Was it a sin for Israel to ask for a king? 1 Sam 8 makes it seem so. But then Deut 17 seemingly gives permission for Israel to ask for a king. How should we think about Israel’s monarchy? Should it have happened, or is it an example of an evil that God used for good?
Category: Questions and Answers
Was Jesus a Fruitful Eunuch?
Some have described Christ as a sort of “fruitful eunuch.” Others have pointed out that he in fact has a bride. While these would be mutually exclusive in a literal sense, does the Bible require us to choose between them when taken as metaphors?
Should We Read The Story Of David And Goliath Primarily As An Underdog Narrative?
Was David’s victory over Goliath a miracle? Was he really an underdog or was this a case of misperception as to who was the favorite? We know it is not uncommon for smaller people to defeat larger people in fights.
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Why are there so many ‘Binitarian’ Formulations in the New Testament?
Why are so many references to God in the NT binitarian (Father and Son) rather than trinitarian (Father, Son and Spirit)? I’m thinking of Paul’s greetings, Stephen’s vision, Jesus’ speeches about unity with the Father, etc. Admittedly the Spirit grows more prominent after Pentecost, but I’ve wondered about this a lot. I’ve seen anti-trinitarians use this argument, but though I can explain it away, I’m not sure I can positively account for it. Thoughts?
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Should the Lord’s Supper Have a Sombre Tone?
I am wondering about your take on whether the Lord’s supper should be a somber event of introspection or a joyous meal of celebration. My understanding is that throughout church history it has been observed more as a somber event, but through the works of people like Leithart and Jordan I have come to see it as mainly a celebration of God’s kindness and favor.
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How Does Proverbs Fit in with the Rest of the OT?
How does the book of Proverbs fit in with the rest of the OT? It seems so general and universal, and hardly draws upon Israel’s particular covenant history. It rarely if at all appeals to special revelation from YHWH, the God of Israel, and discusses natural realities that are universally acknowledged. Is there much of a difference between Proverbs and the sort of wisdom literature that pagans would write?
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Is The Widow With The Two Mites A Positive Example Of Sacrificial Giving?
The story of the widow and her two mites (Luke 21:1-4) is often used to commend sacrificial giving. However, the immediate context contains Jesus condemning the Scribes for “devouring widows’ houses” and promising to destroy the temple. Is the story primarily about sacrificial giving? Or, is this story about a corrupt religious system that was devouring widows rather than caring and providing for them? The Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8 gave out of their poverty, but it was in response to the gospel and doesn’t seem to have been their pennies.
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How Can Peter Describe False Teachers as Having Been ‘Bought’ By Christ?
Why does Peter say that the Lord “bought” false teachers in 2 Peter 2:1? How can Christ be said to have “purchased” or “bought” those who are unsaved?
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What Is Meant By Calling Marriage A Natural Institution?
If marriage is a pre-political institution then none of the measures laid down by the state (e.g. registration, marriage certificates etc.) make a marriage legitimate in God’s eyes. In which case, what does constitute a legitimate marriage in God’s eyes? One answer I’ve been given, based on Genesis 1-2, is something along the lines of: a man and a woman who make promises to each other before God and some witnesses. What are you thoughts on this, and which passage(s) would you use to make your case?
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Does New Creation Undermine Natural Law?
What implications does the promise of new creation have for Christian ethics? Specifically does new creation undermine natural law ethics since we are now to orientate our lives, not towards what is revealed in nature, but towards the new creation established by God in Christ. What implications does this have for issues in which Christians often appeal to natural law arguments – marriage, sexuality, gender issues etc…?
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