This is an overview of the story of Isaac, accompanied by some commentary.
Continue readingThe Chosen Put On The Holy Spirit
In Matthew 22:14, Jesus says, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” When reading the 13 verses before it, we can see the full context. Jesus describes the offer of salvation through the new covenant as a wedding invitation, which is first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles (Rom 1:16). The Israelites (Jews) are the first guests, but many of them rejected the offer. However, God extends the offer they declined to the Gentiles, but some people show up without the “proper attire” and are kicked out. Why does that happen? What is the “proper attire”?
Continue readingAbraham’s Sacrifice
Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac can be a highly controversial topic, but let’s explore what is happening here. Abraham trusted that God would keep the promise to make a covenant nation of his descendants through his son Isaac, the promised son of his wife Sarah. If God were faithful to this promise, God couldn’t eliminate Isaac because the covenant couldn’t be fulfilled. Abraham trusted that God would be faithful to the promise, so he went forward with sacrificing him, knowing that Isaac couldn’t be taken forever or God would be a liar and covenant breaker.
Continue readingThe Choice of Life or Death
In Deut 30:19, God says, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Previously, I wrote an article called “Contraception in the Bible”, which may lead some to ask if abortion is a form of contraception. What is the definition of abortion, and does it match the definition of murder?
Continue readingHeaven Is A Kingdom Not A Democracy
If a person disagrees with God’s teaching and instructions now, then why should they expect to submit to him in the Kingdom of Heaven? Why should God even accept them into the kingdom if they don’t even trust, accept, and agree with his word and instructions? Most people wouldn’t move to a foreign country that enforced laws they disagree with, so why would anyone choose God’s Kingdom if they don’t like its ruler or laws?
Continue readingMarriage Definition
This essay was written in response to this meme that is often used to critique the biblical definition of marriage.
Contraception in the Bible
Often, when a bible believer is against contraception, they reference verses like 1 Tim 2:15 and Gen 38:9-Often, when a Bible believer is against contraception, they reference verses like 1 Tim 2:15 and Gen 38:9-10, but those verses are out of context. One talks about wives and their husbands, and the other is about a guy who hated his brother. The Bible doesn’t speak on contraception, thus no one can claim it a sin or not a sin.
Continue readingPolygamy in the Bible
Can Christians practice polygamy, since it is in the Bible? While polygamy was allowed in the Bible in the Old Testament, with some restrictions, in the New Testament, men are told to have one wife (1 Tim 2:3), mimicking Christ’s relationship with the one church (body of Christ).
Continue readingMarry the Rapist Deut 22:28-29
Does the Bible say a woman has to marry her rapist in Deut 22:28-29? Most translations don’t use the word rape because the Hebrew text doesn’t use that word in these specific verses. That verse describes what happens in the case of fornication when a woman is neither married nor engaged and just has sex. If they are caught, no one is stoned to death, and the man is required to pay her dowry and marry her, but only with her father’s permission.
Continue readingThe Sin of Being the Tempter
Jesus says in Matthew 18:6-7 and Luke 17:1-3 that anyone who causes the children (of Israel) to sin should have a millstone tied around their neck and cast into the sea. This implies that tempting others to sin is worse than sinning against God or them.
Continue reading