Answers to Christianity Questions
Thank you for the question on ancient writings, “Is there a story/book older than the Bible?” As one may know that the earliest surviving book/ codes is Codex Sinaiticus. Codex Sinaiticus is dated to about 325 CE. The Dead Sea Scrolls are dated between first century BCE and into the first century CE. The oldest surviving … Read More “Is there a story/book older than the Bible?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question, “What does “ancient of days” mean in the Bible?” The phrase, Ancient of Days, is cited three times in the Bible and only in the Book of Daniel. That phrase is found in one chapter, Daniel 7. Reading the three verses are important, but equally important is reading the larger … Read More “What does “ancient of days” mean in the Bible?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question on Luke 7:28, “What did Jesus mean at Lk 7:28)?” As I thought about your question, one may want to consider looking at various passages regarding the life of John the Baptist as in John 1. Matthew 3 and Luke 3. The reason is that Jesus is commenting on John … Read More “What did Jesus mean at Luke 7:28?” »
Thank you for the question on the canonicity of the Gospels, “Why are the four gospels in the New Testament not considered pseudepigraphal even though they weren’t actually written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?” The term, pseudepigraphal, refers to false or fake writings. The question assumes that the writer and or its context are false. … Read More ““Why are the four gospels in the New Testament not considered pseudepigraphal even though they weren’t actually written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?”” »
Thank you for the interpretative question, “How did Abraham know that God will provide a lamb (Genesis 22:8)?” As one reads the life of Abram whose later name became Abraham, God promised to Abraham that his wife will have a son. In Genesis 18, God said this to Abraham, “Then one of them said, “I will surely … Read More “How did Abraham know that God will provide a lamb (Genesis 22:8)?” »
Thank you for the question on the Jahvist Bible and the Elohimist Bible. As I read, it is my understanding that scholars want to dissect the Scriptures and create one Bible that uses the term YHWH and another for Elohim. If I may ask, how would you separate the Book of Genesis into two Bible? … Read More “Why do scholars not separate the Jahvist Bible from the Elohimist Bible?” »
Thank you for the question on experiencing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, “Who has ever experienced the manifestations of the Spirit (‘aka’ 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit, as per, I Cor. 12:7–10) operating in their lives or seen someone operating in the ‘gifts” in their presence?” On the topic of the manifestations of the Spirit, … Read More “Who has ever experienced the manifestations of the Spirit (‘aka’ 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit, as per 1 Cor. 12:7-10) operating in their lives or seen someone operating in the “gifts” in their presence?” »
Thank you for the interpretative question on Matthew 6:24, “What does the Lord mean when he said this, “You cannot serve both Go and mammon”?” In seeking to understand a verse or passage, reading the broader context/verses may help one come to an understanding of the passage. That understanding needs to be confirm by other passages … Read More “What does the Lord mean when he said this, “You cannot serve both God and mammon?”” »
Thank you for the question on Bible character, “Which character of the Bible shows great emotional strength?” Apart from Jesus Christ, in the Old Testament I would select either Elijah and Jeremiah. Both Elijah and Jeremiah had to deal with a rebellious king and a rebellious people. God called them to be steadfast in the midst … Read More “Which character of the Bible shows great emotional strength?” »
Thank you for the application question, “What is your favorite book/chapter/verse in the Bible? Why do you like it?” Apart from salvation verses, here are my favorite verses, chapter, and book in the Bible. My favorite verse for ministry is II Timothy 1:7, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives … Read More “What is your favorite book/chapter/verse in the Bible? Why do you like it?” »