Identifying the Canaanites before Joshua’s Invasion: An Examination of Non-Biblical Sources

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD The Canaanites practiced polytheistic religion that gave much attention to its fertility cult. Due to this, “numerous debasing practices, including sacred prostitution, homosexuality, and various orgiastic rites” were commonplace.[1] Moses, in Leviticus 18:6-25, lists multiple heinous sins committed by the Canaanites including sexual relations with close family members (including in-laws), adultery, the sacrifice of children to Molech, the profaning of God’s name, hom...
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The Stages of Christian Maturation according to John Newton: An Interaction with the Composer of the Famous Hymn Amazing Grace

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD Over the course of three letters, John Newton set forth to establish three “stages” in the “progressive work of grace” within those who become true converts to the Christian faith.[1] For each stage, he offers what he believes to be the most common elements as he realizes that the Lord may work in unique and special ways as He seeks to mature those who are His. As a man of the Word, his stated goal was to draw his comments from what can be found in Scripture. In this ...
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Evidence that Ananias and Sapphira were Saved

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.) Luke, in Acts 2:37-47, presents the first church as a utopia devoted to the love of God and each other, so much so that members “began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.” Wh...
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Dating the Noahic Flood: Issues Faced by Those Who Argue for a Strict Dating

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD Conservative biblical scholars use the genealogical records found in Genesis 11 to determine the timing of the Noahic Flood. Since the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX) have slight differences, the resulting date, arrived at by adding the years of patriarchal maturity, falls into either the third or fourth millennium B.C., respectively. These computations, however, do not align well with the pervasive archaeological evidence from the Near East, which provid...
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Paul’s Call to Humble Self-Examination: Harmonizing 1 Corinthians 4:3 and 11:28

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD In 1 Corinthians 11:28, Paul adamantly proclaims that “a man must examine himself.”[1] This, however, may surprise his readers given his earlier admission in 4:3: “I do not even examine myself.” To resolve these seemingly divergent statements, this article will seek to determine Paul’s underlying meaning in 4:2-5. For Paul, his refusal to self-examine in 4:3 is specifically related to his deferral to God’s judgment in His heavenly court. For this reason, he accords...
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Was Paul Guilty of Reviling the High Priest?: A Hermeneutical Study of Acts 23:1-5

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD Standing before the Council, Paul confronted the high priest Ananias for his unlawful act which was committed when Ananias ordered that Paul be struck even though Paul had not yet been accused, much less been found guilty, of a crime (Acts 23:1-2). Specifically, Paul reproached the high priest by saying, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” (23:3).[1] Those who...
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Self-Centered Love in the Contemporary Evangelical Church: A Biblical Analysis of the Problem and Its Solution

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD A constant theme throughout the New Testament is the love of Christ which He exhibited to all during His crucifixion. Alongside this is the accompanying call of Christ to His disciples whereby He commands them to exhibit such love. While all Christians are directed to adhere to His mandate, many Christians (and their churches) seem to exhibit more self-love than the sort of selfless love exhibited and commanded by Christ. With this in mind, this article will examine C...
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God’s Call to Unjust Suffering: The Purpose that Rick Warren Overlooked

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD In the second and third chapters of 1 Peter, the Apostle calls on believers to submit to civil authorities, employers, spouses, and to their fellow church members in accordance with their various roles. Within this discussion, Peter draws yet another purpose for believers: “For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly” (1 Pet 2:19; cf. 21-24).[1] To be clear, the Apostle plainly states that Chri...
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Should Christians Require Repentance of Those Who Would be Forgiven?

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By Mark W. Christy In Colossians 3:12-13 and Ephesians 4:32, Paul declares that Christians should have a heart that desires forgiveness of those who cause offense. In addition to a forgiving disposition, Paul adds that Christians should manifest forgiveness in line with the example of God Himself. Many Christians, aware of the biblical admonishments regarding forgiveness, often interpret these directives to be saying that those who are truly loving disciples of Christ must forgive others in ...
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Confession and Commitment: The Marks of True Discipleship Based on Christ’s Words in Luke 14:25-35

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By Mark W. Christy, PhD In modern times, evangelical churches have become increasingly focused on an overly simplified gospel which focuses exclusively on the procurement of a (verbal) believing response irrespective of a lasting change in disposition that increasingly mirrors the holiness of God. To support their efforts, they appeal to passages like Romans 10:13 where Paul writes, “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, yo...
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