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This is the last episode for the month of June – time for our monthly news roundup. In this episode, we’ll be talking about the number of Americans who are reading the Bible, the Department of Education and transgender students, and the effects of the pandemic on our emotional well-being.Continue Reading
When it comes to studying the Bible, it is common for people to come away with their own understanding of the word of God. Many see nothing wrong with this, despite the varied and sometimes conflicting interpretations people have of the Scriptures. However, when Paul wrote to the brethren in Ephesus, he said, “By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). He did not expect each of them to have their interpretation of the epistle he wrote by inspiration. Instead, he expected them to have the same understanding as he did. The only way this could happen is for each one to follow a common set of principles as they try to determine the meaning of a particular passage under consideration.
Isaiah Boone Grubbs (1833-1912) was a preacher and also a professor at the College of the Bible in Lexington, KY at the end of the nineteenth century and into the early part of the twentieth century. In the introduction to his material on the epistles of First and Second Corinthians and Galatians,* he outlined six hermeneutical rules that would allow students of the Bible to properly interpret the text. (Hermeneutics simply means “the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible).”**) These principles are not unique to Bible study; rather, they are the same principles that can be used to correctly identify the meaning behind any body of instruction or teaching.
So let us briefly consider these six rules for Biblical hermeneutics.Continue Reading
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We missed the last episode for the month of May, so we’re doing our monthly news roundup here. In this episode, we’ll be talking about a denomination’s first transgender bishop, assisted suicide, and the number of people who prefer either a print or digital version of the Bible.Continue Reading
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This week we’re going to be talking about the Bible app on your phone. Many of us have smartphones now and have one or more apps through which we can read the Bible on our phones. This is very convenient, and these apps have become quite popular. But what if these apps disappeared? We’re going to consider this in our episode today.Continue Reading
“Raccoon” John Smith (1784-1868) was one of many preachers in the 19th century who saw the division in the religious world and the departures from the New Testament that had occurred. As a result, he became associated with an effort to restore the doctrines and practices of the New Testament.
Smith was also known for his quick wit and colorful statements. One example of this was in a conversation with a certain Baptist preacher who wanted to discredit another well-known preacher associated with the Restoration Movement – Alexander Campbell – by exposing an inconsistency in his teaching. He planned to point this out to Smith and boasted to his brethren that Smith would never be able to answer it.
“‘How does it come to pass,’ observed Elder F—, addressing Bro. Smith, ‘that Alexander Campbell in his debate with McCalla took the ground that Paul was really pardoned when he believed, but formally pardoned when he was baptized, and in his debate with Mr. Rice affirms, in substance, that no man is really pardoned until baptized? Here is a glaring contradiction—an irreconcilable inconsistency. What will you do with it, my brother?’
“Bro. Smith looked the Elder full in the face, and instantly replied: ‘When Alexander Campbell said that Paul was really pardoned when he believed and formally pardoned when baptized, he was then debating with Wm. L. McCalla in the year of our Lord 1823, was a member of the Baptist Church, and just about as big a fool as you are. Now, sir, any further contradictions? If so, I am ready to reconcile them.’
“The Baptist brethren roared with laughter, and Elder F— proposed no further puzzling questions on that occasion.” (Recollections of Men of Faith)
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This week, we’re talking about “progressive Christianity” and why it must, by necessity reject the inspiration of the Bible. Sadly there are some “churches” that promote this ideology that is rooted in our secular and godless culture. We need to understand why progressivism is dangerous. In this episode, we’ll discuss seven reasons why we must guard against it.
STORY – “Progressive” Church in Nashville Says Bible Isn’t “the Word of God…Inerrant or Infallible”
“A so-called progressive ‘church’ in Nashville is drawing opposition after posting a message on social media stating that the Bible isn’t ‘the Word of God … inerrant or infallible.’
“The organization, calling itself ‘GracePointe Church,’ led by false teacher Josh Scott posted the disturbing message on Facebook on Sunday, February 7. The post related to a message he delivered on YouTube called ‘What Is Progressive Christianity?’ as a part of GracePointe’s online service.
“‘As Progressive Christians, we’re open to the tensions and inconsistencies in the Bible. We know that it can’t live up to impossible, modern standards. We strive to more clearly articulate what Scripture is and isn’t,’ the organization posted before citing what they claim the Bible isn’t and is.
“‘The Bible isn’t: the Word of God, self-interpreting, a science book, an answer/rule book, inerrant or infallible,’ it listed. ‘The Bible is: a product of community, a library of texts, multi-vocal, a human response to God, living and dynamic,’ it continued.” (Christian News)
Another report on this:
“When interviewed about the controversy, the church’s pastor, Josh Scott, argued that the Bible is at times inconsistent with the ‘character of God.’” (Disrn)
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Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | RSS
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Today’s episode of the Plain Bible Teaching Podcast marks another “relaunch.” Though this was not previously announced, it has been something I’ve been thinking about doing for quite some time. The podcast will now focus on discussing current events from a Biblical perspective. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about the new format.Continue Reading
What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
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