Apocalyptic is perhaps the most challenging of all biblical literature to interpret. This is due primarily to its use of symbols to represent future events. The word means to “unveil” or “reveal.” At its core, Apocalyptic literature deals with the eschaton, or end times. When we think of the Apocalyptic literature in the Bible, our minds turn first to Revelation. However, it would be a mistake to assume that Revelation is the only evidence of … [Read More]
The Design Argument in a Little Under Four Minutes
The argument from design is very intuitive, and most people get its point immediately. Simply put, something appears to be designed when it demonstrates purpose or function and possesses information. We recognize things as simple as a pencil or a dixie cup to be the products of deliberate design, because we can see they were made for the purpose of accomplishing a task. Because they contain organized, complex structure, we say that these objects, as … [Read More]
Engaging Exposition (7): Discovering the Author’s Method of Communication
Some people use the terms Hermeneutics and Exegesis as synonyms. We should see a distinction, but they are closely related. Every close reading of a text—any text—is an act of exegesis. Exegesis refers to the process of discerning the truth of Scripture by allowing a text to reveal its meaning and significance, rather than reading the interpreter’s bias into it.
As we begin the process of Exegesis, we must inspect the content of the biblical text. … [Read More]
Engaging Exposition (6): 10 Basic Principles of Hermeneutics (continued)
6) The author’s intended meaning should be interpreted literally, unless the genre and the use of figurative language suggests otherwise.
Hermeneutics has a famous axiom: “If the plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense.” When we speak about the literal meaning of a text, we are referring simply to the natural interpretation of the words as they are joined together into sentences and paragraphs. The writers were normal, rational people who communicated in the … [Read More]
William Lane Craig v. Dr. Lawrence Krauss: Is There Evidence for God?
We at Between the Times would like to inform you that Campus Crusade for Christ at North Carolina State University will be hosting a large formal debate next week on March 30th. Dr. William Lane Craig and Dr. Lawrence Krauss will debate the topic is “Is There Evidence for God?” Dr. Craig is Research Professor of Philosophy at the Talbot School of Theology and a well respected evangelical apologist. Dr. Krauss is Professor of Physics at Arizona … [Read More]
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Engaging Exposition (5): 10 Basic Principles of Hermeneutics
I will dedicate two blogs to our ten principles. We will address five in each one.
Hermeneutics is the proper use of the principles of interpretation to discover the author’s intended meaning of a biblical text, with a goal of applying that meaning to a contemporary audience. The following principles of interpretation are designed to safeguard our exegesis as we seek to discover the author’s intended meaning and its significance for our contemporary audience.
1) The Bible … [Read More]
The Greenhouse Series: The Axis Church in Nashville, TN
[Note: The Greenhouse Series promotes church planting and church renewal in the United States. Each installment spotlights a specific church that has recently been planted or is in the process of revitalization, as a means of encouraging our readership in the victories of the gospel and allowing them the opportunity to support these churches.]
Last year, I spent a weekend with Jeremy Rose and The Axis Church. It was one of the best weekends of my … [Read More]
Engaging Exposition (4): Interpretation And Exposition: A Journey of Discovery
Before we can craft and deliver an expository sermon, we must learn how to “correctly teach the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).” John Broadus, in his classic work On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons wrote:
For the Scripture to have value for preaching and for the preacher’s text to become God’s message, the Bible must be interpreted correctly. To interpret and apply his text in accordance with its real meaning is one of the … [Read More]
Engaging Exposition (3): Seven Foundational Convictions And Commitments For Preaching And Teaching The Word of God
1. Preaching Must Be Text-Driven So That It Truly Honors What Is In The Divine Revelation.
Expository preaching allows the Scripture text to determine both the substance and the structure of the message. How one structures the Scriptures will determine how one structures the sermon. The Scriptural text drives and determines, shapes and forms sermon development as it relates to the explanation of the biblical text.
2. Preaching must honor the principle of authorial intent, recognizing that … [Read More]
Engaging Exposition (2): A Crisis in 21st Century Preaching: a Mandate for Engaging Biblical Exposition
We believe the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is at a critical point. There is a crisis in our pulpits, and the situation is critical. Seduced by the sirens of modernity, preachers of the gospel have jettisoned a word-based ministry that is expository in nature. Skiing across the surface needs of a fallen, sinful humanity we have turned the pulpit into a pop-psychology side-show and a feel-good pit stop. We have neglected preaching the … [Read More]
