Being a Solar Light in these times requires us to focus on Jesus

Jesus said ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

What an amazing statement.

Are you a being a light for Jesus in these times?

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Free PDF and Review: Spiritual Peace by Charles Spurgeon

Note: For fans of Spurgeon have you checked out my Review: Charles Spurgeon Framed Art Print?

Charles H. Spurgeon. Spiritual Peace.  Pensacola, FL: Chapel Library, May 13th 2016. 23 pp.

4 out of 5

Free: Chapel Library

Purchase: Amazon (99 cents for Kindle)

This was another booklet by Charles Spurgeon that I picked out to go through with our church youth (pre-teens and teens) concerning the topic of having peace that I thought was a relevant topic as our kids and many like them are going through a time of not being physically attending school, isolated at home and at times going though things in 2020-2021 with the Covid situation.  This booklet was published by Chapel Library.  Spurgeon is among my favorite past preachers to read and while I have appreciated other booklets and sermons from him, this specific work wasn’t bad but it didn’t stand out as much as some of the other works I enjoyed from Spurgeon.  Still Spurgeon still presents biblical truths and it is edifying for believers and evangelistic towards non-Christians.

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Poem: Beholding the Crucified Son

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

22 years ago on this day, April 4th, it was also resurrection Sunday. I remember because that was when I trusted in Jesus as my Savior.

Here is a short poem I wrote this weekend in thinking about Jesus:

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Resolving 47 Bible Contradictions from Jesus’ Final Week to His Ascension

This last year I tried to put out more posts resolving Bible contradictions concerning the final week of Christ through His Ascension to add to the list I put out last year.  It takes some time on my part to go through them to provide exegetically sound refutations; Lord willing I will add more to this lists next year.  See my post I wrote on why refuting Bible Contradictions Takes Time.  As of Passion Week 2021 I have responded to forty-seven alleged Bible contradictions that took place during the final week of Jesus’ life up to His Ascension.  These posts are arranged below roughly in chronological order in the Gospel with additions we wrote after last Resurrection Sunday labeled “NEW” in red:

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Bible Contradiction? To whom did Peter deny knowing Jesus?

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “To whom did Peter deny knowing Jesus?”

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

A servant girl, another girl, and then a crowd of people.

“Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a slave woman came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another slave woman saw him and *said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it, with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “You really are one of them as well, since even the way you talk gives you away.”” (Matthew 26:69-73)

A servant girl, the same girl again, and then a crowd of people.

“And while Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the slave women of the high priest *came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and *said, “You were with Jesus the Nazarene as well.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” And he went out onto the porch. 69 The slave woman saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them!” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “You really are one of them, for you are a Galilean as well.” 71 But he began to curse himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!”” (Mark 14:66-71)

A servant girl, a man, and then another man.

“Now they arrested Him and led Him away, and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. 55 After they kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter was sitting among them. 56 And a slave woman, seeing him as he sat in the firelight, and staring at him, said, “This man was with Him as well.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “I do not know Him, woman!” 58 And a little later, another person saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 And after about an hour had passed, some other man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he, too, is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” And immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.” (Luke 22:54-60)

A girl at the door, several anonymous persons, one of the high priest’s servants.

“Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the slave woman who was the doorkeeper *said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He *said, “I am not…Now Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not one of His disciples as well, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.” ²⁶ One of the slaves of the high priest, who was related to the one whose ear Peter cut off, *said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” ²⁷ Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.”” (John 18:15-17, 25-27)

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

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

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Free PDF and Review: The Gospel in a Single Verse by Charles Spurgeon

Note: For fans of Spurgeon have you checked out my Review: Charles Spurgeon Framed Art Print?

 

 

Charles H. Spurgeon. The Gospel in a Single Verse.  Pensacola, FL: Chapel Library, May 12, 2020. 23 pp.

5 out of 5

Free: Chapel Library

Purchase: Amazon (99 cents for Kindle)

I was looking for something that is a short read for our church youth (pre-teens and teens) that preaches the Gospel that is short and readable in one sitting that also introduce them to the heritage of sound Bible teachers from Church history and I thought this booklet published by Chapel Library might fit the bill.  I wasn’t disappointed with The Gospel in a Single Verse.  Spurgeon is among my favorite past preachers to read.

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Bible Contradiction? Did the cock crow before or after Peter’s denial?

 

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “Did the cock crow before or after Peter’s denial?”

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

Peter denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed.

“But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about…And again he denied it, with an oath: “I do not know the man…Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed.” (Matthew 26:70, 72, 74)

“But he denied it, saying, “I do not know Him, woman!” 58 And a little later, another person saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 And after about an hour had passed, some other man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he, too, is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” And immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.” (Luke 22:57-60)

“Then the slave woman who was the doorkeeper *said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He *said, “I am not.”…Now Simon Peter was still standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not one of His disciples as well, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, who was related to the one whose ear Peter cut off, *said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed. (John 18:17, 25-27)

The cock crowed after Peter’s first denial.

“and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and *said, “You were with Jesus the Nazarene as well.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” And he went out onto the porch. 69 The slave woman saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them!” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, “You really are one of them, for you are a Galilean as well.” 71 But he began to curse himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!” 72 And immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he hurried on and began to weep.” (Mark 14:67-72)

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

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

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Bible Contradiction? Did Jesus say, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”?

 

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “Did Jesus say, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”?”

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

Yes he did.

“Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and yet You will raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking about the temple of His body.” (John 2:19-21)

No he didn’t.

“Now the chief priests and the entire Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’ (Matthew 26:59-61)

“And then some stood up and began giving false testimony against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this [a]temple that was made by hands, and in three days I will build another, made without hands.’”” (Mark 14:57-58)

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

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

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Bible Contradiction? Did Jesus say before the cock crow or before the cock crows twice?

 

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “Did Jesus say before the cock crow or before the cock crows twice?”

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

Before the cock crow.

“Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”” (Matthew 26:34)

“But He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”” (Luke 22:34)

“Jesus *replied, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.” (John 13:38)

Before the cock crows twice.

“And Jesus *said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.”” (Mark 14:30)

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

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

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Bible Contradiction? Who asked for the best seats in heaven?

 

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “Who asked for the best seats in heaven?”

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

James and John

“James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, *came up to Jesus, saying to Him, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.”” (Mark 10:35-37)

The mother of James and John

“Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. 21 And He said to her, “What do you desire?” She *said to Him, “Say that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine shall sit, one at Your right, and one at Your left.”” (Matthew 20:20-21)

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

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

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Bible Contradiction? How did Peter find out that Jesus was the Messiah?

 

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “How did Peter find out that Jesus was the Messiah?”

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

God revealed it to him; no human told him.

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.. (Matthew 16:16-17)

His brother Andrew told him.

One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first *found his own brother Simon and *said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). (John 1:40-41)

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

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

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Free PDF and Review: Thoughts for Young Men by John Charles Ryle

John Charles Ryle. Thoughts for Young Men.  Pensacola, FL: Chapel Library, August 17, 2015. 44 pp.

5 out of 5

Free: Chapel Library

Purchase: Amazon (99 cents for Kindle)

What is a book a young person can read to grow spiritually and maturity?  This is a classic by John Charles Ryle that is a timeless classic.  I think given our time this is also edifying for people in their 20s to also read.  John Charles Ryle who is best known by his pen name J.C. Ryle wrote this filled with godly and biblical exhortations that isn’t just applicable to his time period.  In fact in reading this the second time and also in conjunction with the youths in our church (pre-teens and teens) I felt it is more relevant and edifying than when I first read it ten years ago in my 20s.

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Bible Contradiction? Who carried Jesus’ cross?

 

Today’s post will tackle another question that the Skeptic Annotated Bible asked: “Who carried Jesus’s cross?”

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

Jesus carried his own cross.

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, carrying His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which in Hebrew is called, Golgotha. (John 19:17)

Simon the Cyrenian carried Jesus’s cross.

As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they compelled to carry His ^[cross. (Matthew 27:32)

And they *compelled a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross. (Mark 15:21)

And when they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, as he was coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26)

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

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

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Blog Milestone: 1.9 Million Views

We hit a new milestone for our blog Veritas Domain: Sometime today February 17th at 2:50ish PM Pacific Standard Time we have 1.9 million total views!  That’s the total of view since our blog began in 2006 but with most of the hits taking place the last few years.

It was a little over 5 months ago we were at 1.8 million.

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Help! I’m Discouraged since I don’t see people Changing

Ministry has been busy with answering people’s theological questions every day!  I consider it a joy though and a privilege.

Someone wrote of how he’s discouraged as it seems he’s the only one being transfomed while those aound him doesn’t seem to change.  He’s also wondering about if’s the stumbling block and is also discouraged.

Here’s my pastoral reply:

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