July 2021 – Ask Kingston

Does Philippians 1:15-18 relate to today’s way of preaching? Should it not matter as long as Christ is being proclaimed?

July 23, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

Thank you for the question on preaching Christ. Here are some thoughts for your consideration: A. The motivation of preaching the Gospel of salvation. The Apostle Paul recognized that some followers of Jesus Christ proclaimed the Gospel of salvation from selfish motives. Although he doesn’t state their motives, one can surmise that there are individuals … Read More “Does Philippians 1:15-18 relate to today’s way of preaching? Should it not matter as long as Christ is being proclaimed?” »

Mathew 24:36 states that no one knows when the Second Coming is. Mathew 24:5 (and another verse I’m still looking for) say that those who claim to know are wrong. How does this not completely discredit John of Patmos?

July 23, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

New Testament

Thank you for the question about the Second Coming of Christ. Here are some thoughts why John of Patmos doesn’t contradict the words in Matthew 24:36: A. John of Patmos recorded the vision that was revealed to him by the resurrected Jesus. The vision didn’t originate with him. B. The recorded vision was an expansion … Read More “Mathew 24:36 states that no one knows when the Second Coming is. Mathew 24:5 (and another verse I’m still looking for) say that those who claim to know are wrong. How does this not completely discredit John of Patmos?” »

Who wrote the Ten Commandments for the first time?

July 23, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

Old Testament

Thank you for the question on the authorship of the Ten Commandments. Modern scholars attribute the Torah to different authors as the JEDP Theory. For one’s consideration that the author is God who verbalized the Ten Commandments and Moses wrote the words down in the Book of the Covenant. A. The Ten Commandments were first … Read More “Who wrote the Ten Commandments for the first time?” »

With hundreds of contradictions, how can anyone believe anything the Bible says?

July 21, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

The Bible

Thank you for your question on contradictions in the Bible. I would appreciate if you would cite one or two of the most egregious contradictions of the Bible and how they are contradictory in your viewpoint. This may allow readers to agree or disagree with your viewpoint. I hope this is not asking too much … Read More “With hundreds of contradictions, how can anyone believe anything the Bible says?” »

If Abraham believed that God expected him to sacrifice Isaac, why did Abraham tell Isaac “The Lord will provide”? If Abraham knew how it would turn out, how was it a test of his faith?

July 21, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

Old Testament

Thank you for the question, “If Abraham believed that God expected him to sacrifice Isaac, why did Abraham tell Isaac “The Lord will provide”? If Abraham knew how it would turn out, how was it a test of his faith?” As one reads Genesis 22, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice him on the mountain that he … Read More “If Abraham believed that God expected him to sacrifice Isaac, why did Abraham tell Isaac “The Lord will provide”? If Abraham knew how it would turn out, how was it a test of his faith?” »

How were the books in the Bible chosen?

July 21, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

The Bible

Thank you for the question on canonicity of the Bible. Since l have addressed this question on other occasions, here are some thoughts for one’s consideration: A. The authorship of the scroll or text. The priests and scribes preserved the Old Testament Scriptures based on the oral tradition that the writer of that scroll was … Read More “How were the books in the Bible chosen?” »

Do those who “preach the loudest” have “the biggest skeletons in their closet”?

July 20, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

Christian Living

Thank you for your question, Do those who “preach the loudest” have “the biggest skeletons in their closet”? In seeking to answer your question, one has to be careful not to over generalized that those who “preached the loudest” may have “the biggest skeletons”in their lives. There are no perfect individuals and that includes Christians. … Read More “Do those who “preach the loudest” have “the biggest skeletons in their closet”?” »

What does smiting refer to in the Old Testament? Did God hit people with lightning bolts?

July 17, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

Old Testament

Thank you for the question on “smiting.” The term, smiting, used in the KJV refers to the destruction of life as in killing in warfare. Rarely in our modern English that term is used. The Scriptures records that God intervened into human history in aiding his people. As a Christian, I believe God does care … Read More “What does smiting refer to in the Old Testament? Did God hit people with lightning bolts?” »

Are the lifespans in scripture neither factual nor metaphorical?

July 12, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

Old Testament, Uncategorized

Thank you for the question, “Are the lifespans in scripture neither factual nor metaphorical? If one does not accept that the lifespans in Genesis as factual or metaphorical, then one as implying by that question that it is a fable. It’s not just that the lifespans of humans that is in question, but the persons and … Read More “Are the lifespans in scripture neither factual nor metaphorical?” »

What does it mean that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17)?

July 12, 2021October 15, 2021 Kingston Tong No Comments

New Testament

Thank you for the biblical question, “What does it that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17)?” In Romans 10, the Apostle Paul explains how a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ. Someone needs to proclaim the message of salvation. Without that knowledge and understanding, that person is not able to call on the name … Read More “What does it mean that faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17)?” »