The Bible Talks

“If God created everything, then why can you only know him through Scriptures? Surely God can be known through other ways.” “What does it look like to judge Jesus through a non-worldly criteria – as opposed to judging by worldly criteria?” “I wonder if walking “not by sight” doesn’t mean that Paul doubts his senses, … Continue reading "2...

“What is the difference between the gospel being veiled and Christians struggling to understand God’s word? Did God make the Bible deliberately complex and hard to understand at times, or do we struggle to understand it because we are sinful?” “Why does God allow people to be blinded?” “I have a friend who doesn’t trust … Continue reading "2 Corinthi...

“If we deserve hell, but Jesus is our substitute, does that mean that he experienced an eternity of hell? Did he go to hell at all, as some of the historic creeds suggest? And how does this fit in with Jesus saying “today you will be with me in paradise”?” “If Jesus was meant to … Continue reading "Luke 23:32-43 Q&A with Carl Matthei"

“You mentioned that the old covenant was founded upon the Israelite’s obedience but wasn’t it also initiated by God’s grace and mercy? (Bringing them out of slavery in Egypt Exodus 20:3). Obedience seems to follow God’s grace?” “Is there a distinction between Sinai covenant and God’s promises of unconditional “Hesed” (love)  to Abraham and Davi...

“In verse 23 “But I call God to witness against me…” It’s kind of like the modern saying “On God I did/didn’t…” which Christians are called not to do?” “2 Corinthians 1:23 -> Is Paul using an oath here? Doesn’t Jesus command not to make oaths?” “Why don’t we have the severe letter in our … Continue read...

“In vs 10 what are gate references?” “Why bother mentioning the ‘gate’ in v 10? Is the gate alluding to other parts of the bible?” “Is the day of Jesus return just the end of “the day”?” “What was the logic + evidence behind being able to see the day as started but not finished?” … Continue reading "Zechariah 14 Q&A...

“Is Zechariah’s sampling distinct/unique compared to other prophets? Is it more than just consistent/known/understood imagery?” “Is the imagery of 1/3’s in 13:8 sampled from Ezekiel 5? They seem to have the same idea. Or are they fully separate?” “I wonder of the significance of Zec 13:8-9’s use of thirds and the two thirds cut off. … Continue...

“Why did Zechariah throw away the silver? Was that just something to be fulfilled?” “You phrased that the gospel writer use the images of thirty pieces of silver to draw attention to the connection between Jesus & the prophecy – do you mean that the gospel writers themselves inserted that value intentionally, and it may … Continue reading "Zechariah 11 Q&A wit...

“Tim mentioned a couple times how this great king (Jesus) would “be saved” from suffering/affliction. Just wondering how best we can articulate “who” did this work of salvation/resurrection. Acts 10:40 & 13:30 talk about God being the one to raise Christ. So what did Jesus do besides win?” “Why does it switch between Ephraim & … Continue read...

“What does shaking of heaven mean? v7 treasures of all nations –> Desire of all nations in other translations?” “I wonder of Jesus’ ancestry through Zerubbabel since both Luke & Matthew have Zerubbabel and Shealtiel but between Zerubbabel & Jesus and Shealtiel & David they differ. I’m also trying to think if there is any … Continue reading "Hag...

“How can we build a true relationship with God?” “How do we know that we have built a genuine relationship instead of a performative relationship with God?” “How does someone begin to incorporate God into our daily lives?” “What are the requirements for someone to call themself a Christian? I have a few friends who … Continue reading "Zechariah 7-8 Q...

“Jeremiah 33 said that the Levitical priests will never lack a sacrifice to offer when the Branch comes. But doesn’t Jesus end the Levitical order of priests (Hebrews 7) and end perpetual sacrifices by his once-for-all sacrifice?” “From Jeremiah 33:17-17 “The levitical priests shall never lack a man…” But isn’t Jesus explicitly not a levitical … Cont...