The Earth
The earth spins on its axis which has a tilt of 23.5 degrees. The tilt is important for spreading the heat from the sun over a wide area of the earth. This article is well illustrated with photos. It is updated each year with new equinox and solstice dates and times. Uploaded on 01 August 2007, updated yearly.
Earth.htm
"Man Overboard"
Read this true lesson from life on faith. A boy who can not swim falls from a ship. Because of his faith in the captain of the ship, he lives. Click on link. Faith.htm
Introduction:
There are two ways to study the Bible. Using the analogy of a tree, you can study closely the individual leaves, or you can study the trunk and branches. The best way to understand the leaves is to first understand the tree i.e. trunk and branches. Consequently, the main thrust of this web site is to give an overall picture of what the Bible is saying. At a later stage, I might look closely at some verses of special interest, but for the present, the first priority is to clearly reveal the bigger picture.
Use: How to get the most out of this web site
HTM and PDF: The papers available for download on this site are in HTM or PDF format. Some are in both formats. The page you are now looking at is in .htm format. Most of the .htm documents are text only, which means they will usually load in one second or less.
PDF: Documents in .pdf format retain the original formatting. This type of document is ideal for those who wish to print a copy of the article they are viewing. Use the back arrow on your web browser to return to the home page after viewing a paper.
Tip: For a quick look at a document, view the .htm file first. Use back arrow to return to this page.
Search: Press Control-F (Control and F together). The search text box will appear. Enter the word you want to find and hit Enter. The cursor will jump to the first instance of the word.
Alternatively, use the Index at the top of this page. Click on the blue coloured link for the page you are interested in.
Hard Copy: With some of the papers, I have aimed to keep the length down to four A4 size pages. They are then photocopied onto one sheet of A3 size paper and folded to DL size. Over time, some papers may gain additional notes which will be added to the end of the document rather than woven into the body of the text. The article The Mathematical Impossibility of The Theory of Evolution is a case in point. An additional couple of pages have been added to that document.
The Rules Of Theology
Rules of theology are not usually set out in a formal statement. You won't for instance, find a set of rules in the highly regarded separate works on Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof, Wayne Grudem and Charles Hodge. Good Bible students tend to work by good rules in at least a sub-conscious fashion.
I am going to set out some rules I work to - at least in a sub-conscious fashion, because I find that when people fall into serious theological error, it is usually because at least one of the rules have been broken.
- Obtaining a good grasp of biblical doctrine begins with God. Sound theology is subservient to who God is (His character) and to His plan and purpose.
- The passage must be read in its context. Not just in its immediate context, but in the context of the whole of Scripture. Not forgetting:
(a) The context and the type of literature. For instance, historical narrative, teaching, prophecy, poetry, allegory, typology and apocalyptic. The difficult book of Revelation is an example of apocalyptic literature.
(b) The context of the culture of the time.
- The New Testament interprets the Old Testament.
- Major doctrines of Scripture are not overthrown by the minor - correct priorities must be observed.
- Sound doctrine glorifies Christ.
- The plan which God has for his worldwide Church is not overthrown by a plan which a denomination, sect or cult has for its group of believers.
- All doctrines (teachings) of the Bible are in harmony (no contradictions). They are logical, but not always fathomed by the human mind.
With regard to doctrines having rank (point 4), when Jesus was asked, which is the greatest commandment? He not only gave us the greatest commandment, but also the commandment which is second in rank. Firstly, we are to love God. Secondly, we are to love our neighbour (Matt. 22:36-39). For more information on issues such as interpreting Scripture and rank (correct priorities) see the paper, "The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture" under section (2) above, "Helpful Teaching".
Sequence:
To get the most from this web page, the documents should be read in the following order:
- The Beginning of Everything, or something with a mathematical twist, The Mathematical Impossibility of the Theory of Evolution
- The Objective Evidence For The Christian Faith
- God's Method of Saving Sinners
- The Witness of Prophecy
- God's Covenant With Abraham
- The Kingdom of God
- Sanctification: How should I live?
- The Hand of God
- The Judgment of God And A Place Called Hell
Please return to this web site every two or three months as it is my intention to keep uploading new papers until further notice.
If this web site has been a blessing to you, please let others know. May God bless.