In Genesis 14 this man appeared to Abram, blessed him, received a tithe in return, and then disappeared again. Though he made just a brief appearance, we shall find that he is an important individual in the Bible narrative. He is only mentioned in the OT twice, but nine times in the NT.
Did Saul’s family die with him? 1 Chronicles 10:6 says all of his family died with him, but 2 Samuel 2:7-9 says that Saul was survived by one son, Ishbosheth. Is there a contradiction?
Of the Lord Jesus and His obedience to the Father, the Hebrew author wrote:
…though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
How did Saul die? Did he commit suicide (1 Samuel 31:4-6; 1 Chronicles 10:4), or was he killed by an Amalekite (2 Samuel 1:8-10), the Philistines (2 Samuel 21:12), or God (1 Chronicles 10:14)? Is there a contradiction?
For most religious folks, the word “fellowship” brings to mind thoughts of game nights, potlucks, donuts and coffee, etc.. For most religious folks, the word “fellowship” brings to mind thoughts of game nights, potlucks, donuts & coffee, etc..
Church socials are prominent in most denominational groups as a way to entertain the saved and attract the lost. Some churches of Christ have also made social activities a major part of their focus, calling it “fellowship.” Surfing the internet this past week, I was disappointed (though not surprised) to see many church of Christ web sites promoting potluck Sundays, emphasizing the donuts & coffee in their foyer, etc. One site advertised a free soccer clinic for the community which their “church soccer team” will host in mid-August.
When did Satan enter Judas? Was it before (Luke 22:3, 7) or after (John 13:27) the last supper? Is there a contradiction?
Did Sarah have faith that she would conceive? Hebrews 11:11 says yes, but Genesis 18:10-15 says she laughed at God. Is there a contradiction?
Millions tuned in to watch the 2010 winter Olympic games hosted in Vancouver, Canada. Folks from almost every nation watched and for a few weeks, the world became a much closer community. A similar event is now underway, creating at least a tidbit of unity in the world, the 2010 FIFA World Cup of Soccer, being hosted in South Africa.
Does hell exist? Some texts say that those who don’t go to heaven are tormented forever in hell (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 13:41-42; 18:8-9; 22:13; 25:41, 46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:22-24; John 5:28-29; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 14:10-11; 20:10, 14-15). Some verses say those who don’t go to heaven just die (Deuteronomy 29:20; Psalm 1:4-6; 34:16; 37:1-2, 20; 69:28; Proverbs 10:25; 24:20; Obadiah 1:16; Romans 6:21, 23; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Galatians 6:8; Philippians 3:18-19; James 1:15; 4:12; 5:20). Some verses say that everyone goes to heaven after they die (1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:2). Is there a contradiction?
Not many weeks ago, we began a series of lessons through Luke’s gospel. In our first lesson, I asked the question, “How many gospels are there?” That question can be answered in a variety of ways.
Nowhere in the Bible will you see gospel in a plural form; nor will you see it with an indefinite article. The Bible speaks of the gospel, not many gospels or a gospel. Paul spoke to the Corinthian church of
…the gospel which I preached unto you …by which you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you… (1 Corinthians 15:1)
