1st century Christianity in the 21st century
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.”
In Acts 8:5 we read, “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.” Later, the text records, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12).
Sometimes, when we preach on a controversial topic, people object by asking, “Why don’t you just preach Christ?” It is most assuredly essential to preach Christ. Even though some dishonest preachers were trying to increase Paul’s persecution while he was in prison, he rejoiced “that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached” (Philippians 1:15-18).
What, then, does it mean to preach Christ?
Continue reading “What It Means To Preach Christ”Inquiry: Was David a man of war before he fought Goliath? 1 Samuel 16:18 says that he was, but 1 Samuel 17:33 says he wasn’t. Is there a contradiction?
Continue reading “Was David a Man of War? Answering the Atheist”
There are some priceless things which come from the mouths of children. We’ve heard some great gems from a little boy we’ve babysat for the past few years. Some are humourous. He asked my why we always go to the grocery store. I told him, “to buy food,” to which he quickly retorted, “McDonald’s sells food too!” Some are touching. This past week, hearing that I injured a rib while playing hockey, he was in tears. When he saw me, he asked me not to play hockey again, saying, “because I don’t want you to get hurt again.” Another precious moment occurred when he commented on a Cheerios TV commercial using the song, “This Little Light of Mine.” In his mind, the song just didn’t match what was on the TV.. He stated with surprise, “Hey, that’s a Jesus song!”
Continue reading “That’s A Jesus Song! The Simple Faith of a Child”