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Did you know that there is about a 99.9% chance that the Nativity scene you have lurking somewhere in your house is almost certainly not Biblically correct? Stick around and we’ll talk about it, here on Five Minutes of Truth.
If there is one part of the Bible that Believers and non-believers seem to know a lot about, it is the story of the Nativity…the first Christmas…the birth of Jesus. The cultural popularity of Christmas exploded across the US landscape decades ago. From a Biblical standpoint let’s just say that this has been a mixed blessing at best. We bemoan the commercialization of Christmas and its emphasis on material gifts, but we also must acknowledge that, at this point in time, people still seem to know what we are celebrating.
While secularization has robbed religious thought and prohibited it access to the grown-up table of the culture, for now, it seems pretty clear that most people know that Christmas signifies the birth of Christ even if they do not, personally, celebrate it as such. Well over 90% of Americans still believe in God while over 80% understand Jesus to be God and/or the Son of God.
As a result, one of the most popular and enduring accouterments of the Christmas season for both Believer and non-believer is the beloved Nativity scene. Whether the scene is embossed on a Christmas card, standing proudly on our mantle, or perched majestically and nearly life-sized in our front yard…the Christmas Nativity scene is a staple of seasonal holiday decorations. Even if we do not have a depiction anywhere around our home, chances are that we cannot drive through our neighborhood without seeing one.
We even recognize the characters and the setting, even if we do not have one. All of the familiar people and places are easily recognizable and identifiable. The roll call for a typical Nativity scene usually includes Mary, Joseph, Jesus as a baby, shepherds, an angel, animals, and, of course, the Three Wise Men. The physical surroundings also include something that looks like a barn or stable, the star, and some type of manger. These elements are as familiar to many of us as our own families. But what if these Nativity scenes were not right? What if it didn’t really happen like the scenes portray it? Would that surprise you? Would you care?
Let’s take a closer look at the elements of the traditional Nativity story and see how it lines up with the Biblical record. We’ll do that by asking and answering a few simple questions. First question: Was Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room in one of the local hotels or inns in Bethlehem? This is not as true as we might think. True, most translations do state that there was no room in the inn.
However, the word translated as “inn” in the Luke version literally means “room”. It is a different from the word that Luke uses later in his Gospel in the story of the Good Samaritan where there is a real inn because there was an innkeeper. The reality is that Mary and Joseph probably sought accommodations at the home of an extended family member. However, the “room” where they let visitors stay was filled. Instead, they placed them in an outer room where they would keep some of their most prized livestock. That would explain the existence of a manger which was, in fact, a food trough for animals. But it is almost certain that Jesus was not born in an outside stable surrounded by animals.
Next question: Did the three wise men visit Jesus the night He was born? This is almost certainly false. First, the Bible does not state that there were three wise me
God makes many promises in His Word. It would take a lot longer than 5 minutes to go through them all. But did you know that He often gets blamed for not keeping a promise He never made? Stick around and we’ll talk about it. Here on 5 minutes of truth.
There are a myriad of amazing promises that God makes throughout the 66 books that make up the Bible. Putting aside the fact that the God Who spoke the universe into existence would make any promises at all to us, it is estimated (by some) that there are over 3,000 specific promises God makes throughout the Bible. Yet despite all of that, in fact maybe because of all of that, God continues to get blamed a lot concerning promises.
He is blamed for promises He makes and keeps. He is blamed for promises that He doesn’t make, yet keeps. And He is blamed for promises He did not make and does not keep. And it’s the last one we are most interested in here. Because for some strange reason, God is often held to promises He did not make and therefore does not keep. This leads to some of the most curious complaints leveled against Him from the most curious of perspectives. This also leads to some of the most damaging misunderstandings about God that lead to some of the most damaging conclusions.
For example, God is often blamed for “innocent” or “unfair” deaths as we define them. And there is a reason why this happens. When horrific things happen to people, we want several things. We want answers, we want justice, and we want someone to blame. Therefore, when a natural disaster kills people: God is to blame. When a lone gunman kills people: God is to blame. When an accident kills people: God is to blame. And when disease kills people: God is to blame.
But I am confused about the logic behind this. Blaming God for these deaths is to acknowledge He has supreme power over life and death. All life and all death. The Bible confirms this. Maybe we just need some perspective. There are 7 billion people who live on this planet. Do you know how many people die every year planet-wide? 55 million. See where I’m going with this?
Let’s go ahead and blame God for every single death that occurs in the world every day. Just to make this easier. Though there are some deaths we are more “comfortable” with than others. Not too many people are going to sit at the bedside of a 100 year old person who died peacefully in their sleep and ask: Why did this happen? It happened because the person was 100 years old and already had beaten the life expectancy by 20 years. See my point?
We don’t view certain deaths as tragic or see them as unfair. And there are a lot of those in the 55 million deaths each year. But as I said, for the sake of clarity, let’s blame God for every single one of those 55 million deaths. 55 million is less than one percent of 7 billion. Again…see where I’m going with this? Let me make it clearer. Every year, God allows more than 99% of the earth’s population to live. More than 99%! While He allows (or even causes) less than 1% to die each year. If, as we have already conceded, that God is the ultimate power behind who lives and who dies, then why doesn’t He get the proportional thanks for allowing more than 99% of people to live as He seems to get blame for allowing less than 1% to die? I’m not sure I understand how He can be blamed for death and ignored for life. But maybe it’s because people don’t seem to think of it in this way.
This is somewhat understandable as we try to make sense out of things like this that often defy understanding. At some point, virtually every
Danny and I were unavailable to do a live show so instead, I'm sharing with you some behind the scenes silliness from the preshow. Enjoy this episode until we return next week. :-)
When God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden…it was not to administer punishment…but to bestow grace.
We are all very familiar with the story of Adam and Eve. After God created them in perfect circumstances under perfect conditions, it was not long before a serious problem arose.
In fact, it was the most serious problem the world ever had or ever will encounter.
God provided a literal paradise for Adam and Eve full of anything and everything they could have possibly wanted or needed.
Perhaps the most precious thing God provided them was a relationship with Him that is the envy of all who read these amazing passages.
There is a fascinating aspect of this even that escapes a large number of people. After Adam and Eve’s sin, Genesis 3:8 states that: “they heard the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day”.
What an amazing statement that suggests that this was not a one time event but something that happened pretty regularly…perhaps every day at the same time.
This is the relationship Adam and Eve had with the almighty God of the universe…that He would walk with them in the cool of the day.
But we know…even from this passage…this relationship would soon be devastatingly changed.
Despite the fact that Adam and Eve had this extraordinary relationship with God…despite the fact that they had access to the most incredible world that had ever been created…despite the fact that they lacked for nothing…it seemed not to be enough.
The story is familiar…God grants Adam and Eve amazing freedom and access with one important exception. Though they could eat from any tree in the garden..they were absolutely forbidden to eat from one particular tree…the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil.
But like most children (they were children of God) they simply could not avoid the temptation. After being lied to by Satan who promised them they would be “like God” if they ate of the forbidden tree…they unfortunately for all us…did just that.
Immediately after…things began to quickly unravel. God clearly began to explain to them the horrible consequences for their actions.
He told Adam that the ground he worked with such ease beforehand would now yield mostly thorns and weeds.
He told Eve that the blessing of childbirth would be cloaked in enhanced pain…and that there would be conflict not only between she and her husband…but between husbands and wives from that point forward.
But the worst was yet to come. Though they had enjoyed a perfect and unfettered relationship with the God of their creation, they (along with every single human being form that time on) would now be separated from God.
One of the saddest verses
in all of the Bible is found in verse 24 of Genesis 3. It reads in part… “so he drove out the man” and of course by implication Eve as well. He not only drove them out of their home…Eden…but God placed and angel armed with a flaming sword to keep them from re-entering.
This is of course The Fall. The point at which sin, which began with Adam and Eve…would be passed on to every single human being on the planet from that time on.
And since it is contained within the part of the Bible that clearly outlines punishment for this sin, it would be easy for us to conclude that their expulsion from Eden was also a part of this divine punishment.
But that’s not the case. For just two verses before the one describing Adam and Eve as being ejected from the Garden…God tells us why he did that in the first place.
The answer has to do with a tree…but not the tree you may be expecting. Genesis 3:22 states that the reason God removes Adam and Eve from the Garden is so that they will not eat from the Tree of Life. And what is the tree of life? It is the tree that would have caused Adam a
Dr. Danny and Robert discuss Faith vs works in James, Universalism in 2 Peter, Asurance of salvation. Recorded Live on Facebook LIVE.
Show Links:
How to answer the Fool. Presuppositional Apologetics in action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQKjUzotw_Y&feature=youtu.be
The Defense of the Faith, 4th Edition Van Til, Cornelius
https://www.wtsbooks.com/the-defense-of-the-faith-4th...
Shirt available at www.righteouswretch.com
We unveile our new ministry name and logo. We discuss the greater vision of the ministry. Followed by some awesome Q&A from our support group.
Bible Support Group Weekly Live Q/A Session #11
Robert Houghton and Dr. Danny Purvis answer questions related to our 90day Bible reading program. This session covers questions from Hebrews and 2nd Timothy.
Watch us LIVE every week at 8pm EST on our Facebook page.
www.growthproject.org
WEEK TEN QUESTIONS
1. What in the world does Paul mean when he says women should be silent in the church? 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
2. Is that why some denomination do not have women deacons…and how does that fit with 1 Timothy 3:1-13?
3. How does Paul say that the Law is good…when he seems to say in other places the exact opposite 1 Tim. 1:8-11.
4. In Col. 2:20-23 Paul seems to point out the shortcoming of the Law…and legalism…why is this important?
5. Philippians 4:6-7…what does having this “peace” look like? Does this mean happiness?
- 1) Kelly: Did God initially send Jesus ONLY for the Jew's salvation? If the Jews had accepted Jesus right from the start, would the Gentiles have been lost forever with no hope of salvation?
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Cara: What exactly is the difference between a jew and a gentile?
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2) Kelly: Regarding Romans 8:28-30 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."These verses seem to be saying that God already has a list of who will be saved. Please shed some light on "the thing behind the thing" because it seems to contradict so many things. For instance,John 3:16 God so loved the world, he gave his only son, that WHOSOEVER believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
- (Im guessing you'll get into the "Jacob I loved..." thing here? other wise I can add that as a question later on)
- How does one know if they are predestined or not?
- Why do evangelism?
- (Maybe some other common objections here)
General / private Q&A
Question 3: What does Paul mean in chapter 1 that people are “without excuse” (1:20)? What happens if people don’t ever hear the Gospel?
Question 4: What is the deal with that 25 dollar word in
Connie asks is it ok to eat “unclean” or non Kosher food?”
• Connie also asks “ God uses pain to glorify Himself?”
General / private Q&A
1. What did the vision in Acts 10 mean when it mentioned clean and
unclean animals and what was the significance of that vision.
2. Why did God punish Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5...was it because
they did not give all of theirs stuff to the church?
3. What is up with that strange sermon in Acts 17:22ff and why did Paul
preach this way?
4. Are Believers really supposed to argue like Paul and Barnabas did in
Acts 15:36-41?
5. What are we supposed to take away from Acts 21:9-14 when it comes
to God’s will and dangerous situations? And what is the role that pain
and suffering play in our lives?
6. What is the take-away from Philip’s interaction with the Ethiopian
Eunuch in Acts 8:26ff?
7. What is the significance of the strange question one of the Disciples
asked in Acts 1:6?
WEEK FIVE SHOW QUESTIONS
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The synoptics place the cleansing of the temple at the end of Jesus’ ministry. John places it at the beginning. Why the difference?
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What is that strange verse in John 3:14 where Jesus compares Himself to a “serpent in the wilderness”?
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What about the whole “angel in the water” section of John 5:4?
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Who were the “other disciples” mentioned in John 6:60 and 66. Why did they leave Jesus?
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What is the connection between sin and punishment mentioned in John 9:1?
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Why in John 11:35 did Jesus weep? Didn’t He know He was going to see Lazarus again?
This our most beloved episode becasue Dr. Danny discusses Worry from a Biblical perspective.
Kelly: In Luke 21:32 Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." Was He referencing the events of the great tribulation?
Rick: Buy a sword?
“He said to them, "But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.”
Luke 22:36 ESV
—
Luke 9
Dead bury their own dead?
Luke 10
Sends out the 12 apostles
Then 72 others?
The others were not designed as apostles but essentially given the same task?
Carry no money bags?
The Jesus of the Bible. Doesn’t seem like he’s makes a habit of begging people into heaven.
“But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.”
Luke 10:10-12 ESV
.
Waterless place?
“"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'”
Luke 11:24 ESV
http://bible.com/59/luk.11.24.esv
http://bible.com/59/luk.11.24.esv
Division?
“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”
Luke 12:51 ESV
http://bible.com/59/luk.12.51.esv
http://bible.com/59/luk.12.51.esv
I keep reading about Jesus referring to “drinking a cup?” What is this cup? (Gods wrath https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-cup-consumed-for-us )
Women as 1st witnesses to empty tomb?
“Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,”
Luke 24:10 ESV
1. Ricks question: “Is there some significance to mark taking the time to record the blind mans statement about seeing trees? “And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" And he looked up and said, "I see people, but they look like trees, walking." Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again, and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.”
*2. Kelly’s Question 16:12 what does it mean that Jesus appeared to two of his disciples in "another form ". And do we know who the two disciples were? I know you touched on this in the group but I think you could add some clarity for us.*
2. Just like we discussed last week it seems the more we read the more we are confronted with the Jesus of the bible and his true character and nature. He went beast mode and was casting out demons that were terrified of him? Like in Mark 5 when we’re introduced to “Legion.” This story raised several questions:
a. Who and what is legion?
b.Why did the demons want to be cast into pigs then run off a cliff?
c.Why did the people freak out and want him to leave?
3. Mark 14: Why were they “indignant” over the ointment. What is $300 Denari worth in today’s terms? What was the significance of the ointment? is there any correlation to the “Leper” mentioned at the opening of this scene?
4. Faith healing?
-Mark 5:34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
-Mark 10:52 “And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
5. Baptism required?
Mar 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
So is baptism a requirement to be saved?
6. LUKE: How does Luke differ from the gospels we've just read. (Great opportunity to reinforce sticking with the reading and also the blessing of having 4 versions of the same story.
Questions
I like to start the Q/A with a good question from the group. Christi garrison had a good one.
How come jesus never answered the questions asked of him during the passion? couldn't he have defended himself?
Maybe the Barabas stuff?
1. What is a parable and why did Jesus use these rather than speak straight up?
what is a parable that you feel is often misunderstood.
(Sheep/goats)
2. Speaking of misunderstanding, As we got further into Matthew it seemed the Jesus of the Bible is quite different from the Jesus of Culture? Let’s talk about the following statements and the contrast of the biblical Jesus to the culture Jesus.
-Jesus cleansing the temple. What had him so “angry?”
-Not peace but sword? Mathew 10:34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”
-Talk of eternal punishment in Mathew 25:46 “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
-as followers he says we’ll be Hated by ALL for my name sake? Repeated x2 in
matt
- Cut off your hand and pluck out eye? Hyperbole?
Matthew 5:30 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.
-The tirade against the Scribes and Pharisees in chapter 28? This was heated!!!
What was jesus getting at here and who exactly are these guys we keep seeing pop up in the Gospels?
3. Jesus’ statement in 12:46 “While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers[a] stood outside, asking to speak to him.[b] 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
-What is he saying regarding his mother?
- is this sort of the opposite of Catholic doctrine venerating Mary?
4. Many Are called but few are chosen? 22:14