Tag Archives: interpretation

Understanding God-talk

Posted on November 5, 2019 by grahamAlive

Have you ever wondered why God talks the way he does? So often, in Scripture, his words are shrouded in mystery, or stated in very curious ways. When people had the opportunity to ask him questions, his answers typically were … Continue reading →

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The + – + Method

Posted on February 17, 2019 by grahamAlive

One of the most difficult tasks of any Bible teacher, pastor, or missionary is to speak truth to broken people. We all are a work-in-progress, which makes teaching extremely challenging. On one hand, faithful leaders are overwhelmed with the desire … Continue reading →

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Interpreting Within the Limits of Why

Posted on December 31, 2018 by grahamAlive

Striving to understand the specific purpose for which a Bible author wrote what they did is essential to right interpretation. That might seem obvious, but history demonstrates that it is rarely applied. What is far more common is to take … Continue reading →

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Interpreting Symbols on a Page – Category vs Substance

Posted on December 4, 2018 by grahamAlive

Language is a curious thing. It is the vehicle through which we convey our thoughts, wants, and meanings, but of itself it is just a lifeless set of repeating patterns. Neither words, nor the letters that form words, have any … Continue reading →

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Setting Your Anchor on the Gospel (3 of 3)

Posted on March 25, 2018 by grahamAlive

The boy and his best friend could track everything, but one wily coon always seemed to stay one trick ahead. An old-timer suggested he try the Shiny Trick. Along a known racoon trail, the boy drilled a hole in a … Continue reading →

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Vantage Point: A shift of Perspective

Posted on October 15, 2013 by grahamAlive

There was a time that most everyone thought that the sun revolved around the earth. Even for many Christians it seemed to make sense at the time. If God had shown himself so interested in mankind, then everything must revolve … Continue reading →

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In Context: Strip Teasing the Layers, 3 of 3

Posted on June 5, 2012 by grahamAlive

Attempting to unveil further detail ought to come with music. Previously we viewed the ten Commandments of Context as a way of approaching how to study Scripture. Here we will take some time to consider why each layer is important … Continue reading →

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In Context: Dipping into the Well of Truth, 2 of 3

Posted on June 5, 2012 by grahamAlive

Under what condition is Scripture used as a Ouija board? Last post we considered how easily we slip into opinion sharing as acceptable for seeking truth in studying the Bible. This time we will consider the recommended approach that will … Continue reading →

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In Context: Smoked Opinions, 1 of 3

Posted on June 5, 2012 by grahamAlive

Opinions are often just another opiate of the masses. We relish our own interpretations of life. There is something inherently thrilling to yell, “Look Mom, no hands” as we careen down slippery slopes under our own hidden power and skill. … Continue reading →

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