The Riddleblog

December Musings, Updates, and Lots of Links (12/13/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Updates:

I have gathered all the essays from my recent ecclesiology series into one place (Christ’s Spotless Bride).
Recent and future episodes of the Blessed Hope Podcast deal with controversial subjects of much interest, such as the Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts (including speaking in tongues), as well as the question of whether or not spiritual gifts are still operative in the church. I hope you’ll find these episodes helpful. I enjoyed putting them together. Given the subject matter, the episodes covering 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14, will be a tad longer than usual.
I’ll be taking a break from December 22, 2024 through January 1, 2025. Now that I’m retired I can do stuff like that.

Thinking Out Loud:

When someone says , “I don’t want to be that guy . .” you know full well that they are that guy and are about to correct you or raise some otherwise obvious observation.
Churchill at War (on Neflix) is very good—even if the actor really doesn’t look like Winston.
Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has recently floated the most ridiculous proposed rule change in MLB history (The “Golden at Bat”). When Manfred retires, no doubt he’ll leave with a favorability rating on a par with Joe Biden’s.
Speaking of baseball, Juan Soto is a great player and a good get for the Mets. But at 765 million? That’s ridiculous. The Mets will eventually be hamstrung by that deal. I guess Bobby Bonilla will have to take a pay cut.
Lincoln Riley really makes me miss Pete Carroll.
NIL as currently constituted is destroying college football.
Anyone else watching NewsNation? So far, I really like the dinner time news coverage and program format. It reminds me of CNN and Fox when they first started and were news driven, not partisan cheerleaders.

To read the rest of “my musings” follow the link below

New Musings! -- Reformation Weekend and Mid-Fall (10/25/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

I’m beginning a series on the Book of Hebrews on the Riddleblog
The Blessed Hope Podcast Season Three on 1 Corinthians continues—in upcoming episodes we’ll be dealing with idolatry, the Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts, and other controversial topics

Thinking Out Loud:

You know Tim Walz was a terrible choice for VP when Jim Gaffigan can imitate him so brilliantly on SNL.
Much of the blame for our two miserable presidential candidates falls on Senate leader Mitch McConnell. If he had pushed the R’s into impeaching Trump after the J6 debacle, then Trump would have been barred from holding office back in 2021. Very likely the Magacrats would have splintered and lost influence in the party, instead of taking it over and pushing Reagan conservatives out. Why that matters is the R’s would have gone through their primaries and nominated a competent candidate (say Ron DeSantis, or Brian Kemp, or Glenn Youngkin) one of whom would now be running against Harris and very likely building upon a significant lead as the election draws near (8-10 points?). The R’s would easily gain the White House and possibly both houses of Congress. What could have been would have unburdened us from what will be.
Meanwhile, I'm praying for a divided congress and a peaceful transition of power.
I’m no fan of LDS theology, but I have to begrudgingly admit that they have the most impressive name for their sect leader — “prophet, seer, and revelator.” That almost makes up for the peach-faced boys on bikes calling themselves “elders.”
I love the convenience of Amazon’s Alexa. But in our house we have to speak about her using a different name (“Amanda”) so she doesn’t wake up and interrupt whatever it is we are doing or watching. I know she’s spying on me—a trade-off I’m willing to make because I am boring (she’s got nothing on me) and too lazy to get up and do whatever it is she can do for me.

To read the rest of “My Musings” follow the link below

It’s Fall — New Musings (09/23/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Updates:

There’s a new picture of my family on my Instagram account if anyone is interested—taken at my 70th birthday celebration (Geezerfest 2024) thrown for me by my dear wife. I did get to chase all the guests off my lawn as a bonus. But there were no visible clouds to yell at, so I missed out on that.
Just passed 50K downloads on Buzzsprout! A huge milestone for the Blessed Hope Podcast! Thanks for listening!
I tackle the matter of idolatry in upcoming episodes of the Blessed Hope Podcast (1 Corinthians 8-10). I think you’ll find them both fascinating (given the Greco-Roman cultural context) and relevant to us—how does Paul’s discussion of “idol food” apply in the present?

Thinking Out Loud:

Why do presidential candidates keep telling us that “on day one” they’ll do x,y, and z, when what they claim to want done usually can only be done through legislation, something Congress must do. This is but another indication that Congress has ceded far too much power to the executive branch and that presidential candidates glibly make promises they know they cannot keep—“I’m shocked! Shocked to find that politiking is going on in here.”
A “now that I’m 70” rant . . . Do E-bikes drive anyone else crazy? The lakes and campgrounds of the Eastern Sierras were full of them. Far too often riders ignore basic rules of the road, placing themselves in danger. Dads take the point, often with the wife and kids in tow, with all on their own E-bikes. Then he leads his family off the bike trail and on to the roadway. Such folks don’t know what they are doing, and become a menace to themselves and others. Now E-bikes are all over Orange County. Keep out of my driveway!
I enjoyed the Netflix series Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War. Not perfect, but better than most “the real story” series. It will make Tombstone interesting to watch next time since much of the movie was not exactly accurate (but hey, it is still a great movie).
The 2024 USC Trojan football team has introduced this strange and long-forgotten thing called “a defense.” I recall such a thing back in the Pete Carroll days, but haven’t seen much of one since.
The Hitler Rant YouTube shtick is played out. Enough already.

To read the rest of my "Musings" follow the link below

MusingsKim RiddlebargerSeptember 23, 2024 Comment

End of Summer Musings (8/26/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

The Blessed Hope Podcast (which is available on most podcasting feeds) has migrated from Google Podcasts to YouTube. If you prefer to get the Blessed Hope Pod through YouTube podcasts, that is now an option. Be sure to like and subscribe as this will get the Blessed Hope deeper into the YouTube algorithm.
We have returned to season three of the Blessed Hope podcast, “God is Faithful”, a deep dive into 1 Corinthians. We picked up with chapter 7:1 and we are dealing with sex, marriage and divorce, and celibacy.

Thinking Out Loud:

There is something blissfully transformative about being in the mountains—Machen wrote about it
The Houston Astros’ Space City uniforms are absolutely ridiculous. Perfect for Altuve though . . .
Does anyone else not like the Seinfeld “100th” episodes? Seinfeld is not a “best moments” sort of comedy
Political virtue signaling—since I am not voting for either presidential candidate (the lesser of evils is still evil—especially when both candidates are positively terrible and neither should be president), I did not watch a single moment of either party’s conventions. Doesn’t sound like I missed anything, except Hulk Hogan tearing off his shirt and Joe Biden blathering on way past his and my bedtimes

To read the rest, follow the link below

Mid-Summer 2024 Musings

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

Look for the return of the Blessed Hope Podcast season three on 1 Corinthians in mid-August. I’ve managed to research and write the script for chapters 7-10 and will start cranking out new episodes upon my return from vacation.
The Blessed Hope Podcast has made a successful “migration” from Google podcasts over to YouTube podcasts. If you enjoy the Blessed Hope pod, please consider liking and subscribing.

Thinking Out Loud:

What happened in Butler PA, sure gives new meaning to the phrase “dodged a bullet.” I am very thankful Trump’s life was spared. So far in my lifetime JFK was assassinated, so too were RFK and MLK, Gerald Ford survived two bungled assassination attempts, and Reagan was nearly killed. Assassinations create a generational national trauma, and I am so thankful that our nation is not facing such a thing now.
Joe, you stubborn old geezer, turn over the car keys already!
The stray kitty who moved into my yard a dozen years ago pays no attention to various cats and critters who come into the yard and eat her food. But one cat—a new skinny all black cat—drives her crazy. She goes from full nap to absolute screeching fury whenever it gets near her food bowl. I wonder what that is all about. The mind of a cat . . . unfathomable.
A sure sign that ours is a fallen race is that you cannot buy an equal number of hot dogs (usually six) and buns (usually eight).

To read the rest of my “musings,” follow the link below

MusingsKim RiddlebargerJuly 20, 2024Bible Theory Podcast, Invasion of Saipan June 1944, cats and dogs, Florida ManComment

June Musings (6/17/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

The Riddleblog and the Blessed Hope Podcast are in modified suspended animation as we are celebrating family birthdays, seeing grand kids, doing some household projects, and getting ready for our annual trek to the Eastern Sierras (see my Instagram account if you are curious about any of this).
I’m also hard at work on 1 Corinthians as I get ready for the second half of season three of the Blessed Hope Podcast when we pick up with 1 Corinthians 7:1. There are some important and controversial issues to tackle in the second half of Paul’s first Corinthian letter! Stay tuned . . .

Thinking Out Loud:

My rant against both political parties and their fossilized unfit candidates continues . . . We are slouching toward the worst presidential election of my lifetime. We’ve got MAGA folk using messianic and redemptive language of Trump, yet oblivious to the blasphemy of it all. We’ve got Biden mumbling, fumbling, wandering off during the G-7 meetings, and freezing up like an old, old, man (which he is). Put not your trust in princes has always been biblical counsel. Any temptation to ignore that counsel is long gone.

A full 25% of Americans are now considered “double haters” and dislike (really dislike) both presidential candidates, the highest percentage ever.

To read the rest, follow the link below

May Musings (5/24/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

The Blessed Hope Podcast will take a short break now that I’ve completed the first eleven episodes of season three, which covers the first half of 1 Corinthians (1:1-6:20). Lord willing, we’ll pick up where we left off at 7:1.

As we head into Summer, the Riddlebargers will do some traveling which means that Riddleblog activity will be a bit intermittent.

Thinking Out Loud:

How long before Joe Biden drops out of the presidential race? Bill Maher said the President looks like a cadaver and walks like a toddler with a loaded diaper. After a recent short speech, the White House press secretary issued nine corrections. Hardly what you want from your party’s presidential candidate. It is not like he can fix any of this—Biden will not get any younger and as the quip goes, “father time is undefeated.” I know, Biden’s thinking he’ll show everyone his fitness to remain in office when (or if) he debates Trump. But, it is more than likely that Biden will have more moments of senility. My guess . . . he doesn’t survive the Democrat convention.
The Yankees are playing great baseball. But it is better to play great ball after the all-star break and go into the playoffs with momentum. The Yankees haven’t done that since 2009, their last world series victory.
A court has recently ruled that tacos and burritos are considered sandwiches. I know the courts are dealing with limits on specialty restaurants in malls, etc., where certain types of food are excluded. But a taco is not a sandwich! Neither is a hot dog!

To read the rest, see the link and video follow the link below:

Spring Musings (4/19/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

The missus and I have a busy schedule coming up so there may be a short interruption or two in the Blessed Hope Podcast release schedule. Also, I’ll be taking a break after I complete chapter 6 of 1 Corinthians.
I am making my exposition of Paul’s Thessalonian letters available as a free download to listeners of the Blessed Hope Podcast. You can check it out here: “When the Lord Is Revealed from Heaven”
You can also download “For Freedom!” my exposition of Galatians: "For Freedom!" -- An Expositional Commentary on Galatians

Thinking Out loud:

My YouTube feed keeps popping up reruns from the old Carol Burnett show. One is Tim Conway as the old man shuffling along. I can’t watch it and not think of Joe Biden!
MLB must do something about umpire Angel Hernandez—he’s harming the integrity of the game and has become a laughing stock.
When will pro-Palestinian protesters get it? Making death threats, interrupting speeches and public meetings, blocking roads, bridges, and airports is anything but helpful to their cause. It infuriates people. Just stop already!
I am taken aback by how those who were screaming for Bill Clinton to be impeached because of his tortured definition of “is,” now seem to have no problem at all with Trump paying off Playboy bunnies and porn stars.

To read the rest , follow the link below

March Musings (3/13/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

My Riddleblog series, “The Basics” has wrapped up. You can find it here
My exposition of Paul’s Thessalonian letters as a free pdf download is coming, but the editing process is taking much longer than expected. Sorry.
I’m beginning a series on ecclesiology entitled “Christ’s Spotless Bride.” In this series we will consider the attributes and marks of the church. Here’s the first installment: Christ’s Spotless Bride: Some Thoughts on the Doctrine of the Church (Part One)
We are continuing to work through the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians in season three of the Blessed Hope Podcast. If you are enjoying the pod, tell a friend!

Thinking Out Loud:

The upcoming presidential election is not a lesser of evils choice since neither candidate (IMHO) has any business being president again. These are two very flawed and self-deluded men, both of whom are far too old to serve in such a demanding office, and too stubborn to do what is right for the country by stepping aside. Three cheers to the editors of the Dispatch for making the case to do what is right (vote for neither) instead of letting two main political parties foist terrible candidates upon us. Here’s their excellent editorial: The American People Should Demand Better
I wonder, who comes up with the names for medications I see advertised on TV and in social media, such as Cymbalta, Jardiance, Otezla, and Ozempic, etc. Why not name the drug for what it does? “I Feel Better,” “Make the Rash Go Away,” “Hurt less,” “Pee More Often,” “Poop Less” etc. And while we are at it, how about a bit more clarity with side-effects: “Take this and it might kill you,” or “side effects require you to take eight additional medications to counteract the side effects of this one.”
I’d like to see a few new “Reformed” medications come to market. Infralapsa, for those who cannot let go of trying to figure out the mysteries of predestination. Or Assurenza, for those who struggle with their assurance. Or Repenta, for those struggling with indwelling sin.

To read the rest, follow the link below

MusingsKim RiddlebargerMarch 13, 2024Lesser of evils, Reformed medication, dispensationalism, Calvin's EcclesiologyComment

February Musings (2/14/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Updates:

Be sure to read Mike Horton’s wonderful tribute to Dad Rod. If you are not familiar with Rod Rosenbladt, check out some of the audio links at the bottom of Michael’s tribute. A White Horse Inn tribute to Rod is forthcoming.
My new book is ready to order: First Corinthians in the Lectio Continua series of expositional commentaries from Reformation Heritage Books: First Corinthians -- Lectio Continua
I have completed my exposition of the first head of doctrine and the refutation of errors of the Canons of Dort, and will take up the second head next.

Thinking Out Loud:

I can’t help but agree with Calvin, when he opines “they who rule unjustly and incompetently have been raised up by [God] to punish the wickedness of the people” (Institutes 4.20.25). Surely, this is the best explanation for the sorry state of contemporary American politics.
Do politicians really think that sending slick mailers to my house before an election will get me to vote for them? When they land in my mailbox they immediately end up in the recycle bin. They never even make it into the house. Just send me a check equal to the value of the printing and postage necessary to mail this junk to me and I might consider voting for you. Robo calls are even worse, but that is another story.
Who is gonna take the car keys from Joe Biden and move him into the old folks home? You might be able to bribe him with ice cream.
Who is this Taylor Swift person I keep hearing about?

To read the rest of my musings, follow the link below

Musings for the New Year (1/12/2024)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

Here’s the first look at the Reformation Heritage Books release of my exposition of First Corinthians in the Lectio Continua series. No date given yet, only the announcement that it is coming soon. First Corinthians --Lectio Continua
Season three of the Blessed Hope Podcast has launched! This season is a deep dive into Paul’s Corinthian letters and is entitled, “God Is Faithful.” You can find the current season three episodes along with all past episodes here: The Blessed Hope Podcast
Here’s how the sausage is made: Behind the Scenes at the Blessed Hope Podcast

Thinking Out Loud:

Kevin Williamson nails it: Donald Trump is one part Augusto Pinochet (the Chilean dictator) and one part game show host.
May God grant repentance to those political candidates who run what they think are clever memes/ads, but which flippantly appeal to “God speaking” while endorsing them. Jeremiah 23:9-40 comes to mind. Such blasphemy is serious stuff.
Legendary football coaches Pete Carroll, Nick Saban, and Bill Belichick have all reached their “sell by” date (70+) and are done coaching. Trump and Biden are way past theirs.

To read the rest, follow the link below

Christmas and End of the Year Musings (12/22/2023)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Updates:

For some reason, I was not getting notifications when folks comment on Riddleblog posts. I was also gone for several weeks in November. So, I missed a number of your questions/comments. Very sorry, but I think the problem has been fixed.
I should have a release date for Season Three of the Blessed Hope podcast soon—early in the New Year. I’ve been hard at work, getting the first few episodes of our study of 1 Corinthians ready. I’d like to have several episodes “in the can” before season three begins.

The Riddleblog Series on the Book of Daniel is underway.

Thinking out loud:

Count me among the vast majority of Americans who do not want to see either Trump or Biden nominated by their respective parties. Every news cycle reveals more cringeworthiness, disrespect for the rule of law, and ineptitude from both of them. There are 340 million Americans and this is the best the Ds and Rs can do?
Why do personal injury attorneys always seem to wear incandescent blue suits in their commercials and billboard ads?
The NCAA better fix the NIL mess with college football—this current signing date and transfer portal situation is pure chaos.

To read the rest of my musings, follow the link below

December Musings (12/1/2023)

Updates:

I am back from our trip abroad and once again hard at work on editing the manuscript of the Blessed Hope Podcast series on Paul’s Thessalonian Letters—it will be available free of charge to all of you who have listened to the entire series, just as with my Galatian exposition, "For Freedom" -- An Exposition of Paul's Galatian Letter
I am also working on season three of the Blessed Hope Podcast series on 1 and 2 Corinthians.
I’ve started a new series on the Riddleblog—an exposition of the book of Daniel.
Pictures from my European trip can be found at Kim Riddlebarger on Instagram. I finally made it to all the Calvin sites in Strasbourg and Geneva.
My volume on First Corinthians in the Lectio Continua series (now published by Reformation Heritage Books) is off to the printer. I’ll have an update and a release date when I get more info from the publisher.

To read the rest of my musings, follow the link below

MusingsKim RiddlebargerDecember 1, 2023Paul as subversive, Martin Bucer, Lectio Continua, Clowns, MiltonComment

November Musings (11/3/2023)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

The latest edition of The Blessed Hope Podcast deals with the use of optimism and pessimism as eschatological categories. My take—they don’t work.
Head’s up. I will be traveling throughout much of November, so the Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast will go quiet for several weeks.
I am hard at work editing my exposition of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, “When the Lord Jesus Is Revealed from Heaven,”which will be made available as a free PDF download for those of you who made it through The Blessed Hope Podcast series on these two letters.
I am also working on season three of the Blessed Hope Podcast, which will be devoted to Paul’s two Corinthians letters. I’m hoping to release the first episode in the new season before the year’s end, but that might be a bit optimistic. We’ll see.

To read the rest of my musings, follow the link below

Musings and a Bunch of Riddleblog/Blessed Hope Podcast Updates (10/11/2023)

Blog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

In case you are wondering about the changes in the appearance of the Riddleblog, I did a dumb thing. I dropped my phone on my keyboard while editing a blog post. Whatever keys I hit changed a bunch of formatting. I’m still working on fixes with Squarespace (they’ve been wonderful!). There is a lesson here for all of you.
BTW-if the font size is an issue on your device, you can use the zoom feature associated with your browser to adjust the screen size and appearance.
I have been adding downloadable PDF versions of various essays which appear on the Riddleblog. You can find the link to the PDF at the top of each essay on the blog post to which the PDF’s have been added. I have completed the most popular articles/essays.
I have wrapped up the Blessed Hope Podcast series “The Future,” along with two follow-up episodes (“The Future of Israel”, and “The Antichrist”). Next up will be an episode dealing with "Eschatology by Ethos: The Misuse of Optimism and Pessimism as Eschatological Categories.”
The Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast release schedule with be irregular through Thanksgiving since the Riddleblogger is doing some conference speaking and then taking a trip to Europe with missus Riddleblogger and some friends.
The Blessed Hope Podcast series on Paul’s Corinthian Letters is in the works. Watch for updates.
My contribution on 1 Corinthians in the Lectio Continua series (picked up by Reformation Heritage Books) has gone through a complete re-edit and proofreading. I should have a release date soon.

To read the rest, follow the link below

MusingsKim RiddlebargerOctober 11, 2023Riddleblog updates, Blessed Hope Podcast, Gaffin, Natural theology, Old ageComment

Latest Musings (9/15/2023)

Blog and Pod Updates:

The five-part Blessed Hope Podcast series “The Future” has wrapped up. Look for follow-up episodes on the future of Israel, the antichrist, and the problems with using the optimism/pessimism paradigm when evaluating someone’s eschatology.
Speaking of the Blessed Hope Podcast, we just passed a huge milestone for downloads—25K! Thank you all so much for listening and telling your friends!

Currently Reading: G. K. Beale, Union with the Resurrected Christ: Eschatological New Creation, and New Testament Biblical Theology. This is an important book and I am going through it slowly and carefully—too much here to digest quickly.

To read the rest of my “Musings” follow the link below

MusingsKim RiddlebargerSeptember 15, 2023Edgardo Motara, More insight from Godfrey, Snakes monkeys racoonsComment

End of Summer Musings (9/2/2023)

Blog and Podcast News and Updates:

I am working on the final edits for my 1 Corinthians commentary in the Lectio Continua series currently being republished by Reformation Heritage. Hopefully, the volume will be available soon after season three of the Blessed Hope Podcast (on Paul’s Corinthian Letters) gets underway.
After “The Future” series wraps up on the Blessed Hope Pod, look for an episode on the problems associated with doing eschatology by “ethos,” (the “optimism” v. “pessimism” challenge raised by postmillennarians) and then a two-parter on the history of American postmillennialism.

A Question: If Donald Trump can weigh 215 pounds, how much can I weigh? Trump claiming to weigh 215 is about as accurate as my weight stated on my driver’s license!

Currently Reading: G. K. Beale, Union with the Resurrected Christ: Eschatological New Creation, and New Testament Biblical Theology. This will take a while—this an important and meaty text.

To read the rest of my musings, follow the link below

Late Summer Musings (8/18/2023)

Blog and Pod News and Updates:

New episodes of “The Future” at the Blessed Hope Podcast are coming on-line. Look for season three—covering Paul’s two Corinthians Letters—late in the Fall.
For those who make it through all of the episodes of season two, I’m working on a free expositional commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians. It will be similar to “For Freedom,” the exposition I prepared for season one on Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
Since several have asked, I post family and personal stuff at KR on Instragram

An Observation:

The loser of the next presidential election, just might be among the most important people in America’s future—we will have an orderly transition of power?

To read the rest, follow the link below

Mid-Summer Musings (7/28/2023)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast news:

I will be taking a short break at the blog and the pod—the mountains are calling.
I’ve begun a new Riddleblog series, A Primer on Reformed Liturgics (with two installments posted so far). Once completed, I’ll compile them as a single document under Riddleblog publications.
I’ve completed my series on 1 Peter, and will tackle 2 Peter next.
Lord willing, the next up in the Blessed Hope Podcast series, “The Future”, is “The Returning King and His Kingdom.” Look for it upon my return.
Did I mention how much I hate endnotes in books?

To read check out the recommended links and see the video, follow the link below

Musings (7/14/2023)

Riddleblog/Blessed Hope Podcast News:

Logos Re-flagger has been added to the Riddleblog—whenever your cursor hovers over a biblical citation, a popup will appear citing the passage in the ESV.
The new pod series, “the Future,” has launched on the Blessed Hope Podcast. “The Future” deals with the question, “what does the future hold for the people of God?” It is a series of pre-covid Bible prophecy conference lectures I’ve given through the years, combined and edited to podcast format.
The Blessed Hope Podcast has just passed a very significant milestone in terms of downloads (who’d have thunk??), so thanks to all of you who listen, and especially to those of you who recruited new listeners!
A head’s up . . . My annual trip to the Eastern Sierras is coming up soon, so there will be a week or so with little activity here at the blog and at the pod.

To see the rest of my “musings” (links, book recommendations, and a video) follow the link below

MusingsKim RiddlebargerJuly 14, 2023News and updates Comments