Tag Archives: Bible

WHITE PAPER: From Costly Consequences to Cheap Grace: David, Bathsheba, and the Real Path to Restoration

Posted on May 15, 2025 by nathanalbright

I was listening to the recent sermon by Mr. John Elliott citing David’s behavior and how the Bible views him as an invitation to move people out of boxes. Here is my reply to that specific citation and a discussion … Continue reading →

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Members Of The Body, But Not Members Of The Corporation

Posted on May 4, 2025 by nathanalbright

Executive Summary This white paper examines the fundamental disconnect that occurs when church members are considered spiritual members of the Body of Christ but lack legal membership in the church corporation that receives their tithes, offerings, and service. This structure … Continue reading →

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Standing Still In The Bible

Posted on April 19, 2025 by nathanalbright

The image of standing still recurs throughout the Bible as a rich and complex metaphor—sometimes laden with faith and trust, at other times filled with fear, stagnation, or rebellion. As a theological motif, “standing still” captures the paradox of waiting … Continue reading →

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Finding Comfort In Romans 8:28

Posted on March 23, 2025 by nathanalbright

[These are the prepared notes for a split sermon given to the United Church of God congregation in Portland, Oregon on Sabbath, March 22, 2025.] Good afternoon to you all, and I hope you are finding good comfort here on … Continue reading →

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On Poor Integration Between Periphery and Core in Religious Institutions

Posted on March 8, 2025 by nathanalbright

Religious institutions, including churches, often face challenges in integrating their peripheral members, communities, and branches with the central leadership and core structures. This disconnect can result from various structural, cultural, and logistical factors, weakening the institution’s unity, effectiveness, and outreach. … Continue reading →

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Restoring Trust and Accountability: A Path Forward for Church Governance

Posted on February 28, 2025 by nathanalbright

Introduction In the life of any church, periods of institutional challenge can test the bonds of fellowship and the resilience of governance structures. The situation our church currently faces—with tensions between popular leadership and traditional governance processes, concerns over resource … Continue reading →

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What Would The Effect Of The Discovery Of Noah’s Ark Have On Academic Disciplines?

Posted on January 29, 2025 by nathanalbright

As a bit of research on a project I am working on, I asked three AIs the question as to what academic disciplines would be most affected by the (re)discovery of Noah’s Ark and how, and this is what they … Continue reading →

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Anointed And Judged

Posted on January 28, 2025 by nathanalbright

The Bible presents a complex picture of how individuals and nations can be both chosen by God for a specific purpose and held accountable for their actions in fulfilling that purpose. This tension is evident in the examples of Jehu, … Continue reading →

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On The Difficulties Of Understanding Parables

Posted on January 24, 2025 by nathanalbright

Parables present unique challenges for understanding that extend far beyond simple problems of translation or historical distance. At their core, they operate through multiple simultaneous layers of meaning, requiring readers to grasp both literal narratives and deeper spiritual or moral … Continue reading →

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The Midrash and Mishnah as the Beginnings of the Jewish Systematic Theology Project

Posted on December 31, 2024 by nathanalbright

The relationship between Midrash and Mishnah is crucial for understanding the development of Jewish law and thought. Here’s how Midrash led to Mishnah: 1. The Need for Interpretation and Application: 2. From Biblical Exegesis to Legal Systematization: 3. Two Types … Continue reading →

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