Review: The Son of God and the New Creation

Graeme Goldsworthy. The Son of God and the New Creation.  Wheaton, IL: Crossway, October 31, 2016.  144 pp.

3 out of 5

Purchase: Westminster | Amazon

What is the significant of the theme of the son and the son of God in the Bible?  If you are interested with this theme this book is for you!  The author is Graeme Goldsworthy a retired Old Testament professor and Biblical Theology specialist.

Read Full Post »

Quick Devotional from Matthew 7:15 (Observation from the Greek)

This is from my daily Greek exercise of sight reading some time ago, courtesy of Vincent S Artale Jr.

Our text is from the Greek translation of Matthew 7:15.  Here is my translation:

“Προσέχετε ἀπὸ τῶν ψευδοπροφητῶν, 
Watch out because of the false prophets, 

 

 οἵτινες ἔρχονται πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐν ἐνδύμασιν προβάτων,

who come to you in clothing of sheeps,

 

ἔσωθεν δέ εἰσιν λύκοι ἅρπαγες. ”
but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Here are some observations:

Read Full Post »

Bible Contradiction? Is dancing a sin?

For today’s post we will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: Is dancing a sin?

Here are the two answers which the skeptic believes shows a Bible contradiction:

Yes

“And it came about, as soon as Moses approached the camp, that he saw the calf and the people dancing; and Moses’ anger burned, and he threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. 20 Then he took the calf which they had made and completely burned it with fire, and ground it to powder, and scattered it over the surface of the water and made the sons of Israel drink it. 21 Then Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought such a great sin upon them?” 22 And Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord burn; you know the people yourself, that they are prone to evil. 23 For they said to me, ‘Make a god for us who will go before us; for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we do not know what happened to him.’ 24 So I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them tear it off.’ Then they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.” 25 Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had let them get out of control to the point of being an object of ridicule among their enemies— 26 Moses then stood at the gate of the camp, and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered together to him. 27 And he said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘Every man of you put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.’” 28 So the sons of Levi did as Moses instructed, and about three thousand men of the people fell that day.” (Exodus 32:19-28)

“But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, 7 so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 And after being prompted by her mother, she *said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.”” (Matthew 14:6-8)

“An opportune day came when Herod, on his birthday, held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders, and the leading people of Galilee; 22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And although the king was very sorry, because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.” (Mark 6:21-28)

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)

No

“Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took the tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing. 21 And Miriam answered them, “Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; The horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea.”” (Exodus 15:20-21)

“But Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, and behold, his daughter was coming out to meet him with tambourines and with dancing. And she was his one and only child; besides her he had no son or daughter.” (Judges 11:34)

“Now it happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with other musical instruments. 7 The women sang as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”” (1 Samuel 18:6-7)

“And David was dancing before the Lord with all his strength, and David was wearing a linen ephod.” (2 Samuel 6:14)

““Hear, Lord, and be gracious to me; Lord, be my helper.” 11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have untied my sackcloth and encircled me with joy, 12 That my [a]soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” ( Psalm 30:10-12)

“They shall praise His name with dancing; They shall sing praises to Him with tambourine and lyre.” ( Psalm 149:3)

“Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute.” (Psalm 150:4)

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven— 2 A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. 3 A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)

“I will build you again and you will be rebuilt, Virgin of Israel! You will [a]take up your tambourines again, And go out to the dances of the revelers.” (Jeremiah 31:4)

“Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old together; For I will turn their mourning into joy And comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow.” (Jeremiah 31:13)

“But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and [a]put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet; 23 and bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let’s eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.” (Luke 15:22-25)

(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:

Read Full Post »

Quick Thoughts on Jesus saying He won’t drink yet He drank on the Cross

 

A second refutation of an alleged Bible contradiction in one week? This is not something on the list of alleged Bible contradiction on the Skeptic Annotated Bible.  Someone asked a quick question:

Do you have a Bible Contradiction article on the issue of Jesus’ words in Matt 26:29 (“I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”) and the account of him drinking sour wine on the cross (John 19:29-30)?

Let’s look at the two passage first:

“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matt 26:29)

“A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. ³⁰ Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” (John 19:29-30)

Here’s my thoughts on reconciling the passage:

Read Full Post »

Bible Contradiction? Who brought evil on Job?

For today’s post we will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: Who brought evil on Job?

Here are the two answers which the skeptic believes shows a Bible contradiction:

Satan

“Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with severe boils from the sole of his foot to the top of his head.” (Job 2:7)

God

“Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all who had known him before came to him, and they ate bread with him in his house; and they sympathized with him and comforted him for all the adversities that the Lord had brought on him. And each one gave him a piece of money, and each a ring of gold.” (Job 42:11)

(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Here’s a closer look at whether or not there is a contradiction:

Read Full Post »

Quick Devotional from Matthew 7:1 (Observation from the Greek)

This is from my daily Greek exercise of sight reading some time ago, courtesy of Vincent S Artale Jr.

Our text is from the Greek translation of Matthew 7:1.  Here is my translation:

“Μὴ κρίνετε, ἵνα μὴ κριθῆτε· ”
Do not judge in order that you not be judged

Here are some observations:

Read Full Post »

Bible Contradiction? How many were in Jacob’s family when they came into Egypt?

For today’s post we will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: How many were in Jacob’s family when they came into Egypt?

Here are the answers which the skeptic believes indicate a Bible contradiction:

70

“and the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two; all the people of the house of Jacob, who came to Egypt, were seventy.” (Genesis 46:27)

“All the people who descended from Jacob were seventy people, but Joseph was already in Egypt.” (Exodus 1:5)

“Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons in all, and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven.” (Deuteronomy 10:22)

75

“Then Joseph sent word and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five people in all.” (Acts 7:14)

(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Read Full Post »

Bible Contradiction? Is it good to be foolish?

For today’s post we will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: Is it good to be foolish?

Here are the answers which the skeptic believes indicate a Bible contradiction:

It is good to be foolish.

“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:21)

“Take care that no one deceives himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18)

“We are fools on account of Christ, but you are prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are without honor!” (1 Corinthians 4:10)

It is not good to be foolish.

“The boastful will not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do injustice.” (Psalm 5:5)

“So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise,” (Ephesians 5:15)

(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Read Full Post »

Review: The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer

Andrew David Naselli. The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer.  Wheaton, IL: Crossway, November 3, 2020.  160 pp.

5 out of 5

Purchase: Westminster | Amazon

Looking for a book that will make you be enchanted with the beauty of the Bible?  This book might do it for you!  The author Andrew David Naselli is a professor of the New Testament at Bethlehem College & Seminary and he did a masterful job of showing how the Bible has the theme of a hero that fights a monster/dragon in a great epic that results in the rescue and deliverance of many people.  This isn’t just a minor theme; rather it is a subject that spans the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  I believe this book makes a unique contribution in biblical theology and as the book progresses I am convinced that Nasellis is right of how serpent slaying stories found in many legends around the world echoes the greatest story ever told in the Greatest book of all namely the Bible.  It was not only educational but also a fun read!

Read Full Post »

200 Alleged Bible Contradictions Answered

Since October 2015 I have blogged responses to alleged Bible contradictions listed on the Skeptic Annotated Bible.  Apparently this week I hit a milestone: I have refuted over two hundred alleged Bible Contradiction!

Below is the listing of these posts:

Read Full Post »

Bible Contradiction? Who named Beersheba?

For today’s post we will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: Who named Beersheba?

Here are the answers which the skeptic believes indicate a Bible contradiction:

Abraham

“Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath.” (Genesis 21:31)

Isaac

“So he called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.” (Genesis 26:33)

(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Read Full Post »

Review: Hey, Charleston!

A wee-kid Wednesday book review, this afternoon we look at a Christian Children’s book we recommend for your family!

Anne Rockwell.  Hey, Charleston! Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books, January 1, 2013. 32 pp

5 out of 5

Purchase: Amazon

Want to read a book to your children or grandchildren of how God uses ordinary Christians to make a difference that can make a big impact in more than one area?  This book was a lot of fun for me to read to my kids, and specifically to read to them while I’m on vacation!

Read Full Post »

Review: Living in the Light of Inextinguishable Hope

Iain M. Duguid. Living in the Light of Inextinguishable Hope.  Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, June 10, 2013. 224 pp.

5 out of 5

Purchase: Westminster |Amazon

Are you reading the Genesis narrative about the life of Joseph in the Bible specifically in the book of Genesis 37-Genesis 50?  Are you looking for a good devotional commentary that focused on the literary details on these passages that also having an awareness of the unfolding of redemptive history?  I was tremendously blessed by this book.  This would be a great resource for both pastors, teachers and general Christian Bible readers.

Read Full Post »

Bible Contradiction? How many of Adin’s offspring returned from Babylon?

For today’s post we will tackle the question the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: How many of Adin’s offspring returned from Babylon?

Here are the answers which the skeptic believes indicate a Bible contradiction:

454

“the sons of Adin, 454;” (Ezra 2:15, Nehemiah 7:20)

655

“the sons of Adin, 655;” (Nehemiah 7:19)

(All Scriptural quotation comes from the New American Standard Bible)

Read Full Post »

Quick Devotional from Matthew 6:33 (Observation from the Greek)

This is from my daily Greek exercise of sight reading some time ago, courtesy of Vincent S Artale Jr.

Our text is from the Greek translation of Matthew 6:33.  Here is my translation:

“ζητεῖτε δὲ πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν [τοῦ θεοῦ] καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ταῦτα
But Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and this

πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν. ”
all he will do to you

Here are some observations:

Read Full Post »