Problem: Peter writes that Psalm 118:22 predicts the rejection of Christ. Is Peter properly citing this passage, or is he tearing it from its original context?
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1 Peter 2:6 – Why does Peter add “on him” to Isaiah 28:16?
Problem: Critics argue that Peter is twisting this OT passage to make it appear to be prophetic of Christ. In the Masoretic Text (MT), the Hebrew lacks the expression “in him.” Therefore, when Peter writes, “And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed” (1 Pet. 2:6), he is adding onto the original Hebrew text. Is this the case?
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1 Peter 1:17 – Are we supposed to fear God or not? (cf. 1 Jn. 4:19)
Problem: Peter writes, “Conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth” (1 Pet. 1:17). Yet other passages urge us not to fear God: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love” (1 Jn. 4:18). Which is true?
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1 Peter 1:2 – Are some “chosen” for heaven and others “chosen” for hell?
Problem: Peter writes that all Christians are “are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Pet. 1:1-2). Does this mean that Christians are “chosen” for heaven and non-Christians are “chosen” for hell?
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1 Peter 1:2 – Are we sanctified by God’s truth or by God’s Spirit?
Problem: Peter speaks in this text about “sanctification of the Spirit,” but Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth” (John 17:17). Which way are we set apart to God—by His Spirit or by His truth?
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James 5:19-20 – Will we go to hell if we stray from the truth?
Problem: James writes, “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (Jas. 5:19-20). If we stray from our relationship with Christ, does this mean that we will go to hell?
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James 5:17 – Was the drought three years or three-and-a-half years?
Problem: Both here and in Luke 4:25 it speaks of a three and one-half year drought in the days of Elijah. But in 1 Kings 17:1 (and 18:1) it refers to the drought being three years.
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James 5:14-16 – Does this passage support the Roman Catholic doctrine of the ministerial priesthood?
Problem:
James writes,
(Jas. 5:14-17) Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
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James 5:14 – Why did they anoint people with oil? Should we do this practice today?
Problem: James writes, “Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (Jas. 5:14). What is the point of anointing a sick person with oil?
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James 5:12—Is oath-taking forbidden or blessed?
Problem: This and many other verses (cf. Hosea 4:2; Matt. 5:33–37) condemn oath-taking. In James’ words, “Above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath.” Jesus had said the same thing, namely, “Do not swear at all: neither by heaven … nor by the earth” (Matt. 5:34–35). On the other hand, there are many places in the Bible where oaths were taken and blessed by God (cf. Gen. 21:24; Deut. 6:13). Indeed, angels took oaths (Rev. 10:5–6), as did God Himself (Heb. 6:13).
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The Disney Gospel
Few men have had more influence on American society than Walt Disney. He pioneered the American animation industry and captivated children’s hearts with cartoon characters such as Micky Mouse and Donald Duck. He took Hollywood fantasy to a new level of influence with the building of DisneyLand in California and Disney World in Florida.
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James 5:1–6 – Are riches a blessing or a curse?
Problem: Solomon lauded riches as a blessing from God, saying, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure” (Prov. 15:6; cf. Ps. 112:3). However, James warned the rich to “weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!” (5:1). Which is it?
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James 4:5 – Is this in the OT or not, and why is God jealous?
Problem: James writes, “Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: ‘He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us’?” (Jas. 4:5). However, this quotation is found nowhere in the OT. What is James citing here?
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James 3:6 – Does the “course of nature” refer to reincarnation?
Problem: James makes reference to the “course of nature,” which has been translated “wheel of beginning.” Some take this to be a reference to reincarnation, since they believe life goes around in cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (into another body). Is this a correct interpretation of the passage?
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James 2:24 – Are we saved by grace or works?
Problem:
Many people in false religions teach that salvation and forgiveness of sins are obtained by faith and good works. Many appeal to Scripture to support this idea. But, when these verses are examined in context, they do not teach that works of any kind save us. In fact, the Bible clearly teaches that were saved without the works of the law. This is because nobody can keep the Law perfectly. God requires holiness (1 Pet. 1:16), nothing less.
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