BibleInteract

The book of John begins with a poetic introduction that we all love. However, there is a deeper meaning in the artistic nature of the language.

The Gospel is dramatically different from the Synoptic Gospels - Matthew, Mark, and Luke; Christian theology has tended to view and interpret the book of John in a way similar to Greek philosophy.

The gift of the Holy Spirit and the new covenant, both of which were made possible by the Messiah, allows us to walk in ways today that are a partial fulfillment of the way we will be able to walk in the future. However, it is possible to bring the future into our lives today.

“Do not think I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Mat 10:34). But this contradicts the nature of God, who is peace or shalom. Yeshua then cites from Micah. This session explains how to connect the two testaments.

This account gives us information about the end of time, but encourages us to bring the end of time into our lives today. This session is an in-depth study of the artistic nature of the text.

Textual criticism is a scholarly field of study that examines biblical texts that were composed over a period of time. These texts were hand-copied and were susceptible to scribal error. By comparing later texts with earlier texts these scholars can identify scribal errors and intentional additions to uncover the most likely original.

We all know about the future Kingdom of God when God’s people will come into His presence in righteousness. However, the NT parables are directed to disciples and encourage them to walk in righteousness now. The repetitive phrase, “The Kingdom of God [Heaven] is like” encourages us to walk in the ways of the Kingdom now as a witness of God.

What is the relationship between believing in Yeshua, the son of God, and also believing in the resurrection? The answer is largely in the New Testament, but a connection to the Hebrew Scriptures is also significant.

Wisdom literature is a distinct genre, or literary form, that that is prevalent in the Hebrew Scriptures. This session gives examples of wisdom literature in Job and the first chapter of the Book of John.

Hebrew poetry appears in approximately 40% of the Hebrew Scriptures. Psalms and Proverbs are written exclusively in poetic form. Learn how to penetrate the deeper meaning of Hebrew poetry through a study of Psalm 1.

In our modern western world, we have been raised with a Greek mindset. Yet, both the Old Testament and the New Testament are deeply Hebraic in their thought and presentation.

There are two different accounts in Genesis that record God’s creation of mankind (Gen 1:27; 2:7). The western approach suggests there were originally two different manuscripts. However, this session promotes a Hebraic understanding that perceives God as the author who included both accounts for a reason.

Our traditional understanding of Esau, as rejected by God, originates, in large part, from a literal interpretation of the New Testament. However, there are two problems: the citation is part of a midrashic argument, and the English word “hate” contradicts the Hebrew meaning.

Interpreting the Bible literally began with Martin Luther 500 years ago, which effectively robbed us of an ability to uncover depth of meaning. Dr. Davis turns to Isaiah 3 to demonstrate the artistic nature of the biblical text.

The Book of Isaiah covers three different historical periods. We must know the historical background to fully appreciate the powerful messages of Isaiah.

If we read the words of Isaiah literally, it sounds like God has dismissed Israel because of sinful behavior. However, the language of wrath and judgment was intended as instruction, not as condemnation.

Isaiah’s parable of the vineyard is steeped in artistic language that leads to a powerful conclusion.

Matthew begins by citing Isaiah’s parable of a vineyard, but then turns in a different direction that leads to a powerful conclusion. We must first understand Isaiah’s parable, and then consider the Matthew’s artistry of language.

Paul declares in Romans 6:15 that “we are not under law.” However, there are two problems with a literal interpretation. Paul is alluding to the Cain and Abel story, and his words must be read in the context of the NT passage. You will discover that the conclusion is quite different from a literal interpretation.

Parables are a form of commentary on another portion of Scripture, which applies to the Parable that Nathan the prophet spoke to David the king in 2 Sam 12. What follows is subtle artistry of language that leads to a powerful conclusion that applies to our lives today.

The three festivals of the Passover week convey prophetic meaning, and also provide powerful messages for our lives today.

We will consider three people in Scripture who hit “rock bottom". In each case, their response led to a blessing that was life-changing.

We turn to the Scriptures to learn how to hear from God by exploring the phrase, “the voice of God.”

Scripture declares that the children of Israel are God’s firstborn son, and that God is their Father. “Once a son, always a son” is the conclusion of this study.