Who were the sons of Heman? 1 Chronicles 25:4 lists fourteen sons. 2 Chronicles 29:14 lists two sons, neither of them from the list in the previously mentioned text. Is there a contradiction?
Jesus spoke with a crowd of religious leaders about who their father is. They tried to associate themselves with the patriarch Abraham, but Jesus said,
If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. (John 8:39)
Their claim to Abraham was based upon physical lineage, not obedience to God’s will. Jesus then affirmed, “You do the deeds of your father.” Whether they knew yet what He meant by this statement, we do not know, but they retorted,
We were not born of fornication; we have one Father – God.(John 8:41)
What was the payment from Solomon to Hiram? Was it “wheat and oil” (1 Kings 5:11) or “wheat, barley, wine and oil” (2 Chronicles 2:10)? Is there a contradiction?
One of the most common greetings this time of year is “Happy New Year!” This sentiment has been shared from home to home through greeting cards, telephone messages, facebook and e-mail posts, etc.. Complete strangers passing each other by at the door of the bank or the grocery story will wish one another a “Happy New Year!” How great would it be if this same measure of friendliness were present the whole year round!
A few nights ago, a variety of New Year celebrations took place across the globe: the annual ball drop in Time Square, fireworks displays in China, local media sponsored concerts, etc.. We enjoyed a night of games, treats and a pre-midnight devotional with fellow Christians – a great way to begin a new year!
Was Solomon David’s second (2 Samuel 12:15, 24) or fourth (1 Chronicles 3:5) son by Bathsheba? Is there a contradiction?
With an angry mob of Jews intent on seeing Jesus’ dead, Pilate succumbed to the will of the people and ordered His crucifixion. But before he did so, he washed his hands with water, declaring to the crowd, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person.”
That suited the people just fine. They retorted,
His blood be on us and on our children.(Matthew 27:25)
Who brought Joseph into Egypt? Was it the Midianites (Genesis 37:36) or the Ishmaelites (Genesis 37:28; 39:1)? Is there a contradiction?
There is less than a week remaining to Christmas day. Over the next several days, many will be rushing to the stores for some last minute shopping. Perhaps it will be for stocking stuffers, maybe a special gift for that special somebody.
Mall Santas have heard gift requests from hundreds of children – gaming consoles, sports equipment, DVDs, board games – the list goes on and on. Canadians spent $35 billion+ on Christmas gifts in 2005.1 The economic difficulties of the past few years has likely lowered that figure a bit, but a look at the mall, Walmart or Toys R Us would indicate it has had a minimal effect.
What was the first slaughter of Jonathan? Was it the Philistine garrison in Geba (1 Samuel 13:3) or after Geba (1 Samuel 14:14)? Is there a contradiction?
So the Christian might know that we serve an awesome God who is not limited in His power, Paul wrote:
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Take a moment and think about that statement! We serve a God who is limitless, who is able to and does great things for His people!