Dr Paul Allen

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” ( 2 Timothy 3:16 ) The Bible insists its writers were supernaturally influenced by God to such an extent that their words were given divine accuracy. The unique word translated “inspiration” in our text could be rendered “God blowing” or “God puffing.” Peter speaks of “holy men of God” who “spake” as they were moved by the Holy Spirit ( 2 Peter 1:21 ). David was conscious that his own “tongue” was speaking words that the Holy Spirit of the Lord gave him ( 2 Samuel 23:2 ). Jeremiah was given audible instruction and told to reproduce those words precisely ( Jeremiah 30:1-2 ; 26:2), as was Isaiah ( Isaiah 6:8-10 ), who clearly knew he was being controlled by God ( Isaiah 59:21 ). These are samplings of some 2,600 claims in the Old Testament for direct inspiration of the text of Scripture. God used several methods to make sure that His word ...

There is no single correct way for how God ’s people should respond to a culture hostile to faith. In the Old Testament , God called the Israelites to develop their own society. He designed laws to keep out pagan influences. But He sent New Testament followers into the world to impact unbelieving cultures. As we reflect on our relationship to societies that are hostile to Christian faith , it helps to consider Old Testament figures who found ways to honor God even after they were plucked from safety and placed in unfriendly circumstances. Example 1: Joseph His story is found in Genesis 37 -47 - Sold as a slave and taken to Egypt but maintained his godly character despite recurring setbacks. - A model of integrity both in adversity and prosperity Example 2: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego Their story is found in Daniel 1-6 - Taken to Babylon as prisoners of war and trained for service in a pagan government. - Models of integrity and commitment to the Lord while serving unbe...

Mordecai and Esther (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) "Let a gallows fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it" (Esther 5:14) In the Book of Esther , much of the plot is set in motion by the hatred of Haman for Mordecai. When Haman expresses his resentment of Mordecai to his family, they recommend, "Let a gallows fifty cubits (22m / 75 feet) high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it" (Esther 5:14, ESV ). Some of the more recent English translations offer something different from the ESV. The TNIV , for example, reads, "Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it."  The NLT offers something similar: "Set up a sharpened pole that stands seventy-five feet tall, and in the morning ask the king to impale Mordecai on it." At the end of chapter 7, Haman ends up being "hanged" on that...