Boundaries 1

Look at the endorsement quotes

Dave Ramsey, not exactly a Bible teacher. Known as a financial planner.

Andy Stanley, false teacher who denies the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture.

Craig Groeschel, purpose-driven, prosperity-lite gospel. Largest church in USA.

Bill Hybels, forced into early retirement by sexual scandal- https://mychristiandaily.com/willow-creek-release-final-statement-on-bill-hybels/

James MacDonald, determined to be be disqualified from ministry by the board of elders at Harvest Bible Church which he founded. Lifeway and Moody Publishers removed his books from distribution.

Robert Morris, prosperity gospel preacher. “You can make God bless you by giving money to ministry” “Failure to tithe opens a Christian up to demonic oppression.”

These endorsements don’t negate the truthfulness of the book. Good books can have bad endorsers. Bad books can have good endorsers.

I’ll pass on the narrative of chapter 1 since it is just a set-up for what the authors want to write about.

Distinguish between general revelation and special revelation. There are things that we learn from observing the world around us, such as gravity, electricity, medicine, etc. We don’t need to cite a Bible verse to prove their truth. Special revelation involves those things specifically taught to us in the Scriptures. There can be overlap: things that are specifically taught in scripture can also be observed in nature. Certain moral precepts for instance. (See Rom. 1:19-20, 2:15)

But, these can never be in conflict. There is only one ultimate authority.

There is a temptation, especially with subjects like psychology and sociology, to locate precepts in Bible texts that don’t teach them. I want to be wary of this.

What’s the Problem?

Back in the garden of Eden, God told Adam and Eve about ownership: “‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground’” (Gen. 1:28).

Is Gen 1:28 talking about the “ownership” that the authors are talking about? Is it talking about ownership at all? Are the authors trying to “baptize” there theory with Bible verses?

Chapter 2

Invisible Property Lines and Responsibility

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): 23  Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Read Proverbs 4:20-27. How does this relate to the specific point the authors wish to make?

To and For

Galatian 6:1-5. What is this passage talking about? How does it relate to the authors’ point?

How do they handle the Greek here?

Words

Again, the problem of using Bible verses that don’t support the point being made. It’s an egregious misuse of God’s word.

What’s within My Boundaries?

This take on the Good Samaritan is just plain weird.

Choices

He once sent back a gift so “that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary” (Philem. 1:14). This take is downright laughable. Philemon 18–20 (ESV): 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.

When your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.