1st century Christianity in the 21st century
Ruth had provided for her mother-in-law by working in the fields, gleaning the barley and wheat which the reapers left behind. In response to this kindness, Naomi wanted to provide security for Ruth. She was a stranger in a foreign land, having no husband or family to care for her.
Continue reading “Ruth 3 – Faith, Virtue and a Midnight Encounter”
Ruth and Naomi arrived in Bethlehem at the time of the barley harvest. Needing food, Ruth requested Naomi’s permission to find a field where she could glean behind the reapers. The head servant in the field of Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law, granted her permission to glean.
Continue reading “Ruth 2 – The Blessing of Diligent Labour in the Fields”
God says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30; Deuteronomy 32:35), but David sought evil to come upon his enemies wives and children (Psalm 109:6-14). Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Does vengeance belong to the Lord? Answering the Atheist.”Is weaith a sign of righteousness (Psalm 37:25; 112:1, 3; Proverbs 15:6) or wickedness (Matthew 19:23-24; Luke 6:24; James 5:1)? Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Is wealth a sign of righteousness or wickedness? Answering the Atheist.”
With famine ravaging the land of Judah, Elimelech and Naomi left Bethlehem for the greener pastures of Moab. The famine did not affect them, but other trials did. Elimelech died, leaving Naomi a widow. Still seeking good in this foreign land, Naomi’s son took wives for themselves from the Moabites, Orpah and Ruth. After ten years, both sons were childless. Bad turned to worse, as both sons died. A search for a better life seemingly brought nothing but trouble and heartache.
Continue reading “Ruth 1: Exploring the Faith and Devotion of Ruth”How long did Jehoash reign? 2 Kings 12:1 says 40 years, but 2 Kings 13:10 says 16 years. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “How many years did Jehoash reign? Answering the Atheist.”
The form of prejudice commonly called racism has always baffled me. Bigotry based upon skin colour makes as much sense as bigotry based upon eye or hair colour. And yet, racism is likely the most common form of prejudice worldwise today, and perhaps in every generation. It is sad to see this hideous attitude in the world, but even worse to find it among our brethren.
First, I want to suggest that the word “racism” is erroneous. There are not multiple races of mankind – there is only one race. The human race has been divided “according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands, according to their nations” (Genesis 10:5, 20, 31). But nowhere in the Bible will you find the word “race” used to describe the division of mankind. We may vary according to our nationality, land, language or family, but we are a single race – human.
Continue reading “One Race in God’s Eyes: Biblical Perspective on Racism”Did God give Gehazi leprosy? 2 Kings 5:27 says yes, but 2 Kings 8:4 says no. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Did God plague Gehazi with leprosy? Answering the Atheist”
I’ve heard a good friend and fellow preacher say from time to time that he knows a little Greek. And then, the punch line comes, “He owns a great little restaurant down the street.” All joking aside, I know that he, like all preachers, would like to be more familiar with the Greek, the language the New Testament was originally penned in.
Continue reading “Checking The Greek: Insights from the Original New Testament Language”How did Peter find out that Jesus was the Messiah? Matthew 16:16-17 says that God revealed it to Him, but John 1:40-41 says that Andrew told him. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “How did Peter know Jesus was Messiah? Answering the Atheist.”