Category Archives: Dealing with Scripture Honestly

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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The Salvation Evangelicals Forgot: Paul’s Missing Category.

Posted on 11/21/2025 by Paul Pavao

One of the biggest problems with evangelical (Reformation-based) theology is that no one considers whether “saved” or “salvation” can mean more than one thing. This despite the fact that the apostle Paul wrote: Much more then, being now justified by … Continue reading →

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How I Finally Reconciled “Faith Alone” and “Works” in the Bible.

Posted on 10/28/2025 by Paul Pavao

I was taught, like most Protestants, “salvation by faith alone.” The problem with this is that I was taught that “salvation” meant “going to heaven.” The two, however, are not equivalent. This is the story of how I found out … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Dealing with Scripture Honestly, Early Christianity, Evangelicals, Gospel, Modern Doctrines, Protestants, Verses Evangelicals Ignore | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Psalm 38: What Is Righteousness and How Merciful Is God?

Posted on 10/25/2025 by Paul Pavao

Caught again, your faithless friend. Don’t you ever tire of hearing what a fool I’ve been? (“Stubborn Love” by Kathy Troccoli) King David wrote Psalm 38. It seems like it has to be about the Bathsheba incident because he is … Continue reading →

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