Numerous people have read Matthew 7:1 out of context and come to the conclusion that Christians aren’t supposed to judge anybody’s behavior. David Croteau, in Urban Legends of the New Testament, writes an entire chapter to explain why this conclusion is incorrect. First, Croteau fleshes out the faulty position: All forms of judging are commanded … Continue reading Are Christians Not to Judge?
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most popular verses in the Bible and many Christians apply its promise to their current situation. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Can this promise be … Continue reading When Can We Apply Old Testament Promises to New Testament Believers?
The prophet Isaiah writes in chapter 40, verse 22, “It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in.” Does God literally sit above the earth in a tent? How are … Continue reading How Should We Understand Metaphorical Attributes of God?
In 1 Kings 11, verse 3, we read that Solomon, the king who ruled at the pinnacle of Israelite power, had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Other great men of the Old Testament also had more than one wife. Are we to conclude that God encourages polygamy? Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe, in When Critics … Continue reading Does Solomon’s Hundreds of Wives Mean That the Bible Promotes Polygamy?
In chapters 7-12 in the book of Joshua, the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquer the cities of 31 kings (see the list in chapter 12). God, as promised, drove the Canaanites out ahead of the Israelites, and the Canaanites who stayed behind to defy Israel were easily defeated by Israel’s armies. Once these 31 kings … Continue reading Commentary on Joshua 21-24 (Joshua’s Farewell)
Post Author: Bill Pratt In part 1, I argued that the primary purpose of Sunday school, or Sunday small groups (SSG’s), is for the group members to learn, in a systematic and thorough manner, the contents of the Bible. If you’re with me so far, then it’s time to explain why I think so many … Continue reading Why Do We Need a Sunday School Reformation? Part 2
Post Author: Bill Pratt After teaching both adult and youth Sunday school classes for over a decade, I have determined that we need a Sunday school reformation. If the primary purpose of Sunday morning small groups (SSG’s) is to educate church members on the contents of the Bible, the Word of God, then we are … Continue reading Why Do We Need a Sunday School Reformation? Part 1
The questions below were collected by a youth pastor from students who are grades 6-12. The answers are provided by me, Bill Pratt. Sharing Faith 1. What is a good way to approach someone about Christianity? Build a relationship with that person. Let them know that you care about them. Once you’ve earned their trust … Continue reading Youth Questions Answered
Post Author: Bill Pratt In parts 1 and 2, we looked at a method of interpreting and applying the Law (first five books of the Bible) to Christians living today. Theologian J. Daniel Hays calls the method principlism and refers to five steps in the process. In this post, Hays will take us through an example of … Continue reading How Should Christians Apply the Law? Part 3
Post Author: Bill Pratt In part 1, we looked at a method of interpreting and applying the Law (first five books of the Bible) to Christians living today. Theologian J. Daniel Hays calls the method principlism and refers to five steps in the process. We covered the first three in part 1, so we now … Continue reading How Should Christians Apply the Law? Part 2