What the women found in the tomb | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
Were the men or angels inside the tomb sitting (Mark 16:5; John 20:11-12) or standing (Luke 24:3-4)? Is there a contradiction?
William Stewart
Even Among The Rulers – Jewish Leaders Who Believed
The apostle John, recording a discourse of Jesus before the people of Judea stated:
…even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue… (John 12:42)
The religious leaders of the Jews are often portrayed as a crowd of unbelievers, and rightly so, for that was the manner of most. And yet, John speaks of some who did believe in Jesus. As we look in the gospel accounts, we will see occasional references to these rulers who believed, most of whom did not openly display their faith in the Lord.
Sinai and Horeb: The Truth About the Giving of the Law | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
Where did Moses receive the Ten Commandments? Was it on Mount Sinai (Exodus 31:18; 34:4, 32; Leviticus 26:46; 27:34; Nehemiah 9:13) or on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 8:9; 2 Chronicles 5:10; Malachi 4:4)? Is there a contradiction?
Jephthah’s Vow: A Promise Made to the Lord
The words in our title today were spoken by Jephthah, a judge in Israel. This man made a foolish vow to the LORD, stating,
If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’s; and I will offer it up as a burnt offering. (Judges 11:30-31)
Judas’ 30 Pieces of Silver | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
What did Judas do with the silver? Acts 1:18 says that he bought a field with it, but Matthew 27:5 says he threw it on the ground. Is there a contradiction?
David and Bathsheba – The Giant That Brought David Down
Many notable events in the life of David are recorded in the Scriptures. Perhhaps the two which most define his life were battles with giants. In the first, he slew Goliath, the great champion of the Philistines. This event displayed his great faith in God, and was the first of many successful battles he would fight. In fact, there is no indication in Scriptures that he lost even one conflict. Every time he stepped on a battlefield, he walked away.
However, when David came face to face with another giant, he was unprepared. He entered the arena with a foe he should have ruled over (Genesis 4:7), but instead he would suffer a defeat that would haunt him for the rest of his life. He lost, not to a man of brute strength, but to the unlawful desire of his own heart.
Intercourse with a menstrating woman? Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
How should a man who has sex with a menstrating woman be punished? Leviticus 15:24 says he is unclean for seven days, but Leviticus 20:18 says he and the woman should be cut off the people? Is there a contradiction?
Book Burning in Acts 19: An Act of Repentance
We noted last week that the burning of books has a long history, and has particularly been associated with protest or disapproval of religious movements. We concluded such an action to be unwise at best, and perhaps sinful at worst. Burning books is a sure way to burn bridges of communication, and results in the perpetuation of hate rather than the pursuit of peace. This form of burning books has no place in the Christian’s activities.
Should you serve God alone? | Answering the Atheist
Inquiry:
Should you serve God alone? Matthew 4:10 and 23:10 say yes, but Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:18, 20, 22; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9 and 1 Peter 2:18 all say no. Is there a contradiction?
Book Burning and Censorship: A Historical Perspective
Terry Jones, pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center (Gainsville, FL), became an international news story in the weeks leading up to 9/11. Jones planned to mark the 9th anniversary of the attack by Muslim terrorists on the World Trade Center and other US targets by hosting a Qur’an burning. He was repeatedly implored by celebrities, religious leaders and politicians to cancel the planned inferno. Though he cancelled the event days before 9/11, protests among Muslims resulted in various parts of the world, sparking violence and loss of life.
