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 Corinthians 5 Q&A with Carl Matthei"

“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 Corinthians 4 Q&A with Carl Matthei"

“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 David? …

Continue reading "2 Corinthians 3 Q&A with Carl Matthei"

“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 reading "2 Corinthians 1-2 Q&A with Carl Matthei"

“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 with Carl Matthei"

“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 reading "Zechariah 12-13 Q&A with Carl Matthei"

“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 with Sachin and Maggie"

“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 reading "Zechariah 9-10 Q&A with Tim Rowe"

“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 "Haggai 1-2 Q&A with Tim Rowe"

“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&A with Tim Rowe"

“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 …

Continue reading "Zechariah 6 Q&A with Tim Rowe"

“Why is wickedness built a house? Why is it moved and hidden away and not judged/destroyed? Does this hint at a greater wickedness to befall Babylon/Persia, or indicate Judgement to come on them?” “Built house for the basket? -> wickedness & sin. Our iniquities?” “Could the olive trees in Zechariah relate to Elijah and Moses …

Continue reading "Zechariah 4-5 Q&A with Tim Rowe"

“Why does the Lord say “The Lord rebuke you Satan”? Is that Him rebuking Satan or is the Lord still waiting for when the Lord will later rebuke Satan?” “3:9 says ‘single day’ and Jesus was dead for three days & three nights. Is this still a single day that removes iniquity or inclusive of …

Continue reading "Zechariah 2-3 Q&A with Tim Rowe"

“Why does God say v3 ‘return to me and I’ll return to you’ if He intends to return to them before they return to Him?” “I think it’s cool that vs16 God says he has returned even though the temple wasn’t rebuilt. So was the temple truly symbolic as his dwelling place? Where is God …

Continue reading "Zechariah 1 Q&A with Tim Rowe"

“Why did Jesus initially disagree that he is worthy of worship only until he is able to perform miracles when he’s technically an extension of God, doesn’t that always make him worthy? Who exactly is Jesus? Does he evolve?” “Is Jesus’ authority only given after his death and resurrection, or simply “fully revealed” by it? …

Continue reading "Matthew 28 Q&A with Tim Rowe"