Who is “Us” in the Creation story? | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
Who created heaven and earth? Was it God alone in creation (Genesis 1:1; isaiah 44:24) or was it God and Jesus (John 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 8:5)? Is there a contradiction?
Articles
Jesus’ Use of Parables: To Reveal and Conceal Truth
In Mark 4:2, we are told that Jesus taught the multitude many things by parables. Matthew, Mark and Luke record many parables spoken by Jesus. The gospel of John, though different in design from the synoptic gospels, also records some of Jesus’ parabolic teaching. There are likely more parables in the four gospels than you realize. When we think of the parables, some that we are well acquainted with no doubt come to mind, but as we go through this series, I think you may be surprised to see how often Jesus spoke to the people in parables. I was!
I’m hesitant to put in print how many parables we can find spoken by the Lord in the gospels. Perhaps it will be sufficient to say there are many. Some believe the word “parable” needs to be in the text to confirm that a teaching is in fact a parable. Though it is true the writers will often state that the Lord spoke a parable, they don’t always do so. To require all parables to be specifically identified as such shows ignorance in the one making the requirement of what a parable is, and disqualifies several statements made by the Lord which are parabolic in nature.
The Truth About Moses, the Rock, and the Water | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
How did Moses get water out of the rock? Did he strike the rock (Exodus 17:5-6) or was he to talk to it (Numbers 20:7-8)? Is there a contradiction?
A Biblical Perspective on Christians and Voting
It seems too soon for another federal election, and yet tomorrow, voters across Canada will select our fourth government in the past 10 years. I’ve had a call from one candidate’s office, and a representative from another stop by, and enough political literature show up in my mailbox to kindle a fire. What should a Christian do when it comes to an election? Is it voting OK for a Christian or is it wrong? What does the Bible reveal?
Is it OK to test (tempt) God? | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
Is it OK to test (or tempt) God? Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7; and Luke 4:12 reveal that we should not test God, but Judges 6:36-40, 1 Kings 18:36-38, and 2 Kings 29:8-11 all show that it is OK to test God. Is there a contradiction?
Is Easter in the Bible? The Truth About Acts 12:4 and Passover
To some Easter weekend is a time for painted eggs, chocolate bunnies, and fine meals with family. For others, the weekend is a time to remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, linked with the Passover.
I can’t say anyone has ever asked me if I’m hosting an Easter egg hunt, but I have been asked almost every year about our services for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. I am not into painted eggs and chocolate bunnies, nor am I into observing religious holidays which the Bible says nothing about.
Where did Moses get water from the rock? | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
Where did Moses get water from a rock? Was it in the wilderness of sin in Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7) or was it in the desert of Zin in Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-8; 27:14; Deuteronomy 32:51)? Is there a contradiction?
Nehemiah’s Example: Contending for the Faith in a Compromised World
Nehemiah was vital to the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity had ended. He gained permission from Artaxerxes to go to Judah (Nehemiah 2:5-6) to lead the people. Through several challenges Nehemiah led the people as they repaired the wall of Jerusalem and completed the project in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).
Nehemiah gathered the people together to register them by their genealogies (Nehemiah 7:5-73), and served as their governor (Nehemiah 10:1). He, along with Ezra sought to lead the people in the ways of God as given in the law of Moses (Nehemiah 8:1-8).
After things were settled in Jerusalem, Nehemiah went back to Artaxerxes in Babylon for a time (Nehemiah 13:6). Upon his return, there were some problems that required his attention.
God will not forgive active sin | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
Does God forgive sins? 2 Chronicles 7:14, Jeremiah 31:34, and 1 John 1:9 says yes, but Joshua 24:19 says no. Is there a contradiction?
Predictions of the End of the World
Predictions of the end of the world are not new. In fact, in the 1st century, some boldly affirmed that the Lord had already returned (2 Timothy 2:17-18). Some in today’s religious world still hold to this doctrine (Preterism), teaching that everything the Bible says about the end has already happened. So, is this heaven or is it hell?
The Bible reveals that the end could come at any time; there are no Bible prophecies which remain undone, save the return of Christ for the judgment of all souls, then comes eternity. Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul armed them with the mind that the Lord could return at any time (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 5:1-6). Paul did not teach them (nor did any other Bible writer) about a rapture, tribulation and millennial reign as is commonly taught today. The Bible says the Lord will return, but we do not and cannot know when He will return. There are no signs (Matthew 24:43-44; 25:13; 2 Peter 3:10).