The story of Doubting Thomas is a chance to look at a good question: “What if I doubt that what I believe is true?”
#1215: How did Jesus promise the New Testament? | John 14 | Lamentations 4-5
You don’t have to look too hard to see Jesus affirm the Old Testament — both in whole when he used a phrase like “the law and the prophets,” and specifically when he affirmed the veracity of stories quoted many prophets by name. Oh, and directly quoted from 24 of the 39 books. But the New Testament? Wasn’t that written after his death?
#1209: What's "the trilemma?" | John 8:31-59 | Jeremiah 49 | Proverbs 17:16-20
#1207: What's the principle of embarrassment? | John 7:1-44 | Jeremiah 48
#1205: Why care about "ad hominem?" | John 6:1-42 | Jeremiah 43:8-45:5
#1200: What's the irony of social justice? | John 1:19-51 | Jeremiah 36 | Psalm 82
#1166: Why celibacy and singleness? | 1 Corinthians 7 | Isaiah 45:14-47:15 | Proverbs 14:22
If you think about it, whatever the length of your life here, an eternity in heaven is going to utterly dwarf your 60 or 80 or 100 years here. When you look at it this way, it kinda puts it all in perspective, especially when you think about how much time we spend pursuing earthly things like our sexual desires. Why celibacy and singleness? Today on #forthehope.
#1165: What is an "a priori" objection? | 1 Corinthians 6 | Isaiah 43:14-45:13 | Proverbs 14:13-15
#1161: What is Biblical wisdom? | 1 Corinthians 2 | Isaiah 36-37 | Psalm 118 |
We often think of wisdom in kinda abstract terms, but it’s ultimately practical…wisdom is skill for living. Now lest you think — and rightfully so — that that could be how you might think about it in a secular sense, that’s exactly why we have focus questions here. So today as we knock down a short 1 Co 2, keep an ear out — and we’ll wrap up the day by highlighting a key distinction that’s worth remembering.
#1160: Why are 'group letters' important to you? | 1 Corinthians 1 | Isaiah 33-35 | Proverbs 14:4-6
#1159: How does the resurrection answer life's big questions? | Matthew 28 | Isaiah 30-32 | Proverbs 14:1-3
#1149: Did Jesus ever address homosexuality? | Matthew 19 | Isaiah 6-9:7
#1147: Is the God of the OT "mean?" | Matthew 17 | Isaiah 1-3 |
As we kick off Isaiah today (and spend a good bit of time there in the coming days), we’re going to hear plenty more oracles of judgment. Indeed, the OT in general has plenty of war and ugliness and, yes, prophets calling the people out. The NT, of course, is really clear about the gravity and consequence of sin, but if you or someone you know has wondered if the God of the OT is just a mean old dude, you’re not alone. Today’s focus question — Is the God of the OT mean? — is another where we’ll help you answer that question for yourself and others.
