2024 – Volume 35
Cain and Abel
Genesis 4 The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 raises a number of questions in the mind of the reader, among which are these three. (1) When Cain murdered his brother, why was the penalty not death? Why “a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth?” And then, though he was not remorseful, why did God grant him a blessing? (2) Why [...]
The Harvests of God
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7) When you hear the word “harvest” what do you think of? If you are a farmer, you probably think of the results of your work and effort through a growing season. But most Bible students probably think immediately of that beautiful parable Jesus gave concerning the wheat and the tares and its application [...]
Five Special Occasions
Two Ages of Redemption (Leviticus 23) “Speak unto the children of Israel ... concerning the feasts of Jehovah, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts” (Leviticus 23:1). Leviticus chapter 23 provides a summary list of special occasions contained in the Law of Moses. Most of these are given in greater detail in other places, but in this chapter [...]
Correlating the Spring and Fall Burnt Offerings
The feasts of Israel were special observances designed to help Israel recall the many blessings and providences of God. They were observed in both the spring and fall of the year. Before addressing the feasts of Israel it may be helpful to examine the basic meaning of burnt offerings. THE PEOPLE’S BURNT OFFERINGS As described in Leviticus 1, any Israelite was free to bring [...]
Chiasms, Memorable Teaching
“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:10). Effective teaching employs repetition, precept upon precept as noted in Isaiah. Sadly, as the Isaiah context shows, the immediate hearers seem to have included those slow of heart. A special style of effective repetitive teaching called Chiasms appears throughout the [...]
Never a Secret Society Member
Clear Statements Question. Can a man who has made full consecration to the Lord remain a member of a secret society? Answer. We cannot speak from personal experience, never having been a member of any such society. But if we should even take for granted that they are in no way opposed to the doctrines of Christ, and that they cultivate morality (which is [...]
666, the False Donation of Constantine, and the Renaissance
“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is 666” (Revelation 13:18) Pastor Charles T. Russell, Question Book (1911), page 37. “What about the number of the beast, 666?” ANSWER. — “There are various interpretations given to this. I am not specially prepared to say all about [...]
Did Jesus have Brothers and Sisters (Siblings)?
The Roman Catholic church claims that Jesus was an only child and that those described as his “brethren” were cousins rather than siblings. These brethren are mentioned numerous times in scripture. Matthew 12:46, “While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.” Luke 8:19, 20, “And there came to him his mother [...]
The Golden Calf – Exodus 32 and Chiasms
What has happened to Moses? We do not see him, The mob was blind with frustration. The people assembled unto Aaron; it was near forty days since Moses had ascended the fearful mountain and since then there was no word, no signal, no sighting of Moses. Whispers grew into a mob’s roar that demanded to know, “What has happened to Moses? We do not [...]
Animals that Represent Jesus
“The Lion of the tribe of Judah ... hath overcome” (Revelation 5:5). In the symbology and typology of scripture, Jesus is depicted in a variety of ways. The choice of these symbols is, of course, the divine choice, and each has with it specific lessons associated with the qualities of the type. Among these types are several different animals used to represent Jesus. Each [...]