The Good Book Blog
The Good Book Blog is the faculty blog of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Representing the diverse areas of specialty within the seminary, but bound by a common commitment to biblical authority, the blog seeks to engage with important topics in biblical studies, theology, philosophy, spiritual formation and Christian education. The Good Book Blog is a resource for anyone seeking solid biblical scholarship that engages contemporary ideas from a decidedly evangelical perspective.
Visit the Good Book Blog at: http://thegoodbookblog.com
Talbot School of Theology at Biola University
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5 Signs That Someone Is Open to the Gospel
When you think of unbelievers you know, I imagine you see some of them as more “open” to the gospel than others. So, how can we know if they are truly open to the message about Jesus? Five...Friday, March 1, 2019
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Are You Ready to be a Missionary? A Checklist
This post is for people who are praying seriously about the possibility of serving overseas in long-term cross-cultural missions. It may help you assess where you presently stand in terms of...Tuesday, May 1, 2018
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7 “Churchy” Words and the Need for Clarity
We are moving in the West further along this path as a post-Christian culture. No longer are Christian terms and biblical concepts commonplace. Here’s my list of seven troublesome words and brief...Friday, August 4, 2017
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Blood Moons and the End of the World
It’s one thing to be a scandal for the Gospel—the Gospel of Jesus Christ is scandalous to the world. Paul felt that, and I am proud to own that, too (1 Cor. 1:18-25). But blood moons as signs of...Wednesday, October 28, 2015
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Questions about Hell: Is It a Literal Fire? Or Worse?
All of us can imagine the great horror of being immersed in a lake of hot flame forever. With that pain in mind, I think the Bible leads us to conclude that hell is even worse than that.Wednesday, July 22, 2015
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Questions about Hell: What Does the Bible Say?
Find out what Scripture teaches about hell and eternal judgment.Wednesday, July 22, 2015
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Do We Have to be Poor to Follow Jesus?
Is it better to be poor than to be rich? Does one have to give up everything in order to follow Jesus? Does wealth itself ever keep people out of the kingdom of God?Tuesday, March 10, 2015
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What Role Should a Deacon Have?
The office of deacon has some ambiguity to it in church practice. So, what exactly does the Bible tell us? And is this role only meant to deal with “physical” needs?Thursday, November 20, 2014
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Can Women be Deacons?
In what follows, I will present the arguments about 1 Timothy 3:11 (as referring to women Deacons or not) and propose a way this office can be promoted for greater expression of complementarianism...Tuesday, November 18, 2014
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Shepherds, Sheep, and Talking Heads
I am often asked my opinion of the mega-church model of ministry. I find the model lacking, frankly, but not for the reasons you might think.Tuesday, October 28, 2014
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Going into Exile
How would you like to be going into exile? Leaving all you have known—your home, your beautiful yard and fields, your places of repose and safety, your income earning ability?Thursday, July 24, 2014
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A Leader’s Heart, Part 2
As we again engage in the narrative, it is obvious that cooperation by all the residents is crucial. This challenge brings out yet another quality of Nehemiah’s heart: He wisely recruited other...Wednesday, February 26, 2014
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A Leader’s Heart, Part 1
When listing great leaders, we think of Nehemiah, the man who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem during the time of the great Persian Empire. Many books have been written about his skillful handling of...Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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How Illicit Sexual Relations Harm the Body: Theology of Sexual Sins
Why is sexual sin singled out as uniquely damaging to the body in a way that other physical actions are not? Substance abuse, gluttony, cutting—these are all harmful acts to the body, but they do...Friday, October 25, 2013
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The Shortest Verse in the New Testament
What is the shortest verse in the New Testament? Did you respond “Jesus wept”? (Buzzer sound) No, that is the third shortest verse in the New Testament.Tuesday, February 19, 2013