Category: Questions & Answers

To what extent do you think the mores, culture, and world view of the ancient biblical writers colors the Bible’s morality? How does one put that into context for modern believers?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on To what extent do you think the mores, culture, and world view of the ancient biblical writers colors the Bible’s morality? How does one put that into context for modern believers?
Christian Living, Old Testament

Thank you for the question on the cultural influence on Bible writers, “To what extent do you think the mores, culture, and the world view of the ancient biblical writers colors the Bible’s morality? How does one put that into context for modern believer?” As one reads the Old Testament and New Testament, the Scriptures are … Read More “To what extent do you think the mores, culture, and world view of the ancient biblical writers colors the Bible’s morality? How does one put that into context for modern believers?” »

Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart in the Bible? I just don’t understand why God would go to all the trouble of the plagues and harden Pharaoh so the people wouldn’t leave?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart in the Bible? I just don’t understand why God would go to all the trouble of the plagues and harden Pharaoh so the people wouldn’t leave?
Old Testament

Thank you for the question on God hardening Pharaoh’s heart, “Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart in the Bible? I just don’t understand why God would go to all the trouble of the plagues and harden Pharaoh so the people wouldn’t leave?” The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is one of those Biblical challenging questions. It … Read More “Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart in the Bible? I just don’t understand why God would go to all the trouble of the plagues and harden Pharaoh so the people wouldn’t leave?” »

What are the scriptural points on both sides of confession of sin in general like Lutherans believe versus confession by actually enumerating individual sins to God like evangelicals believe?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on What are the scriptural points on both sides of confession of sin in general like Lutherans believe versus confession by actually enumerating individual sins to God like evangelicals believe?
Theology, Uncategorized

Thank you for the question on confession, “What are the scriptural points on both sides of confession of sin in general like Lutherans believe versus confession by actually enumerating individual sins to God like evangelicals believe? Confession is defined as naming that sin or admitting the wrong attitude or action before God. The verses are as … Read More “What are the scriptural points on both sides of confession of sin in general like Lutherans believe versus confession by actually enumerating individual sins to God like evangelicals believe?” »

Are legal guardians of a mentally ill child allowed to put the child in a mental health hospital if the child is unwilling? We don’t want to put him in a psych ward but more of a residential rehab type of facility and he is 100% against the idea.

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Are legal guardians of a mentally ill child allowed to put the child in a mental health hospital if the child is unwilling? We don’t want to put him in a psych ward but more of a residential rehab type of facility and he is 100% against the idea.
Uncategorized

Thank you for the question of long term care of a child, Are legal guardians of a mentally ill child allowed to put the child in a mental health hospital if the child is unwilling? We don’t want to put him in a psych ward but more of a residential rehab type of facility and he … Read More “Are legal guardians of a mentally ill child allowed to put the child in a mental health hospital if the child is unwilling? We don’t want to put him in a psych ward but more of a residential rehab type of facility and he is 100% against the idea.” »

Why is the Hebrew word אֲבִיעַ֖ד in Isaiah 9:6, more often translated as “Eternal (or Everlasting) Father” rather than “Father of Eternity”, which most Hebrew scholars seem to agree is the more literal meaning?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Why is the Hebrew word אֲבִיעַ֖ד in Isaiah 9:6, more often translated as “Eternal (or Everlasting) Father” rather than “Father of Eternity”, which most Hebrew scholars seem to agree is the more literal meaning?
Old Testament

Thank you for the interpretative question on translation of Isaiah 9:6 on “Eternal Father or “Father of Eternity”. As a Christian, I am not a Hebrew scholar. My comments below do not represent other Christians or other churches, but rather a perspective on the passage. Both Hebrew and Christian scholars debate on the interpretation of … Read More “Why is the Hebrew word אֲבִיעַ֖ד in Isaiah 9:6, more often translated as “Eternal (or Everlasting) Father” rather than “Father of Eternity”, which most Hebrew scholars seem to agree is the more literal meaning?” »

What can we do to educate science deniers?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on What can we do to educate science deniers?
Christian Living, Uncategorized

Thank you for the question, “What can we do to educate science deniers?” I am not sure who you are referring to as “science deniers” and what are those individual denying. To label someone as a “science denier” is to dehumanize that person and suggests even imposes a “re-education” of a person. Be careful, if … Read More “What can we do to educate science deniers?” »

Is it true that the rapture is not considered the great and terrible day of the Lord which is to come?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Is it true that the rapture is not considered the great and terrible day of the Lord which is to come?
New Testament

Thank you for the question regarding the rapture, “Is it true that the rapture is not considered the great and terrible day of the Lord which is to come?” The passages of Matthew 24–25 along with Daniel 7–12 are subjects of great debate within theological circles. Churches and denominations teach their understanding of the Biblical text. … Read More “Is it true that the rapture is not considered the great and terrible day of the Lord which is to come?” »

Why did the Hebrew god take so long to save his people from Egyptian enslavement?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Why did the Hebrew god take so long to save his people from Egyptian enslavement?
Old Testament

Thank you for the question on the enslaved Jews deliverance from Egypt, “Why did the Hebrew god take so long to save his people from Egyptian enslavement?” I would like to suggest for one’s consideration the reasons why God declared that the descendants will enslaved 400 years. Read Exodus 15. A. The reason for the 400 … Read More “Why did the Hebrew god take so long to save his people from Egyptian enslavement?” »

Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?
Old Testament

Thank you for the question on the Book of Lamentation, “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” As I was reading again the Introductions to the Book of Lamentation in the NIV, I found the Introduction very helpful and good reminder of the … Read More “Why was the Book of Lamentations included in the Old Testament? What is the significance of the book of lamentations?” »

What does the New Testament mean by the word “world”?

Posted on By Kingston Tong No Comments on What does the New Testament mean by the word “world”?
New Testament

Thank you for the interpretive question on “world”, “What does the New Testament mean by the word, “world”? The Greek word for world is “cosmos”. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, the definition of “cosmos” is primarily used in the sense of order, arrangement, ornament and adornment. He lists seven usages for the … Read More “What does the New Testament mean by the word “world”?” »