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Recent content by JohnStevenson

  1. JohnStevenson

    Scholar claims Dead Sea Scroll's 'authors' never existed

    Rachel Elior teaches Jewish mysticism and hardly sounds like a "scholar" of any sort and especially not of history or archaeology. To claim that Josephus invented the Essenes smacks of schoolgirl silliness, something not worthy of an academic.
  2. JohnStevenson

    head of gold

    Since Greek was not a common language in Mesopotamia until after Alexander the Great, any similarity would have been lost on everyone present. Furthermore, Daniel says to Nebuchadnezzar (not to Cyrus), "You are this head of gold." So even if they had spoken Greek, which they did not, they...
  3. JohnStevenson

    Question for teachers

    Yes, I also have a commentary out on the book of Hebrews available at http://RedeemerPublishing.com -- the big idea in Hebrews is that Jesus is better. He is better than the angels, He is better than Moses, He is a better high priest, a better sacrifice, and a better temple.
  4. JohnStevenson

    How do you teach?

    That is an open-ended question. I do a lot of teaching and some of it is academic and in the classroom and some of it is in the church and some is in the small group setting of a living room. Each group has different needs, but each needs the Scriptures to be opened. My website now has a huge...
  5. JohnStevenson

    What are you reading?

    I just finished writing The Radical Righteousness of God. Look for it on Amazon.
  6. JohnStevenson

    Noah ark and Tomb in Armenia?

    Ron Wyatt was a self-declared archaeologist who made a large number of unsubstantiated claims. His education was not in archaeology, but in medicine -- he was a nurse. The problem isn't so much his lack of credentials, but his total lack of evidence for any of his outrageous claims. Among...
  7. JohnStevenson

    Bethlehem

    Yes, it would have been a small town on the slopes of a rather large hill. At the same time, it is only a mile or two away from the Herodium, the foretress/palace of Herod. I was in Bethlehem last year and could see the Herodium from the town (there is a photo at my website).
  8. JohnStevenson

    where can i get the best theology degree?

    If you are currently in Germany, then it might be good for you to get your undergraduate degree there. If you are looking for distance learning, then there is CIU for an undergraduate degree (even better if you can attend in person) and either RTS or Knox Seminary for your graduate studies (I...
  9. JohnStevenson

    Congregational gathering place or 'cut and paste' ministry soapbox?

    Had to chuckle over that one. I have found myself engaging in the copy and paste method on occasion, especially if it is in answer to a question on which I've been asked repeatedly. Other times, I will type out an answer and then save it for future use, as I think the best teaching is often in...
  10. JohnStevenson

    How many here like fcience fiction?

    I feel exactly the same way. I enjoyed all of the older books of Robert Heinlein, the grand master of science fiction. And I've read Dune several times, though I could hardly stomach the sequels. But I have yet to come across a new author of the genre who is worthy of reading.
  11. JohnStevenson

    New Commentary

    I have a new commentary out entitled Hebrews: The Sufficiency of the Savior -- it is available on Amazon.
  12. JohnStevenson

    what do you use to write with?

    Wordperfect 6.0 -- I have a newer version, but only use it when I am editing that which I have already written.
  13. JohnStevenson

    Software for studying the Greek?

    It is a bit pricey, but I've found BibleWorks to be of great value, especially for one who already knows some Greek and Hebrew (nothing beats an actual study of the languages).
  14. JohnStevenson

    Tips for teaching

    As one who has taught such diverse subjects as fire science, theology, New Testament Greek, and yes, martial arts, I don't see the issue as long as such teaching does not involve an impartation of sinful attitudes or actions. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my...
  15. JohnStevenson

    college guilt

    The prize, in this case, the diploma, goes to the one who endures. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. It took me six years to get a four year degree, five years to get a 3-year Masters, and six years to get a doctorate. There is no shame in going at your own pace. Just keep on keeping on.