Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | March 13, 2014
The bad news is I have arthritis in my back. The good news is there is medicine. If I believe the doctor I will take the medicine and be well. If I don’t believe the doctor I will suffer. Now would any argue I am earning my health by following orders? Or that all I […]
PHall | March 6, 2014
Throughout Acts 20:18-35 is the concept that grace involves giving. Paul reminds the elders, “In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak…” (20:35). Paul’s preaching without pay is an analogy of grace. Paul gives freely the message of grace because Jesus gave freely of His […]
PHall | March 6, 2014
If Saul of Tarsus were alive today, he would be committing jihad in the name of Yahweh (Jn.16:2; Act 8:3). And if he were converted today, we would feel the same way about him as the disciples in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). Grace not only converts, Grace accepts those converted. Acts 8:1 (HCSB) Saul agreed with putting […]
PHall | February 27, 2014
Acts 20:28-35 – It has been suggested that Paul moves somewhat abruptly from false doctrine to filthy lucre. Possibly the connection is that often money is the motive for false teaching. If, so then what a warning to every paid preacher! But wait, there is a warning here to churches too. Can a church (i.e., […]
PHall | February 24, 2014
“The primary sense is that the burnt offering goes up as smoke. From a theological perspective, one may say that the act of burning is more concerned with transformation than incineration….What has been placed on the altar is literally an animal. The ritual has transformed the animal into something else – smoke – and this […]
PHall | February 5, 2014
Human logic can prove any Biblical point we want to make, even if unbiblical. For example, I can “prove” it is impossible to pray for forgiveness: “God does not hear the prayers of sinners” (Jn.9:31). When I am a sinner I need to pray for forgiveness When I pray for forgiveness I am sinner. Therefore, […]
PHall | January 28, 2014
Personally, I want both men and women to be in authority over men and women in the church. I want women to be elders and preachers. I don’t like subjection theology. However….If God had wanted women to be in roles of authority over men in the church, then God would have sent Jesus as a […]
PHall | January 12, 2014
Provoking Question – One of the more human idiosyncrasies of God in the flesh is Jesus’ tendency to give his friends nicknames. None are named, “Bubba,” or “Tiny,” but there are there special names. Simon is called, Cephas or Peter meaning rock (Jn.1.42). James and John were called “Sons of Boanerges” meaning thunder (Mk.3:17). Possibly […]
PHall | January 11, 2014
John 18-21 – A Series of 3’s How many authorities did Jesus see? 3 (18.13; 18.19-24; 18.28ff) How many times does John record Jesus saying “I am” when arrested? 3 (18.5,6,8) How many times does Peter deny Jesus? 3 – 18.15ff; 25ff How many times do the Jews request the death of Jesus 3 (18.31-32; […]
PHall | January 8, 2014
The cold weather has me thinking about hell. The Bible uses differing images to describe hell, even ones that physically contradict such as eternal fire and outer darkness. The last phrase, “outer darkness” is more about physical separation from civility and lack of protection and spiritually separation from God. Being unprotected from the weather would […]