The Word With Steve - Articles
The Word With Steve - Articles
Steve Schmutzer
Unquestionably, the Bible remains the final say in all matters of our present and future lives. It's therefore easy to subscribe to the safe and predictable ideas concerning God's Word. But sometimes the most accurate positions are the ones that emerge when we choose to step out from behind the rigid constraints of stained glass views. That means we may need to wrestle with uncomfortable themes. When I write an article, I use that exercise to process issues that God has laid on my heart. I may spend many weeks on it as I carefully consider its content. I trust these articles will inspire you, provoke you, and compel you to study the Bible with a fresh perspective. My website has more information about my ministry and other teaching materials as well. http://thewordwithsteve.com
Fact or Friction
This is one of those articles that just sort of poured out of me - like it almost had a life of its own. I guess the news lately has had a lot of the same elements in play: lies, deception, a refusal to see the truth, efforts to paint a picture that doesn't exist, and so on. It's all become quite alarming. It's no surprise to me that much of this disturbing trend finds its source on the left side of the political spectrum. This article explores that specific dynamic and lays it alongside some future events which the Scriptures are quite clear about.
Nov 9, 2019
In Their Right Minds
This article finishes the story I started in "The Gerasene Incident." Just as the first part did, this second half takes the pieces and parts of the three gospel accounts and develops one cohesive storyline. A little creativity proved helpful, but my goal was to lay a certain foundation. This will permit me to address some misperceptions about fallen angels and demons in future parts of this series. But - for now anyways, Parts 1 and 2 stand on their own as a bit of inspired writing.
Dec 30, 2018
The Gerasene Incident
This is Part 1 of what I expect will become an article series that ultimately probes the question, "Are fallen angels and demons the same thing?" Here, I unpack the various gospel accounts of the Gerasene demoniac, and I try to tell the story of what "might have" happened. In incorporating the three accounts from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and in "reading between the lines," I feel a dramatic scenario emerges. I've done my best to capture that here.
Dec 2, 2018
LYING LIPS AND THE APOCALYPSE
We all know that "2 + 2 = 4," but in today's politically-correct environment, it's unpopular to state the truth. This article calls it like it is: the liberals have descended in their behaviors and antics so far that it's clear they are modeling what the antichrist's supporters will be like. This article examines the present state of our nation's culture and political climate, and it places those observations against the facts and texts of end-time Scripture. The picture that emerges "tells it like it is."
Oct 9, 2018
DOES GOD LET YOU DOWN
The question is not meant to be irreverent, especially as the Scriptures show other people had their doubts and their unfulfilled expectations of Jesus Christ. The truth is we are called to live "by faith," and that is a posture that overcomes the way things seem to be. Many people struggle with feelings of discouragement in their Christian walk, and cliche answers aren't the solution to these sorts of needs. This article is a probing - and uncomfortable - look at circumstances we all deal with from time to time.
Sep 3, 2018
Who is Daniel Chapter 8 Talking About Part 2
A series of matter-of-fact issues are outlined within the text of Daniel's second vision in Dan. 8:9-14, and within Gabriel's explanation of that vision in verses 23-25 of that chapter. These plainly-stated points make any efforts to claim that Antiochus Epiphanes is the subject of this text a very tough sell. This article is the second of two that argue my personal view that this portion of Daniel is instead referring to the antichrist.
Aug 13, 2018
Who is Daniel Chapter 8 Talking About Part 1
There's an awkward tug-of-war when you feel the accurate interpretation of Scripture goes in one direction while the commentary notes go in another. This was my reality as I taught through Dan. 8:9-14. I disagreed with the view that this passage was about Antiochus Epiphanes. This article is the first of two-parts that lay out my rationale for believing this section of Scripture is instead about the antichrist. I unpack a "directional dilemma" that emerges with an honest assessment of verse 9.
Aug 6, 2018
Lessons From My Cats
God is not confined to the Scriptures to teach us things we need to learn. The Psalmist said "The heavens declare the glory of God..." (Ps. 19:1), and sometimes God even uses - cats! I have two, and in addition to providing endless pleasure, they remind me of God's love and care for me in myriad ways. This article summarizes some of those events and experiences.
Jul 31, 2018
WHO ARE THE SONS OF GOD IN GENESIS 6 Part 7
This article concludes a 7-part series on the core themes that emerge from a literal study of Genesis 6:1-4. The focus of this last article is one that looks ahead to the future, especially in light of Jesus' comments about the times just before His Second Coming being "like the days of Noah." There are clues in the Scriptures that suggest Jesus' words were intended to remind us of the Nephilim from antiquity.
Jul 23, 2018
WHO ARE THE SONS OF GOD IN-GENESIS 6 Part 6
The events surrounding the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ pull together several Scriptural references which tie directly back to the age-old battle between the seeds of the woman and the serpent. Because the goal of Satan is to escape the prophecy of his own destruction, his strategy against Jesus Christ is clear. This article reinforces that the New Testament theme of the Nephilim is based upon an accurate understanding of the very same theme in the Old Testament.
Jul 16, 2018
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