This book is a sequel to Michael Penny’s earlier book Approaching the Bible It applies the principles set out there to 40 Problem Passages from the Bible. In other words, it follows the advice given by Miles Coverdale. That advice was based on asking such questions as:
- "Who" were these words written to, or "Who" were they about?
- "Where" is this to take place?
- "When" was it written or "When" is it about?
- "What", precisely, is said?
- "Why" did God say it, do it, or will do it?
After asking such questions, we then will have a better understanding of the Bible and can "apply" that passage to out lives today.
There are far more that 40 Problem Passages in the Bible!
However, in this book Michael Penny not only solves these 40 Problem Passages, he also equips the reader with a method by which many, many more problem passages can be understood and successfully applied to the life of a believer today.
- Judges 11, "Jephthah's daughter"
- Daniel 9, "Seventy sevens"
- Luke 12, "The unforgivable sin"
- 1 Cor.7, "Do not look for a wife"
- Rev.13, "666"
- and many more.
However, in this book Michael Penny not only solves these 40 Problem Passages, he also equips the reader with a method by which many, many more problem passages can be understood and successfully applied to the life of a believer today.
Below are the passages he deals with.
PART I Problem Passages in the Old Testament
1. Genesis 4:2-7
The Cain Complex
2. Judges 11:29-40
Jephthah and his daughter
3. Isaiah 1:18-20
Salvation or slaughter?
4. Jeremiah 31:31-34
The New Covenant
5. Daniel 9:24
Seventy sevens!
PART II Problem Passages in the Gospels
6. Matthew 5:17-20
Abolish the Law?.
7. Matthew 6:25-34
All these things shall be added?
8. Matthew 7:7-8
Ask ... Seek ... Knock! Receive ... Find ... Open?
9. Matthew 10:5-7
Do not go among the Gentiles!
10. Matthew 12:30-32; Luke 12:8-10
The unforgivable sin!
11. Matthew 18:18-20
Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven!
If two or three on earth agree ... it will be done!
12. Matthew 24:34; Luke 21:32
This generation will certainly not pass away until ....
13. Matthew 27:50-51; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:44-49
The curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
14. Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
15. Mark 1:9-10; Matthew 3:13-16
Total immersion?
16. Mark 7:18-23
Jesus declared all food "clean".
17. Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-39
Baptismal regeneration?
18. Luke 3:10-14
The man with two tunics should share with him who has none.
19. John 14:9-12
Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.
He will do even greater things.
20. John 14:9-14
I will do whatever you ask in my name!
You may ask anything in my name, and I will do it!
21. John 20:21-23
If you forgive anyone their sins, they are forgiven!
If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven!!
PART III Problem Passages in the Acts and the Early Letters
22. Acts 10:23-29
It is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him.
23. Acts 15:23-29
Abstain from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.
24. Romans 1:14-17
The gospel - first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
25. Romans 11:11
Salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious!
26. 1 Corinthians 7:27
Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife!
27. 1 Corinthians 15:29
Vicarious Baptism
28. Galatians 3:29 & 6:16
The church is the spiritual Israel
29. Galatians 4:3,9
Basic Principles
30. Galatians 5:11
If I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?
31. Galatians 5:21
Those that live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
32. Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.
33. James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault; and it will be given him.
34. James 5:15
The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.
35. 1 John 1:9
Confession of sins needed for forgiveness?
36. 1 John 5:16
The sin that leads to death
37. Revelation 13:18
666
38. Revelation 20:10
They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
PART IV Problem Passages in the Later Letters
39. Ephesians 4:11
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
40. Philippians 2:12
Work out your salvation with fear and trembling!