Did God promise the physical land of Israel to the physical descendants of Abraham; i.e., Israel? One way to answer this question is to say, absolutely. But, then I would contend that we must ask: but, “who is Israel”? To which I believe that the theological answer is “Jesus!”[1] But isn’t this just playing games with the Scriptures? After all, some will contend, the Bible is clear. The OT promises the physical, territorial land to the physical descendants of Abraham…. Read more
June 17, 2020
The Bible and the Land of Promise: A Christian Conversation: Webinar This Friday June 19, 2020!
June 17, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
I am very excited to announce that this Friday, June 19, 2020, at 11am PDT (2pm EDT) I will be moderating a live zoom discussion on the Bible and the Land of Promise: A Christian Conversation. You can Register by following this link What does the Bible say about the land of Israel? Did God promise it all to the descendants of Abraham? Where does that leave the Israelis and the Palestinians today? Did the coming of Jesus alter… Read more
June 15, 2020
The Parable of the Man Whose House is on Fire
June 15, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
“My house is on fire! my house is on fire!” a neighbor pleaded with me for help. I, of course, did nothing about it. “It is the blue one on the corner near the . . .” they attempted to continue before I interrupted. “Whoa. Wait a minute. Why are you trying to bring which house it is into this? Am I supposed to believe that your house is any more important than any other house?” “Because my house is… Read more
June 10, 2020
Pursue the truth at all times, then follow it (part 2)
June 10, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
In part 1, I argued that if all truth points us to Christ, then we should seek the truth at all times. After all, if the aim of the Christian life is to become like Christ (Col 1:28-29), then it is essential that we conform to the truth. There are two major problems with conforming our lives to the truth: The first problem is pride! We don’t want to admit that we are wrong. Paul says in 2nd Thessalonians that… Read more
June 5, 2020
Pursue truth at all times, then follow it (Part 1)
June 5, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
“What is truth” (John 18:31). Ironically, and perhaps, tragically, Pilate spoke these words to the very Person who could not only answer the question, but Who was Himself the embodiment of Truth! The title of this website is “determinetruth” not because we have determined it, but because we seek to determine it. It is my conviction that if Jesus is indeed the Truth (John 14:6), then it incumbent upon us to seek the truth at all times. After all, all… Read more
June 2, 2020
George Floyd: not again!
June 2, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
It is time for us to pause. To step away from all the rhetoric and listen. If I am only adding to the rhetoric, I am sorry. If I am providing some fresh insights that promote peace and reconciliation, then glory to God. Less than a month ago I published a blog relating to the death of Ahmaud Arbery. I noted, “not long into my tenure there was the killing of an unarmed black man.” I mentioned, “let’s be… Read more
May 25, 2020
To gather or not to gather that is the question
May 25, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
Christians are notorious for pulling out a random Bible verse that “fits” their needs—even though that verse might be contradicted by another. One may cite “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) While another will cite, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1). How do we know which Bible verse applies in a given situation? Too often, the answer is, “the one I prefer.” In order to discern which applies it is essential to… Read more
May 15, 2020
Are we sure that we are reading our Bibles well? Part 2
May 15, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
A helpful guide to reading our Bibles more effectively! When was the last time you heard a sermon, or read a book, in which you thought, “well, I don’t like it, but the pastor, or author, is right?” I remember a post from a really good Christian man. Someone I respect. He commented that a major Christian publication was “no longer a credible source.” With one swipe of the hand an entire publication was dismissed; as though nothing good… Read more
May 14, 2020
Are we sure that we are reading our Bibles well? Part 3
May 14, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
A helpful guide to reading our Bibles more effectively! Here are some suggestions that we might want to consider when reading our Bibles (NOTE: these are not absolute: sometimes I may read my Bible and I might be encouraged: sometimes I may read and find hope; sometimes I may read and find strength, comfort, and peace) But, sometimes: If you are reading the Bible and you are feeling convicted, then you might be reading it well. If you are reading… Read more
May 8, 2020
#Free4All Ahmaud Arbery
May 8, 2020 By Rob Dalrymple
A number of years ago I had left the academy and become a full-time preaching pastor. I knew that I now had a greater responsibility to not only expound what the Word meant but to help the people apply to their lives. Before, when I was lecturing students, I always sensed a greater obligation to teach the Word in hopes that the students would find the application in their personal lives and in their ministries. Now that I was in… Read more
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