How Do You Know the Scriptures are from God? One Testimony in the Early Church
It probably comes as no surprise that the most common question I receive from both Christians and non-Christians is “How do I know the Bible is the Word of God?” And the reason this question is at the top of the list is not hard to determine. The authority of the Bible is the foundation for everything that we believe as Christians. It is the source of our doctrine and our ethics. Thus, we need to be able to answer this question when asked.
Let me say from the outset that there is not just one answer to this question. I think there are many ways that Christians can come … Continue reading...
“The Question of Canon” Now Available
I was just informed by IVP-Academic that my book, The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate, is now out and available for purchase (see here). This was a bit of a surprise because I haven’t received my own copy yet! But, I am glad to know it is out.
Here is the description of the book:
…Unlike many books on the New Testament canon, this book does not seek to explain why these books and no others. It asks the questions: Why is there a NT at all? Was the notion of a canon of literature out of sync with the earliest
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The Complete Series: Ten Basic Facts About the NT Canon that Every Christian Should Memorize
For the last month or so, I have been working through a new series on the NT canon designed to help Christians understand ten basic facts about its origins. This series is designed for a lay-level audience and hopefully could prove helpful in a conversation one might have with a skeptical friend.
Given that there are already four installments in this series, I thought would be helpful to have them listed all in one spot. Thus, I will list the current installments below, and plan to update this list as the series progresses. Also, note that the bottom left of my website has a link to all my blog series.… Continue reading...
Is Tradition the Only Way to Know Which Books are in the Canon?
Over at the Parchment and Pen blog, Michael Patton has objected to the statement of faith of Together for the Gospel (T4G), particularly as it pertains to the relationship between tradition and canon:
…Think of it another way: Without tradition being an authority we would not even have the Scriptures themselves, as it is only through tradition that we know what Scripture is actually Scripture. The Scriptures have no place where there is an inspired list telling us which books belong in the Scripture (we call this the “canon” of Scripture). It is through the traditions of the church that we know which books are the final authority. Therefore, tradition
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Lectures
Select Lectures and Speaking Engagements
“Lost Gospels: Our Culture’s Quest to Rewrite the Story of Jesus”
November 14, 2022, The Chancellor’s Lecture Series, Colorado Christian University, Lakewood, CO
“Were the Church Fathers Inspired in the Same Way as Scripture?”
February 25, 2020, Sizemore Lecture Series, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO
“How Did Early Christians Identify Inspired Books?”
February 26, 2020, Sizemore Lecture Series, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO
“Marriage and Family: Practicing the Principles of Scripture in the Home” June 15, 2018, The Gospel Coalition Woman’s Conference, Indianapolis, IN
“The Church in Her House’: The Dynamic Ministry of Women in Early Christianity” Continue reading...
June …