What year was Jesus born? It was actually about 5 B.C. When the calendar was calculated a few centuries later it was miscalculated by a few years.
Which Herod ruled at this time? It was Herod the Great who ruled the region under Roman authority from 37-4 B.C. Herod the Great was ruthless, he not only had all the male children 2 years and under killed in Bethlehem and the surrounding region but also had members of his own family killed.
Was the birth of Jesus on December 25? It is actually unknown the Bible does not say when it was. Some scholars have speculated it was actually in April but it could have been any time of the year.
Do all four of the Gospels mention the birth of Jesus? No, only two of them do (Matthew & Luke).
What does the name Jesus mean? It means "the LORD saves".
What does Christ mean? It is the same thing as Messiah. Both of these mean "anointed one".
Who is Jesus? Immanuel which means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
What did Jesus come to do? He came to save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).
Has Jesus always existed? Yes, he has always existed (John 1:1). At the birth Jesus became man in order to save people from their sins. This is called the Incarnation by theologians. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have always existed.
Was Jesus born in a stable? The Bible never says Jesus was born in a stable. It has been thought to be a stable because of the manger. Justin Martyr (around 150 A.D.) said it was actually a cave.
Were there three Wise Men? The Bible does not say how many Wise Men there were. It mentions three gifts which gave rise to the belief that there were three Wise Men.
Were the Wise Men there at the birth? No, they actually came later, up to two years later.
Does the Bible tell us to celebrate Christmas? No, it actually does not. It was not celebrated until a few centuries later. The early church did not celebrate Christmas.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Recommended Study Bibles
ESV Study Bible
*Uses the excellent ESV translation
*Excellent team of conservative, evangelical scholarship
*Great study notes
*Presents different conservative views
*Numerous articles related to the Bible
*A library of Bible study helps
The MacArthur Study Bible
*Available in (ESV, NKJV, NASB)
*Excellent study notes
*Good overview of theology
*Many helpful articles
*I do disagree with Dispensationalism taught by MacArthur
*Overall John MacArthur one of today's finest Bible teachers
*Straightforward Biblical truth
*Uses the excellent ESV translation
*Excellent team of conservative, evangelical scholarship
*Great study notes
*Presents different conservative views
*Numerous articles related to the Bible
*A library of Bible study helps
The MacArthur Study Bible
*Available in (ESV, NKJV, NASB)
*Excellent study notes
*Good overview of theology
*Many helpful articles
*I do disagree with Dispensationalism taught by MacArthur
*Overall John MacArthur one of today's finest Bible teachers
*Straightforward Biblical truth
Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Jesus"
"Killing Jesus" by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard is on the bestsellers list. It is said to be a history and the authors state they are dealing only in known facts. Though in places they do seem to speculate on things. In the book O'Reilly does not defend the miracles or the resurrection of Jesus as true historical facts.
They do use some good Biblical scholarship as sources. The work of Darrell Bock and the book "Jesus Under Fire" are two examples. Somewhat surprisingly O'Reilly and Dugard, both Catholics use the NIV an evangelical Bible translation. The book does provide some good background information especially on the Roman Empire and first century Jewish life.
The book is generally favorable to historic Christianity. But some of Bill O'Reilly's views on the Bible are problematic. He believes much of it is to be interpreted as an allegory, not taken as literal. In the book the miracles of Jesus are downplayed. Though the resurrection is not defended as historic fact it does seem the authors believe it really happened.
The book "Killing Jesus" is not a must read but it can be useful for the background information. Those wanting to know the real, historic Jesus should read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
They do use some good Biblical scholarship as sources. The work of Darrell Bock and the book "Jesus Under Fire" are two examples. Somewhat surprisingly O'Reilly and Dugard, both Catholics use the NIV an evangelical Bible translation. The book does provide some good background information especially on the Roman Empire and first century Jewish life.
The book is generally favorable to historic Christianity. But some of Bill O'Reilly's views on the Bible are problematic. He believes much of it is to be interpreted as an allegory, not taken as literal. In the book the miracles of Jesus are downplayed. Though the resurrection is not defended as historic fact it does seem the authors believe it really happened.
The book "Killing Jesus" is not a must read but it can be useful for the background information. Those wanting to know the real, historic Jesus should read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Lotteries, Gambling, And The Bible
Lotteries and other forms of gambling have become very popular in our modern society. Gambling is now accepted by many as right and normal. The majority of the states have lotteries and the trend is toward more legalized gambling. Even many professing Christians play the lottery and gamble. But is it really okay and right?
Many try to justify gambling by saying we take gambles, risks, and chances elsewhere. Insurance is sometimes given as an example. But this misses the whole point. Taking a risk or gamble is not necessarily wrong. The real problems with gambling are the motives behind it and the troubles it can cause.
(1 Timothy 6:10) "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." (ESV)
Gambling involves the love of money which is a root of all kinds of evils. Greed and coveting are two motives behind gambling. But life is not about the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). It involves selfishness and wanting what others have. Instead we should all be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5). Greed and coveting are not proper for Christians (Ephesians 5:3). Gambling involves a love of possessions and materialism. Money and possessions become false idols in people's lives.
Lotteries end up being a tax on the poor. Many of those playing the lottery are those who would be considered poor, the very people who can least afford it. Money is taken from them and given to others. With gambling, in order for there to be a winner there must also be a loser and there are many losers.
In a sense gambling is a form of theft. But we are commanded by God not to steal (Exodus 20:15). It takes away money from those who were foolish enough to gamble it away. Crime and other vices are associated with gambling as well.
Gambling can also be highly addictive. It can ruin people financially. It can also ruin lives and families. Gambling also harms the work ethic of the people. We are to work for our money (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Gambling promotes the opposite encouraging people to try to get something for nothing. People should earn their money and use it wisely.
Gambling promotes the opposite of the teaching of Jesus. We are to love God (Matthew 22:37), gambling encourages love of money and possessions instead. We are to love our neighbor as our self (Matthew 22:39), but gambling promotes taking advantage of others. It violates the golden rule as well (Luke 6:31).
In conclusion gambling is harmful and wrong. It causes many problems and encourages selfishness, greed, and idolatry. People and especially Christians should not gamble.
Many try to justify gambling by saying we take gambles, risks, and chances elsewhere. Insurance is sometimes given as an example. But this misses the whole point. Taking a risk or gamble is not necessarily wrong. The real problems with gambling are the motives behind it and the troubles it can cause.
(1 Timothy 6:10) "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." (ESV)
Gambling involves the love of money which is a root of all kinds of evils. Greed and coveting are two motives behind gambling. But life is not about the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). It involves selfishness and wanting what others have. Instead we should all be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5). Greed and coveting are not proper for Christians (Ephesians 5:3). Gambling involves a love of possessions and materialism. Money and possessions become false idols in people's lives.
Lotteries end up being a tax on the poor. Many of those playing the lottery are those who would be considered poor, the very people who can least afford it. Money is taken from them and given to others. With gambling, in order for there to be a winner there must also be a loser and there are many losers.
In a sense gambling is a form of theft. But we are commanded by God not to steal (Exodus 20:15). It takes away money from those who were foolish enough to gamble it away. Crime and other vices are associated with gambling as well.
Gambling can also be highly addictive. It can ruin people financially. It can also ruin lives and families. Gambling also harms the work ethic of the people. We are to work for our money (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Gambling promotes the opposite encouraging people to try to get something for nothing. People should earn their money and use it wisely.
Gambling promotes the opposite of the teaching of Jesus. We are to love God (Matthew 22:37), gambling encourages love of money and possessions instead. We are to love our neighbor as our self (Matthew 22:39), but gambling promotes taking advantage of others. It violates the golden rule as well (Luke 6:31).
In conclusion gambling is harmful and wrong. It causes many problems and encourages selfishness, greed, and idolatry. People and especially Christians should not gamble.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Why Do They Hate Jesus?
People hating Jesus may sound shocking but it is reality. All people who are spiritually dead and still in their sins actually hate him. It includes not only Satanists and atheists but all non Christians as well. When I say they hate Jesus I mean the real Jesus, the one of the Bible, not their own personal Jesus they have made up. Some who claim to believe in Jesus are false Christians.
(John 3:19) "And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." (ESV)
People desire to be comfortable in their sins. They want to remain in the darkness. But Jesus shines light into the darkness exposing their evil deeds. He confronts them with their sinfulness and guilt before God. He makes them face the reality that they face the wrath and judgment of God (John 3:36). The world hates Jesus and his followers as well. If they hate the Son they hate the Father as well (John 15:18-25). Christians should not be surprised when they face persecution in this world.
This hatred of Jesus can be seen when people use his name as a curse word. It is common in movies and in much pagan conversation. Have you ever wondered why they use the name of Jesus as a curse word but not the name of Mohammad, Buddha, or Joseph Smith? The others are nothing more than false prophets. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31). He makes people face truth and reality and those dead in their sins hate him for it. This is also why the mention of the name Jesus in a reverent way causes many to be uncomfortable. It is why many do not want his name mentioned in the public square.
(John 3:19) "And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil." (ESV)
People desire to be comfortable in their sins. They want to remain in the darkness. But Jesus shines light into the darkness exposing their evil deeds. He confronts them with their sinfulness and guilt before God. He makes them face the reality that they face the wrath and judgment of God (John 3:36). The world hates Jesus and his followers as well. If they hate the Son they hate the Father as well (John 15:18-25). Christians should not be surprised when they face persecution in this world.
This hatred of Jesus can be seen when people use his name as a curse word. It is common in movies and in much pagan conversation. Have you ever wondered why they use the name of Jesus as a curse word but not the name of Mohammad, Buddha, or Joseph Smith? The others are nothing more than false prophets. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31). He makes people face truth and reality and those dead in their sins hate him for it. This is also why the mention of the name Jesus in a reverent way causes many to be uncomfortable. It is why many do not want his name mentioned in the public square.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
The Socialists At Work
The socialistic program known as Obamacare has been rolled out. The roll out has been a disaster. The Obama administration has had three years to get ready for it and they still could not get the website ready.
If the government cannot even get the website ready, how are they going to run the health care system? This shows the ineptitude of government trying to do things it has no business doing. The future of health care looks very frightening.
Also a funny thing happened on the way to implementation. It seems many people may not be able to keep their current health care plan. This after they were promised by President Obama that they could keep their plan if they wanted to. It also seems that Obamacare may discourage marriage because in some cases it is more affordable for people who are not married. If you destroy marriage, you destroy the family, and if you destroy the family you destroy society.
Socialism does not work and it never will. It does not help the poor as it pretends to, but enriches those who are in power. As U2 singer Bono has said capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any government aid ever will. It has been said that capitalism is the unequal distribution of wealth and socialism is the equal distribution of poverty. The government should defend the country, maintain order in society, promote justice, and then leave us alone.
If the government cannot even get the website ready, how are they going to run the health care system? This shows the ineptitude of government trying to do things it has no business doing. The future of health care looks very frightening.
Also a funny thing happened on the way to implementation. It seems many people may not be able to keep their current health care plan. This after they were promised by President Obama that they could keep their plan if they wanted to. It also seems that Obamacare may discourage marriage because in some cases it is more affordable for people who are not married. If you destroy marriage, you destroy the family, and if you destroy the family you destroy society.
Socialism does not work and it never will. It does not help the poor as it pretends to, but enriches those who are in power. As U2 singer Bono has said capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any government aid ever will. It has been said that capitalism is the unequal distribution of wealth and socialism is the equal distribution of poverty. The government should defend the country, maintain order in society, promote justice, and then leave us alone.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
One Nation Under God?
We often hear the phrase one nation under God, it is even in our pledge of allegiance. But is America really one nation under God?
First, what do Americans believe about God? We live in a pluralistic society with many different beliefs. A majority of the American people profess a belief in Christianity. But there are many other religions that are adhered to by many people.
Christianity believes in a different God than all other religions do. It holds to a triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Therefore if Christianity is true then all other religions are necessarily false. Some Americans believe in more than one god and some even belief we are god. And of course atheists believe there is no God. The nation does not believe in the same God.
Do Americans live as one nation under God? A majority of the people profess to be Christians but most are really not. Many of them hold beliefs that are not in line with the Bible. The majority of Americans do not live for God, they live for themselves. You can just look at our pop culture and see that God is not honored. In fact he is often mocked in movies, television, and music. Many Americans believe in a god of their own imagination who just approves of whatever they do.
In reality most Americans are in rebellion against God. They do not honor and worship him. Honoring the one, true God is seen as abnormal in the public square. God seems to be unwelcome in the schools, in workplaces, at social gatherings, and in the political arena. We are clearly not one nation under the one, true God of the Bible.
First, what do Americans believe about God? We live in a pluralistic society with many different beliefs. A majority of the American people profess a belief in Christianity. But there are many other religions that are adhered to by many people.
Christianity believes in a different God than all other religions do. It holds to a triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Therefore if Christianity is true then all other religions are necessarily false. Some Americans believe in more than one god and some even belief we are god. And of course atheists believe there is no God. The nation does not believe in the same God.
Do Americans live as one nation under God? A majority of the people profess to be Christians but most are really not. Many of them hold beliefs that are not in line with the Bible. The majority of Americans do not live for God, they live for themselves. You can just look at our pop culture and see that God is not honored. In fact he is often mocked in movies, television, and music. Many Americans believe in a god of their own imagination who just approves of whatever they do.
In reality most Americans are in rebellion against God. They do not honor and worship him. Honoring the one, true God is seen as abnormal in the public square. God seems to be unwelcome in the schools, in workplaces, at social gatherings, and in the political arena. We are clearly not one nation under the one, true God of the Bible.
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