wilderness, then, would have been everyone older than 20. That means at least 60 years worth of people dying off in 40 years. Some of them died from the plagues and such, but I would imagine the ages of the people dying in plagues and judgments would have been scattered, not focusing on the 20-40 age group.

The king of Egypt had commanded all male children to be killed. Moses was saved, but I finally realized yesterday that many others were not. Do you know how long the killing of the male children would have continued? Would many male children have survived? Aaron was older than Moses, so the killing began sometime between Aaron's birth and Moses' birth. I plan to match up the 1446 & 1290 dates with the pharaohs to see if maybe it makes sense that the law changed with the change of pharaohs, but I don't know if even that would be accurate.

Does the killing of the male children for who-knows-how-many-years explain why it only took 40 years for 60 years worth of people to die off? What other factors do I need to take into account?

Thanks again!

Saved by Grace

Dr. Creasy — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:39:04 +0000

I received an email from Forest, one of our Logos students. Here's what he asked:

I was reading your topic of; Once saved always saved and I do agree with you that we cannot fall from grace. I do however have a question about your statement "God provides the grace that enables us to respond to him in faith, and when we do, we move positionally from the world into the family of God. I thought we are born into the family of God by the new birth. When we were born a natural birth we had nothing to do with being born such as having faith, accepting or any other act of our own. Dosen't the new birth come the same way? Can you explain to me what Paul means in Rom 8:5-8,when he says the carnal man has no desire to know anything spiritual and indeed he cannot know it. Would a carnal man respond to something spiritual? Wouldn't we already have to be born again before we would have a desire to respond?

Here is my answer:

As I state in my teaching: "We are born into a condition of sin, and barring the radical intervention of God's grace, that is exactly how we will live, die and spend eternity--in a condition of sin, apart from God." Paul refers to a person living in the world in a condition of sin as being a "carnal man." And, yes, you're right: such a person cannot through his or her own efforts respond to God. He or she is "dead in trespass and sin," and can no more respond to God than a dead man can get up out of his casket and go home.

However, God provides the grace that enables us to respond in faith, awakening us to God's presence, and allowing is to respond to him in faith, moving positionally from the "world" into the family of God: we thus move from the world into the family of God "by grace through faith." This positional move is referred to variously as "being saved," "being born again," or being "born anew." It is the "new birth" that you refer to.

Once in the family of God, we then begin living a "saved" life; that is, a life of our faith expressing itself in love--or a life of good works.

I would hesitate to say, however, that "once saved, we are always saved," without defining our terms. Once in the family of God, as a son or daughter of God, our POSITION in the family is secure for all of eternity. In that sense, we may say: "once saved, always saved." But enjoying fellowship and intimacy with God is a function of our faithfulness and obedience to him. As Jesus says in John: "If you love me you will obey my commands," and as John says in 1 John (to paraphrase): "If you say you love Christ but do not obey him, you are a liar!"

So . . . we get into the family of God "by grace through faith," but we live in the family of God by a live of active love, or good works.

Hope this helps clarify.

Israelite worship practices while in Egypt

willie — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:22:08 +0000

I guess I didn't realize that the Israelites while in Egypt had such little knowledge of their God & ancestors. Who did they worship & what did they believe while they were there?

Logos-on-the-Go: Mobile Devices

hislittlelamb — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 06:11:33 +0000

Using my Android to log on to Logos I'm having trouble with bible study resources/audio bible. The window only goes to Chronicles & I can't scroll down any further. I can't get the book I'm looking for.

Worms, Worms, and more Worms

logosjim — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:52:50 +0000

Bill - I'm glad you warned us about your story - which is gross enough - but those pictures of worms exiting people's legs and faces - EWWWW! I recall this same story on our visit to Caesarea Maritima with the Logos Tour Group so this story brings back fond memories. I remember you putting me on the spot about the worms story and I surmised that Herod Agrippa died first and THEN the tape worms would have exited the corpse to seek another host [even a more gross scene!]. Since tapeworms are a common parasite of pigs - and their flesh is forbidden to Jews [for this reason probably] - I thought this would be another reason that Luke [and Josephus] might smirk at the Herod dynasty [really from Edom after all] with this very graphic story that would remind their readers of the origin [and just punishment] of Herod and his sons. Just a thought from another "gross" fan.

Who Sold Joseph?

russwills — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:51:38 +0000

I'm having a hard time deciphering Genesis 37 without knowing how to read Hebrew. The word "they" is very vague. (Or I just haven't had enough caffeine yet today.)

The brothers throw Joseph into a pit. Reuben planned to rescue him. They saw a caravan of Ishmaelites traveling from Gilead to Egypt. Judah suggests that instead of killing Joseph they should sell him.

Gen 37:28-30:
Then some Midianite traders passed by, so they pulled him up and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. Thus they brought Joseph into Egypt. Now Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit; so he tore his garments. He returned to his brothers and said, "The boy is not there; as for me, where am I to go?"

So they dipped his coat in blood and convinced Jacob that Joseph was dead.

If the Midianites and the Ishmaelites are the same group referred to by two different names (that is what my study Bible says), and the brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him, wouldn't Reuben have known?

But if "they" refers to the Midiantes traders, then the Midiantes pulled Joseph out of the pit and the Midianites sold him to the Ishmaelites. Even though "Midianites" and "Ishmaelites" can refer to the same group of people, why would the author use two different words to refer to them unless he was distinguishing between two different groups? If that's the case, Reuben's surprise to find the pit empty and his brother missing makes more sense. Then the reference to "the Midianites" selling Joseph in Egpyt (verse 36) could refer to either the first group (called the Midiantes above) in the sense that they kidnapped Joseph and initiated Joseph's journey to Egpyt or it could refer to the second group because the words can be interchanged.

Is this an accurate interpretation of the passage? Does the Hebrew make it a bit clearer who "they" refers to"? Or do I just need another cup of tea?

Joseph's knowledge of Benjamin's existance

willie — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:06:44 +0000

According to my study bible, when Joseph had his dreams that he revealed to his brothers (before he was sold into slavery), Rachel was dead so Joseph had to have known about Benjamin.

Rachel and Leah

kilmers4jc — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 07:00:19 +0000

I've enjoyed the journey through Genesis! Thank you, Dr. Creasy, for your excellent class. In addition to your lectures, I've been listening some to another online teacher, Steve Gregg. He pointed something out about Rachel and Leah that I thought was interesting. Even though Jacob's heart was always with Rachel, (an attraction that Gregg thinks was more physical than anything), Gregg states that it seems Leah was the wife of God's choosing for Jacob. Leah acknowledges the God of Jacob; whereas, Rachel never does. (Rachel carried her family's idols with her when they left, and there is never indication that she rejected idols.) Leah was the mother of Judah, the line of the Messiah, and she was the one buried next to Jacob. So even though Leah became Jacob's wife by an act of deceit, God's sovereign will was at work. I welcome anyone's response and thoughts. :)

Genesis 15

russwills — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:27:00 +0000

My wife was going through some sort of Bible course recently with Jeff Cavins (www.ascensionpress.com). He had a very interesting observation.

Genesis 15:5 says, "And He took [Abram] outside and said, 'Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.' And He said to him, 'So shall your descendants be.'" I like to joke that Abram saw more than the 23 stars we see in northern NJ.

Jeff Cavins points out, though, that some time passed while Abram was waiting for God to respond to him. Abram finally fell into a deep sleep "when the sun was going down" - implying that this earlier conversation happened during the daytime. "If you are able to count [the stars]" takes on a whole new meaning if God said that during daylight. There is certainly some speculation here, but it seems likely from the information the text provides.

Just figured I'd share that with you and see if you have any thoughts.

-Russ

Photo Tour

russwills — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:11:32 +0000

Hello, Dr. Bill. My wife surprised me recently by telling me she's taking me to Israel to celebrate our next anniversary in May. I've been longing to do a photo tour for awhile now. I'm hoping to get some photos to use while teaching - I'm looking for sites where seeing current photos would help Scripture come alive for students. (I also want some good art/portfolio shots, but that's secondary.)

I have two questions for you:

First, what cities/places do you recommend that I visit? I want to get shots of places and sites that are relevant to Scripture (OT and NT) that people won't have seen thousands of photos of already on Facebook or Bible textbooks.

Second, I was listening to one of your MP3s recently where you mentioned that offering some cash will get you into places you are not really allowed to be. Can you give me some advice there? How much cash are you talking about? ($10/$100/$1,000?) How do you approach people to "buy" entry into these places? I hope to bring some extra cash to be "allowed" into places where I can shoot some unusual photos.

Are there any photos you want for your classes while I'm there?

-Russ

Miles traveled on journey of "In the Footsteps of St Paul" 2010/2011

dory92064 — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:55:52 +0000

Dr Creasy, Do you know how many miles our bus traveled during our journey "In the Footsteps of St Paul" -- and the number of air miles from Nevsehir to Istanbul? The trip, or I should say Journey was amazing -- at night my mind is still processing all the sights visited. Am looking forward to next year and traveling with you to Egypt. Dolores Moe

The Genealogy of Jesus - Matthew 1:1-16 Incomplete list of Judean Kings

kaysaa — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:32:44 +0000

Why does Matthew omit 5 Judean Kings from the Monarchical Period? Matthew lists only 14 of the 19 Kings. 1. Solomon 2. Rehoboam 3. Abijah 4. Asa/Asaph 5. Jehoshaphat 6. Jehoram 7. Uzziah 8. Jotham 9. Ahaz 10. Hezekiah 11. Manasseh 12. Amos/Amon 13. Josiah 14. Jeconiah vice the 19 we read in the Old Testament(2 Chron chp 7 thru chp 36) 1. Solomon 2. Rehoboam 3. Abijah 4. Asa 5. Jehoshaphat 6. Jehoram 7. Ahaziah (Queen Athaliah after Ahaziah's death before Joash is annointed King) 8. Joash 9. Amaziah 10. Uzziah 11. Jotham 12. Ahaz 13.Hezekiah 14.Manasseh 15.Amon 16.Josiah 17.Jehoahaz 18.Jehoiakim 19.Zedekiah

Christian Perspective on The Wolf Lying With Lamb and Lion Eating Hay?

mtavares — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 05:08:57 +0000

In reference to Isaiah 11:6 and 65:25, I've heard multiple Jewish speakers point out that this has never happened, suggesting it as one reason Jesus wasn't the Jewish Messiah. What is the Christian explanation for this? Is this a second coming thing?

I'm guessing this is going to have to do with the fact that Isaiah's prophecy would have had some immediate context, as Dr. Creasy often points out.

Thanks,
Matt

God's wondrous Christmas gift for all - especially including the 'Logos Bible Study' family and friends!

polmg — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:53:20 +0000

God’s Christmas gift, the Incarnation of his ‘only begotten son’, Jesus The miraculous and most wondrous story of God’s Christmas has overwhelmed our imaginations down through generations, cultures and nations for well over 2000 years. The Christmas story actually began with God’s prophecy of sending his ‘Messiah’ into Israel. God’s ‘Messiah’ was finally born in the Christmas manger, for Jesus is the ‘Messiah’. Those knowing and aware of this initial ‘Messiah’ prophecy had unimaginable expectations over those most outstanding plans announced by God and further emphasized by God’s selected prophets. The ‘Messiah’ was proclaimed: ‘the Lord of Lord’s, the King of King’s and the Holy one of God, in the old testament. God so loved his most important humanity that he planned, even before his creation began, to send his ‘only begotten son’ into the world to handle all that he would set before him. At his Father’s request, Jesus lovingly chose to enter the world and join with the Father to assist in carrying out God’s plans for humanity. The Father even assures us that indeed, all of God’s creation came into being through his son Jesus, showing how much Jesus, the second person of the blessed trinity, wanted to assist with the Father’s plans for humanity. Incarnation is understood as the embodiment of ‘divinity’ in an earthly form. This was deemed necessary and certainly achievable within God’s plans. It was through the Father, the Spirit and the Virgin that Jesus came into this world in both his divinity as well as his humanity, established through the Virgin. This most miraculous birth brings the God-man, Christ child into the manger on Christmas day to assist the Father’s plans for humanity. Joseph was assured by the Angel Gabriel that Mary conceived the Christ child through the Holy Spirit. The divinity of the Christ child proceeds from God’s divinity, just as the humanity of the Christ child is allowed to proceed from the humanity of Mary through the Father and the Holy Spirit to fulfill the miracle of Jesus’ Incarnation. This most wondrous Incarnation completes God’s Christmas love for humanity’s needs. Can the total overwhelming blessings that the Christ child, our Savior, made possible from his arrival on Christmas day, for his faithful family, be appropriately appreciated by his faithful? The Christ Child could only lay down his ‘human nature’ in death on the cross to pay the total debt of humanity’s sinfulness. The Christ child’s divinity could never be laid down in death. This made redemption into heaven possible for God’s faithful family! Can there ever be a greater Christmas gift? This is God’s greatest Christmas gift to his faithful family! There is certainly a Merry Christmas to celebrate! Merry Christmas!

LOGOS ON THE GO

nwstrbk1 — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 21:50:43 +0000

Just received the fully loaded "LOGOS ON THE GO" iPod nano this week. Tremendous! ~Nelene W.

'weaving the fabric' and order of study

danhd17 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:27:41 +0000

Dr. Creasy, Season's Greetings and God's Blessings to you and the Logos Family! The introduction the Genesis in the audio files refers to 'weaving the fabric of the Bible' in a 7 year study program by not following the chapters of the Bible in order. Is the order of the chapters that you refer to available on the website? Thank you very much, Dan p.s. really love the site and hope to participate in classes in the future.

Book of Joshua

jmparish — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:01:59 +0000

I was listening to your recent lectures on the Book of Joshua. I find it difficult to understand the actions of the Israelites in their conquest of the Promised Land in killing all men, women, children, and animals in the cities and towns they conquered. In Jericho, the prostitute Rahab was willing to recognize the Lord in exchange for the lives of her family members. It is certainly probable that others in Jericho, Ai, and the other cities would have been willing to accommodate the Israelites in some way in exchange for their lives. Do you have any thoughts on why God ordered all those people massacred, including women and children? What message do you think we should take away from this story? Jim Parish

The Transfiguration

logosjim — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:54:42 +0000

Bill - I have been praying the rosary lately and The Transfiguration is the 4th decade in the Luminous mysteries. While contemplating this subject, I began to wonder how Peter, James, and John knew Jesus was speaking with Moses and Elijah. The theme of being assumed into the sky/heaven seems to happen only to very special people - not Moses, David, or Isaiah - but only Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, and Mary [? others]. So how do the apostles know which prophets are there? Are they just guessing, did they get introduced, or is there some other clue that I am not aware of? Jim Moitoza

why wasn't David allowed to build the temple?

jimmiepressley — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 03:07:22 +0000

I seem to remember Dr. Creasy referencing a specific verse saying that it was the murder of Uriah which disqualified David from building the temple. Can anyone help me?

The Iliad of Homer

dory92064 — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:52:18 +0000

Dr Creasy, When do you anticipate your lectures from the Iliad of Homer class will be on line? Unfortunately I was unable to complete the class, but am looking forward to listening the course on line. Dolores Moe

What is the difference between Christianity (Jesus) and Islam (Muhammad)?

beeirish1965 — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:26:04 +0000

Dr. Bill, What is the difference between Christianity (Jesus) and Islam (Muhammad)? Is the Koran based on Christianity? What came first Christianity or Islam? Does the Koran teach hate? Thank you in advance for your great website and your knowledge that has helped my and our faith grow. God Bless your ministry and you. Judy & Bruno

April 2011 Bible Travel

logosjim — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 05:33:55 +0000

Bill: I have been anxiously awaiting any updates on this new trip. Did you solidify any plans for 4/2011 while you were there recently? My last understanding is that the trip into Egypt would have to be separate - I still want to try SCUBA in the Red Sea!! Is Petra on the itinerary? Jim Moitoza

Christianity and politics

maggieblevins — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:11:57 +0000

I see comments by some people (not in this forum) advocating a specific "Christian" way to vote. What I see in the Gospels is that Jesus distanced himself from politics and told his followers to focus on his kingdom instead. Now, we all live in the here and now and want to be responsible to our community and country. Nevertheless, I ponder whether a Christian should feel obligated to vote a particular way. What is your opinion on this? If you believe there is a particular way Christians should vote, would it be on a case-by-case basis or on a generalized manner (such as always vote conservative)? And although many conservatives are stating that this is the way all Christians should vote, wasn't Jesus always aligning with the poor and downtrodden?

Galatians

athisfeet — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 03:44:39 +0000

Bill, I was enjoying listening to Galatians and noticed the 3 files within the Galatians folder are all spelled 'Galations' in error.

Noah's ark

tottieirene — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:04:43 +0000

Here is an interesting site about an ark that has been built in Holland according to the plans outlined in the Bible: http://www.crookedbrains.net/2008/07/interesting_24.html

Parting of the Red Sea

tottieirene — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:41:05 +0000

ADDENDUM: This is a site for referencehttp://www.science20.com/news_articles/parting_red_sea_could_it_have_happened_wind_setdown_model_says_yes

Parting of the Red Sea

tottieirene — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:38:31 +0000

I heard this on NPR the other day: a possible natural explanation for the parting of the waters could be that the wind forces in the area of the Kedua Gap of the Nile delta do cause the waters to shift. You probably had heard this information. What do you think? Tot

Graduate School - Biblical Studies

lauribattista — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:33:43 +0000

Hello Bill, Just wanted to let you know that you will be receiving an online Letter of Recommendation request from Harvard Divinity School. Please check your email account for a summary of what is needed. Also, did you receive my supporting documents package for Letters of Recommendation for Boston College and the Graduate School of Theology? Thank you Bill - much appreciated. Sincerely, Lauri Battista

Baptism in the OT?

scarter — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:28:24 +0000

I am curious about the act of Baptism. How did the act of Baptism come about, and was John the first one to baptize for the forgiveness of sins? Wasn't this very radical for the time since Jews were still observing passover and the yearly atonement for sins?

The Unforgivable Sin - 9/7/2010 11:28am

Dr. Creasy — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:26:25 +0000

I posted this week's blog, "The Unforgivable Sin," and Logos student, Joe Pozinto, commented in an email: "You are wrong on the unpardonable sin. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is when the Pharisee says the works of Jesus are of the devil. It is not unbelief. In that case we all would have committed it, thus hell bound because it is unpardonable."

I disagree, and I continue holding my position.

The unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, not blasphemy against the Son. In the blog I focused on Matthew 12: 31: "And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." The next verse makes it clear that Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit, not about himself: "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks a word against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven" (Matthew 12: 31).

I can see how one may be tempted to link Jesus' remarks to the preceding verses in 12: 25-28, where we have the debate about the origins of Jesus' authority, but Matthew 12: 25-28 and verse 29 are two specific examples leading in a linear fashion to Jesus' concluding statement in 30-32; they are not comments pointing back to the first two examples, but two examples pointing ahead to the broader concluding statement in 12: 30-32.

Hence my position in the blog, focusing on the concluding statement as it relates to the Holy Spirit, not the Son, with particular emphasis on the meaning of "blasphemy." I think the text is clear on this point.

Do you have any compelling evidence to the contrary, Joe?

Praying The Psalms in Contradiction to The New Testament

mtavares — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:17:15 +0000

I've gotten advice from several different people to use the Psalms as material for prayer. Some say that Jesus would have prayed them as well. Last weekend I was praying Psalms at a Benedictine Monastery, a place where the Psalms are obviously prayed with deep passion. As I was praying Psalm 108 I realized we were praying for punishment to our enemies. Psalm 109 is probably a better example of what I'm about to get at. If we're supposed to be praying for our enemies per the advice of Jesus, should we really be opening our lips with such words as those in Psalm 108 and 109? Certainly, we have to understand the complete history of the Psalms and what Jesus was saying. However, when we pray shouldn't we mean it? My question to anyone here who has some insight to offer is, how do you feel when you pray Psalms like this? Are you reflecting on it, or actually praying it? By the way, I asked a couple of the monks, and they seemed to lean towards the reflecting answer, but I'm still left contemplating this myself. Thanks, Matt

Psalm 17:8

nwstrbk1 — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 05:52:02 +0000

Dr. Creasy Could you please shed some light on this verse as it relates to..."as the apple of your eye?" Thanks, Nelene

Authority, Freedom, and the Pharisees

russwills — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:39:46 +0000

Hey, Dr. Bill. I’m picking up my last thread where I left off with questions about the RC Church. Here’s one of my bigger trouble spots. In Ex. 6 God announces that if the people obey his voice and keep his covenant they will be, among other things, a kingdom of priests. God then established the Levitical system and ordained priests and a high priest, etc. I’ve been learning more and more about how closely the liturgies of the RC Church resemble Judaism and I understand that a vast majority of the liturgies and practices of the Church come either directly or indirectly from Scripture and ancient Jewish practices. The more I learn, the more amazed I am and the more beautiful the liturgies become for me.

At the same time, though, the writer of Hebrews declares that Jesus is the ultimate high priest whose sacrifice brought us under a new covenant. Now, through Christ, we can enter the holy place. In the introduction to Revelation John calls us “a kingdom of priests”. So, if I understand correctly, God desired his people to be a kingdom of priests, and this was accomplished at the cross. If that is correct (and that’s a big if), why can only priests ordained by the RC Church handle the Eucharist and perform many of the sacraments? If we are a kingdom of priests, shouldn’t we all be performing the duties of a priest?

And, as a sometimes-stereotypical Gen-Xer challenging rules and authority, why does the Church command so many rules that appear to be extra-Biblical. Many of the rules I’ve become familiar with seem an awful lot like the “hedge around the Law” that Jesus opposed so strongly in his arguments with the Pharisees. Some of the rules in the RC Church even seem to contradict the teachings of Scripture. This is one of the things that make me most hesitant to become a member of the RC Church.

Can you comment on these things? In particular, what is the basis for the authority structure in the RC Church? Am I misinterpreting these things? And/or has the RC Church evolved from a Pharisaic strand of Judaism? (When I say “Pharisaic” here I do not mean it in a derogatory way – Paul still considered himself a Pharisee after he was following Christ. Paul and Barnabas had some convincing to do before James declared that Gentile believers should not be bound by the Torah.) It almost feels like the Church has returned to a form of Christianity from before the Jerusalem council, enforcing a type of “law” that Jesus freed us from and James declared unnecessary.

Okay, I keep trying to write short questions and then I get carried away, sorry! Anything you could offer on this topic would be deeply appreciated!

-Russ

Hebrew Grammar Lesson

russwills — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:33:48 +0000

Hi, Dr. Bill. I was listening to Luke today while painting a new house (ah, what fun) and heard you speak about the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews". I've heard Chuck Missler teach on this before and didn't quite understand it when he taught it either. I don't know how to type in Hebrew so I'll use Missler's transliteration for my question - Yeshua HaNazarei v Melech HaYehudim. I've been trying to learn Hebrew for ages but my brain just doesn't do language well at all. I'm amazed I can speak English. Anyway, why would there be a "waw" (or vav depending on who's teaching) instead of a "he" before "Melech"? Why would "the king" be "v Melect" and not "HeMelech"? Thanks in advance.

Bible Dating--Kings of Judah

vicki — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:53:25 +0000

I teach a "Through the Bible" class in my church (Methodist) for the last 7 years, and we are going through the whole Bible for about the last 7 years. We are in 1 & 2 Thessalonians right now. I have listended to all of your teaching on this and was doing my own study on Daniel 9, the last of the kings of Judah, and the letter of Jeremiah to the Babylonian exiles, where Jeremiah tells them to "unpack their bags" as you said! This caused me to review the last of the kings of Judah after the death of Josiah. I call them the "J" Kings, because their names begin with J, and are confusing to students to keep them in order (Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoichin). They also have various other names (like Jehoahaz is also Shallum and Jehoiakim was originally Eliakim, his Hebrew name). Anyway, I came across a dating question where II Kings and II Chronicles differ. I know there is a good explanation, and you probably know off the top of your head, and have been asked it a million times, so here is the millionth and one time! In 2 Kings 24:8 it says that Jehoiachin (other names: Jeconiah or Coniah) was eighteen (18) years old when he began his 3-month reign, and 2 Chronicles 36:9 says he was eight (8) years old. Both passages confirm the 3-month reign, but why the 10 year difference for when he began his reign? Thanks in advance.

Prophets Speak into Their Own Time, All the Time?

cbedgar — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:41:41 +0000

A question about prophets and prophesies, and how do you know a true prophet from a false prophet. When does a prophet speak of the here and now, and when does the prophesy foreshadow a greater event that may not happen for hundreds or thousands of years.

The Journey Home

lauribattista — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:34:40 +0000

Dr. Creasy, Have you ever considered being interviewed for The Journey Home EWTN Host: Marcus Grodi? (The Journey Home features those who have converted to the Catholic Faith making "their journey home") The guest go on to then feature where their lives have led them e.g. Logos Bible Study! I would love to see you featured on that program! How many more souls you would reach - just think of it?! Very truly yours, Lauri (Gibilterra) Battista

Tuesday Psalms

wjpl — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:47:43 +0000

Dr Creasy You asked the Tuesday classs, if we favored a four week version of the Psalms or a verse by verse treatment through all 150. I attended your Praying the Psalms lecture, which was great by the way, and feel that I would benefit from your thoughts on the individual Psalms. So I would vote for all 150. Wayne Lovett PS My wife agrees

Praying the Psalms Seminar

nwstrbk1 — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:34:31 +0000

Thank you Dr. Creasy & staff for making this seminar so readily available "online!" This Bible Study is a blessing truly beyond measure. Nelene

Becoming Catholic - Help!

russwills — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:31:10 +0000

To Dr. Bill and anyone else with advice:

In another thread I mentioned that I have toyed with the idea of converting to the Roman Catholic Church. I have some major hesitations, and at this point in my journey I don't plan to make the move. I want ask some questions, though. Here's one of my bigger questions. All input is welcome.

From what I hear, when a person converts to Catholicism, he/she agrees to uphold all the teachings of the Church. (I'm not positive "agrees" is the correct word, but it's something along those lines.)

I teach Scripture any chance I get (college courses, church settings, home groups, whatever else), but some of what I teach does not agree with the teaching of the RC Church. There are also quite a few things outside of anything I teach that I question about the RC Church. I'm not out to be "right" about interpreting Scripture, and I do my best to avoid proving other people's viewpoints wrong. (I'm sure a great deal of what I currently believe is wrong!) But I'm not sure I could agree to uphold certain teachings of the Church when I make vows before a congregation.

I don't expect to find any denomination that I agree with completely, and I certainly don't desire to bash the Church's teaching or publicly disagree with the Church's doctrine or the Catechism. It's more about my own public profession. I don't want to take it lightly. Hope that makes sense. It's not about particular issues as much as it's about making and keeping vows with integrity.

Hmmm, I said this was a question and so far I haven't asked anything, huh? I guess my question is more like a request for advice. I see the beauty of the RC Church and I think the Church is right on in quite a few areas, but I also struggle with a lot of other areas. Some of the things I struggle with are pretty important to the RC Church, and some of them are pretty important to me personally as well.

So any advice anyone in the community can give is welcome. Thank you in advance! And Dr. Bill, thank you for be willing to hear these questions and hear me vent! :)

-Russ

Why did you change from Presbyterian to Catholic?

gnes — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:41:16 +0000

Dr. Creasy I noticed you were raised a Presbyterian and are now a Catholic. I was just curious what made you change?

2nd Kings`

raecker — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:36:31 +0000

2nd Kings seems horribly screwed up. Lessons appear to be short, cut off with a great deal of material missing. Are there plans to add the missing material at some point?

Blind Faith or Understanding

logosjim — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:09:46 +0000

Wow!! That's all I can say about this selected bible resource. I was blown away on Wednesday, 5/19, when Bill taught us about Luke and these passages that revealed that Jesus had known his disciples quite a while before he called them "to be fishers of men." Now I understand why I had always thought that the disciples had joined Jesus - thrown away everything - after he called them [Mark]. James and John were his cousins! Does that make them cousins of John the Baptist too? Mary's sister was their mother - but Mary's cousin was also Elizabeth ... Too many Marys and too many James: There is James, Jesus's brother and later leader of the church in Jerusalem after Pentecost, James John's brother and son of Zebedee, and James the younger [lessor?]. Help! I am amazed that James, Jesus's brother, does not believe in him when he goes back to Nazareth and reads the Isaiah scripture - but later believes he IS the messiah after Jesus is crucified and rises again. A lot of family ties here. Jim M

Eternal Salvation

sherrillw — Sun, 23 May 2010 12:14:32 +0000

DR. Creasy, I found your website about a month ago, and I really love the way you teach the Bible. I have listened to several hours of teaching just in the last month. I recently read your 3 part exposition on questions concerning salvation that is posted here on your site. You teach that it is possible for a born again person to turn and walk away from Christ. I have always thought that salvation is eternal. John 3:16. Whosoever believes shall not perish but have everlasting life. When does everlasting life end? Thanks for your response.

Rabbi Mayersohn

raecker — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:33:40 +0000

In listening to the two sessions on Genesis in God: a Portrait I was fascinated by Jewish perspective on the creation study. Do you have anything planned to build more of Rabbi Michael into the website, especially in Old Testament discussions, to enrich the website which is already fantastic? i'd also make it a priority to attend a graduate seminar at which you and Rabbi Meyerson collaboratively teach a session on an Old Testament topic. You could probably record it and market as a DVD or marketing tool for the website. You are both very entertaining and informative teachers, and I think playing off each other would be worth the price of admission and could well attract non-believers to learn more about Holy Scripture - from the Jewish and/or Christian perspective - and to subscribe to the website. Blessings on you both.

Logos Seminars

anitasherbanee — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:38:43 +0000

Bill, Is there any chance in the future that you would be able to do some of your 'Saturday Seminars' or others such as your Iliad, via a Webinair format? Would love to take more of your newer sessions, but driving down to San Diego is not always possible. Once again, thank you for a First Class Website!!

Imitation of Christ

annewoods — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 15:24:18 +0000

Thank you for posting an audio version of this book as daily podcasts. I have now listened to the first two chapters and find it a wonderful meditation. We have always had the book around our house and yet I never seemed to find the time to pick it up and read it. Sitting quietly and listening to it is wonderful!

salvation for Gentiles before Christ

lidoladie — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:27:57 +0000

I was just asked this question on Easter...What happen to the Gentiles who died before Christ died for us? I have heard several theories but would like to hear from you. Thank you for this forum.

LBS Monthly Newsletter

kph1997 — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:58:29 +0000

AWESOME Dr. Creasy and all who are contributing!!! As a long time student, I eagerly waited for the quarterly newsletter to be in our mailbox, and I have kept many of them in my binder! The new interactive format is a gazillion times better :-) - and I am amazed that it will be MONTHLY now. Ah - the wonders of the Internet can be truly amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

John 20:23

friend — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:05:40 +0000

What did Jesus mean when he said...........whoses sins you forgive are forgiven and whose sins you retain are retained.

Syllabus?

anixon3 — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:27:17 +0000

Dr. Creasy, Do you have a silibus for online study? I live in Ohio and am interested in your bible study and wonder about the order of study.

Galatians

raecker — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:38:31 +0000

The headings in Galatians are scrambled. The introduction is really presented in the third section, the one described as 3:26 to the end, and the last section is second, and the section starting at 2:11 is what comes up when you hit the Introduction selection. Hopefully this will be easy to correct. Blessings on you and all you do,

Logos Bible Study & the Rabbi

Dr. Creasy — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:07:32 +0000

I received an email today, apparently from a Logos Bible Study student. Here it is in its entirety:

Mr. Creasy- You incorporate a rabbi into much of your discussion, classwork. It brings me sadness, for here is an individual that is brought to sin numerous times by repeated denial of Christ (and publicly) by being associated with Logos. His testimonies to the Jewish faith in a classroom forum are repeated denials of Christ. There is no humor in that! In his extended duration with LOGOS he has had opportunity for many gifts of the Holy Spirit. It would be prudent to let him go and have time for prayer and reflection.

And here is my reply:

I'm sorry you feel the way you do.

The purpose of Logos Bible Study is to create "educated readers" of Scripture who are fully equipped to read, study and apply the Bible in their own lives.

Although Logos Bible Study reflects a distinctly Christian perspective, it is important to understand--and to respect--other point of view, as well.

Viewing Scripture from a Jewish perspective can only enrich our understanding of the text--which, after all, was written by the Jews!

Interestingly, when I tried to send my reply, I found that the email address was phony. Apparently, the person who sent the email made up the address, so his/her comment would be anonymous.

I've taught the Bible for a long time now (over 30 years), and I've "team-taught" with a number of Rabbis over those years, including at UCLA. I've also served as "scholar in residence" at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, the first Christian scholar to do so. Working with the Jewish community has always been richly rewarding, and teaching with the Rabbis has offered great insight into the Bible, on a variety of levels.

It's important to understand that Logos Bible Study is an educational endeavor. And education involves understanding a variety of perspectives on any number of issues. To do otherwise is not education; it is indoctrination.

I'm always amazed (though I probably shouldn't be) at people who limit their world view so severely, be it in religion, politics or day-to-day life.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Paul & Jesus

wjpl — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:51:30 +0000

Dr. Creasy You have frequently referenced time that Paul spent with Jesus after his conversion. Do you have a cite for that; or is that tradition? Thanks Wayne Lovett

Praying the Psalms

nwstrbk1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:57:25 +0000

My husband and I were so interested in registering for the Special LOGOS Seminar: Praying the Psalms. We would have jumped right in with our registration but will be traveling. Will you be posting any part of the classes in the future? We are loving Logos online! Praying for you as you teach us all! God Bless You!- Nelene

Joseph's Mummy

jlfritz — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:10:16 +0000

DR. CREASY HAS JOSEPH'S OR ANY OTHER OLD TESTAMENT MUMMY EVER BEEN FOUND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS BIBLE STUDY

Lenten retreat

raecker — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:45:51 +0000

Where can I get more info on your lenten retreat? Is there any room left? Dick Eckert

bible commentary

jlfritz — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:16:22 +0000

Dr. Creasy, are you going to add any more Bible commentary to the Old or/and New Testament?

Bible Maps - 7 year folder

jmurray — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:15:09 +0000

Hi Dr. Creasy, A friend of mine has one of the folders that you had started giving out in the 7 year class quite sometime ago. I was looking through it and really thought it was great. (Especially the maps) Would you happen to have any left over that you would be willing to sell? If not the folders, do you have any of the maps/bible timelines that you used for the folder? I realize you do have maps on the website, but I really do like the quality of the ones in the folder. I appreciate everything you have done to make this website possible. The Lord has truly blessed you with the gift of teaching and I am very thankful for your teachings. Thank you, James

Matthew 5:13

jmurray — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:32:12 +0000

Hi Dr. Creasy, I went through your lesson on the salt in Matt. 5:13 I am still struggling to grasp exactly what Jesus is speaking of here? Blessing you, James

The Iliad

jlfritz — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:14:02 +0000

Dr. Creasy, I am enjoying your Logos Bible Study and am wondering if you also have other online studies available at this time. I have heard you mention classes taught on the Iliad and a possible Moby Dick. I would enjoy listening to about anything you teach on. Sincerely, Judy Fritz

Question Acts 2

nwstrbk1 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:18:03 +0000

Dr. Creasy can you please explain Acts 2:24? What is the meaning of the "agony of death" here? Nelene

timeline of Adam and Eve

lidoladie — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:24:28 +0000

I am doing a study debunking Darwinism..The film we saw shows the earth and sea life millions of years ago...maybe 300 million years. My Bible puts Abraham around 2100 BC. When do you think God created Adam and Eve? Was the earth here with just animals for millions of years? Pam

Kings and Chronicles

cbedgar — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:47:56 +0000

Discussion, questions, comments of the lessons and text of 1&2 Kings and Chronicles.

Membership Questions

cbedgar — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:44:35 +0000

Questions about Logos Bible Study Membership: enrolling, benefits, where to get help, and how it works. Not for "I can't login" or "I forgot my password" questions.

"Letting Go of God"

maggieblevins — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:03:52 +0000

Showtime cable tv channel has a program currently running entitled "Letting Go of God," a one-woman performance by "comedian and atheist" Julia Sweeney. It is a program where Ms. Sweeney discusses her personal journal from Catholicism to atheism. I watched it a few days ago and was horrified. Ms. Sweeney describes her personal experience reading the Bible following a visit by Mormon missionaries and coming to the conclusion that there is no God. She provides a number of "examples," such as saying there are two separate accounts of the creation of woman in Genesis, so Genesis is unreliable; she takes a boyfriend's comments that our eyes are so wonderful only God could have created them to lead her to do her own research about eyes, concluding that there is something faulty in the design and thus no God created us; etc., etc. The reason I bring up the show is that I hate to imagine the people who might turn away from God based on her performance. I wonder whether others have seen this or have information about the program and would comment on it.

Genesis

jkuelbs — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:19:17 +0000

You talk about maps during your talk....are we supposed to be seeing them??? It would be easier to understand them if they would come up. Also words along the side are not all readable. They seem to have words overlapping.....That is all so far

Web Site

jtedge — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:57:27 +0000

I have just tried each feature on the web site and all work well. It is easy to navigate through the site and select the features that you want. It is also easy to download each feature. A job well done. Jerry Edge

Videos on Travel Page

jtedge — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:03:53 +0000

Bill, Just joined and have been browsing through the web site. It looks great. Only saw one glitch so far. Since It is late I thought I would drop a note about it. When I click on the Bible Travel and try the videos there is a duplicate. The one for turkey also shows when I click on the one for Israel. Jerry

Tell Your Story

Dr. Creasy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:03:59 +0000

Logos students are from a variety of backgrounds, but we all share a common interest in—and love of—the Bible.

Each of you has a story to tell, and this is your opportunity to do so!

This & That

Dr. Creasy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:50:35 +0000

Interesting stuff comes up all the time at Logos Bible Study.

Here’s where you can post interesting stuff you find, comment on what other people post, and carry on a conversation about any number of cool topics!

Ask Dr. Creasy

Dr. Creasy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:46:27 +0000

Logos classes are typically in a lecture format before a large audience, or here on the Internet. Neither format lends itself to discussion or to asking questions. But most certainly many very good questions arise!

So here is your opportunity to ask them!

Prayer Requests

Dr. Creasy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:39:09 +0000

Logos Bible Study is a global community of students who share a passion for the Bible. It is also a community centered in Christ. Please share your prayer requests with your fellow Logos students.

We will be happy to pray on your behalf!

Improving the Website

Dr. Creasy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:26:43 +0000

We want Logos Bible Study to be the most comprehensive, in-depth Bible study resource on the planet! We also want it to be intuitive and easy to use, so it will become a part of your daily life. The site is a “work in progress” that will develop and grow as we move forward. We would love to hear your feedback.

Please let us know how the site working for you, new things you would like to see . . . and any other constructive criticism you may have!