Immediately after saying that the way to heaven is narrow, Jesus spoke of some who will hinder those who seek to walk the heavenly way. He identifies them as false prophets (Matthew 7:15), and uses two images to speak about them; the first speaks of their methods (Matthew 7:15), the second speaks of their manner of life (Matthew 7:16-20).
Who did the women see at the tomb? Was it an angel (Matthew 28:2), a young man (Mark 16:5), two men (Luke 24:4), or two angels (John 20:12)? Is there a contradiction?
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus used two simple images to speak about His people, the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
The Lord declared,
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. (Matthew 5:13)
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?
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.
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?
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 (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?
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 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?
