Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | July 3, 2012
From baptism, to temptation From God’s delight, to the Devil’s snares. From the voice of God, to the voice of Satan. From the voice of Heaven, to the voice from Hell. From God declaring, “This is my beloved Son,” to Satan tempting, “If you are the Son of God.” From the Holy Spirit descending upon […]
PHall | May 16, 2012
If modern editors critiqued the gospels, what would they say? “Matthew, your beginning is too boring, who cares about birth records.” “Mark, you use the word ‘immediately’ way too many times.” “Luke, don’t talk about yourself at the beginning, just get to the story.” “John, I like the idea of light and darkness, but instead of […]
PHall | May 12, 2012
John preached a “baptism of repentance” (Lk.3:3). This repentance is not something simply and solely theological or personal. It is spiritual and practical; it reaches out to all because God reached down to us. Repentance is not just in the heart or mind. Repentance is not just looking to our sinful past. Repentance is a […]
PHall | April 19, 2012
When Jesus says to the Jews, “I am the Lord of the Sabbath;” He is claiming, “I am your God who made the Sabbath.” Claims to Deity are not always direct, and whether you consider this to be a direct or indirect claim, the result is the same. There is only one way Jesus could […]
PHall | February 3, 2012
Satan asking Jesus to jump is the temptation; but subtle is the unstated temptation found in choosing not to jump. If Jesus jumps to make God jump to save Him, then that is wrong. If Jesus doesn’t jump because He loves His life more than God, that too is wrong. Giving in to sin, this […]
PHall | January 20, 2012
How did they go from the wilderness to the top of the temple, and then later to a very high mountain? My answer is that Satan actually takes Jesus to Jerusalem which is what the text says, minus the word “actually.” Matthew 4.5 (HCSB) Then the Devil took Him to the holy city, had Him […]
PHall | January 18, 2012
Each both Luke and Matthew, the temptation involving bread and stones is listed first. However, the second temptation in Matthew is the third in Luke. In Luke’s record, Satan’s temptation to throw Himself down to prove trust in God is listed third. Matthew is better known for grouping biographical points topically, while Luke’s record is […]
PHall | January 1, 2012
Luke 9:23 (HCSB) Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself…., Questions for Self-Examination: I have been denying myself certain pleasures, and I believe God is pleased with that. I don’t understand what “denying myself” means. I regularly pray for God to help me subordinate my […]
PHall | October 29, 2011
The very first resurrection story actually contains two resurrection stories – one literal, and the other foreshadowing it through symbolic means…and maybe even a third, and a fourth. Elijah is the one of the most glorified and powerful prophets in ancient Israel. Today among the Jews he is still celebrated every Passover with “Elijah’s cup” […]
PHall | August 8, 2011
When we compare Samuel and John the Baptist’s narratives, we find remarkable similarities. Such are giant coincidences or grand conspiracies, or what they truly are – marks of inspiration and divine authenticity. Tribe of Levi (1 Chron.6.22-28; Lk.1.5) Wife Barren (1 Sam.1.2; Lk.1.7) House of God – Tabernacle and Temple (1 Sam.1.7; Lk.1.9) Prayer for […]