Christianity Clarified

Reverend Marv Wiseman sets out the principle that unless otherwise noted, we should seek the literal meaning of any biblical passage.

Reverend Marv Wiseman continues discussing the difference between literal truth and literal fact.

Pastor Marv Wiseman acknowledges that while all truth in the Bible is literally true, not everything in the Bible is to be taken literally.

Pastor Marv Wiseman addresses some objections to the literal truth of the Bible.

Why does the Bible use so much figurative language? What is the point of it at all? Reverend Marv Wiseman explains.

The Bible uses rhetorical questions, often with devastating truth bomb effects.

The Bible is full of euphemisms that God uses to spare our feelings, if possible, while giving us truth.

The many ironic statements in the Bible will remain a puzzle unless we understand why they were written that way.

We cannot hear the tone in which the Bible was spoken, but we should be able to understand the irony of certain statements by the way they are written.

The Bible is full of zoomorphic imagery, which uses animal shapes to portray or illustrate important truths.

Pastor Marv Wiseman admonishes us to study the Word intensely so that we can use it properly in our prayers, not the other way around.

As used in the Bible, a simile takes something literal and concrete and applies it to the spiritual.

Pastor Marv Wiseman explains the concept of a simile and shows us why the Bible uses so many of them.

Pastor Marv Wiseman shows us how we can understand when the Bible is using figures of speech.

Pastor Marv Wiseman begins examining some of the uses of figurative language in the Bible and explains why the writers choose to employ it.

Reverend Marv Wiseman makes the case that unless otherwise noted, the Bible should be taken literally.

Reverend Marv Wiseman continues his examination of the word "yom," which means "day" in Hebrew and its many different meanings in the Bible.

If the same word for "day" in Hebrew is used both literally and figuratively, how can we be sure which context to believe when we see it in the Bible?

When we doubt the literal account of the Bible, we call God into question.

Pastor Marv Wiseman examines the law of literality, which is to say that if the Bible does not explicitly say that a text is to be taken figuratively, then it is in fact meant to be taken literally.

Pastor Marv explains the careful process of scientific work that goes into biblical hermaneutics.

Taken from the name of the Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the pagan gods, hermeneutics is the study of how God's message in the Bible is transmitted to us through His Word.

Pastor Marv Wiseman discusses the importance of understanding the meaning of communication, and how the very words of the Bible must be understood for them to have any worth or power.

Did Christ contradict Himself when He told His disciples that they would live to see the coming of His kingdom?

Pastor Marv Wiseman begins looking at some of the supposed contradictions about the life of Christ in the Bible and offers a system for studying them in context.

Since the very beginning of time, people have rejected the Bible because they dislike its claims of authority.

In every field of creative endeavor, from art and literature to architecture and deeds of mercy, the Bible is the world's greatest source of inspiration.

The sheer number of languages and translations of the Bible proves that mankind finds it useful and desirable.

The Bible does not need archaeology or science to defend it, because it has inherent value. However, both do.

No other book on earth approaches the popular appeal and wide readership of the Bible.

The Bible makes sweeping claims. How can we know they are true?

There are three basic presuppositions we can take when we approach the Bible: That it is true, That it is not true, and Neutrality.

Since the beginning of time, mankind's rejection of duly appointed authority has been central to the problems we face.

We can no longer assume that people automatically accept the authority of the Bible. We must learn to defend it.

Before engaging in the study of hermaneutics, the first question we must answer is simple: Is this really worth our time?

What if the biggest question facing humanity could be boiled down to one word: authority? Pastor Mar shows us how.

When people criticize the Bible, they often say it is outdated and outmoded. Are they right?

Much of what is passed off as faith today is not true faith in the biblical sense.

Did you know that Earth's most priceless possession is not for sale?

Do you know how to trace the story of Jesus all the way from Genesis to the New Testament?

The Bible urges us to let go of the past and move forward into the freedom that God has for us.

If we are in Christ, we receive a package of benefits. One of those benefits, which may be hard to receive at first, is the benefit of knowing that if we stray from the path of righteousness, God will use pain, if necessary, to bring us back.

God will discipline the sons and daughters He loves!

Pastor Marv continues examining this contentious topic by showing us how the consequences of our sin will drive us to the Lord.

Romans 8:28 assures us that God uses all things, even our sin, for our ultimate good. That just doesn't even sound right!

Why do the lost reject the Gospel? The answer is not that they cannot believe, but that they will not.

Pastor Marv reminds us that the promise of Romans 8:28 is limited to those who love God.

Do you think that you are an exception to God's promises?

Why do we find it so hard to believe the promise that God will work out everything for our ultimate good?

Pastor Marv revisits Romans 8:28, which he calls "God's panacea for any and all pain."