There seems to be a great deal of confusion in this world over the meaning of the word, ‘Israel.’ This is probably because too few take the time to consult the Scriptural meanings of the word. Better yet, they do not study the concepts behind the word. In today’s class, we are going to do just that: look at the concepts behind the word, ‘Israel,’ and how understanding the concepts can clarify a great deal of destructive confusion.
I was originally planning to go in a different direction with the show that corresponds to this post. However, I had a late-night change of heart and have decided to go in a very different direction. I have left all the links for the original plan in this post, but we will be focusing mainly on the links about the meaning of Israel. You will definitely need to watch the corresponding show to understand this post. I’ll link to it when it is finished.
A CULTURE OF BABEL
The following stories depict the level of confusion about God which exists in the world today. I think of it as spiritual noise, but Scripture seems to lump it all under the concept of ‘deception.’
Isn’t Religion the Same as Superstition?
How to Be Spiritual but Not Religious: A Guide to Finding Your Unique Path to Fulfillment
YOU CAN’T ‘PROVE’ GOD!
Many people think you cannot ‘prove’ the existence of a Creator. I disagree. I think the confusion here is over what we mean by ‘prove.’
5 arguments for and against the existence of God
Gödel’s ontological proof – Wikipedia
Twelve Syllogistic Arguments for the Existence of God
The Two Greatest Logical Arguments for God’s Existence
IF THERE IS A GOD, WHICH IS THE TRUE GOD?
This is another are that seems to offend a great many people: the idea that there is only One, True God and only One path to Him and salvation. Well, that is exactly what logic would dictate, so…
How do you know which God is the real God?
The Use and Abuse of Occam’s Razor: On Multiplying Entities Beyond Necessity
ISN’T THE GOD OF THE BIBLE IS PAGAN IN ORIGIN
Modern ‘researchers’ have taken relatively recent discoveries as ‘proof’ that the God of the Bible is just a Jewish version of a mythical god taken from other nations. The problem with this idea is that it is lacking in understanding and, therefore, of questionable ‘scholarship.’
ISN’T THE BIBLE JUST A MYTH?
Here again, the confusion is over what we mean by ‘myth,’ and the form and function of Scripture. When viewed from the proper perspective, the Bible does not meet the definition of ‘myth.’
THE BIBLE — ON ITS OWN TERMS
This is the section upon which I decided to focus in today’s web show.
Israel Dictionary of Bible Names
What the Bible says about Promises to Gentiles
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SUGGESTED READING
The following books are provided for the edification of those who wish to learn more about any of the issues discussed in the links I have previously provided in this post.
THE SUPERNATURAL WORLD VIEW OF THE BIBLE
The Bible among the Myths: Unique Revelation or Just Ancient Literature?
Against the Gods: The Polemical Theology of the Old Testament
THE RATIONAL CASE FOR THE BIBLE
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PHILOSOPHY AND REASON
THE SCIENTIFIC CASE FOR THE BIBLE
PHYSICS
Why the Universe Is the Way It Is (Reasons to Believe)
BIOLOGY
ARCHEOLOGY
THE LEGAL CASE FOR THE BIBLE
The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God
The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for the Resurrection
ADDITIONAL READING ON ‘ISRAEL’ IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Two New Testament Passages which Identify the Church with Israel
The Election of Israel and Its Meaning