Reflections

Bible Reading Tools

L. Jared Garcia

The goal is not to check of a list of chapters or to finish reading the whole Bible in 365 days. The goal is to let the Words of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom (cf. Col 3:16). For what does it profit a man if he reads the entire Bible but does not understand what he reads? Let me share some of my favorite resources that I’m utilizing in my Bible reading this year. The first three tools are probably sufficient tools for many. To those who want a little more challenge, I have added two more.

Research

Who Determines Meaning? Authorial Intent, Allegory, Literal Reading, and Biblical Theology

L. Jared Garcia

I was invited to speak on the topic of hermeneutics for the 31st Metro Manila Fundamental Bible Conference. Due to covid19, the entire conference was livestreamed in social media on October 20-23 (Manila time). My talk below is in English-Tagalog. Unfortunately, there are no English-only subtitles for those who do not understand Tagalog. Maybe someday.… Continue reading Who Determines Meaning? Authorial Intent, Allegory, Literal Reading, and Biblical Theology

Reviews

“The Community of the Beloved Disciple” by Raymond Brown — A Book Review

L. Jared Garcia

Based on the assumption that a “Johannine community” existed as a Christian group distinct from the churches mentioned in Luke-Acts and Paul, Raymond Brown attempts to reconstruct this community by determining the life-situation of the original audience of the Fourth Gospel and John’s Letters. He stresses passages that are significantly different from the Synoptics, indicating theological interest for the Johannine community.

Reviews

NIV Study Bible: Fully Revised Edition — A Review

L. Jared Garcia

Christians of the 21st century have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Bible study tools. One valuable resource for God’s people is a study Bible. While there are many kinds of study Bibles, they are not all created equal. The best study Bibles are those that help the reader understand the Bible better. That is the goal of the NIV Study Bible, which is now in its 35th year. Having owned several study Bibles (ESV Study Bible, MacArthur, CSB Study Bible, etc.) and having reviewed other study Bibles here and here, I have seen the same helpful features that are found in many study Bibles. This includes charts, maps, and comments on the text. These features seem to be a given for study Bibles. In this review, however, I want to point out five unique features that I find to be the strengths of the NIV Study Bible.

Reviews

40 Questions about Typology and Allegory by Mitchell L. Chase — A Book Review

L. Jared Garcia

In 40 Questions about Typology and Allegory, Mitchell Chase has provided concise, helpful, and comprehensive treatment on one of the longtime hermeneutical debates in the church going back to the Antiochian School and Alexandrian School in the fourth century: the interpretation of typology and allegory. With an affirmation of the authority, inspiration, and unity of the Bible, Chase aims to help Bible readers to be more faithful readers of Scripture and to see more fully the glory of the story of the Bible by orienting them to the subjects of typology and allegory. He presents his material in four key parts.

Reviews

“Irenaeus on the Christian Faith: A Condensation of Against Heresies” by James Payton, Jr. — A Book Review

L. Jared Garcia

Irenaeus on the Christian Faith is James Payton’s condensation of the church father’s magnum opus, Against Heresies. Irenaeus, a theologian of the second century, presents a defense and presentation of the Christian faith against Gnosticism. In Book I of Against Heresies, Irenaeus painstakingly describes the gnostic teaching. He responds negatively in Book II by offering a thorough refutation. He then responds positively in Books III-V by presenting what Christians believe from the Apostles’ Teachings (Book III) and from the words of Christ (Book IV). Book V serves as an addendum, where Irenaeus adds “further teaching” from Christ and the Apostles. James Payton finds Irenaeus’ presentation of the Christian faith beneficial and edifying even for believers who are a couple millennia removed from the dangers of first century Gnosticism.

Reviews

A Commentary on James by Aída Besançon Spencer (Kregel Series) — A Book Review

L. Jared Garcia

Aída Besançon Spencer has contributed a significant resource in the study of the Letter of James. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kregel Publications, in exchange for an honest review. When evaluating exegetical commentaries, I typically look at three areas: 1) key features (usually dictated by the commentary series); 2) discussion… Continue reading A Commentary on James by Aída Besançon Spencer (Kregel Series) — A Book Review

Reflections

Speaking Up Against an Unjust Government, Civil Disobedience, and Pursuing Church Unity in Politics

L. Jared Garcia

A friend has asked me to respond to a discussion over at larapatricia.wordpress.com regarding speaking up against the government. I'm re-posting my answer to that discussion here at my space for easy reference. Is it biblical to speak up against the government? The simple answer: absolutely! Moses was commanded by God to speak against Pharaoh… Continue reading Speaking Up Against an Unjust Government, Civil Disobedience, and Pursuing Church Unity in Politics

Reviews

“Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines” by David Mathis — A Book Review

L. Jared Garcia

David Mathis provides the church with encouragement and tools for spiritual growth in his monograph, Habits of Grace. Mathis highlights three principles of ongoing grace: hearing God's voice (Scripture), having God's ear (prayer), and belonging to his body (fellowship) (p. 15). His goal is to help the Christian see "how realistic and life-giving it can… Continue reading “Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines” by David Mathis — A Book Review