Monthly Archives: July 2018

Is It God’s Word, or Some Other god’s words? On Interpretation and a (Literary) Plan

Posted on July 31, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila Tricks of the Interpretive Trade–From the Lit Teacher  There are many approaches to interpreting and studying the Bible, a discipline known as hermeneutics. As a lover of “close reading” for deeper understanding, something which I also teach … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible/literary themes, Bible/literary themes, elements, Christian poetry, Devotionals, encouragement in hard times, most recent posts, spiritual transformation | Tagged , | 4 Comments

On Desperately Seeking the REAL Jesus–You Are Not Alone

Posted on July 29, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila Do any of the believers quoted below sound familiar? Maybe they’re you (excerpts taken from 5 years ago in the comment section of a video of a sermon by A.W. Tozer entitled “Holy Spirit: Why Some Can’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentaries, Devotionals, encouragement in hard times, end times spiritual survival, letters to the remnant, most recent posts, spiritual survival, spiritual transformation, survival tools | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

To a Hammer, Everything is a Nail; to a Teacher, a Lesson Plan; to a Believer, Jesus Christ

Posted on July 26, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila Regarding Hammers and Teachers I’ve noted on the blog in several places that I consider myself a metaphorist (if there is such a word–or pursuit) as well as a teacher. Like the references above to hammers and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible/literary themes, elements, Devotionals, most recent posts | Tagged , | 1 Comment

On Jesus’ Comparison of End Times with Childbirth (From the Labor and Delivery Room)

Posted on July 22, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila It occurs to me that considering the times we are in, globally, it might be helpful to re-publish the following three blog posts treating the analogy Jesus used to illustrate how end times events are like a … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Women Topics, encouragement in hard times, End Times Childbirth Analogy, end times news, end times spiritual survival, most recent posts, prophecy, spiritual survival | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

They Might Take Your Voice But the Song Crescendos

Posted on July 21, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila I came across this song, today, while looking for another (as so often happens, right?). It prompted a tie-in to all of what I and my guest writers and others have written, lately, on false religions, cults, … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotionals, encouragement in hard times, end times spiritual survival, most recent posts, spiritual survival, spiritual transformation | Tagged | Leave a comment

Hallmarks of Spiritual Abuse and Sally’s Story (© 2018, Sally Richardson)

Posted on July 20, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila Introduction: Today’s post is a contribution from a reader in the UK who shares her story of spiritual abuse in several churches. She also presents a list of the hallmarks of such churches, which aligns with the … Continue reading →

Posted in abuse, cult and occult, encouragement in hard times, most recent posts, Postmodern/Emergent Church | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

On Ozymandias, Religion, and Christ the Redeemer

Posted on July 18, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible/literary themes, elements, Commentaries, Devotionals, encouragement in hard times, most recent posts, salvation by grace, spiritual survival, spiritual transformation | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

“Responding to Spiritual Abuse at Authoritarian Churches” by Dale Rudiger

Posted on July 10, 2018 by pbn

Below is another excellent article in a series by Dale Rudiger who blogs at The Ex-Catholic Journal. It is an important read, I believe, not just for ex-Catholics, but for anyone in churches who, by way of false doctrines, desire to … Continue reading →

Posted in abuse, Commentaries, cult and occult, most recent posts, Patriarchy/Complementarianism | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

The Annual Nabokov Christmas (in July) Gift, from Me to You

Posted on July 8, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila From last year to this: I have decided to offer my post based on the Vladimir Nabokov short story “Christmas” (which I have featured, now, [four] times since 2012 for various reasons) as an annual “Christmas in July” … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible/literary themes, Bible/literary themes, elements, Christmas themed, Commentaries, Devotionals, encouragement in hard times, most recent posts | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

ADDENDUM to “Holy Spirit Baptism” Post, Prior: But…What IS the HSB, Exactly? and How do You Get It? and Why?

Posted on July 6, 2018 by pbn

Phyllis Beveridge Nissila This addendum was inspired by a reader’s comments in the prior post. Thank you, Yvonne. Here are a few more thoughts that come to mind for you—and perhaps others who stop by here.

Posted in Baptism in the Holy Spirit, encouragement in hard times, end times spiritual survival, free will, most recent posts, On Free Will, salvation by grace, survival tools | Tagged | 2 Comments