Are There Contradictions in the Bible?

Hey, Calvary Youth. Pastor Keegan here. I wanted to connect with you because we had a student who submitted a question on the Calvary Youth page. The question is: “Are there contradictions in the Bible? And how do I respond to critics about that?”

What a great question! There are countless pages on the Internet that talk about alleged contradictions in the Bible. Some people claim, “I don’t believe in the Bible because it’s just a book written by men. It’s ancient and out of date.” So, how do we deal with these alleged contradictions?

Let me start by saying this: No, the Bible does not contradict itself; rather, it complements itself. You have to keep in mind that the Bible is a series of books written over the span of 1,500 years by 40 different human authors across three continents. Given this vast scope, you might expect some variations, but these variations are not contradictions. Instead, they complement the entirety of God’s word.

Addressing Alleged Contradictions

Let me take you to a specific example in Proverbs Chapter 26. This passage may challenge you in your Bible reading and raise some questions that require deeper study. But let’s look at what some might call an alleged contradiction in the Bible.

In Proverbs Chapter 26, Verses 4 and 5, it says:

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.”
“Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.”
—Proverbs 26:4-5 NKJV

If I were a Bible critic, I might point to this as the definition of a contradiction. However, it’s crucial to recognize the literary style of the book of Proverbs. This book is based on wisdom, teaching us not necessarily the black-and-white rules for every situation but rather to live with discernment, prudence, knowledge, and understanding.

When I read Proverbs 26, Verses 4 and 5, I see that both verses can be true depending on the situation. There are times when, in wisdom, I should not answer a fool according to their folly so I don’t become like them. Yet, there are other times when, with prayerful discernment, I should answer a fool according to his folly so he doesn’t become wise in his own eyes. This is the essence of the book of Proverbs. 

When you look back at Proverbs Chapter 1, it explains the purpose and reason for its writing:

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.”
—Proverbs 1:1-5 NKJV

Understanding the Bible’s Literary Styles

Another important point to consider is the literary style of the writing. Proverbs is a book of wisdom, and in many ways, it resembles Hebrew poetry. To sum up, the Bible does not contain contradictions. There are answers to each of the alleged contradictions, and one of the key tactics of the enemy is to sow doubt. 

He did this from the very beginning with Adam and Eve, asking, “Did God really say this?” This is still true today. The enemy’s goal is to get you to question the authority of God’s word.

God’s Word is Pure

Finally, I want to read one more verse from the book of Proverbs to you. In Proverbs Chapter 30, Verses 5 and 6, it says:

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
—Proverbs 30:5-6 NKJV

One of the essential truths about God is that He cannot lie. He is not full of contradictions, and you can trust in that with complete confidence.

God bless you, and thank you for asking these questions.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/are-there-contradictions-in-the-bible/

After God Judges the World, Will He Start Over and Make New Life?

Question: 

After God judges the world, will he start over and make new life?

Answer:

I think we can find the answer to that in Revelation Chapter 20, which speaks of God’s judgment. It’s called the Great White Throne Judgment and is the final judgment that God brings upon Satan and the people who have rejected Jesus. And chapter 21 of Revelation talks about God’s newness, making all things new. 

I’d encourage you to read those two chapters because they’ll give you some insight and context on this question.

I’ll read a couple of verses here. This is John speaking as he has received the vision and the revelation from God. 

Revelation 21:1 NKJV, he says: 

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea.”

In this verse, we see that the old is gone. God has created something entirely new, a new heaven and a new earth.

Verse 2 says that John saw a new city, a holy city coming down from heaven. The new Jerusalem really represents God’s presence.

Revelation 21:2 NKJV

“Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

But I think Verse 3 answers the question “After God makes everything new, is he going to make new life in this?”

I think the answer is no because it says here in Verse 3:

Revelation 21:3 NKJV

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”

Speaking of people who’ve put their faith in Jesus Christ, this is really a picture of what we think heaven is. And these people, these believers, are now with God. This is the tabernacle of God, which represents the presence of God. And they dwell with Him, and He’ll be with them. These people will acknowledge God as their God. And so, I know this is speaking of eternity for believers.

Speaking of our future as we believe in Jesus Christ, if you put your faith in Jesus, this can be a promise for us. But it says that God will be with them. And so, I don’t think God’s creating new life, but what He’s doing is restoring and redeeming the lives of those who’ve put their faith in Jesus Christ. 

It says bringing them into the eternity that He’s purposed for them, that He’s created for them.

It says that He’s going to wipe away the tears, there’s going to be no more death, sorrow, or pain. The former things have passed away. And so, He’s brought us into this restoration of completeness that Jesus Christ has for us as believers.

This is a promise that you can hold on to. Even though the Bible says our outward man and our bodies are perishing, the inward man is being renewed day by day, and we have an eternity of newness looking forward to what God has for us in a world, in heaven, and in an earth that is not touched by sin but instead fully saturated by the presence of God.

So, read these chapters to get some more insights, and I hope that answers your question.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/after-god-judges-the-world-will-he-start-over-and-make-new-life/

How Do I Repent of Something I Keep Doing? Is Mental Illness a Sin?

So, let me start with this first point, “How do I repent of something I keep doing?” So that’s a really good question. If we have Jesus in us and the Holy Spirit working in us, we should allow Him to convict us and correct us as we fall into sin. And yet, there can be this time where we fall into the cycle of sin, and it’s hard to pull ourselves out of it, whether it’s addiction or just repeating it over and over again.

And what I love to fall back onto is in Romans Chapter 6:11. And this is a truth for you to really memorize and put into your life, especially when you’re tempted to fall back into another sin. 

Romans Chapter 6:11 NLV says: 

“Likewise, you also reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Addressing Repeated Sin

Paul uses very specific language in Verse 11. He says you should “reckon yourselves to be dead to sin–” This word “reckon” can also be translated as counting it or calculating it. It’s essentially a mathematical term where Paul is saying, “Hey, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you’ve been forgiven and redeemed and saved by Him. This is the truth, this is the fact, this is the mathematical equation that you are dead to sin. That is your old life; that is your old man,” as he would say.

We must remember that we have a new nature in Jesus Christ. The old is gone, everything has become new, and He’s paid the penalty for you on the cross. And so, you have the power in Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to turn away from sin even though you keep on repeating it over and over again. 

You have to tell yourself and remind yourself of who you really are in Christ, that you are actually dead to sin. That sin has no control or power over you. You can be an overcomer of that in the Holy Spirit.

And then he says, “Not only are you dead to sin, but you’re alive to God in Christ Jesus.” This is an awesome promise for us to hold on to: You’re alive in Christ Jesus; you’re alive in God. And because you’re alive, you can have victory over sin, the sin that so easily trips us up and ensnares us.

I want you to hold onto that and put that in your mind and heart and memorize this as your identity. You’re no longer a slave to sin, but a child of God.

With repentance, the word “repent” literally means to turn 180 degrees in a different direction. So, if you say you keep repenting, but you fall back into that sin over and over again, I would challenge you if this is true repentance. 

Repentance has to have fruits or results or action. You have to turn away. It’s not just saying “I’m sorry” or having regret over what you did, but it’s actually turning in a different direction and going in a new course of life. And so, again, you’re alive in God. You have the power to turn away from that and you can go forward in that.

I hope that answers the first part of this question. 

Is Mental Illness a Sin

The 2nd part is “Is mental illness a sin?” Maybe this even ties in if you’re struggling with mental illness and you keep falling into something, into sin because of a mental illness, maybe that’s part of the question. 

But to just address this piece, “Is mental illness a sin?” It is definitely not a sin at all to have a mental illness. Think of a physical illness, cancer, or whatever you would think of, any type of physical disease that we can carry. We don’t classify that as sin at all. 

We live in a body that is in a world and creation that’s falling apart because of sin. And so, our bodies and sometimes even our minds don’t work fully as they were created and intended to do because of sickness and illness.

So, there’s no condemnation; there’s no judgment; there should be no guilt with mental illness. And so, with mental illness, you want to get the help that you need. 

You want to seek professional help, and you want to have godly people in your life who are encouraging you and pointing you back to the Lord. Then, you still want to take ownership of how you behave and what you say. We never want to use sicknesses, whether mental or physical, to excuse sinful behavior.

Embracing God’s Grace

I hope that kind of answers it. Just hold onto the grace of God. God’s grace wants to cover you; whether it’s a mental illness you’re dealing with or a repeated sin you keep falling into as you run back to the cross. His grace is sufficient to strengthen us, to forgive us, and to help us move forward in all of these things.

God bless you, guys. I hope that helps a little bit.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/overcoming-repeated-sin-and-understanding-mental-illness/

Should I Strive for a Relationship, or Will It Fall into Place?

Hey, everyone. We have another great question: “Should I strive for a relationship, or will it fall into place?” 

Answer:

I can share a few ideas from the gospel of Matthew. I think this is a really good principle, whether you want a relationship or anything else. In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus is teaching us not to worry and what we do with the things that we worry about or want.

Trusting God’s Provision

He talks about the flowers of the field and the birds of the air and how God takes care of them, making this point: If God’s going to take care of those things, surely he will take care of you and me as his children.

Matthew 6:26-30 NIV 

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon, in all his splendor, was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” 

Seeking God’s Kingdom First

But then, after Jesus says all of these things, in Matthew 6:33 NIV, he says:  

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

So, I think we can apply this to this idea and this question, “Should you strive for a relationship?” 

I think that it’s a matter of what we are seeking. Are we seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness? Is that the priority in our lives? If we grow in Him and fall more in love with Him, the Lord will help sort out these other things in our lives. 

Even these other desires, even if they’re good desires, we want to make sure that our first and foremost desire is seeking Him, his kingdom, and his righteousness. And the promise is all these other things will be added unto you.

Embracing the Season of Singleness

So, if you desire a relationship and feel like you’re striving for it, I would encourage you to pause that striving and focus on the Lord. 

Ask the Lord, “What does he want to do in your life during this season of singleness?” Maybe the Lord has a purpose for it. Maybe the Lord wants to develop some patience or maturity. Whatever He might want to do in this season of waiting upon Him, seeking Him, and then trusting in Him. Even this word, “not to worry about tomorrow and not to worry about a future relationship,” but the Lord will bring that in in due season.

So, I would say that you shouldn’t strive for a relationship. However, if you continue in Matthew Chapter 7, God also gives us the open door to ask and to pray and to ask Him for the things that we desire. 

Matthew 7:7-7 NIV says: 

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

So, this idea is that the Lord does want to answer your prayers, the Lord does want to bless us, and the Lord does want to give us the desires of our hearts. I think if we couple these two ideas where, we’re seeking first the kingdom of God, and that’s our first and foremost desire of His righteousness and His kingdom. We can also bring these prayer requests.

Praying for Your Desires

If you really want a relationship, ask the Lord. Ask the Lord if that would be His will for you and that you would keep asking and seeking those things. 

As our heart aligns with His heart, He’s going to help us with our prayers of what we need, what we want. But have that boldness to ask the Lord for the things, the desires of your heart, but ask Him in this place as well for wisdom of, “Lord, not my will, but your will be done.“

I hope this helps and applies to this question of wanting a relationship. Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness; make that priority number one. But then, number two, you can just take everything to the Lord, bring these requests to Him, and see how he will help sort that out in your prayer closet.

So, hope that helps. God bless you guys.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/striving-for-a-relationship-a-biblical-perspective/

Navigating Singleness: Trusting God’s Plan

Question: How do I stay encouraged in singleness and trust that God has someone for me? Also, how do I deal with the doubt and insecurity while waiting?

Answer: Finding Hope in God’s Promises

I’m going to do my best to give a brief but clear answer. In this question, obviously, we have one of our youths who has a desire for a relationship but is struggling with singleness. And just asking the question, “How can I trust that God really has someone for me?”

Psalm 37:4 NKJV says, 

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give the desires of your heart.” 

Patience and God’s Timing

And so, a very important component of this is that I believe even that very desire for a relationship can be God-given. However, if I’m not careful, I can take a God-given desire and then try to have it come to pass or come to fruition in my own ability, and that’s a very dangerous thing. 

If you’re familiar with the Bible story of Abraham and Sarah, they had received a promise, but they were waiting for this promised son. And in their own understanding and wisdom, they had Ishmael, who didn’t come from Abraham and Sarah but came from Abraham and Sarah’s servant. 

Even though Ishmael was not the promised son, we can, in essence, create Ishmaels in our lives by doing things outside of God’s timing. So, patience—waiting patiently upon the Lord—is a big part of that.

Drawing Strength from Scripture

And so, what do we do, and how can we stay encouraged? My big thing for you is in 1 Samuel Chapter 30, which is what came to mind when I read this question. 

1 Samuel 30:6 NLT; it says, 

“But David found strength in the Lord, his God.” 

Or there’s another translation 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV; that says, 

“David encouraged himself in the Lord, his God.” 

Trusting God’s Plan

That’s really the answer that I give to you. You just have to trust that God’s Plan is better than yours.

This is in many areas of life, right? You might be looking at your future careers, or you’ll be looking at, “What am I to do in schooling?” and all these areas of life. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He’ll direct your paths.” 

Seeking Guidance and Support

That’s a very deep question, and I feel like it requires a little personal counsel, too. So, I’d encourage you to talk to a pastor or a parent. A spiritual leader in your life can give you great direction with a question like that. Thank you for asking, and I hope it helps. 

God bless you.

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/navigating-singleness-trusting-gods-plan/

Nurturing a Relationship with God

Hey, Calvary Youth! I have a question that was submitted by a student who says, “How do you have a relationship with God?” 

Answer: Building a Connection with the Divine

Let me just start off by saying I love the questions that are submitted. The questions that you young people ask are questions that I even wrestle with and seek answers to in my personal walk with God. 

Understanding the Intangible

Let’s just be clear that God is intangible in many ways because the Bible says that God is Spirit. It’s tough sometimes. Practically, we just need to ask, “How do I do this? I can’t see you. I can’t audibly hear you. And so, God, how do I get to have a relationship with you?” 

Jesus would even call you “blessed.” In John Chapter 20, he was conversing with one of his disciples, Thomas. 

John 20:29 NLT

“You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Faith is the only way. Belief and trust are the only way we can be right with God, and it has to start there. It has to start with, “I just trust and believe that God is who the Bible declares him to be.”

Abiding in Jesus: A Path to Relationship

But to give a clearer answer, and as some homework if this is a question you have. John 15:1-13 gives great insight into a concept we know as abiding or remaining in Jesus. 

An important part of a relationship is that we stay put. That we find ourselves secure with Jesus, walking with him day to day, inviting him in day by day, and receiving his invitation day by day. You might even say “moment-to-moment” because this is just how any relationship is. There are moments when we enjoy that relationship.

Practical Steps in Spiritual Connection

Some key practical things, such as prayer and talking to God, are really important. And then there’s hearing from God. One of the main ways that I hear from God is through His Word. And so, when we say, “Do your devotion,” it’s having a time that we set purpose to read and study, but also to just receive and digest the Word of God.

But I want to share this one verse from John Chapter 15. I said I had some homework for you to read through that whole chapter in context. 

John 15:5 NLT, Jesus says these words; 

“Yes, I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me, you can do nothing.” 

We’ve been trusting Jesus in that, knowing that He is the vine and we are branches. I’m trusting in the very source—the source who gives me the desire and the source who gives me the power—and that’s Jesus Himself.

Conclusion: Seeking Deeper Connection

So, continue to trust in Him. Fix your eyes in a spiritual sense upon Him, and He’ll guide you along that path of a right relationship. 

Great question. Again, if you ever need to talk more personally, come seek out me, Pastor Byron, or any of our youth leaders or pastors here at the Church. We’d love to share and dive deeper into that question with you personally. 

God bless you, students. 

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/nurturing-a-relationship-with-god/

Do Angels Have A Beginning?

Question: Do Angels Have A Beginning?

Hey, Calvary Youth. Thanks for submitting another question. This is Pastor Keegan, and I have the privilege of answering the question, “Did angels have a beginning, and can they die?” 

Answer: Understanding Angels’ Creation and Immortality

What an awesome question! The Bible has so much to say about these supernatural beings we refer to as “angels.” 

Angels’ Origin in the Divine Order

There’s so much I could talk about in regard to the classes of angels, the categories of demonic or fallen angels versus the good messenger angels of God. But just to give a simple answer: yes, angels have a beginning. 

They are part of the created order of God. We can see that in a number of scriptures. However, one of the key ones is Hebrews Chapter 1. If you want to do the research, read through it. It really emphasizes how Jesus, the Son of God, is greater than the angels.

The author of Hebrews, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, summarizes at the end:

Hebrews 1:13-14 NLT

“God never said to any of the angels, Sit in the place honor of my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”

“Therefore, Angels are only servants, spirits, sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.”

So, we’re seeing a class of angels that are spoken of here—specifically, those who are sent as messengers of God. God had a purpose for angels. They’re supernatural beings. Different than humans, of course. And in that regard, we can look at angels and say they’re not in the natural confines that we as humans are. 

Angels’ Purpose and Distinction

Remember, why did humans die in the first place? That wasn’t even part of God’s original design or order, but it was an effect of sin that entered the world. That’s why salvation is so important. 

If you noticed in Hebrews 1:14, God has a special mission for angels. A reassignment, you could say, after the fall, that they would go and be messengers for the saving work of God. Of course, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. 

You can read through Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT, which talks about that.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

Judgment and Immortality

But angels, yes, they have a beginning. They are a created order of God. 

Can they die? 

No, there is a judgment for fallen angels. Revelation Chapter 12 gives a little insight into what happened in the beginning when a third of the angels rebelled. 

Revelation 12:7-9 NLT

“Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels.”

“And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven.” 

“This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.”

The leader, of course, who we know as the Devil or Satan, leads that rebellion. Those angels will be put in what’s known as the “lake of fire.” It’s a place of judgment reserved for angels. 

Angels, Mortality, and Salvation

There’s another place in the scripture that talks about this bottomless pit or the abyss where certain fallen angels are bound for a time and a period.  But with all the best said, angels do not experience a physical death as humans do, nor do they receive the opportunity for salvation. 

So, humans are different from angels, and angels are different from Jesus. And Jesus, of course, is greater than the angels. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. I hope that helps. 

source https://calvaryyouth.org/biblical-answers/do-angels-have-a-beginning/