Did God sin? In Matthew 5:27-28, we find that the thought of an evil action is basically akin to committing sin itself. Exodus 32:14 says the LORD repented of an evil thought He had. Numbers 31:17-18 has Him commmitting an immoral act, killing innocent children. Is there a contradiction?
It’s a good practice when we study a book of the Bible, to focus on key words. Recurring words will help us understand the theme of a book. For instance, in John’s gospel, the word “Father” is found over 100 times. Jesus’ relationship to the heavenly Father is a major theme of John’s writing. In John’s first epistle, we see “know” over 25 times. His purpose – to establish the true knowledge we have in Jesus Christ. In the book of Philippians, the words “joy” and “rejoice” appear more than 15 times. There are certainly other topics addressed throughout, but the need for us to rejoice permeates the epistle.
Are we all God’s children? Some verses say yes [this may apply to Jews and/or Christians only] (Deuteronomy 14:1; Psalm 82:6; Hosea 1:10; Matthew 5:48; 6:9; John 20:17; Acts 17:29). Other texts say only certain people are God’s children and that everyone else is a child of the devil (John 1:12; 8:41-44; Acts 13:8-10; Romans 8:14; 9:8; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:5; 2:3; 1 John 3:8-10). Is there a contradiction?
It is a common thing to see advertising for a variety of gambling options on TV, on billboards, and online. Perhaps you’ve seen the lotto ad in which two men play a game of “hide and seek” with a helicopter and speed boat? Or the promise of $1,000 cash per week for life. The lotto industry makes all kinds of appeals for people to take a chance.
If the lotto is not your cup of tea, maybe a bingo would work. There are even church groups that conduct bingos. Or maybe the casino might catch your fancy. Government operated casinos are emerging throughout Ontario. A whole host of games; slots, blackjack, roulette, etc. are available there.
How many valiant men drew the sword in Israel and Judah as counted by Joab? In 2 Samuel 24:9 there are 800,000 for Israel and 500,000 for Judah; but 1 Chronicles 21:5 says 1,100,000 and 470,000 respectively. Is there a contradiction?
After officiating the funeral of friend and fellow soldier, Lt. Alexis Helmer, Lt. Col. John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields.” This past week, this poem was read at memorial services across the country, as folks paused from the hustle and bustle of life to remember those who have given their lives in battle. We should not take for granted freedoms we enjoy, nor forget those who made such a huge sacrifice, even their own lives to preserve such freedoms.
A lot of attention is given to fallen heroes on November 11, Remembrance Day. But should we not be mindful of those who served our nation throughout the year? The benefits we have from their sacrifice are not exclusive to November 11. We’re a free nation – a freedom that cost some their lives.
It is a sad fact that many are prone to forgetfulness. As Moses gave the law of God to the generation that would take possession of the promised land, he was concerned they’d forget all that God did for them. he warned them:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Was the fig tree male or female? Matthew 24:32 speaks of “his branch,” but Mark 13:28 speaks of “her branch.” The NIV and other translations render this “its branch,” but Strong’s agrees with the KJV. Is there a contradiction?
As the apostle John closes his gospel account, he states of the ministry of Christ,
…there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.(John 21:25)
Quite simply, we do not have all the details of Jesus’ work and teaching while upon the earth. But what is given is sufficient
…that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.(John 20:31)
Inquiry: Does God sleep? Psalm 121:3-4 says that “…He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep,” and yet in Psalm 44:23, the Psalmist pleads, “Awake, why sleepest though, O LORD?” Is there a contradiction?…
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been engaged in three separate discussions on the use of instrumental music in worship. One of the folks I am conversing with asked me to consider Psalm 87 and a possible application to the church. I am confident that his inquiry is honest. I am equally confident, having studied the text, that it does not authorized the church to use instrumental music. Let’s consider the text here.
First, may I suggest that you read through Psalm 87. It will take just a minute or so, since it is only 7 verses long. Keep your Bible open so you can refer back to the content of the Psalm. I’ll reference it verse by verse as we study.
