Hidden Meanings Buried in the Bible by Dave Miller

 

Hidden Meanings Buried in the Bible

by Dave Miller

The subtitle of this book is Achieving a Better Understanding of the Bible via Its Cultures and Languages. This is a newer work from the pen of Dave Miller who serves as the Executive Director at Apologetics Press. The vast range of history covered in the pages of our Bibles presents a thrilling challenge to study and contextualize.

The book is designed for class study or personal study. There are about 450 review or discussion questions in the book and an answer key is provided. The book is indexed by Scripture references and over 300 endnotes. Dr. Miller has presented a study that will help all who may not be as familiar with what some may classify as “oddities” of the Bible; although these are not really “oddities” but matters that some are just not familiar with. I have not sat down and read those book cover to cover, but instead I have found portions of it interesting to sit and read at various intervals.

For example, what is the meaning of the term tetragrammaton (four letters), and why is it rendered Jehovah or Yahweh in various translations or commentaries? How did these two names come from the same four letters (YHWH)? Or why do some translations use the word “hell” but other translations sometimes use the word “hades”? There are other matters that may escape one’s notice. For example, why do some translations italicize certain words in our printed Bibles? There are cultural matters that brother Miller explains, such as why did Boaz received a sandal from his relative in relation to marrying Ruth? Or why did people tear their clothes in the Bible? There are several questions answered in this book that I am sometimes asked by those curious about the Bible but are sometimes reluctant to ask. Occasionally I am asked about foot washing as a religious ritual today, and why we do not practice that in our services. The book addresses this matter too. There are important matters pointed out that some often overlook. For example, some claim that the food provided during the exodus was a natural substance in the wilderness; however, the word manna means “what,” as in “What is this?” Obviously, if the Israelites did not recognize the substance in their natural world, then the modernist’s attempt to deny the miraculous provision of God falls as flat as a pancake. Words such as “messenger” and “angel” which come from the same Greek word (angelos) are explained so readers can recognize that such words have different meanings and the context of the passage helps determine the better English word to convey the original meaning.

Several of these matters I have learned over the years from Apologetics Press, the Christian Courier, or other writings. Still, there are those who are not familiar with these resources, and this book may serve as their introduction to further study.

Originally printed in the West Virginia Christian, Vol. 30, No. 8, August 2023, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Is Christianity Logical? By Dave Miller

 

Is Christianity Logical? By Dave Miller

Perhaps you have heard others remark, as I have, that common sense has become rather uncommon these days. Some seem to think that Christianity does not make any common sense. Or put another way, Christianity does not make any logical sense. Some claim that logic and religion are mutually exclusive, meaning these disciplines never intersect. Dave Miller’s latest book is a direct challenge to such an illogical or irrational viewpoint—rational meaning logical, and irrational meaning illogical. The Bible mandates that we are to think about walking with God from a rational or logical standpoint, “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18 NKJV). The transliterated Hebrew word for “reason” is yâkach which means “to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right” (Brown-Driver-Brigg). So, God challenges our mental faculties as well as our emotions. Miller correctly points out that:

“Many well-meaning, religious people take the foolish position that truth is elusive and unattainable, and that doctrinal correctness is unimportant and unnecessary. Only in the task of interpreting the Bible do such people take the position that truth is relative, always changing, and something of which they can never be sure” (4).

The book deals with several relevant questions:

• Is Christianity irreconcilable with logic and reason?
• Is “faith” accepting what you cannot know or prove?
• Did Jesus expect people to believe Him without proof?
• Does Christianity require evidence and proof before being accepted?
• Is the religion of Christ “better-felt-than-told”?

I first met Dave Miller in 1993 when he was lecturing on “How Christ Handled Controversy.” Since that time, I have made it a point to take our family to his seminars, gospel meetings, and other events. We taught together at Alkire Road’s Future Preacher Training Camp, but I was also his student for his class on Logic and the Bible. When he was in our area, I invited him to be on my TV program, Light From Above. For those who would like to see our discussion on some of this material, you can see this on YouTube by searching for “Light From Above #299.”

I was very pleased to see this material published in a format that is suitable for class or personal study. The work is less than 100 pages, so it would be easy to share with someone without a substantial hit to the wallet. Included are 130 study questions to help generate discussion, and the answers are provided for those who stand before an audience to teach.

Dave Miller has a B.A. degree in Speech & Bible from Lubbock Christian University, M.A. degree in Speech Communication from Texas Tech University, M.Div. and M.A.R. from Harding School of Theology, and Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Public Address from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Miller has been the Executive Director of Apologetics Press since 2005.

Originally printed in the West Virginia Christian, Vol. 27, No. 12, December 2020, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Is Christianity Logical? by Dave Miller

Is Christianity Logical?

by Dave Miller

Perhaps you have heard others remark, as I have, that common sense has become rather uncommon these days. Some seem to think that Christianity does not make any common sense. Or put another way, Christianity does not make any logical sense. Some claim that logic and religion are mutually exclusive, meaning these disciplines never intersect. Dave Miller’s latest book is a direct challenge to such an illogical or irrational viewpoint—rational meaning logical, and irrational meaning illogical. The Bible mandates that we are to think about walking with God from a rational or logical standpoint, “Come now, and let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18 NKJV). The transliterated Hebrew word for “reason” is yâkach which means “to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right” (Brown-Driver-Briggs). So, God challenges our mental faculties as well as our emotions. Miller correctly points out that: “Many well-meaning, religious people take the foolish position that truth is elusive and unattainable, and that doctrinal correctness is unimportant and unnecessary. Only in the task of interpreting the Bible do such people take the position that truth is relative, always changing, and something of which they can never be sure” (4).

The book deals with several relevant questions:

• Is Christianity irreconcilable with logic and reason?

• Is “faith” accepting what you cannot know or prove?

• Did Jesus expect people to believe Him without proof?

• Does Christianity require evidence and proof before being accepted?

• Is the religion of Christ “better-felt-than-told”?

I first met Dave Miller in 1993 when he was lecturing on “How Christ Handled Controversy.” Since that time, I have made it a point to take our family to his seminars, gospel meetings, and other events. We taught together at Alkire Road’s Future Preacher Training Camp, but I was also his student for his class on "Logic and the Bible." When he was in our area, I invited him to be on my TV program, "Light From Above." For those who would like to see our discussion on some of this material, you can see this on YouTube by searching for “Light From Above #299.”

I was very pleased to see this material published in a format that is suitable for class or personal study. The work is less than 100 pages, so it would be easy to share with someone without a substantial hit to the wallet. Included are 130 study questions to help generate discussion and the answers are provided for those who stand before an audience to teach.

Dave Miller has a B.A. degree in Speech & Bible from Lubbock Christian University, M.A. degree in Speech Communication from Texas Tech University, M.Div. and M.A.R. from Harding School of Theology, and Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Public Address from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Miller has been the Executive Director of Apologetics Press since 2005.

God & Government By Dave Miller

God & Government by Dave Miller, Ph. D.

Polybius (ca. 200–118 BCE) was born in Arcadia of Greece, and through his father’s influence, he had over 40 years of experience in politics, diplomacy, and war. He witnessed the growth of Rome from a city to a republic. He wrote 40 books of history, but only five are extant (along with several fragments of the other works.) He took the study of history very seriously: “What man is so indifferent or so idle that he would not wish to know how and under what form of government almost all the inhabited world came under the single rule of the Romans in less than fifty-three years (220–168 B.C.)?” (Polybius, Histories I.1). The twin enemies of ignorance and apathy are a serious threat to any republic including our own. Polybius argued that the best type of constitution was one that blended the three main types of government identified at the time: kingship, aristocracy, and democracy: “For it is evident that we must regard as the best constitution a combination of all three these varieties since we have had proof of this not only theoretically but by actual experience” (Polybius, Histories, IV.3.) Some erroneously think our national government is a democracy when it is actually a republic. Polybius was among the first to speak of what has been called anacyclosis (circulation) which is the view that a nation may go through various types of government in a cycle from monarchy to democracy with stages in between. He argued the best way to break this cycle and provide true stability was to have elements of each. Our constitution blends these three varieties: kingship (executive branch), democracy (legislative branch), and aristocracy (the judicial branch). 

The Founding Fathers were knowledgeable of these types of theories, plus they clearly were influenced by the OT model of the civic nation of Israel. It is no accident that the expression that we are a nation of Judeo-Christian ethics is used to describe the United States. These themes are touched on in Dave Miller’s excellent work, God & Government in a series of eight essays. Several important subjects are discussed including: the origin/purpose of government, unalienable rights, the nature of law, how the government operates, capital punishment, care of the poor, welfare, entitlements, qualifications of rulers, taxation, and illegal immigration. Each of these essays is supported by materials from the Founding Fathers and/or the Scriptures. The essays will challenge one’s thinking, and some will not agree with every point made, possibly because of teaching we have not received in public school. For example, there are some who think socialism rather than capitalism is more suited to Christianity; however, that is a misconception of both systems. Acts 2:44–45 and 4:32–35 are often cited as support for socialism; however, Miller shows that the context of these passages does not support the way socialism operates. Depending on one’s view of the purpose of government, the response to these essays may not only challenge one’s thinking but likewise challenge their views or feelings. Dave Miller does an excellent work of interweaving passages and principles from the Bible that will be beneficial to all regardless of where they may be on the political spectrum. Each essay is very well documented with endnotes for further study and verification. There are indices of subjects, names, and scriptures included which facilitate easier reference to the material. 

Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “wherever the people are well informed they can be trusted with their own government.” How well are we educating our children on the foundation of our republic and the philosophies undergirding our constitution? Have we become so far removed from the issue that we would surrender our freedoms (including religion) without making a single argument or defense? This book will help shore up the foundation in what has been reported lacking in the education of our young people. It should be read by every concerned citizen of the United States, even those who claim dual citizenship in Heaven. 

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 27, No. 7, July 2020, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Defending the Faith Study Bible by Kyle Butt & Dave Miller, Executive Editors

Defending the Faith Study Bible by Kyle Butt & Dave Miller, Executive Editors

Study Bibles can be a great resource; however, the reliability of a Study Bible is contingent on the company and editors that are publishing it. Some members of the church have been waiting for a Study Bible they could rely on, one published by faithful members of the Lord’s church. Well, here it is! Apologetics Press has done the brotherhood an inestimable value in using their team to collaborate and publish the Defending The Faith Study Bible. I was excited about this Study Bible from the moment I heard that it was coming to fruition. It will serve as a tremendous resource for years to come. Looking over the contents of its pages, it is as if the editors assembled some of the greatest writings from Apologetics Press that relate to defending the Christian faith and collated them within a Bible one can open and both learn and use to defend the faith.

The editors of this work include Kyle Butt, Dave Miller, Eric Lyons, and Jeff Miller. These names should not be strangers to those among churches of Christ who appreciate sound apologetics. In addition to the editorial work, several well respected writers’ names whose articles have been included will be readily recognized by many: Wayne Jackson, Justin Rogers, Dewayne Bryant, Caleb Colley, Mike Houts, and Brandon May.

I am a bit skeptical about Study Bibles and some of the new materials being published by denominational publishing houses. While I have great confidence in this team, I still wanted to examine the Study Bible first hand before I recommended it. For me, a Study Bible that is claiming to be apologetic in scope must deal with several vital topics effectively before I would recommend it. One of the topics that served as my “litmus test” for this Study Bible is its treatment of the Day-Age Theory and Age of the Earth. Theism is a big tent, and many do not realize this and assume that if someone is a theist then they view the days of creation the same way as all those who believe the Bible. This is not the case. Theist is a “big tent” term embracing various and conflicting approaches to the Genesis account. Apologetics Press has long been a defender of the 24-hour creation days, but I wanted to be sure that position was held within the pages of this Study Bible. On page 10 begins a 7-page scholarly work on the question “Does Genesis Allow For Billions of Years?” The conclusion, in part: “Many apparently well-meaning Christians have felt pressure to compromise Scripture in an attempt to accommodate modern naturalistic theories. Neither Moses, Paul, the underlying Hebrew of Genesis, the chronology of Genesis 1, nor the statements of Jesus Himself will allow for such compromises” (16).

The translation utilized is the New King James. There are many explanatory notes and scholarly articles to supplement the apologetic thrust of this study Bible. Major apologetic themes are designated with a color-coded key and include: Creation, Bible Inspiration, Existence of God, Deity of Christ, Alleged Bible Discrepancies, and World Religions. Keep in mind that there are many Study Bibles with various themes; e.g., Archaeology Study Bible. This Study Bible is devoted to the theme of apologetics or defending the faith. This is a Study Bible you will want for yourself, for your children, and your grandchildren. Do not miss obtaining your copy of the Defending The Faith Study Bible by Apologetics Press!

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 27, No. 1, January 2020, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America's Christian Heritage, Dave Miller

Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America's Christian Heritage, Dave Miller

I have heard of Dave Miller’s DVD “The Silencing of God” but have only recently viewed it. I was able to get a preview at a Bible Reading Marathon conducted by the Toledo Road Church of Christ of Lorain, Ohio at the Black River Amphitheatre with the Scriptures being read by teenagers over a 24-hour period where Brother Miller was able to speak at this event. While he and I were discussing our concern about the direction our country is being pushed, I asked brother Miller if he thought about putting this material in book form so people could communicate these vital facts documenting our nation’s Christian heritage with others as they are able more easily. I was delighted to hear that a coffee table full-color edition of the book had just been published. As the adult class where we attend began viewing the DVD, I ordered a copy of this book for the church library. It is an excellent product both from content and the attractive quality of printing.

Those who know me personally know I attempt to keep up on national politics and the forces that are attempting to take us further away from God. So, the material in the DVD was not a total shock to me. What was surprising to me is the voluminous efforts early leaders made to ensure all knew our county was established to be a Christian nation—monuments, money, manuscripts, correspondence, speeches, mottos, oaths, songs, constitutions—Federal and States, etc. I often hear people say the United States is not a Christian nation and was never designed to be one. That the Founding Fathers desired to establish a secular government that merely tolerates various religions. I knew before watching the DVD that was absurdly FALSE. The Founding Fathers wrote the First Amendment to protect religious freedom as opposed to the sinister twisting of the phrase, “a wall of separation between church and state,” in a letter by Thomas Jefferson to a Baptist association to reassure them that the Federal Government would not interfere with religion to restrict the exercise of religion. I am alarmed that some fail to realize the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments, were written to preserve individual freedom from government interference. Particularly alarming is that few seem to realize that the freedom of the Press and Religion go together—these two are both in the First Amendment. Ask yourselves, “If the Press was being treated by the Federal Government the same way Christianity is, would they tolerate it?” It is a highly relevant question! 

What I learned from the DVD is just how overtly the Founding Fathers and early leaders were in favor of New Testament Christianity. Sometimes people like to refer to our “Judeo-Christian Heritage”; however, the Founding Fathers were more specific to our Christian Heritage. They pointed out that we are a tolerant Nation because of, not in spite of, New Testament Christianity. The degree to which they expressed this was rather eye-opening to me. One of the quotes I vividly remember was by John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the first U.S. Supreme Court. The early founders of our Nation were not shy about affirming the importance of Christianity to the preservation of the Nation. John Jay wrote about supporting infidel (non-Christians) leaders:

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. It is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.—Page 89.

Some refuse to be involved in politics in any way and prefer to avoid all discussion on this subject; however, political and societal forces are pushing churches into areas that we cannot support; e.g., accepting the homosexual lifestyle and using our tax dollars to fund abortions. If we do not use our rights to make Christ’s views, which must be our views, on these two subjects clear to our leaders, then we will lose these two battles. And these two highly activist lobbies will not be interested in letting the church exempt herself. I wish we could continue in the luxury on relying on others to shoulder the political fight so we can focus solely on spreading the gospel, but we cannot. We must devote resources in this struggle too, or our ability to spread the gospel may be severely hindered. If we do not bow to our knees in prayer to God, we may find our knees forced to the ground against our wills and then we will be willing to pray to God but it will be a cry out to God in despair.

I found the words of President James A. Garfield, a member of the Christian Church, to be worthy of adoption:

Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to present them in national legislature…. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation…it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.—Page 89.

It is time for Christians to be “strong in the strength which God supplies thru His beloved Son.”

Richland Hills & Instrumental Music, Dave Miller

Richland Hills & Instrumental Music, Dave Miller

The subtitle of this book is “A Plea to Reconsider”. Perhaps you have not heard that Richland Hills, which as over 6,400 members, has decided to utilize mechanical instruments in their worship to God.

One topic we often discuss is how to build up area churches without violating their autonomy. Some argue that things would be easier if the church’s organization was more humanly centralized and hierarchical. However, one of the pitfalls of a human hierarchical arrangement is that if a hierarchy digresses, so often do the majority of churches under it. A decentralized autonomous organization is less impacted by digression by local congregations. To say that churches are autonomous does not mean they are without government. All churches of Chris are centralized under one head—Jesus Christ, have appointed leadership—elders, and are under one constitution—the New Testament.

Apologetics Press and Sain Publications have attempted to prevent the spread of the digression into instrumental music. Dr. Dave Miller, Executive Director of Apologetics Press, has written a 150-page response to the adoption of the instrument by Richland Hills. The plan is to distribute these books to as many churches as they possibly can. They are seeking financial support to postage and the printing of additional volumes as needed. Perhaps this is an opportunity for the leadership of your congregation to send materials to area churches in an effort to shore up their teaching on this subject as well? A website has been set up for this book at http://richlandhillsandinstrumentalmusic.com/. Copies of the book may be ordered at the site, or an electronic PDF copy of the book can be downloaded for free.

One of the items I sometimes see by those advocating digression is an assertion that they have already studied/know/answered all the arguments of a given issue. For example, Richland Hills’ preacher stated he spent three days at Abilene Christian University studying all the debates and materials printed by those opposed to the instruments over the past 100 years. On the surface that may seem impressive, but Dave Miller lists a few books (the list is not exhaustive) totaling easily over 3,000 pages not including journals, tracts, and other materials. That is a lot of reading for three days! This type of assertion is meant to impress those who are willing to put their trust in a man rather than investigating themselves. Christians need to heed the words of John—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

Please resist the temptation of thinking this is not an issue where you worship. A couple of years ago I was disappointed to hear a young person who was born and reared attending the congregation where I attend state “I don’t know what the big deal is about instrumental music. The Bible does not say you cannot use the instrument.” I pointed out that the question of authority is two-fold. The issue is both what the Bible says you cannot do, but also what it says you can do. Indeed the proverb is true—“an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If your congregation has not studied this matter in some time, then I highly recommend Dave Miller’s book as greater than an ounce of prevention.

Originally printed in West Virginia Christian, Vol. 15, No. 8, August 2008, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.

Piloting the Strait, Dave Miller

Piloting the Strait, Dave Miller

On one occasion the congregation where this writer attends needed me to fill in due to the absence of the regular minister. They had a special request—“please deliver a lesson on the New Hermeneutic so we know what this issue is about.” What a huge topic for such a little amount of time! At that time, Piloting the Strait had not been written; however, I had recently acquired Dave Miller’s articles related to the subject which were invaluable for the lesson. The material was excellent and I wished that it would be preserved in a longer lasting medium. This wish was granted with the publication of Piloting The Strait: A Guidebook for Assessing Change in Churches of Christ.

This book is a primer on the changes that some are trying to push on churches of Christ. The New Hermeneutic is only “new” in that it is new packaging of old liberal attacks on the authority of the Bible and how we ascertain Bible authority. Part III: The Mechanism For Change: The “New Hermeneutic” is a very effective discussion of the intentions and consequences of the New Hermeneutic. It is critical that all understand the philosophy of this movement (which will probably resurface again under a different packaging).

I first remember hearing Dave Miller lecture at the 1993 FHU Bible Lectureship and was very impressed with his effective defense of the Scriptures. He was speaking on the subject of “How Christ Handled Controversy”. Everyone should read that lecture and fully understand the methods that the Master used to deal with His opponents. I remember vividly the point Dave Miller made in that lecture in regards to our need for “book, chapter, and verse” preaching in our pulpits. He stated, “Note that Jesus’ persistent allusion to scripture is all the more remarkable when one considers the fact that Jesus was God and therefore was originating scripture with his own utterance. Yet He quoted scripture over and over again.” If Jesus quoted the Old Testament to sustain his logical arguments against His critics, then we should do and demand no less than book, chapter, and verse preaching and teaching.

Piloting the Strait begins with a discussion of the roots and catalyst for change. These factors need to be studied and reflected upon. It shows how pop culture and modern society has impacted views some have regarding religion. It then discusses the goal of the change agents in regards to music, preaching, prayer, leadership, worship styles, and other areas where those who trouble the church are seeking to spread their teaching. It also discuses the motivation for those seeking to change. Some say we cannot know others motives so we should not judge them; however, Jesus said in Matthew 7:20 “By their fruits you shall know them.” We need to realize that while there are false teachers who are misguided, there are others who would make profit for themselves at the expense of those who seek the truth. 2 Peter 2:1-3 is very plain about the sinister motives of some false teachers—“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” We should do all that we can to protect ourselves and others from the efforts of those who would change the church into something that is not the church of the New Testament.

The work also has a critical section on the antidote for this change movement. It discusses Bible truth and authority. It discuses the priority that must be given to God and His word.

This book is very valuable for all congregational leaders and members to read and understand. Hardeman Nichols’ recommendation is right on the mark in reference to Piloting the Strait: “…penetrating insight into the very critical problem in which change agents are attempting to turn the church of our Lord into just another one of the many sects. This book is a ‘must’ for every leader in the church.”

Dave Miller has three Masters degrees from Texas Tech University and Harding Graduate School of Religion. He holds a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University. He has served as the Director of the Brown Trail School of Preaching and has now begun working with Apologetics Press. There are several books written about the issues that confront us in the church today. This is one book that should be in every religious library and encouraged to be read.

Originally printed West Virginia Christian, Vol. 10, No. 2, February 2003, p. 8. Reprinted by permission.