Oh I Get It!

Why did God ask Abraham to kill his only kid?

Start by reading Genesis 22:1–12

God promised Abraham he would be the father of God’s chosen people, and in return he asked for complete obedience from Abraham. That was a huge job, and God wanted to be sure Abraham was up to it. What could he ask Abraham to give up that would really test him? His only son, whom he loved. Abraham passed the test, and God gave him a ram to sacrifice instead of his son. This story is like a promise of the future because it tells us that later God really would sacrifice his son (Jesus), so that we wouldn’t have to sacrifice animals to receive God’s forgiveness. We would already have it.

 

More To Get You Thinking

If the Israelites followed all the rules, would they be rich and live happily ever after?

Start by reading Deuteronomy 31

Here's how it worked: Step 1— A person gave part of her best stuff (crops, etc.) to God for bringing her to the promised land. Step 2— She promised to follow God's instructions in love. Step 3— In spite of her past sins, God would take care of her as long as the community was obedient. Step 4— God would free the person to love him and really live. Step 5— The person would naturally keep obeying God every day. So no matter what happened on the outside, the person would be at peace on the inside.

Was Jezebel the wickedest witch or what?

Start by reading 1 Kings 21

Jezzie was a piece of work. When married to King Ahab, she killed off God's prophets, made Ahab build a temple for her false god, Baal, and scared even the godly Elijah with her threats. She once had a guy killed so Ahab could have his vineyard. Worst of all, she used things like a holy fasting day to trick people into doing her dirty work. But read on to 2 Kings. Jezebel got what she deserved.

What is this "Day of the LORD" Joel keeps talking about?

Start by reading Joel 2:1–13

You've heard through the Old Testament that God was the judge of all the earth—that he would reward those who had lived God-filled lives and punish the people who had turned on him. The time when that would happen was called the Day of the LORD, or judgment day. Joel said there was a chance to repent before then and be spared. Right then, with the locusts swarming, would be a good time to do that.

We have God, Jesus AND the Holy Spirit? That's confusing!

Start by reading Romans 8:1–17

Jesus told his disciples (and us) that they (and we) would never be alone. He, God, would come to them as a spirit, someone they would be able to feel inside, like the way we feel anger or happiness. The Holy Spirit: Helps us be strong. Helps us know what to pray about. Prays for us when we're too confused to do it ourselves. It's a three-in-one God-package.

Paul said the Galatians could do whatever they wanted? Cool!

Start by reading Galatians 3

In a way, yes. The Galatians thought people had to follow every rule before they could even go to God. Paul said they didn't have to become good enough for God and couldn't, even by following every rule. But if they loved Jesus they would want to do what pleased him. When you look at it that way, they could do whatever they wanted because what they wanted was to be like their Lord.