Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | January 3, 2016
When I was a preacher in my 20’s, my best friend in the congregation was a man in his 70’s. Our unusual friendship was in the Lord. He was a retired electrician. One day he made an interesting comment: “I know how electricity works; I just don’t know why.” That same sentiment was in a […]
PHall | January 6, 2015
Have you noticed the biblical act of baptism is an act of belief, repentance and confession? Since baptism reenacts the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (Rom.6:4), it shows you believe He existed and exists. Since baptism is into His death (Rom.6:3), it shows you repent by putting to death sin in your life. Since […]
PHall | December 7, 2014
A strong argument against “faith only” is the same argument against “repentance only” which no one would make. Both faith and repentance are “mind” actions by definition, but not just taking place in the mind when Biblically lived out. Compare Luke 3 and Acts 2 with James 2. We are all familiar with the inspired […]
PHall | August 31, 2014
The attitude and desire of the Troas Christians gathering on the first day of the week to break bread should be more instructive to us than the simple fact that they did (Acts 20:7). Why precedes what. Following their example of what without following their example of why leads to formalism and empty tradition. Remember, […]
PHall | May 6, 2014
To be saved hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized; then keep confessing, keep repenting, keep believing, and keep hearing to stay saved.
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 2, 2013
Question – “Concerning Acts 2:38 and the word and (kai) – “If I say ‘Take an aspirin AND water for your headache.’ only aspirin was necessary for the persons head ache. Water was not necessary.” Answer – Unlike aspirin which has the power of curing a headache, neither repentance nor baptism have that power. It […]
PHall | January 27, 2013
Words impact our thinking, creating shockwaves to other thoughts. Sometimes these “power words” are overlooked due to their seeming insignificance. And yet they can produce powerful thoughts if we allow ourselves to be impacted mentally and spiritually. In most translations of Acts 2:37, the broken hearted ask, “What shall we do?” The Holman Christian Standard […]
PHall | May 12, 2012
John preached a “baptism of repentance” (Lk.3:3). This repentance is not something simply and solely theological or personal. It is spiritual and practical; it reaches out to all because God reached down to us. Repentance is not just in the heart or mind. Repentance is not just looking to our sinful past. Repentance is a […]
PHall | December 9, 2011
It is fitting that baptism is an immersion imitating a burial. Under the water the eyes are closed, the breathing stopped, and death is imitated. Rising out of the water we open our eyes anew and breathe in life again. Yes, it is fitting that baptism imitates a resurrection.