Words matter. They come from God, and they reveal Him to us. When we open Scripture, we encounter not only God’s words, but also repeated references to the “Word of God.” The Old Testament alone uses this phrase around 400 times (for instance, Genesis 1, where God speaks creation into existence and declares it “good”). In the New Testament, God … Read More
Bad Books, Bad Characters, & Bad Endings
Sometimes, books (along with movies and other forms of art) do not always “resolve” as we’d like them to, such as ending with a spiritual conversion that leads a person to faith in God. Some characters even end up in a worse state than when they started. Especially with fiction, that lack of resolution can actually be beneficial at times … Read More
What about tattoos?
I recently taught on the “fallibility and sufficiency of the body” — basically, a biblical theology of body. The audio of that is available here: https://soundcloud.com/joelpeterjupp/fallibility-sufficiency-of-the-body A student asked in response what I thought about tattoos. Here was my answer: Good question. While I’m not a tattoo expert — I don’t have any myself (haha) — my personal sense is … Read More
In the Presence
Yesterday, I was asked how we’re doing with Ginny’s health, as we have tentatively paused treatment while we wait to start a new one in a few weeks. It helped me to write out my thoughts, so I thought I’d share this with you also, since I know so many of you care: We live in a tenuous position every … Read More
COVID-19: Loving Through Confusion
Why COVID-19 news can drive people bonkers: You read one thing one place and another thing elsewhere. Notice below how one title suggests contemplation (“should you” and “suggest”) while the other strikes more concern (“recommended” and “high”). Further notice the timing of the article, where a question is asked after statement was made earlier in the day. Part of the … Read More
Persistent Prayer
One thought has sustained me over the past two weeks: Hundreds of believers around the world are praying for our family. With so much unknown before us, knowing of these prayers has been deeply comforting. Especially in the morning, when it’s easy to fear and hard to start another day, I remember your prayers. In my mind’s eye, I envision … Read More
RESPONSE to Defiant Churches
To Churches Defying Medical & Political Leaders, Christians should be leading the way in terms of loving neighbors and exercising wisdom. Now that children and 30-50 year olds are known to be dying, there is no “safe” group per se. With that in mind, our witness can be damaged if we value ritual (even good rituals!) more than the innocent … Read More
Love, Liberty, & Caution: Why Jesus Would Wear A Mask
What’s most surprising right now is not the anti-science views circulating around the internet, but the callousness. There’s lots of debate, but less concern for the sick and the susceptible. All who fight for the “freedom” to not wear a mask overlook that the reason to wear a mask is for another person’s good, not their own. Good citizens, and especially people … Read More
COVID-19, Planning, & Jesus
As I observe dozens of Christians pondering what to do this weekend, I can’t help but ask: What would Jesus do? My guess is that Jesus would be out picking grain and delivering it to the needy — just like David took temple bread to feed the hungry. Both knew that life mattered more than tradition. The Sabbath, … Read More
Humility that Helps
Bear with me on this one, as it’s an imagined scenario within an imagined scenario… For years now, starting when I was in college, I’ve tried to understand Jesus’ teaching on foot washing. As you may know, the actual practice of foot washing is a distinctive feature of some churches (e.g., Church of God), which I had experienced back … Read More
House Bill 2495 – Illinois’ Reproductive Health Act
Illinois is currently attempting to pass expansive changes to reproductive law (House Bill 2495) — considered to be more extreme than what New York recently passed. Without delving into political talking points, there are several reasons for both Democrats and Republicans to be concerned: The new law states that the unborn do “not have independent rights under the … Read More
How to Choose a Bible Commentary (Tips to Select the Best Commentaries)
I was recently asked some good questions about commentaries — basically, which ones are the best? To answer that, here are a few thoughts about which commentaries to use, as well as some practical advice to save you some money. Most scholars would advise not to buy a complete commentary set. This is because some volumes will be strong (even … Read More