Introduction: The dates for Numbers encompass the entire 40 years in the wilderness, following the Exodus in 1440 B.C.—and it extends throughout that 40 year period. The name of the book comes from the fact that it contains the results of two censuses. To the modern reader, the book can seem like something of a …
Imagine the Point
“It is thus mainly through imagination that we touch the feelings, and thereby bring truth powerfully to bear upon the will, which is the end and very essence of eloquence” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 399).
An Unknown Known Language
“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Cor. 14:2). The gift of tongues is an exercise in mystery. A man speaking in tongues is a man who is speaking mysteries in his spirit. It …
Surveying the Text: Leviticus
Introduction: The dates of this book are roughly the same as what we find for Exodus. It provides detailed instruction for worship, picking up where Exodus stopped. The name of the book comes from a Greek phrase for “pertaining to the Levites,” that phrase being levitikon, which was then run through a Latin filter. During …
Some Assembly Required
“Piles of brick and lumber and sand are as much a house, as the mere piling up of thoughts will constitute a discourse” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 397).
The Testimony of Jesus
“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11) The Basket Case Chronicles #161 “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1). The justly famous thirteenth chapter of Corinthians has firmly established the ranking of the fruit of the Spirit over against the gifts …
The Edge of the Sword
“It is a matter on which preachers seldom bestow any thoughtful attention; and yet few things are so important to their real success, as the possession, the culture, the control, of imagination” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 396).
Surveying the Text: Exodus
Introduction: The three great themes of Exodus are the deliverance God brings to His people, the giving of the law, and the establishment of the tabernacle. There are other important themes as well, such as the recurring disobedience of the people. Remember as we work through the Bible, each book contributes to the grand theme …
Imagination is More Than Lots of Adjectives
“The popular conception of imagination still is, that it assist the orator only in the way of producing high-wrought imagery, in letting off such fire-works of fancy as sophomores affect, and half-educated people admire” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 395).
Challenging Simplicity
“True simplicity of style, which is at once intelligible, which has an easy movement, a natural beauty and a natural variety, requires patient thought, disciplined imagination, and thorough mastery of language” (Broadus, Preparation and Delivery, p. 394).