Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | September 29, 2018
In the beginning the earth was formless, void of life, and covered with water. “Then God said….” (Gen.1:3). Because God said, then came light (Gen.1:3), separation (Gen.1:4,7,9), life (Gen.1:11ff), and organization (1:14-19). “Then God said”…that’s the key. God is the only one powerful enough to overcome darkness, nonexistence, and chaos. Why does the Bible begin […]
PHall | September 29, 2018
There is a parenting technique called “natural consequences.” Basically you allow your child to suffer what naturally follows bad decisions, instead of bailing them out, or giving an unrelated punishment. This is seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). I thought of that when reading Jeremiah 8. Here God applies a posthumous […]
PHall | September 29, 2018
Then God Rested (requested follow-up to “Then God Said”): “Then God rested” (Genesis 2:3). God needs resting? As a young one I was confused. As a not so young one I was confused. Then I learned to see this not from my perspective, but of those to whom it was written. In Ancient Near East […]
PHall | September 29, 2018
Two realities make it difficult to see a text with fresh eyes: 1) Familiarity with the Details; 2) Explanation of the Familiar Details. Such is our challenge with any inspired narrative, such as Adam, Eve, and the Serpent. To do this we must separate the revealed NT information from the Genesis record. Who was the […]
PHall | September 15, 2018
God keeps telling the same stories, using various methods and different characters. What started this study was someone’s observation stating the curses in Genesis 3 were unrelated to Adam and Eve’s sins. When someone says something unexpected, it can lead to further unexpected discoveries. Although the major characters are the same, plus one new one, […]
PHall | September 15, 2018
There is not a total one to one correlation, but the similarities are there between the baptism of Jesus and creation. 1. The Spirit hovered over the water (Gen1:2). Hovering is a word associated with birds. In the baptism of Jesus the Holy Spirit descended as a dove (Mt.3:16). 2. “Then God said” (Gen.1:3ff). In […]
PHall | September 15, 2018
Heard a song’s hook that made me think, “Ouch!” The title suggested a love song. Hearing it shocked me because it wasn’t, which was surprisingly unexpected. There is a book called, “I Married the Wrong Person”. Definitely not the kind you leave laying around the house! Or, else you might not have that problem any […]
PHall | September 15, 2018
Why are there hurricanes and other natural disasters? From a scientific point of view, you’ll have to ask someone else. From a spiritual perspective, the bible teaches we live in a cursed world (Gen.3; Rom.8). Mankind, both male and female, were given rule over the earth (Gen.1). Instead of taking care of the garden, they […]
PHall | September 15, 2018
Jeremiah’ s temple sermon (Jeremiah 7) is still challenging for us today. Here’s 5 lessons from Jeremiah’s lesson: 1. “Correct your ways and your deeds, and I will allow you to live in this place” (7:3). God is a God of grace. Sermons should emphasize that. Just think of Jesus. 2. “Do not trust deceitful […]
PHall | September 3, 2018
Yahweh is a universal God (v.1) because He created the universe: the earth, its inhabitants, and the heavens. Notice this beautiful imagery – “You have covered the heavens with Your majesty” (v.1). Reminds me of Romans 1:20 – “For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since […]