How large was the Ark of Noah, and how did it compare with modern vessels as to size and capacity?
The Bible (`Gen. 6:15`) gives the dimensions as follows: Three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits broad and thirty cubits high. The length of the cubit is variously estimated. The modern cubit is 18 inches, linear measure; the sacred cubit of the Jews is 21.88 inches. According to the latter the ark was 547.3 feet long, [...]
If Noah was a just and respectable old gentleman of some 600 years of age, how is it that we find him getting intoxicated – becoming drunk – as recorded in Genesis 9:20?
Genesis 9:20-27 describes an unfortunate incident with Noah and his sons. Noah planted a vineyard and became drunk with the wine of its grapes. Noah's intoxication was after the Flood was wholly unintentional. The Flood caused great changes in the atmospheric conditions of our earth. We understand it was produced by the precipitation to the [...]
We hear of so many great fires these days, I wonder if the Bible shows that the earth will be destroyed by actual fire?
An improper conception of the Scriptures has led to many ludicrous conclusions concerning the destruction of the earth by fire. A man in western Pennsylvania became so thoroughly imbued with the thought that the world will be burned up by the Lord in the last days, that he vigorously protested against the great consumption of [...]
What kind of fire must that be which is to burn up the earth at the end of the world, when it is written of that very time, "There shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before?" Isaiah 47:14
The Scriptures in many places refer to the time of destruction in the end of the present order of things under various symbols or illustrations such as "fire," "earthquake," "whirlwind," etc. The literal earth or planet on which we dwell is not referred to in connection with these statements, but the present social order, with [...]
How can I get faith when I do not have it naturally?
Faith may be cultivated as any other mental quality and is increased in proportion to knowledge and reliance upon that knowledge. To have faith in God, we must learn His character, plans, and purposes. Our faith grows as we study His word and rely on the promises and truths of the Bible. False doctrines have made God's character appear hideous. "Fear (dread) [...]
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus said to his disciples "If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." Could one have faith to remove a literal mountain?
The Bible defines faith in Hebrews 11:1 as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith is very important to a Christian. It links us to God and Jesus, brings us peace during difficult circumstances and shows the Father our loyalty to Him. It is both a blessing and a [...]