How can God’s sovereign and peaceful kingdom be entered by force? PROBLEM: Paul declared that the kingdom (rule) of God is “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). However, Matthew says “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” How can one enter God’s kin... [ Continue Reading ]
Didn’t Jesus say John the Baptist was Elijah reincarnated? PROBLEM: Jesus refers here to John the Baptist as “Elijah who is to come” (cf. Matthew 17:12; Mark 9:11-13). But, since Elijah had died many centuries before, John must have been a reincarnation of Elijah. SOLUTION: There are many reasons... [ Continue Reading ]
Is Jesus’ yoke easy or hard? PROBLEM: Jesus said here, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” However, Hebrews declares that “whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6). Which is it—easy or hard? SOLUTION: These verses are referring to different aspe... [ Continue Reading ]