Content on Exodus 8:16–17
50 results
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Does God Change His Mind?
To begin with, it is important to refresh our minds with those principles that identify an actual discrepancy. The law of contradiction briefly stated is this. “A thing cannot both be and not be for the same object at the same time in the same sense.” To summarize, if different things (or people)...
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Why Do You Refer to Israel as Palestine?
The Bible has no specific name for that small territory (about the size of Massachusetts and Connecticut combined) between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Here are the facts relative to this matter: The region was called the "land of Canaan" (Genesis 10:15) because it became the tradi...
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Is Fasting for Christians Today?
Fasting, in the biblical sense, is the abstaining from food and drink for a spiritual reason.. In the Old Testament era, the Jews fasted frequently, though only one fast was prescribed by the law. Once each year on the Day of Atonement, the Hebrews were to afflict their souls (Lev. 16:31), which ...
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Does Starlight Require Millions of Years to Reach the Earth?
First, I would dispute the chronological theory that suggests the Universe is billions of years old. I do not believe there is indisputable scientific evidence supporting that view, and I believe there is substantial evidence against it. I have discussed this briefly in my book, Creation, Evoluti...
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What About the Name Jehovah?
The term “Jehovah,” appearing in the American Standard Version (1901), takes the place of “LORD” (all caps) in the King James Translation, as well as in most modern versions. It derives from four Hebrew consonants, called the Tetragrammaton, a term that signifies a four-letter word. This expressi...
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Are Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit “God” in Nature?
As a general rule, we refrain from commenting on specific problems congregations or individuals may be having. Regardless, I must say that an individual who teaches what this question represents is incorrect in their views regarding Christ and the Holy Spirit. Let us consider each of the proposit...
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Must We Do Something To Receive the Free Gift of Salvation?
There are several factors to consider when responding to this excellent question. Reflect upon the following: Salvation is wonderfully described in the New Testament as a free gift. This terminology is used to emphasize that God is under no compulsion to offer it. Man, by his choice, has rebelled...
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What Is the Meaning of Romans 3:31?
The correct interpretation of this passage depends on four things — the meaning of “law,” the significance of “faith,” and a consideration of these terms in both the immediate and remote contexts of scripture. We must note at the outset that respectable scholars hold slightly different views on c...
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Paul’s Experience on the Damascus Road
When we discuss the fact that we “hear God,” we are considering what God fundamentally communicates about the plan of salvation and how we can obey it. Of course, God “speaks” through his creation (Ps. 19:1; Rom. 1:20). But this general revelation of God does not specify how we can be saved from ...
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Please Explain 1 Timothy 5:24-25
It will first be important to observe the larger context in which this puzzling text is found. Beginning in 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul provides instructions regarding certain matters relating to the elders of a local congregation. He states that they may be financially supported in their work. If neces...
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Was God Cruel to Animals?
Whenever a command of Jehovah appears frivolous or unreasonable, we need to study the matter more closely. The Lord always does what is right (Genesis 18:25), regardless of how the situation might appear from our limited vantage point. First, we should define the term. To "hock" or "hamstring" a ...
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The Gospel Writers and Their Quotations from Jesus
This is a good question, but the alleged problem is not of serious import. Let us consider the following factors. General Principles First, it has long been recognized that when referring to another's audible use of language or written words, it is not necessary to quote verbatim to accurately re...
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Did All Christians in the First Century Possess Miraculous Gifts?
First, no evidence shows that anyone other than the apostles received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. They had been promised that blessing (see Acts 1:5, 8). The only other exception was to the household of Cornelius, in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy, as a divine token th...
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Will Wicked People Be Annihilated in Hell?
The question clearly indicates that the author is a conditionalist. A conditionalist is one who believes that at some point following death, those who die estranged from God will be annihilated, that is, cease to exist. This is the dogma of the Seventh-day Adventists, the Jehovah's Witnesses, and...
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Will Only “Your Bunch” Be Saved?
There are many ideas that people have about who will be in Heaven. Since no one on Earth today has ever personally experienced going to Heaven, all we have to go on is what has been revealed and confirmed through the Scriptures. What Does the Bible Actually Say About Who Will Go to Heaven? First,...
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Were the King James Version Translators Biased Toward the “Faith-Only” Doctrine?
The King James Version is an old and respected translation of the Holy Scriptures. We have a very high regard for this popular version. Its translators attempted to reproduce the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek original text into the English tongue in a faithful way. In evaluating any version, however...
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Do the Scriptures Authorize Multiple Cups?
Sincere though these people are, their approach to the Scriptures in this regard is flawed. When the New Testament speaks of the cup in observing communion, it is not the literal container that is being referred to. Instead, it is the contents (i.e., the fruit of the vine) that are emphasized. Th...
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Must Terminally Ill Christians Artificially Prolong Life?
Life-and-death issues are among the most difficult decisions we may ever have to make. This is a question many are facing, especially as medical treatments and technology can extend life beyond what the body can sustain on its own. Since the Bible does not provide specific answers to many questio...
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Is a Church Obligated to Support Mission Work?
We typically do not comment on specific issues related to congregations. It is impossible to know all of the facts surrounding certain events, and it is impossible to know the hearts of those involved. We can, however, address some general biblical principles. Individuals or congregations must ma...
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Should Christians Pray for the Forgiveness of Their Sins?
Many sincere Bible students frequently misunderstand this passage. It is also a source of some division. Let's explore the meaning. Walking in the Light First, 1 John 1:7 teaches that we have ongoing forgiveness only so long as we "walk in the light." Part of that "light" shows that we petition G...
