Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | October 24, 2018
Which fits us personally, our congregations, and experiences? [ ] “Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to live worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of […]
PHall | October 11, 2018
In Jesus’ parable Luke 15, why did the younger son go hungry? Before answering, what we communicate is not necessarily what others perceive. Our varied experiences filter meaning. Understanding that can help us understand others, and hopefully not assign meaning that is not there. Also, understanding that helps us accept that while everyone has the […]
PHall | October 10, 2018
To sinful Gentiles, Paul writes, “you previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient” (CSB’17 Eph 2:2). Notice the 3 demonic influences on the Gentiles: 1. The ways of the world. 2. The ruler of the power […]
PHall | October 10, 2018
Two opposite trends: 1) Basing salvation on how much we get right doctrinally; 2) Probing the question “How much or little do we need to get right doctrinally to be saved?” I have problems with both because the Bible as inspired by the Holy Spirit presents both as against God’s will. 1) Doesn’t understand justification […]
PHall | October 10, 2018
Too quickly we see what is not there; and take too long to see what is there, especially that which is good. This is true of recognizing worth in people, and in God’s word. Here are some thoughts fresh to me on a familiar verse. Acts 22:16: “And now, why are you delaying? Get up […]
PHall | October 10, 2018
Philippians 4:2-3: “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.” (CSB’17) Ask and answer […]
PHall | October 10, 2018
Nearly all religious backgrounds from which early Christians came – Jewish, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and more – had instrumental practices. For centuries churches claiming allegiance to Christ did not use instruments in musical praise. All this explains the term acapella literally meaning in the manner of the church. Even the famed Baptist Charles Spurgeon, “the […]
PHall | October 10, 2018
“Let God be God.” I heard that phrase and it struck me and stuck with me due to its simplicity. There are many applications. Let’s look at just one. Numbers 17 reveals a challenge as to whom can serve as priest, that is who can come before the Lord. Notice the complaint begins with a […]
PHall | October 10, 2018
How important is kindness? If you are a Whovian (Dr. Who fan), you recognize how the 12th Doctor, before regenerating, said, (towards the beginning) Never be cruel, never be cowardly. And never ever eat pears! Remember – hate is always foolish…and love, is always wise. Always try, to be nice and never fail to be […]
PHall | October 10, 2018
Punctuation changes the meaning. Consider these two well-known examples: [ ] Let’s eat, Grandma. [ ] Let’s eat Grandma. Commas save lives, so goes the joke. That second one is dangerous for grandma! To understand further Interpretation by Punctuation, lets begin by laying the foundation: [ ] For those who don’t know, when the OT […]