Posts from September 2025

For decades, the study of the original languages of Scripture has been part of the curriculum at Southwest. Still today, the students take one quarter of Biblical Hebrew to introduce them to the language and alphabet (alephbet!), and four quarters of Biblical Greek to help them get a foundation for future study. Some have wondered why we study Greek at Southwest. Here are some reasons why we study Greek: Studying Greek reminds us of the original context. Studying Greek makes…

Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom; for with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). There are some interesting lessons here. First, we cannot out give God! We give, and God sees to it we are given unto. In addition, what God gives is “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” When you get a box…

Jesus Christ gave a stern warning regarding the unseemly language that sometimes proceeds from a person’s mouth. It is not without significance that two of the Ten Commandments deal with speech—taking the name of God in vain and bearing false witness against another person (Ex. 20:7,16). Similarly, in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus warned against the abuse of the tongue in “swearing falsely” (Matt. 5:33-37). The way one talks is a very revealing index to his character. The Scriptures…

This article attempts to answer the question “What would we know about our origin and the purpose for our lives without the Old Testament?” That is a great question! In this article, we will explore life’s “big questions” as they relate to the Old Testament. First of all, let’s take a look at what is meant by “big questions.” Most writers agree that the “big questions” include the following: Who am I? Why am I here? What went wrong? What…

The final chapter of James opens with a strong warning directed to the rich. The problem is not merely having wealth, but rather covetousness. This is the greedy, self-indulgent attitude that is never satisfied. It misuses riches while mistreating others. Hard work and honest success notwithstanding, James exposes the sort of heart that loves money more than God, and possessions more than people. This section of scripture offers a powerful reminder, we must not envy the rich or long for…

“If of others you’re tempted to speak, five things observe with care: of whom you speak, to whom you speak, and how, and when, and where.” Everybody has trouble with their tongue, but our Heavenly Father warns us to be careful with our words: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Pro. 18:21). Christ reminds us that we will give account for every idle word we speak (Matt.…

In 1 Corinthians 6:19 we find an important truth about our life. That is, it doesn’t belong to us. Paul said, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” The idea that “you are not your own” is deeply troubling for the vast majority of those in our world. Western Culture is all about self autonomy. I can…