Chris Brubaker

Did Jacob Beat God in a Wrestling Match?

Did Jacob beat God in a wrestling match? It’s a fair question and one that likely many Christians have wrestled with (pun intended) as they’ve read through Genesis 32. After wrestling with a “man” (Gen 32:24) all night long, this “man” then informs Jacob that he had actually been wrestling with God. And Jacob wasContinue reading “Did Jacob Beat God in a Wrestling Match?”

For What Does the Scripture Say?

Let’s do a little experiment together. I’m going to ask you a question, and I’d like you to answer it before reading further. What does eternal life mean to you? Now, what was your answer? Say it out loud (or just whisper it to yourself if you’re in public so people don’t think you’re crazy). Continue reading “For What Does the Scripture Say?”

Is Jesus Incompetent?

First of all, lest I be accused of blasphemy, I do not believe Jesus is incompetent. So, let’s get that out of the way. However, what I sometimes find in Christian circles are competing worldviews that, if brought into the light, would force this question to the forefront. Christians readily acknowledge that Jesus is King,Continue reading “Is Jesus Incompetent?”

Understanding our Crazy World

It’s hard to view any type of news feed nowadays without coming across something that seems crazy on a daily basis. For example, on July 12, in an exchange between Senator Josh Hawley and Berkeley law professor Khiara Bridges, the senator asked the professor if, by using the phrase, “people with a capacity for pregnancy,”Continue reading “Understanding our Crazy World”

Does the Bible condone patriarchal abuse?

It’s one of those “tough” Old Testament passages. Abraham and Sarah (Abram and Sarai at the time) force their Egyptian slave girl to be the surrogate mother of their son. Abram was probably 85 years old at the time (Gen 16:16). And so, a barren mother in desperation gives her helpless slave girl to anContinue reading “Does the Bible condone patriarchal abuse?”

Star Wars: A Contradictory Worldview

To be clear, I’m a Star Wars fan. I’ve seen all of the movies and most of the TV shows, including the animated ones. I enjoy its entertainment value. However, first and foremost, I’m a disciple of Jesus. A dangerous worldview lurks within the Star Wars universe. Christians, particularly parents tasked with teaching their children,Continue reading “Star Wars: A Contradictory Worldview”

Reading Scripture Like a Novel: Plot, Part 3

Most Christians today will associate the original promise of victory over the serpent by the woman’s offspring (Gen. 3:15) with the death and resurrection of Jesus. However, it’s easy to see in the New Testament that Satan is still active in the world (e.g. 1 Pet. 5:8) after Jesus ascended. While Christ was victorious, HeContinue reading “Reading Scripture Like a Novel: Plot, Part 3”

Reading Scripture Like a Novel: Plot, Part 2

The great plot conflict of Scripture is the battle for kingship of earth, a battle between the serpent and the woman’s offspring. Hostility between these two parties was promised by God (Gen. 3:15), and throughout the Old Testament physical violence and hostility ensued. The Israelites committed genocide against the Canaanites (as to why God wouldContinue reading “Reading Scripture Like a Novel: Plot, Part 2”

Reading Scripture Like a Novel: Plot, Part 1

In just the first few pages, Scripture reveals itself to be an epic, cosmic tale about the rulership of the heavens and the earth, with the promise of marital drama (Gen 3:16), blessing and curse, political subversion, war, and the battle for cosmic kingship (Gen. 3:15), all held under the watchful eye of Yahweh Almighty.Continue reading “Reading Scripture Like a Novel: Plot, Part 1”

Reading Scripture Like a Novel: Characters, Part 3

To compare the Biblical narrative to modern novels as it relates to characters, the primary protagonist throughout is the woman’s offspring (Gen. 3:15). It is the woman’s offspring who will deal with the serpent. However, Scripture is unique in comparison to a novel because, like the serpent’s offspring, the woman’s offspring is not necessarily restrictedContinue reading “Reading Scripture Like a Novel: Characters, Part 3”