Category: Bible Insights

Reflections and meditations about the Bible by Peter DeHaan, PhD.

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Bible Insights

In the Beginning, God Created…

Were We Created or Did We Evolve?

How did it all begin? That is, where did we come from? Let’s go back to the beginning.

I don’t intend to end the debate over the beginning of life and our reality. This won’t change anyone’s mind. But I do want to offer something to think about.

As you know, there are two schools of thought on our origin: in the beginning we evolved out of nothing or we were created by enteral God.

Either point of view requires a degree of faith to accept—and for me, evolution actually requires more.  Here’s why:

Follow the theory of evolution backwards, starting with people. Follow them to land animals, to water animals, to plants, to single cell organisms, to amino acids, to a mixture of gases, and so forth.

No matter how far back you go, the nagging question is always there: where did that come from?

At some point, there is the inescapable conclusion that something had to come from nothing.

For me, that takes a great deal of faith to accept—seemingly more faith than to simply say that an ever-existing God, living outside of time-space, just made it all.

If the use of the word faith is a bit off-putting, then consider Occam’s Razor, the principle that says the simplest solution is usually the correct one. To me, being created by eternal God who always existed is simpler than having evolved out of nothing.

I’ll go with that: In the beginning God created us, our world, and our reality.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Genesis 1-2, and today’s post is on Genesis 1:27.]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
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​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions You Won’t Keep

form habits

Instead of Resolutions, Form Habits You Can Sustain

Do you normally make New Year’s resolutions? How’s that work for you? When I used to do that, things never turned out so well.

I might make it a couple weeks, rarely more than a month, and a few times my resolutions were no more than good intentions.

Don’t Make New Year’s Resolutions

That’s why I stopped making New Year’s resolutions. Though I set annual goals for myself, my writing, and my business, I avoid New Year’s resolutions. In their place I work to form habits. Here’s why.

A New Year’s resolution is something that implicitly takes a year to realize. That’s a big chunk of time, 365 days. This represents a huge commitment that’s overwhelming when we look at it from day one.

Strive to Form Habits

Instead, when we seek to form habits, it’s a day-to-day situation. All we need to worry about is doing this one thing today. I can do that. You can do that. We can all do that.

Then tomorrow, we seek to do it again. It’s another one-day commitment. This isn’t hard, and we can do that too. Now we have a streak going. We’ve done this one task for two days in a row. Can we make it three?

Yes, we can. All it takes to make a three-day streak is to do this one task one more day. No big deal. Then, day by day, our streak lengthens. A few days becomes a week.

We don’t want to break our streak, so we continue. A couple weeks becomes a month. By then we’ve formed a habit.

Before we know it, we have a long streak going. When we hit 365 days, we’ve gone for a whole year. But because it’s a habit, we don’t even give it much thought. After a while, we just do it.

Once we form habits, they’re easy to keep—much easier than a New Year’s resolution.

Make Reading the Bible a Habit

I’m talking about New Year’s resolutions because it’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to such things. For people who follow Jesus, our New Year’s resolution may be to read through the Bible during the year.

Frankly, that’s a foreboding task. The Bible is a long book, and some of it—to be honest—isn’t that interesting. Yet it’s important, and we know we should read it.

That’s why we make a New Year’s resolution, but most of us fall away from it after a few days or a couple weeks.

Instead, strive to form a habit of reading the Bible each day. Start one day. It’s easy to do. Then do it a second day. Then, each day work to keep the streak going. Before long we’ve turned daily Bible reading into a habit.

To help guide us in this, there are several daily Bible reading plans on ABibleADay.com. There’s a New Testament plan, an Old Testament plan, and a plan to read the entire Bible in one year.

If this is too much for you to fathom, then consider a monthly Bible reading plan, which you can start any time of the year.

And to encourage you in this, our posts for each Tuesday will follow along in our plan to read the entire Bible this year. Hopefully, this will encourage you as you work to form a Bible-reading habit.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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When Is the Right Time to Close a Church?

churches close

Churches Close for Tangible Problems, But Maybe Some Should Close for Spiritual Reasons

In the book of Malachi, God laments about his people. Specifically he’s down on the priests because they show contempt for him. Their worship is so off-track that God wishes one of the priests would just shut the temple doors.

This would at least keep them from lighting useless fires on his alter, from having useless worship. He’s so frustrated with them that he won’t accept their sacrifices anyway.

So why bother? Just close the temple. This is a shocking thought, a seeming heretical idea.

Churches Close Every Day

We hear of churches closing all the time. It’s usually due to one of two things. Often it’s for a lack of funds—because the people left aren’t giving enough to keep the church’s doors open.

The other reason churches close is a lack of people—for too many have left.

Generally these two items are tied to one another. Attendance drops, and then giving drops. Programs get cut, and attendance drops more. This continues in a downward spiral.

Eventually there aren’t enough people left to do the work and not enough money to pay the bills. Shutting down is the only option.

Spiritually Dead Churches Should Close Too

I’ve never heard of a church closing because they lost their way spiritually, because their worship has become offensive to God. Yet I wonder if this spiritual malady isn’t just as common—perhaps even more so.

That their reason for gathering together each week is too off track from what God yearns for.

I wonder if God grows sick of these misled congregations and wishes they would just close their doors.

These spiritually impotent churches are just as dead—perhaps even more so—as the ones who no longer have enough people or money to continue.

Shutdown Institutional Churches

Most churches (and especially denominations) become institutions over time. As institutions they seek to perpetuate themselves regardless of the circumstances.

In their struggle for survival, they lose sight of why they existed in the first place.

Instead of seeking to serve their community and offer salvation through Jesus, their focus grows inward. Their priority is on self-preservation at all costs.

Malachi Speaks to Us Today

Some would argue that God’s words through his prophet Malachi apply only to the priests and to the temple of his day. This is an Old Testament thing. Projecting them on today’s church is taking the text out of context. Perhaps.

But if we can’t learn from the Old Testament, why bother to read it?

In an appropriate application, Malachi’s words to shut the doors of the temple are a warning that we should take seriously today.

When our churches and their service become spiritually dead, God may want us to close our doors and not further profane his reputation.

Before you assume I’m talking about someone else’s church, take a serious look at your own. Is it time to close church?

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Malachi 1-4, and today’s post is on Malachi 1:10.]

Learn more about all twelve of the Bible’s Minor Prophets in Peter’s book, Return to Me: 40 Prophetic Teachings about Unfaithfulness, Punishment, and Hope from the Minor Prophets

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Bible Insights

Women in the Bible: Tamar, sister of Absalom

story of Tamar

The story of Tamar is a tragic one. The beautiful daughter of King David caught the eye of her half-brother, Amnon, who lusted for her. At the advice of his cousin, Amnon feigned illness and manipulated Tamar into his bedroom.

Once alone, he grabbed and solicited her. Three times Tamar refused. When her pleading wasn’t enough to stop him, she talked about the implications: her disgrace and him appearing as foolish and wicked.

In desperation, she even suggested they ask dad for his permission to marry. But Amnon refused to listen to her. He raped her.

Then his supposed love for Tamar immediately turned to an even more intense hate. When he told her to leave, Tamar refused, saying that him kicking her out would be an even greater insult. Amnon had her forcibly removed from his presence.

Tamar then went to live with Absalom, her full-brother, in desolation. It’s a sad and confusing situation.

(Absalom later killed Amnon because of what he did to Tamar. Absalom also named one of his daughters Tamar, perhaps in honor of his sister. Also, read about another woman named Tamar.)

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is 2 Samuel 13-15 and today’s post is on 2 Samuel 13:1-21.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Bible Insights

Do We Really Seek God’s Will When We Make Decisions?

seek God’s will

We Must Align Our Plans With God’s Will If We Expect His Blessing

King David desires to bring the Ark of the Covenant home, restore it to its rightful status, and put it in its proper place. He envisions a major celebration, one for all the people (1 Chronicles 15:28).

Yet he seeks to build consensus before he acts.

He gathers his advisers together and says to them, “If it seems right to you, and if it’s God’s will, let’s do this.” Everyone agrees with David’s idea.

Even though David is King, the nation’s sovereign ruler who can do anything he desires, he doesn’t want to move forward in isolation. He seeks input from his assembly of leaders and advisers. They agree with his suggestion.

Not only does David seek their approval, but he also adds a caveat that this must align with God’s will. The Bible doesn’t record God’s thoughts on the matter, so we wonder if David sought God in this issue.

Perhaps invoking the God’s will condition was strategic rhetoric, an expected stipulation, even though David had no intent to pursue it.

No one knows.

If It’s God’s Will

However, how often does the phrase “if it’s God’s will” roll from our lips? (Consider James 4:15.) Is this an appropriate spiritual-sounding soundbite, albeit one that lacks intent or follow-through?

Or do we truly intend to seek God and gain his perspective?

Sometimes claiming to seek God’s will is merely religious-sounding pretense.

Other times it’s a comfortable biblical cover for what we really want to do, regardless of what God thinks—because we have already made up our mind.

Follow the Holy Spirit

A possible parallel passage occurs in the book of Acts. Here the disciples grapple with the issue of circumcision as it relates to salvation.

When they reach their conclusion, they write a letter of explanation that includes the phrase, “It seemed right to the Holy Spirit and to us . . . ” (Acts 15:28)

Again, we don’t know how—or even if—they sought Holy Spirit input to know God’s will, but at least the Holy Spirit gets first billing, and they list themselves second.

It’s a difficult dance to balance God’s perspective with our plans. Yet we must try, because if we don’t, we could find ourselves misaligned with God’s will and fighting against him. (See Acts 5:38-39.)

Seek God’s Will

If we say we’re seeking God’s will, let’s truly do so. Then we must listen to what the Holy Spirit says. Last, we must obey. Anything else is mere folly, and we delude ourselves.

[Read through the Bible this year. Today’s reading is 1 Chronicles 15-17, and today’s post is on 1 Chronicles 13:2]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Bible Insights

Women in the Bible: Jochebed

Jochebed

A Good Mother Can Make All the Difference

The Egyptians fear the mushrooming population of the enslaved Israelites. They command all the Israelite baby boys be thrown into the Nile River.

However, one mother sees something special in her baby and hides him for several months.

When she can conceal him no longer, she does indeed put him in the Nile River, but not before protecting him in a watertight basket. Then she strategically places the basket where he might be found by a compassionate person.

Her daughter hides nearby to see what happens.

When Pharaoh’s daughter comes to the river to bathe, she discovers the baby and wants to keep him. The girl offers to find a woman to nurse the baby; she then goes and gets her mom.

Although the boy should have been killed, the Pharaoh’s daughter saves him and even pays his biological mother to care for him.

When the baby is weaned, his mother gives him back to Pharaoh’s daughter—who names him Moses.

This mother’s name is Jochebed and she has two other children, Aaron and Miriam.

Jochebed, like many moms, sees promise in her child and takes extraordinary measures to make sure he can reach his potential.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Exodus 4-7, and today’s post is on Exodus 6:20.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Bible Insights

Women in the Bible: Hannah

Hannah

Hannah longs to have children but is childless. Adding to her misery, she’s harassed by everyone around her.

Though, she is her husband’s (Elkanah) favorite wife he dismisses her infertility and fails to protect her from verbal assaults from his other wife, Peninnah, who endlessly torments her.

Then, when she prays in earnest, Eli, the priest, accuses her of being drunk. Hannah’s life is in constant turmoil.

At her breaking point, Hannah cries out to God. She begs him for a son. In return, she promises to give him to God for a lifetime of service.

Unlike everyone else, God understands Hannah. He answers her plea, giving her a son, Samuel, just as she requested. She responds by singing to God: celebrating his power, the elevation of the oppressed, and the abasement of those overly confident.

A few lines of her ode may be digs at Peninnah, her chief tormentor.

After Samuel is weaned, Hannah presents him to Eli for a lifetime of service to God, just as she promised. Each year when she and her family make their pilgrimage to the temple, she sees young Samuel and gives him a new robe.

God then blesses Hannah with five more children.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 1-4 and today’s post is on 1 Samuel 1:19-20.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Bible Insights

Women in the Bible: Athaliah

Athaliah

Athaliah is an evil woman. She encourages her son, the king, to act wickedly. He does and is soon assassinated.

Then Athaliah seizes control and asserts herself as queen. Her lust for power is so great, she kills all the members of the royal family, including her own grandchildren.

One baby, however, is rescued by his aunt, Jehosheba. His name is Joash. Six years later, he, the rightful heir to the throne, is crowned king by the priest, with the support of the Levites and heads of the leading families.

Athaliah accuses them of treason and tears her clothes to express her outrage. But she can’t change what has happened. At the direction of the priest, the army kills her.

The country celebrates her death and calm returns.

Athaliah could have positively influenced her son and helped him rule wisely. She could have protected and groomed his successor. Had she done so, the people would have celebrated her life; instead they celebrated her death.

Is our life worthy of celebration?

[2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22-23]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Bible Insights

Women of the Bible: Abigail

abigail

Abigail is an intelligent and beautiful woman. In contrast, her husband, Nabal, is surly and mean; his servants call him wicked and she confirms his name means fool. Nabal is wealthy, with thousands of livestock.

David and his men protect Nabel’s herdsmen and flocks, anticipating he will appreciate their efforts and one day reward them, but Nabal disrespects David’s messengers, sending them back empty-handed.

Roiling with anger, David desires vengeance and prepares to kill Nabal and his men.

Abigail, a Wise Woman

When wise Abigail hears what happened, she takes immediate action. She prepares food for David’s army. She assumes responsibility (while professing innocence), wins David over, and stops the massacre.

Nabal is incensed when he learns what his wife did, has a stroke, and dies. David receives this news with glee, seeing it as God’s vengeance on his behalf.

David asks her to marry him and sends for her, but if their union is for love, affection isn’t mentioned.

Abigail becomes David’s wife. She and David have one son together, named Daniel. There is no other mentions of her in the Bible.

[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 23-25, and today’s post is on 1 Samuel 25.]

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Bible Insights

Women in the Bible: Dinah

Dinah

Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and Leah, is the central character of Genesis 34. Though we know what happened to her and because of her, we know nothing about what she said, did, or thought.

Her story begins tragically. She is raped by Shechem. Yet after his act of lust, he falls in love with her, offering to give whatever dowry is asked.

Jacob doesn’t respond to his daughter’s rape. Is he passive, afraid, or wise as he waits for his sons to return? Dinah’s brothers are outraged when they hear the news and immediately come home.

While their father fails to act, Simeon and Levi, two of Dinah’s full brothers, do. They kill Shechem and all the men in his village; then they rescue her from Shechem’s house. Later, her other brothers plunder the town.

Although Jacob criticizes Simeon and Levi for their excessive reaction and the subsequent risk to the entire family (should neighboring towns take revenge), Dinah’s brothers felt duty bound to avenge their sister’s rape, despite the risk of retaliation or harm.

After her rescue, nothing more is said about Dinah. The end to her story is for us to wonder.

Learn about other biblical women in Women of the Bible, available in e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.