In the Book of Revelation, there is a list of 12 Israelite tribes with 12,000 men in each, totalling 144,000 men in all. Since the Christian faith is fully inclusive of women, some are troubled that this group consists of only men. What is the 144,000? Who are these men? And are women really excluded from this group?
Here are 12 blogs on Christian theology and biblical studies written by evangelical scholars who don’t push a complementarian or patriarchal agenda.
Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Uriah’s wife are the only women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1. Why only these four women?
In part two I look at Bible verses which mention the ideas of “eternal” and “fire” in regards to the future judgement. Do these verses speak of eternal conscious torment for unrepentant sinners?
Paul never mentions Gehenna (“hell”) in his letters. James mentions it once. Jesus, on the other hand, mentions it several times. Is it a real place? Is it a place of torment for people?
As followers of Jesus we need to keep our eyes on our risen and exalted Lord. But on this Good Friday, I’m praying using Fanny Crosby’s words, “Jesus, keep me near the cross.”
Have you heard people say that all sins (wrong doings) are the same before God? I have wondered about this belief. What does the Bible say about this?
Does Romans 5:12-21 teach that God holds only Adam, and not Eve, ultimately responsible for the first sin? How does Paul use the example of Adam in Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15?
I love this powerful image of Mary consoling Eve. Just look at their feet!
A short post on why Christian women, as well as Christian men, are sons of God. What does it mean to be an adopted son of God?
Are you looking for a systematic theology or a book on Christian doctrine that has been written by a scholar with an egalitarian or mutualist ideology? Here are a few good books you might want to add to your library.
Some Christians believe the Trinity is a model for marriage. Does the Trinity model distinct roles and separate spheres? Is there a hierarchy and subordination in the Divine?
The accounts of the transfiguration of Jesus in the gospels are puzzling, and the point and purpose of the accounts are unclear. Perhaps this article may make its meaning clearer.
Grace has sometimes been confused or conflated with the concept of mercy, but they are not the same thing. Read more about the power of grace that God gives us.
Was Eve alone when the snake spoke to her? Here is a summary of Julie Parker’s essay, “Blaming Eve Alone: Translation, Omission, and Implications of עמה in Genesis 3:6b.”
This post takes a brief look at the Hebrew word ga’al which means “redeem” and “act like a close relative”.
Excerpt: Redemption was not just a lofty act done by the Creator to redeem and reconcile his creation to himself. It was also a loving act done by our close relative Jesus Christ, who became like us, identified with us, and became responsible for us so that he could rescue us. [550 words]
Is Galatians 3:28 only referring to our identity and status before God? Or is it also about our identity and status in the Christian community (i.e. the church)?
This article looks at the origins and development of the Passover meal as recorded in the Bible. It also looks at the Seder of early Judaism and the Eucharist of early Christianity.
In this post I share some Bible verses and thoughts about God’s kingdom in the here and now and future, and I briefly state the early Jewish understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Christians have been waiting almost 2000 years for Jesus to return to earth. But what if Jesus is waiting for us? Is he waiting for us to bring shalom?
What does oppression and the horrors of slavery in the song “O Holy Night” have to do with an innocent newborn baby in a manger?
This passage is all about Jesus: Jesus, the triumphant victor. He has won the victory over sin and death through his death, the Righteous for the unrighteous, once and for all.
A visit to a beautiful chapel near Rotarua (in New Zealand) highlighted to me that followers of Jesus are not separated, excluded, or prohibited from God’s holy presence. Rather, we are welcome and invited to draw near.
This is a critique of Mary Kassian’s article “Sex in the Shadowlands” in which she applies the word “head” to more than God, Jesus, and husbands.
Ephesians 5:22-33 is written as a chiasm with a highlighted point at the centre of the passage. We misinterpret this passage if we miss this main point.
Today I found out that some Roman Catholics believe that Jesus is eternally on the cross. What does the Bible, especially the book of Hebrews, say about this belief? [800 words]
Instead of spending my time trying to understand hell (Gehenna), I am still trying to get my head around some of the amazing realities of what it is to be a redeemed child of God.
Was Jesus poor? A few verses in the Gospels indicate that Jesus was not as poor as I have previously been led to believe.
The Messiah, the promised Saviour, had come into the world. Here was good news for everyone (Luke 2:10). But was the declaration of “Peace on Earth” by the heavenly host for everyone? (Luke 2:14) Where is this peace?
In this series, I compare the story of Jesus’ nativity, as depicted on Christmas cards and in religious art, with what it says in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Cosy images on Christmas cards contrast with Mary’s potentially scandalous and risky situation of being pregnant and unmarried. How scandalous and risky was it?
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem can’t have been easy for pregnant Mary. She can’t always have been as serene as depicted on Christmas cards, or as lonely.
Christmas cards often show the newborn Jesus surrounded by farm animals. Was this really the case? And what is the significance of the “manger” mentioned three times in Luke chapter 2?
Was Jesus born on the 25th of December at the time of the winter solstice? Or was he born at the time of Spring lambing or even during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles?
Most religious art portrays Mary as serene, shy, and even sombre. Are they accurate portrayals? And, does the Bible teach that Mary remained a virgin?
Who were the magi, the wise men from the east who worshipped the Christ child? The writings of Herodotus, Philo, and others shed light on their identity.
Here are 4 reasons why I’m staying out of gender discussions that use the Trinity as a model for marriage.
1 Peter 1:17-21 is one long sentence in the Greek text. In this single sentence, Peter tells his readers that their works will be judged. He also tells them about the precious cost of their redemption.
God is typically referred to in the Bible with masculine pronouns such as “he,” and with masculine terms such as “father.” Does this language mean that God is male or masculine?
Do we place our sins and troubles at the metaphorical “foot of the cross”? Or do we hand them over to God the Father through the real, resurrected, and exalted Jesus Christ?
Peter reminds his audience of their glorious inheritance and that experiencing trials will prove faith which is of greater worth than gold.
Ever heard of the theological concept of “nous”? I decided to write a few lines about it.
Here is an overview of scriptures that mention speaking in tongues with a very brief account of the beginning of the Pentecostal Movement which began in 1900. And I describe my personal experience with xenoglossia.
In this article, I give a theological & biblical overview of being filled with the Spirit, as well as my personal experience of being filled with the Spirit.
Ultimately, there is only one sin that really matters as far as salvation and eternal life is concerned.
Jesus and Paul both spoke about rewards for those who faithfully serve God and his people. What we are doing now has a direct bearing on our future, eternal life.
The creed Paul quotes in Philippians 2:6-11 expresses the depths of humiliation Jesus Christ endured as well as his ultimate exaltation which results in glorious cosmic and universal worship.
What is the righteousness that comes from God? What does it mean to be justified? What does it mean to be reconciled with God?
When we entrust our lives to Jesus, our eternal life begins. Our salvation is a done deal, or so it would seem. Is it really a case of instant christianity?
This essay takes a close look at James 2:14-26 and explores the link between genuine Christian faith and compassionate, ethical deeds.
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© 2021 Marg Mowczko