WHAT IS THE BIBLE and HOW CAN I MAKE SENSE OF IT? The Bible is a collection of ancient stories, poems, sermons, and letters. It includes 66 books gathered into two parts: the much longer Old Testament (before Jesus) and the much shorter New Testament (Jesus and after). Christians believe that the Bible was written by imperfect humans who were guided by God’s Holy Spirit. Depending on where and how you read, the Bible can be: Amazing and mystifying, Confusing…..
In the ongoing debate about whether the Bible permits or forbids women from being pastors and leaders in church, 1 Timothy 2:12 is THE key text. Within that text, one word, “authority” (Greek authentic) is GROUND ZERO in the debate. In a sense one’s interpretation of this text strongly influences how they interpret nearly every other relevant passage in Scripture either pro or con. This week I prepared a 10+ minute teaching video about the meaning of “authority” in 1…..