Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | September 11, 2019
There is no doubt, nor denying, the Bible is more ambiguous than we – I – would like. Admittedly, no doubt we also use the ambiguity for our own will (more on that later). Why and how do we deal with this hermeneutical phenomenon? First, 3 dangers Making things ambiguous when they are clear. Making […]
PHall | September 11, 2019
Do you want to know the secret to obeying God, even when faced with doing something contrary to your own presumed good?It is found from a negative example: “But Pharaoh responded, “Who is the LORD that I should obey him by letting Israel go? I don’t know the LORD, and besides, I will not let […]
PHall | September 11, 2019
“Points of Orientation” are positions from which other positions develop. For example, if you believe miracles are impossible, then automatically all “prophecies” occurred after the fact.I heard a preacher state concerning a miracle of Jesus, “He first miraculously solved a social ill, and then taught the gospel.” The implication was, “the church needs to solve […]
PHall | September 11, 2019
1. Evangelism can be done anywhere (4:1-5)2. Used His life to start the conversation (4:6)3. Didn’t allow social standards to dictate (4:9)4. Found common ground (4:7)5. Allowed her to speak and listened (4:9,11,12,15,17,19-20,25)6. Created curiosity (4:10)7. Answered her questions (4:10,13,21-23)8. Redirected the conversation (4:15-16)9. Made her look at herself honestly (4:16-18)10. Started where she was […]
PHall | September 11, 2019
Here’s a challenging question: In the book of James he writes, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (CSB’17 James […]
PHall | September 11, 2019
The Sunday after 9-11, I remember very well. I laid on the floor in my office during Bible class with my back causing major issues. I needed help getting dressed that day I was in so much pain. I prayed and prayed that I would be able to preach because I felt a deep need […]
PHall | August 23, 2019
Your familiar with 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 about a collection for the saints; but how familiar are you? This is not the only time Paul spoke about this collection. Another is 2 Corinthians 8-9 which is rich in the gospel. A more neglected passage is Romans 15. I like word studies, so let’s “word up” on […]
PHall | August 23, 2019
You know the story. God’s son is born into an oppressive world, including the king trying to kill him. There is a famous scene between the murderous king and wise men. These wise men showed their fealty to their king. They did this by using gifts they had, that others did not. You remember what […]
PHall | August 19, 2019
The Egyptian Pharaoh’s famously wore the Egyptian cobra (asp, serpent, or snake), used as a symbol of sovereignty, royalty, deity and divine authority in ancient Egypt. Israel had become what mankind was commanded Genesis 1 – many. The new snake is afraid. And here is another echo. They Hebrew is different, but they are synonyms. […]
PHall | August 18, 2019
Ever notice how Genesis ends as a reversal for how it begins? Adam and Eve are “home” and then forced to leave when death starts to come. Jacob/Israel is away from “home” (in Egypt), death comes, and is carried away back to home in Canaan. This is more than just a cool literary bookend. Herein […]