0
0.0
Jun 28, 2022
06/22
Jun 28, 2022
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 0
favorite 0
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Could you define the word holy ? Explain it to someone who is a new believer? The word is like a butterfly: not easy to catch!
Topics: Holy, holiness, sanctification, saint, separated, set apart, undivided, divine sphere
11
11
May 24, 2022
05/22
May 24, 2022
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 11
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It is perhaps the most familiar passage in all of Scripture. But what does it mean? If we apply the three basic steps of inductive Bible study, it is amazing what we uncover.
Topics: Lord’s Prayer, kingdom
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26
Feb 11, 2022
02/22
Feb 11, 2022
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 26
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Not only are Luke and Acts by the same author (you guessed it: Luke), they are also two parts of one piece of writing. How does that change our view of Luke’s gospel?
Topics: Luke, Acts, Gospel, type of literature, genre, biography
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9.0
Jan 20, 2022
01/22
Jan 20, 2022
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 9
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Ezekiel’s temple vision (40-48) is a strange section in a strange book – even stranger than I knew before reading Jacob Milgrom’s intense and detailed study of the longest vision in the OT. But it makes a point we don’t want to miss.
Topics: Vision, Ezekiel 40, temple vision, Milgrom, third temple, temple
24
24
Nov 1, 2021
11/21
Nov 1, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 24
favorite 0
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The trial of Jesus raises questions. Why was he condemned for blasphemy? Was this a fake trial? Let’s dig in and find some answers.
Topics: Hebrews, synkrisis, epideictic, rhetoric, high priest
13
13
Aug 25, 2021
08/21
Aug 25, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 13
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The trial of Jesus raises questions. Why was he condemned for blasphemy? Was this a fake trial? Let’s dig in and find some answers.
Topics: Eckhard Schnabel, Jesus in Jerusalem, trial, Pilate, Caiaphas, cross, crucifixion, blasphemy,...
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4.0
Aug 25, 2021
08/21
Aug 25, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 4
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What does water have to do with the feast of booths or tabernacles, those seven days in which devout Jewish people live in huts in remembrance of their desert wanderings?
Topics: Feast of Booths, Feast of Tabernacles, water, John 7
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19
Jul 2, 2021
07/21
Jul 2, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 19
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Most of the furnishings of the tabernacle are not hard to understand. But what is the meaning of the lampstand and of the so-called showbread or ‘bread of the presence’?
Topics: Tabernacle, altar, tent of meeting, showbread, bread of the presence, lampstand, ark, mercy seat
25
25
Jul 2, 2021
07/21
Jul 2, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 25
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The prophets aren't easy. How can we help readers to understand them better? Here's a possible draft for a one-hour lecture - plus, the message of the prophets summarized in two words!
Topics: Prophets, day of the lord, prophecy
15
15
Jun 15, 2021
06/21
Jun 15, 2021
by
Wlrens Hornstra
audio
eye 15
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How great was Babylon the Great? A brand-new book with awesome illustrations gives us a taste. Have a look! (And download the book at www.zaphon.de .)
Topics: Nebuchadnezzar, Nabopolassar, Babylon, Ishtar Gate, Ziggurat, Tower of Babel
20
20
May 26, 2021
05/21
May 26, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 20
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In this third (and final) look at Canaanite beliefs, we meet a strange array of monsters, such as Leviathan. They also make an appearance in the Hebrew Bible. What do we make of this and of the claim that God, too, had to do battle with creatures like these?
Topics: Rahab, Leviathan, Tannin, great sea creature, Chaoskampf, combat myth, satan, dragon, Yam, devil,...
14
14
Apr 8, 2021
04/21
Apr 8, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 14
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Although Baal worship is strongly condemned in the Old Testament, the OT surprisingly integrates fragments of Canaanite mythology (such as Baal as the rider in the clouds) in its portrayal of the God of Israel. How are we to understand this? And is the so-called divine council one of these fragments or is it something more substantial, as Michael Heiser argues in "The Unseen Realm"?
Topics: El, divine council, elohim, angels, Zaphon, Baal, Rider in the clouds, Heiser, Michael Heiser,...
17
17
Mar 9, 2021
03/21
Mar 9, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 17
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Who were the gods and goddesses of Canaan that make an appearance in the Hebrew Bible? And how does knowing about them help us to make better sense of Scripture and understand, for instance, what the prophets were so upset about? Go to Create a Learning Site, http://www.wilrens.org and find this issue (CALS 85) to download the accompanying handout with illustrations and sources.
Topics: Baal, Ashera, Astarte, Astoreth, Anath, Yam, Mot, Baal Cyclus, cult prostitute, child sacrifice,...
22
22
Feb 12, 2021
02/21
Feb 12, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 22
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Sometimes, looking at the structure of a book in a alternative way opens up deep and new insight into its meaning and message. As it turns out, the Hebrew word toledot is part of a structural marker that is key to understand the message (and the God!) of Genesis.
Topics: Toledot, Genesis, Terah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph
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19
Jan 19, 2021
01/21
Jan 19, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 19
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The continuation of my pilgrimage through the gospel of John: a few highlights from meditating on Jesus.
Topics: John, grace and truth
12
12
Jan 19, 2021
01/21
Jan 19, 2021
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 12
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Walking the Via di Francesco as a pilgrim led me on a pilgrimage through the gospel of John
Topics: John, Saint Francis, Assisi, grace and truth
20
20
Nov 26, 2020
11/20
Nov 26, 2020
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 20
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The third and final instalment of an in-depth look at the atonement.
Topics: Christus Victor, recapitulation, union, moral government, Hugo Grotius, Athanasius
11
11
Nov 20, 2020
11/20
Nov 20, 2020
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 11
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I continue my exploration: how can we explain the meaning of the cross? Different answers are given.
Topics: atonement, penal substitution, Anselm, Redemption, Ransom Theory, Gustav Aulén
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27
Sep 1, 2020
09/20
Sep 1, 2020
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 27
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The atonement: what is it, and how does it 'work'? This is a big - and beautiful - question, touching on the very heart of salvation: why did Christ die on a Roman cross?
Topics: Penal Substitution, cross, expiation, propitiation, atonement
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15
Jul 30, 2020
07/20
Jul 30, 2020
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 15
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Another case where the precise interpretation of the genitive makes a huge difference: the righteousness of God in Romans.
Topics: Genitive, Righteousness of God, New Perspective
16
16
Jul 29, 2020
07/20
Jul 29, 2020
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 16
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You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about genitives. But sometimes they make a real difference in how we understand something. Are we saved by or through believing in Christ or are we saved by the faithfulness of Jesus?
Topics: faithfulness of Christ, faith, allegiance, genitive, objective genitive, subjective genitive
11
11
Jun 5, 2020
06/20
Jun 5, 2020
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 11
favorite 0
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In God's image? A great idea! But what does it mean??
Topics: Genesis 1, Image of God
So if the Psalms have an intentional structure, what would its message be?
Topics: Psalm, Messianic Psalms, Psalm 89, David
It is often held that the book of Psalms is the biblical version of a hymn book, with little or no structure. (I used to believe this myself until quite recently.) But there is more to Psalms than meets the eye. Find out what I learned.
Topics: Psalms, Psalm 89, David, Elohistic Psalms, Messianic Psalms
Looking at 1 Corinthians within the framework of ancient rhetoric two months ago proved illuminating. I repeat the exercise with a look at Paul's sequel, 2 Corinthians and again find it immensely helpful for understanding and interpreting this difficult letter.
Topics: Rhetoric, Propositio, 2 Corinthians, Paul
The OT Law includes quite a few commands we don't practice today, such as the red heifer ritual. What was its logic and why are these purity laws in the Bible?
Topics: red heifer, purity laws, red cow, sacrifice
Saul among the prophets, Paul among the rhetoricians? The Corinthians think not, but Paul proves them wrong in his letters.
Topics: Rhetoric, 1 Corinthians
What did Paul want women in Corinth to do with their heads? And what is new about the 'new women' debated in classical studies? Bruce Winter helps us understand several difficult passages in the New Testament.
Topics: 1 Corinthians 11, head covering, veil, new women, Bruce Winter
Building on the previous issue looking at time and eternity, I now ask if God knows the future. More specifically: does he know what you and I (and others) will freely choose to do? This has become quite a controversial question in recent decades, so here we go. It is long, so I split it into two parts. You can also opt to read it on the website: https://www.wilrens.org/2020/01/cals69!
Topics: foreknowledge, Openness Theology, Open Theism, Boyd
Part 2.
Topics: Time, timeless, eternity, openness, open theism
My report on studying time and eternity, in two parts.
Topics: Time, timeless, eternity, openness, open theism
Almost as short as it gets: a word called "for". Paul loved using it. But how does it work?
Topics: conjunction, for, Romans
Job is about Job and about suffering. Or is it? No, it is not. The book stunningly reframes the issues. Find out how!
Topics: Job, suffering, Elihu
Much debated in Joel: what is metaphorical and what is literal?
Topics: Joel, locusts, Assyrians
This recording is longer than usual, but Judges was just too good not to go a bit overtime. Although it recounts chaotic times, the book is anything but chaotic. In fact, its careful structure and arrangement is the key to its message - and it is NOT to teach principles of leadership!
Topics: Judges, Gideon, Jephtha, Samson
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32
Mar 21, 2019
03/19
Mar 21, 2019
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 32
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Finally! A book that has been on my reading list for over a year: Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the Eyewitnesses. Learn about the origins of the gospels! Create a Learning Site is a blogsite, monthly e-mail newsletter and video podcast to help you go deeper in your understanding of the Bible. For more, visit http://www.wilrens.org!
Topics: Gospel, Richard Bauckham, Jesus
Where did the Israelites cross - and what did they cross? James Hoffmeier provides fascinating evidence and a strong case. Listen to find out more!
Topics: exodus, sinai, mount sinai, sea of reeds
What do we make of a "story" book like Ezra? What message is hidden in this matter-of-fact account of the return after exile? (This issue of Create a Learning Site is published in February 2019; see www.wilrens.org.)
Topics: Ezra, narrative criticism, temple, house of God
From the beginning, the church had it wrong. This is what Jesus really meant. Create a Learning Site issue for January 2019 (see www.wilrens.org).
Topics: divorce, Instone-Brewer, remarriage, certificate of divorce
Final episode: Greg Boyd's book, The Crucifixion of the Warrior God, in practice. how does cruciform exegesis function?
Topics: Boyd, cruciform, Greg Boyd, Gregory Boyd, cruciform
"The Crucifixion of the Warrior God" continued: I am looking at the second half of volume 1. Boyd gives us a sample of OT passages the finds troubling, then presents his solution. Hmm...
Topics: Boyd, cruciform, Gregory Boyd, Greg Boyd
am continuing my exploration of what Greg Boyd considers "violent portrayals" of God and violence in the OT. Does the warrior God need to be crucified, as Boyd argues?
Topics: Greg Boyd, Crucifixion of the Warrior God, violence, cruciform
The second issue on violence in the OT - in preparation of interacting with Greg Boyd's book, The Crucifixion of the Warrior God . This is all about the book of Joshua. Plenty of violence there. Or not? The written version is long, so I could not include everything in this video (esp. many references are missing). If you want the full story, you need to visit www.wilrens.org!
Topics: Boyd, Gregory Boyd, Greg Boyd, Joshua, Canaan, Conquest, Crucifixion of the Warrior God
There is plenty of violence in the Old Testament. Greg Boyd has written a thick book about it, The Crucifixion of the Warrior God. Before I dive into this book, I do some digging of my own. What exactly did God command the Israelites to do when they entered the land of Canaan?
Topics: Boyd, Greg Boyd, Gregory Boyd, Conquest, Joshua, Herem, Canaanites
How to read (and apply) stories? It is not as simple as it may seem, but it is worth the effort to think about this. Narrative criticism helps us to delve into the deep riches of biblical narrative.
Topics: narrative, story, narrator, implied author
My talk at the Biblical Studies Consultation in Holland: how to win the war of art.
Topics: time management, Steven Pressfield, war of art
My talk at the Biblical Studies Consultation in Holland: how to win the war of art.
Topics: time management, Steven Pressfield, War of Art
Matthew, Mark, and Luke have much in common, more than can be explained by the fact that they are telling the story of Jesus (so does John). How can this be explained? Is it true that Mark wrote first? Did that mysterious source named Q really exist? Solving the synoptic problem, how hard can that be?
Topics: Synoptic, Griesbach, Goodacre, Farrer, Q, Two Source Hypothesis
Listen to fascinating background information on the seven cities to which the book of Revelation was written. It will help you read the seven letters with new understanding! In case you want to use this information as a handout for teaching Revelation: Head over to http://www.wilrens.org/de/2018/04/cals48/ to download the text version.
Topics: Revelation, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardes, Philadelphia, Laodicea
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21
Jan 24, 2018
01/18
Jan 24, 2018
by
Wilrens Hornstra
audio
eye 21
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We know quite a bit about the invasion of Judah by Sennacherib in 701 BC. And yet, there are tough questions, too. Was Sennacherib the victor he claimed to be? Why did he leave? And when, where, and to what purpose did Hezekiah pay him a tribute? Find out more! Create a Learning Site is a blogsite, monthly e-mail newsletter and video podcast to help you go deeper in your understanding of the Bible. For more, visit http://www.wilrens.org!
Topics: Sennacherib, Lachish, Hezekiah, Assyrians, Tribute
How early Christians capitalised on the codex innovation, why "kingdom of heaven ", the true meaning of the rapture - a random sample of three gems from my recent reading.
Topics: Codex, Matthew, Kingdom of Heaven, rapture, tribulation
Did you know that the fourth gospel never mentions the name John (except for John the Baptist, who obviously cannot be its author, and for the father of Peter)? So who is the "disciple whom Jesus loved"? Join me on a fascinating quest to identify the author of the fourth gospel.
Topics: John, Gospel of John, Richard Bauckham, Beloved Disciple
Part 2 of a look at the OT law: What can we actually do with it? How do we go about "using" the law?
Topics: Law, Torah
What do New Testament believers do with the Old Testament law (part 1)?
Topic: law
Why do Christians end up with radically different interpretations? We find part of the answer when we think about thinking.
Topics: Thinking, Kahneman
Why does the Bible begin with a garden? And end with a garden-temple-city of humongous proportions??
Topics: Beal, G. K. Beale, Temple, Tabernacle, Revelation 21, Garden of Eden
Since the Bible is written in human language, it pays off to consider how language works if we want to understand it better. Make an excursion to the field of linguistics!
Topics: linguistics, semantic field, language, discourse analysis
Let's learn about learning!
Topics: Learning, Bloom's Taxonomy
Expository preaching - a power tool for God's church. Learn more!
Topic: expository preaching
Surprise: Luther wrote more on the book of Psalms than on any other book in the Bible.
Topics: Lament Psalms, Penitential Psalms, Luther
LXX? These letters stand for "Septuagint,", but that hardly makes it any clearer. So let's explore. What is the Septuagint and why does it matter?
Topics: LXX, Septuaginta
I am reading the book of Revelation: the end is in sight. Here is a report on what it was like to read the New Testament in Greek.
Topic: Greek NT
Sermons & Religious Lectures
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21
Sep 26, 2016
09/16
Sep 26, 2016
by
Wilrens Hornstra, Create a Learning Site
audio
eye 21
favorite 0
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What is wrong with the SourceView Bible App? Everything. Or nothing. It all depends on how you use it. Find out four pitfalls to avoid in order to put this app to use.
Topics: SourceView, SphereView, SourceView app, Bible apps
On a quest to find a better key to this book - if there is one. Produced for: Create a Learning Site. Visit http://www.wilrens.org for more information on this monthly teaching input for those wanting to go deeper in their understanding of the Bible.
Topics: Ecclesiastes, Qohelet, biblical studies, bible, bible study, books of the bible
This issue was originally created for the YWAM Together Health Track. Produced for: Create a Learning Site. Visit http://www.wilrens.org for more information on this monthly teaching input for those wanting to go deeper in their understanding of the Bible.
Topics: health, biblical studies, bible, bible study, health, bible, shalom
