Why This Entry Matters Few figures in the New Testament have shaped Christian theology, mission, and doctrine as profoundly as the apostle Paul. His conversion, calling, and writings form a substantial portion of the New Testament and have been foundational to the church’s understanding of the gospel. However, Paul’s identity has become a focal point... Continue Reading →
Why This Entry Matters Few words appear more frequently in the Bible—and in Christian worship—than the word “Lord.” It is used to translate the divine name in the Old Testament, to identify Jesus’ authority in the New Testament, and to express Christian confession and allegiance. Recently, however, the use of “Lord” has become a focal... Continue Reading →
A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — Gad Why This Entry Matters Few claims unsettle believers more quickly than those involving the name used for God. When questions are raised about whether familiar biblical language is rooted in paganism, the impact can be immediate and deeply personal. In recent years, references to... Continue Reading →
Why This Entry Matters Few phrases in the New Testament are as familiar—or as quietly debated—as “the first day of the week.” It appears in the resurrection narratives and in descriptions of early Christian gathering and giving. In recent years, this phrase has become a focal point in discussions about: Sabbath observance, Sunday worship, and... Continue Reading →
Why This Entry Matters Few words in the New Testament carry more theological weight than “new.”It appears in phrases like: new covenant new creation new heart new self These are not minor descriptors. They define how Christians understand: the relationship between the Old and New Covenants what Christ accomplished how salvation works whether the law... Continue Reading →
A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — “Sabbath (Seventh Day of the Week)” Why This Entry Matters Few topics create more tension between historic Christianity and Hebrew Roots–influenced teaching than the Sabbath. At stake are not merely questions of calendar preference, but deeper issues such as: covenant continuity and discontinuity the authority... Continue Reading →
A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — “Son of Adam” Why This Entry Matters Few titles in Scripture are as theologically rich—and as Christologically decisive—as “Son of Man.”It is Jesus’ preferred self-designation in the Gospels and a title loaded with meaning drawn from Daniel, Ezekiel, and the Psalms. At stake in how... Continue Reading →
This one is foundational, because it ties together name theology, authority, Scripture preservation, and suspicion toward Christian translations. A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — “Terms Traditionally Used to Substitute the Name יהוה” Why This Entry Matters Few issues generate more emotional intensity than the divine name. Questions about how God’s name... Continue Reading →
Why This Entry Matters Few words in Scripture carry more theological weight than Torah. How Torah is defined affects how readers understand: law and grace obedience and freedom continuity between Israel and the church the meaning of Christ’s work the authority of the New Testament Because of that, explanatory notes on Torah are not neutral... Continue Reading →
Why This Entry Matters Few phrases in Paul’s letters are as central to the gospel—and as contested—as “works of the law” (or, in ISR language, “works of Torah”). This phrase sits at the heart of debates about: justification by faith, the role of the Mosaic Law, Jewish–Gentile relations in the early church, and whether obedience... Continue Reading →