Category Archives: Dealing with Scripture Honestly

The Strange Case of Symbolic Baptism: A Doctrine in Search of a Text

Posted on 07/06/2026 by Paul Pavao

I’m looking at a defense of symbolic baptism written by a an intelligent and godly man with long experience in the Scriptures. You may be like him, a follower of Jesus that, to borrow a John Wesley quote about Georg … Continue reading →

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Will God Judge You by Your Church Membership?

Posted on 06/29/2026 by Paul Pavao

I was asked, “Can I be saved if I don’t join the Eastern Orthodox?” I answered: I am so sorry you are having to ask this question. Here’s the simplest answer I can give you. Read Ezekiel 18:20-32; Matthew 25:31-46; … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, Dealing with Scripture Honestly, Early Christianity, Gospel, Holiness, Modern Doctrines, Roman Catholic & Orthodox, Teachings that must not be lost, Unity | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Connecting the Dots: Why Paul and John Speak Differently About Eternal Life

Posted on 06/26/2026 by Paul Pavao

I asked ChatGPT what I could do in the public forum to communicate better. In fact, I used the phrase “be more systematic.” It replied: If I were looking for one improvement in your public communication, it would not be … Continue reading →

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When Grammar Shapes Theology: Wisdom, Jesus, and Proverbs 8

Posted on 05/26/2026 by Paul Pavao

This is pulled from my own Facebook post obviously. In another Facebook post I laughed at myself for not knowing that idioma in Spanish is masculine, not feminine. Language gender (and other grammar rules) is really important for understanding the … Continue reading →

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What Does Aphesis Mean? Forgiveness, Jubilee, and Freedom in Christ

Posted on 05/18/2026 by Paul Pavao

Today the word aphesis seems so important. It is the word Paul and much of the New Testament uses for forgiveness. Well, maybe I should say that translators translate the word as forgiveness. It is the same Greek word that … Continue reading →

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Can We Justify “Protecting” God’s Flock from God’s Warnings?

Posted on 04/11/2026 by Paul Pavao

A friend saw my face and demeanor after a discussion of spiritual gifts, and he kindly checked on me. I told him I sometimes struggle with the fact that everyone agrees my spiritual gift is teaching, but I’m rarely allowed … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Dealing with Scripture Honestly, Evangelicals, Gospel, Holiness, Leadership, Modern Doctrines, Rebuilding the Foundations, Verses Evangelicals Ignore | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Fact Sheet on Evolution for Christians

Posted on 02/20/2026 by Paul Pavao

I am often asked why I write about evolution. Evolution is not just a scientific issue; it is a theological issue that most Christians are interested in, whether to deny it or to learn about it. I think all Christians … Continue reading →

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Righteousness, Self-Control, and Judgment (Acts 24:25)

Posted on 02/15/2026 by Paul Pavao

As he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, “Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you.” (Acts 24:25) Shortly after I was saved … Continue reading →

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Do You Like the Bible? Or Only an Imaginary One?

Posted on 01/09/2026 by Paul Pavao

Do we believe our Bible? In fact, do we even like our Bible? Or do we prefer a Bible made in the image of our wishful thinking? I am a Bible believer, but I believe the Bible we have, not … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Dealing with Scripture Honestly, Evolution, Evolution and Creation, Modern Doctrines, science | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Working Out Salvation with Fear and Trembling in a Wealthy World

Posted on 12/19/2025 by Paul Pavao

Apparently, there are people who think that when Jesus sits on his glorious throne and puts the sheep on his right and the goats on his left, that he will say to Mother Teresa, “I was hungry, and you did … Continue reading →

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