Dr Paul Allen

Philip Ryken The Bible describes the exodus in careful detail. Nevertheless, it has often been challenged on historical grounds. One standard objection concerning information given in Exodus 12 is the size of the Exodus. It deserves a response. The text says, “The people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds” (vv. 37–38). This account gives the kind of who, what, when, where, and how information that a good historian is careful to include. But what about “How many?” Can we really believe that God brought so many Israelites out of Egypt? That’s a good question. There are three common answers to choose from. Answer #1: Inflated Statistics If there were 600,000 men, then there were perhaps 2 million Israelites in all, and this number presents difficulties. If there were so many Israelites, why aren’t they mentioned in the annal

The various statements that are made in the Scriptures in regard to God hardening Pharaoh ’s heart have also perplexed a great many young Christians and have frequently been made use of by unbelievers in their attacks upon the Bible . It is said that if God hardened Pharaoh’s heart and, in consequence of this hardening, Pharaoh rebelled against God, then God Himself was responsible for Pharaoh’s sin, and it was unjust to hold Pharaoh accountable for his rebellion and to punish him for it. In Exodus 4:21 ( RV ) we read: “And the LORD said unto Moses , When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go” (see also Exodus 7:3; 14:4). Now from reading these passages it does seem at the first glance as if there were some ground for criticism of God’s action in this matter, or of the Bible account of it. But when we study carefully exactly what the Bib

The Brazen Serpent, by Benjamin West; among the overthrown, an unmistakable reference to the Laocoön (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) We’re commanded to engage in prayer because it is a God -ordained means of impacting him and changing the world. Jesus didn’t say if we have faith and pray our attitude toward mountains would change. He said the mountain would move! Prayer changes what happens in world. Did you know that there are more “if…then” clauses associated with prayer in the Bible than any other single human activity? For example, the Lord says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” He then goes on to add, “Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place” (2 Chron. 7:14-15). The Lord is in effect saying, “I want to heal and forgive you, but I’m waiting on you to humble yourse

The Bible isn’t a songbook, but did you know there are at least 185 songs in the Bible? Battles, coronations, funerals, cities being sacked, and seas splitting up—you can find songs in the Bible for all kinds of occasions. Granted, 150 of these songs are in the book of Psalms , which actually is a songbook. But you can find 35ish more songs, chants, dirges, and hymns scattered across the Old and New Testaments . (I say 37ish because some of those songs are very similar to Psalms, and other pieces of poetry may or may not have been sung.) I’ve pulled those non-Psalms together in one place for your reference. Your worship leader will probably give you a high five if you share this with them. =) We’ll kick things off with a few stats about the songs in the Bible, then examine each of the non-psalms one by one. And just in case you’re curious, you’re welcome to check out the piece I wrote on the different kinds of Psalms . Only 185? Well … You may read through these and notice a few

English: El Gouna (Red Sea, Egypt) Nederlands: El Gouna (Rode Zee, Egypte) (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Believers regularly ask God to do great things. Things that seem impossible. Like saving certain people who seem light years away from the kingdom. Or providing when we can’t see any possible way. Most of us even pray for miracles at times. The only thing is, we often ask for too little. We should ask God for great things, especially if they will bring him glory. In Psalm 81:10 God says:  I am the LORD your God , who brought you up out of the land of Egypt . Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. God says to his people, “Don’t forget who I am - the LORD – the Creator and Ruler of heaven and earth. I own all things and command all things. Whatever I say, goes. I speak and it happens. Then he says, “I am…your God.” And you are the sheep of my pasture. I’ve made a covenant with you to be your God. I have a personal interest in you. Not only am I the LORD and your God, I

Taking scripture  literally  means, in a nutshell, understanding the words of scripture (a)  in their   common usage   and (b)  in their   appropriate circles of context . A.   Common Usage In order to understand the scripture, a literal interpretation of scripture will attempt to understand words according to their  common usage in speech  (as used by the  original recipients , not the modern readers) unless they have sufficient reason to seek some other interpretation.  This means several things: 1.  It means that the literal interpreter will recognize and  seek to properly understand figures of speech, poetic devices, etc . The simple way of recognizing a figure of speech is given in the general rule – “ If the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense “. - An example of this is when Jesus says “I am the gate for the sheep” in John 10:7 .  One instinctively recognizes that Jesus is using a metaphor here since it nonsense to think that Jesus is describing himself as

Crossing of the red sea (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt , afterward destroyed them that believed not.” ( Jude 1:5 )   This is the first example Jude provides of those who refused to respond to God ’s leading and gracious provision. Israel had witnessed stunning miracles, and a few very public judgments, before the 12 spies were sent out to investigate the Promised Land .   For example, the institution of the Passover was a wonderful and fearful event. God showed His hand both in salvation of those who obeyed and in swift judgment on those who refused.   The exodus of Israel from Egypt was unique. Not only did God enrich the nation in one day, but demonstrated His awesome power at the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the army of Pharaoh. Everyone in Israel observed this. They all experienced God’s power firsthand.   On the way