The New Testament contains a number of apparently contradictory statements. Reason and logic demand that one cannot believe both to be true. Let me explain, giving examples of both sides. [Read more…]
Archives for February 2000
63. St. Paul the Abortion
“As one born out of due time”. (1 Cor.15.8) Paul referred to himself in this manner, and the Greek word translated “born out of due time” is EKTROMA, meaning an abortion. We’ll give a little more thought to this shortly, but first of all, a brief biography of this ancient apostle would not be out of place. Saul was born in Tarsus, a distinguished city in Cilicia. (Acts 22:3, 21:39) He was a Hebrew of Hebrew parents, (an expression which savours of a little pride), of the stock of Israel and of the Tribe of Benjamin. (Phil.3:5) But he also came from a family that had acquired Roman citizenship, a much prized possession, especially in those days. Hence Saul was a Freeman of Rome by birth. (Acts 22:28) According to Jewish law, he was circumcised on the eighth day. (Phil.3:5) [Read more…]
61. The Death of the Husband
In reading an article sent in by a friend, we came across an item which helped us to understand the way in which the Old Covenant ended, and the New Covenant was set up. This will not be a “heavy” article, but just a little gentle theology. Perhaps it may help others as much as it helped us. And many thanks to our brother (J.R.J.) who kindly sent in his paper. We expand on the theme as follows. [Read more…]
60. When “shall” becomes “will”
In these “enlightened” days one often hears, from both pulpit and printed page, that God’s laws no longer apply, They were nailed to the cross with the dying Christ, so now we can live in a glorious freedom that Jewry knew nothing of. “We are no longer under law but under grace,” is the oft repeated saying of the Apostle Paul, dragged and mutilated from its context to mean something Paul never intended. [Read more…]
59. “Before”
Matthew 21:28-31. Jesus said, “What do you think of this? A man had two sons. He approached the first and said, ‘Go today and work in the vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I go Sir,’ but went not. And approaching the second he said likewise, and he answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but later repented and went. Which of the two did the will of the father?” They said, ‘The latter.’ Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and harlots are going into the Kingdom of God before you .” [Read more…]