Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | November 8, 2016
Of all Biblical aids, the most helpful is also a huge hindrance: chapters and verses. So when you don’t understand, just keep reading. Biblical writers use stories to explain stories by grouping stories together. Chapter and verse markers break up these helpful hints. In Mark 2:23-28, Jesus’ disciples are picking heads of grain on the […]
PHall | October 30, 2016
C.S. Lewis famously categorized three possibilities as to what Jesus was: Lord, Liar, or Lunatic. This was because of the claims Jesus made for Himself which belied the choice that he was only a good, moral, human teacher. Amazingly, Mark 3 shows these same three choices in Jesus’ day. In one scene we have demons […]
PHall | October 24, 2016
Jesus does more than keep the Sabbath. He honors its meaning more than those who simply see it as a rule or law. The Son of Man shows it to be a blessing, and not a burden. Therefore when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He wasn’t “breaking” the Sabbath; neither was He showing an exception […]
PHall | October 22, 2016
The easy way became impossible. The unthinkable way became the only way. If this doesn’t make sense, it will become clear. As clear as faith. Some come through the proverbial frontdoor when making a point. Some come through the backdoor. It has been said of me I come through the side window! What hasn’t […]
PHall | October 22, 2016
Saturday’s Sustenance – Jesus’ First Miracle in Mark (Mark 1: 22-28) Jesus starts teaching in the Synagogue in Caperneaum (Mark 1:21). What amazes these listeners is how Jesus teaches – which is with authority (1:22). Apparently the scribes were always quoting uninspired rabbis; while Jesus sets Himself up as someone who would become quoted! […]
PHall | October 6, 2016
Sometimes with a surgery there comes complications. Unwanted complications. Embarrassing situations. If you could foresee everything, you might be tempted to forego the surgery, although it was absolutely necessary. The Great Physician’s surgery on our hearts and souls can and often does result in unforeseen encounters – and even some foreseen. These tempt those who […]
PHall | October 6, 2016
Don’t get lulled into thinking Mark’s introduction is lacking when compared to the other gospel accounts. Mark’s begin with a veiled challenge to Caesar, then uses Jewish prophecy to link John to Jesus as forerunner is to king. Then the God of the Universe claims Jesus as His Son which is again a veiled shot […]
PHall | October 6, 2016
After Jesus’ baptism and wilderness fight, Jesus goes to several synagogues preaching the gospel of God and casting out demons. These “houses of God” are not the only tactical settings for Jesus’ invasion into Caesar’s and Satan’s territory. Mark 1:29ff – Jesus had called Andrew and Simon and is now in their home. Apparently these […]
PHall | October 6, 2016
A Two-Part Outline of Mark: I. Mark 1-8:30 – “Your emperor is nothing like Me because my power is greater than his.” II. Mark 8:31-16 – “I am nothing like your emperor because I give up my power to serve your needs.”
PHall | October 6, 2016
People ask if a congregation is “sound.” Maybe learning about “sound” synagogues might help. In Mark 1:21 Jesus went to the synagogue and started teaching. The congregants were amazed because He taught as one having authority (1:22). A demon-possessed man interrupted their service and Jesus threw out the demon in the man (1:27). Mark 1:39 […]