PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

We have Reasons for H

ope Shari S. Abbott

Reasons Book 3

SHARI ABBOTT, communications director for Reasons for Hope (rforh), is an avid Bible reader and teacher. She is passionate about equipping and encouraging Christians to know Jesus better and to love Him more. Shari is the author of the books Why the Butterfly? Rightly Remembering Jesus, Remember Me--A Course in Rightly Remembering, Who Said That? Common Everyday Sayings, Got Questions? We have Reasons for Hope (Reasons Books 1 & 2), How to Witness to Jehovah’s Witnesses, and a number of Bible study resources. Shari and her husband Steve have two daughters and live in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Got Q

uestions?

Everyone has questions!

The world is changing faster than ever before and in ways that were unimaginable only a decade ago. On some things we must adapt and change, but on others we must stand firm on what God commands and desires. To do that we must know what God says.

The Bible is the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. It has been the life manual of believers throughout the ages and it can be trusted to empower and direct our lives.

Christians should read the Bible every day. God has told us “study to show yourself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). In careful and prayer-ful study we come to know Jesus better and be surrendered to His will and to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Reasons Book 3 presents 30 more questions from our Reasons for Hope community of friends. Digging into the Bible to find an-swers equips us to stand firm in our faith and share our faith with others. Join us now as we prepare you to...

...be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you

a reason of the hope* that is in you... 1 Peter 3:15

Foreword by Wade Wacker

We have Reasons for Hope

*Jesus

1 Thessalonians 2:19

Why do I believe what I believe? How can I defend what I believe?How can I share what I believe?

For what is our hope, or joy or crown of rejoicing?

Shari S. Abbott3

ReasonsBook

1

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

2 3

Got Questions?We Have Reasons for Hope

Reasons Book 3

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. (Psalm 26:7)

Published by Psalm267 Publishingwww.psalm267.com | info@psalm267.com

Copyright © 2015 Shari S. Abbott.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, posted on websites, or transmitted by any means—electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying), recording, or otherwise—without pri-or written permission of the author.

Edited by Rosemary Stein.

Scripture quotations are from The King James Bible, © United Kingdom Crownand the New King James Version, © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc.,Publishers, Nashville, TN.

All emphasis and bracketed information added.

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN: 978-0-9885513-8-1

Contents

Foreword by Wade Wacker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Preface: What is apologetics?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Introduction: Reasons Book 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Q 1 Was Jesus born in a stable, a cave or a house? . . . . . . .23

Q 2 Who were the Wise Men?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Q 3 How did the Wise Men know to follow the star? . . . . 37

Q 4 What is the significance of the Wise Men’s three gifts?. .43

Q 5 What is Shavuot? Is there a prophetic aspect to it? . . .51

Q 6 Is there a hidden message in Revelation 7? Why is the tribe of Dan missing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Q 7 Where did Cain get his wife? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Q 8 Is there an error in Genesis 2:17 because Adam and Eve did not physically die?. . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Q 9 Why did the LGBT use God’s rainbow for their flag?. 71

Q 10 How can I convince someone they have eternal security?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Q 11 Is Hell a real place?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Q 12 Is it okay to ask God questions? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Q 13 Does God eat?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Q 14 Were there flood survivors in addition to Noah and his family? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

5 4

Q 15 If Jesus is the only one who can answer prayers, why do Catholics pray to “saints?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Q 16 Does the resurrection of Lazarus contradict Hebrews 9:27?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Q 17 Should we celebrate Jesus’ birthday in September? .113

Q 18 Is the Bible still accurate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Q 19 Did David or Elhanan kill Goliath?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Q 20 Was the “darkened sun” (Acts 2:20) fulfilled at the cross, or is it yet to be fulfilled? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Q 21 Is it a sin to drink alcohol?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Q 22 What other names for God are in the Bible?. . . . . . .143

Q 23 Do our pets go to Heaven when they die?. . . . . . . . .153

Q 24 Are we a soul or do we have a soul?. . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Q 25 Types of prayer? How should I pray? . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Q 26 Did Pilate unknowingly proclaim Jesus to be God?.173

Q 27 Why did Jesus have to die? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Q 28 Why do we call it good? (Good Friday) . . . . . . . . . . 185

Q 29 What is glory? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Q 30 What crowns will we receive? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

About the Cradle, Cross and Crown on the Cover. . . . . . 205

The Names of God in Psalm 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer

to every man that asketh you a

reason of the hope* that is in you with meekness and fear

1 Peter 3:15

Come now, and let us reason together...

Isaiah 1:18

*Jesusour only true hope!

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

7

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

6

FOREWORD

Man’s problems started with a question. It was the ques-tion the serpent posed to Eve:

“Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1)

Even though the question did not come across as adversarial, we know the intent was. Rather than confronting Eve with conflict, the serpent, in his subtle way, caused confusion—and Eve began to forget God’s words and doubt. This is shown in Eve’s answer:

And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” (Genesis 3:2-3)

God said nothing about touching the tree (Genesis 2:15-16), but when the serpent presented a carefully crafted question, doubt crept in and it led to the fall of man.

Since the beginning of time there have been questions. The im-portance of how we answer questions is key. We must be prepared to give an answer but, just as importantly, one must understand where the question is coming from and from whom. The serpent took a very cunning approach with Eve. He got Eve to not com-pletely trust what she knew to be true. That illustrates why it is so important to understand the question, and the intent with which

We have Reasons for Hope*__________________________Got Questions?_______________

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

8 9

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

it is asked, to be able to answer correctly.Reasons for Hope was established for this specific purpose. We

are led by the commission that the apostle Peter gave in 1 Peter 3:15...

“sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

It is our mission to equip Christians to know biblical truth. In-creasingly, non-believers are posing questions to Christians with an intent to disprove God or to cause them to be confused about what the Bible says. All too often, Scripture is being “twisted” to make it say something it does not say. Therefore, Christians must clearly know what God says in His Word. We all must be prepared with answers from God’s Word. Peter did not ask, or suggest, that we be ready to give an answer. He commanded that we “be ready always.” If we are unprepared to give an answer, we could fall prey to a deceptive question—just as Eve did.

Peter closed his second epistle with a strong warning about such deception and a compelling exhortation to be prepared with knowledge:

2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this be-forehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

“Grow in the...knowledge of our Lord...” That’s why Reasons for Hope’s Shari Abbott writes the weekly Got Questions? column and these Reasons Books. Shari provides biblical answers and reason-ing for questions received from readers like you. Her knowledge and discernment of questions is extraordinary and her answers and reasoning are scripturally supported.

There are many tough questions Christians will have when they

read and study the Bible. It is imperative that those questions be answered by someone with biblical knowledge, but more impor-tantly by someone who has a heart to answer them for the glory of God. As Peter wrote, “To Him be the glory both now and forever.”

As you read Got Questions? We have Reasons for Hope (Reasons Book 3) you will be challenged, enlightened and prepared to have answers and thereby fulfill the commission given by Peter. I en-courage you to get ready so you will “be ready” when someone asks you “a reason for the hope that is in you.”

Wade WackerCEOReasons for Hope

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

11

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

10

PREFACE

What is apologeticsand why should I care?

Apologetics is a branch of theology that offers a defense of Christian doctrine. It is practiced by Christians when we give reasoned answers (reasoned from Scripture) for

what we believe. Reasons for Hope is a 501(c)3 Christian apologetics ministry. It

is our mission to equip Christians with reasoned answers from the Bible so they are able to stand firm on what they believe and are empowered to share what they believe. Our ministry is founded on the words of Peter in 1 Peter 3:15.

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [apologia] to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

In this verse we see two important words. The word answer in English Bibles is a translation of the Greek word apologia from which we get the word apologetics. Strong’s Dictionary defines apologia as:

apologia, ap-ol-og-ee’-ah; from the same as G626; a plea (“apology”):--answer (for self), clearing of self, defense.

Note also that the Greek word apologia is defined as a defense. From this we are instructed to defend the Word of God. That is done by giving reasoned answers. The foundation of our faith and

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;Courage to change the things I can;And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;Enjoying one moment at a time;Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is.

Not as I would have it.Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will;That I may be reasonably happy in this life,and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.

— The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr In memory of R&R, JA, BQ, JS, PW, SO, AA —gone too soon.

We have Reasons for Hope*__________________________Got Questions?_______________

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

12

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

*Jesus 13

the reasons and answers for what we believe have been graciously revealed to us by God through His Word.

In 1 Peter 3:15 we also find the word reason. We are told to give a reason for the hope we have in us.

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer [apologia] to every man that asks you a reason [lo-gos] of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Reason is the English translation of the Greek word logos, which is also translated as “word.” Strong’s Dictionary defines logos as:

logos, log’-os; from G3004; something said (including the thought); by impl. a topic (subject of discourse), also rea-soning (the mental faculty) or motive. . . account, cause, communication. . . doctrine, fame. . .intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew. . .speech, talk. . .tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

In the Greek language we learn of a fine distinction about the importance of reasoning. As defined by Strong’s Dictionary, rea-soning is thoughtful study and mental evaluation of subject matter and discourses and the word denotes sharing information (tid-ings) by communication through speaking (speech, talk, utter-ance, word), writing (treatise) and/or showing (shew, work).

As Christians we have the presence and power of the Holy Spirit indwelling us to lead, teach, guide and grow us (John 15:26, John 16:13). Therefore we are able to reason from the Scriptures to know, understand and share our Hope.

Why should we care? Because we have been commissioned and commanded to un-

derstand God’s Word so we can live and share what we know.Whether we are speaking to believers or non-believers about

what we believe, or whether we are writing about or showing our faith by our actions, we proclaim Christ’s name until He comes.

At Reasons for Hope we approach the Word of God and spiritual growth with a three-fold method of Know it! Live it! Share it!

Know it!Reasoning, studying and

evaluating what we believe.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit;

so shall ye be my disciples.(John 15:8)

Live it!Showing what we believe.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Share it!Speaking/writing about what we believe.

And [Jesus] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and

preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15)

We have Reasons for Hope*__________________________Got Questions?_______________

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

14 15

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

Paul and Peter also spoke of the importance of giving reasoned answers for what we believe. In their letters we find the same com-mission that Jesus gave—to know, live and share what we believe.

Know it!Reasoning, studying and

evaluating what we believe.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Live it!Showing what we believe.

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying,I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles,

that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

(Acts 13:47)

Share it!Speaking/writing about what we believe.

And he [Jesus] commanded us to preach unto the people,

and to testify that it is he [Jesus]which was ordained of God to be

the Judge of the quick and the dead. (Acts 10:42)

This brings us back to where we started. What is apologetics? Peter answered that question with his exhortation to all who know and love Jesus:

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer

to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. (1 Peter 3:15)

Grow in faith—Know it! Live it! Share it!At Reasons for Hope we work to equip Christians with reasoned

answers so they will be ready always to know, live and share what they believe. That’s what the Reasons Books are all about.

Got Questions? The Word of God has Reasons for Hope.

Know it! Live it! and Share it! as Christ has commissioned and commanded us. . . and do so “with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). With kindness and gentleness be diligent and “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”(Romans 12:11).

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

17

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

16

INTRODUCTION

Reasons Book #3

Questions are a part of everyday life. We look at the world around us and try to make sense of what we see and hear. We all have questions. We all want answers.

In today’s world information travels faster than ever before and information is abundantly available to us through print, video, au-dio, hard copy and electronic media. As Christians, we are called to renew our minds with God’s Word, which means we must sift through all that we take in with our ears and eyes and measure it against what God tells us.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I love acronyms. In the introduction of Reasons Book 1, I shared the acronym B-I-B-L-E:

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

In Reasons Book 2, I shared these three acronyms and explained why they are much better than the popularized WWJD:

What Does God Say

What Did Jesus Do Do What Jesus Did

“In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed...No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people.”

— Preface, 1828 Webster’s American Dictionary

We have Reasons for Hope*__________________________

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

18 19

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

Got Questions?_______________

Here, in Reasons Book 3, I’ll share another acronym, one by which we should continually challenge ourselves.

Our Lives Move in the Direction of Our Most Dominant Thoughts

Every word spoken and every deed done is generated by what we think. Therefore, prior to speaking or acting we must THINK. When God saved us, He regenerated our souls and renewed our minds, giving us the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). But God did not remove our ability to reason. Instead, He renewed our minds by His invitation to come and reason together with Him (Isaiah 1:18).

Our thought life is to be governed by the Holy Spirit. Paul in-structs us to take every thought captive for Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) and to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, love-ly, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). Such thinking renews our minds, establishes our hearts, comforts our souls and conforms us to the image of Jesus. Before you speak or act, T-H-I-N-K, and ask your yourself, is it:

True (honest)

Helpful (Hope-filled)

Inspiring (just and pure)

Necessary (of good report)

Kind (loving)

Reasons Book 3 - Cradle, Cross and CrownIn addition to liking acronyms, I also like chrismons—symbols

of Christian faith. They are reminders of the One whom we love and of what we believe.

Reasons Book 1 featured an anchor on the cover (Hebrews 6:19). Reasons Book 2 featured a fish (Matthew 4:19). On this book are three chrismons—the cradle, the cross and the crown (1 Thessa-lonians 2:19). These three chrismons represent the fullness of the

earthly life and ministry of Jesus. This book begins with the cra-dle—questions surrounding Jesus’ birth, and concludes with the cross and crown—questions about His death and glorification. The cradle, cross and crown are chrismons that remind us of Jesus’ per-fect, sinless life—the life He lived for us, the life He gave for our sins and the righteousness that He gives to us.

In Reasons Book 1 the callout text boxes featured quotes from fathers in the faith—words of wisdom to inspire us. In Reasons Book 2 the text boxes contained song lyrics from hymns and con-temporary Christian songs. Because the cradle, cross and crown represent the life of Jesus, the text boxes in this book are presented to cause us to think about Jesus in three ways: with spoken words of wisdom (quotes), with adoration and praise (songs) and with the offering of heartfelt, Heaven-sent words (prayers).

Take time to reflect upon the quoted words. Allow the songs to make your heart sing, and pray the prayers, knowing that you are praying, and agreeing with, the petitions and praises of a brother or sister in the Lord. Most of the prayers are from saints who are now with the Lord. Many are Puritan prayers, and others are prayers from well-known Bible teachers, pastors and faithful Christians.

Take time to reflect upon the words of wisdom, song and prayer. Think upon the things of Philippians 4:8 and, most of all, think about the Person who knows your thoughts and hears your prayers!

Romans 15:5-5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passes all under-standing, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

21

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

20

Q. 1

Was Jesus born in a stable,a cave or a house?

The simple answer is that we do not know for certain be-cause the Bible does not explicitly say. However, we can reason through the information we have. Based on the fact

that Jesus was laid in a manger at birth, tradition holds that Jesus was born in a stable.

Luke 2:7, 12 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger... And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

The Greek word for manger is “phatne” and Strong’s Dictionary defines it as:

phatne, fat’-nay; from pateomai (to eat); a crib (for fod-der):--manger, stall.

A manger was a type of feeding trough for animals. Therefore, nativity scenes that depict a baby in a straw-laden feeding trough are biblically accurate. Since Jesus was “laid in a manger” (Luke 2:7) it is likely that there were animals nearby, as nativity scenes always depict.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

— Wil liam J. Kirk pat rick, 1895

We have Reasons for Hope*__________________________Got Questions?_______________

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

22 23

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

While traditionally it has been thought that Jesus’ birth took place in a stable, some think it might have been in a cave. Histor-ical records suggest that caves were often used to shelter animals.

However, we must remember that the Bible does not tell us about the actual shelter that held the manger.

Another credible and in-sightful theory, but not as widely circulated, is that Jesus was born in the lower level of a house. The Bible tells us that Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, the city of their father David, for the census that was required by Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1). This would have created a hard-

ship for Mary and Joseph—physically because of Mary’s pregnan-cy and financially because they had little money.

As we reason through this possibility, let us remember that the Bible does not tell us where Mary and Joseph lodged. It doesn’t say it was a stable. It doesn’t say it was a cave. And, it doesn’t say it was a house.

No Room in the Inn?

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7 tells that there was no room in the inn. When we read “inn,” we assume that it refers to paid lodging. It could, however, mean something else. “Inn” is the English translation of the Greek word “kataluma.” Kataluma is defined by Strong’s Dictionary as:

from G2647; prop. a dissolution (breaking up of a journey, i.e. (by impl.) a lodging-place:--guestchamber, inn. From 2647. Kataluo: to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e. (by impl.) to de-molish (lit. or fig.); spec. [comp. G2646] to halt for the night:--destroy, dissolve, be guest, lodge, come to nought, overthrow, throw down.

Webster’s Dictionary 1828 dictionary defines “inn” as:

INN, noun [Hebrew. To dwell or to pitch a tent.] 1. A house for the lodging and entertainment of travelers.

In 1828, the word “inn” didn’t necessarily mean paid accommoda-tions, but it always referred to a place of rest, lodging or guest quar-ters. Although nativity plays often speak of Mary and Joseph being turned-away by an innkeeper, the Bible does not say or suggest that. The Bible simply says that they were turned away because there was “no room for them in the inn.”

The Greek word for “inn” is kataluma. This word is also used in Mark 14 and Luke 22. In both of these verses it is translated as guestchamber.

Mark 14:14 And wheresoever he shall go in, say to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber [kata-luma], where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber [kataluma], where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

This guest chamber mentioned in Luke 22:11 is further de-scribed in the next verse with four words as a “large upper room furnished.” This is a clear reference to the upper room of a house.

Luke 22:12 And he shall show you a large upper room [katalu-ma] furnished: there make ready.

Here is the Ancient of Days becoming a babe in Bethlehem. Here is He who thunders in the Heavens, crying in the cradle. Here is the One who made all flesh now being made of flesh. Here is He who could summon the legions of angels and He’s wrapped in swaddling clothes ... the Mighty God becoming a helpless child.

— Dr. G. Campbell Morgan

We have Reasons for Hope*__________________________Got Questions?_______________

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

24 25

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

These passages in Mark 14 and Luke 22 speak of the upper room in which Jesus and His disciples shared a meal on the night in which He was betrayed. This room was not rented. It was an up-per room, a guest chamber, in the house of a friend.

Conversely, in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) we find the word inn used. In this context, it is clearly speak-ing of paid lodging, but it is a completely different Greek word.

Luke 10:34 And [the Samaritan] went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn [pandocheion], and took care of him.

Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host [innkeeper in some translations], and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

The Greek word for “inn” used in Luke 10:34 is pandocheion, defined by Strong’s Dictionary as, “a public lodging-place--inn.” And in verse 35, the Greek word for “host” is “pandocheus,” defined by Strong’s as “an innkeeper (warden of a cara-vanserai)--host.”

There is no doubt that the place of lodging in Luke 10 was a place of paid accommodations and the host was an innkeeper whom the Good Samaritan paid for his services.

This causes us to wonder, if Joseph and Mary sought lodging in an inn as we think of it (paid accommodations) why wasn’t the Greek word for inn, pandocheion, used? Why wouldn’t Luke have

used the proper word in Luke 2:7 to convey paid accommodations? Luke was a physician and very well educated. His writings are detailed and precise in thought and word. Therefore, it’s unlikely Luke would have used “kataluma,” meaning “guest chamber,” instead of “pando-cheion,” meaning “inn” if this had been a hotel-type of inn.

Considering that Luke accurately used “kataluma,” intending to con-vey a guest chamber of a house, why would Mary and Joseph have been turned away from the home of a relative?

We can assume that the travel to Bethlehem would have been difficult and slow because of Mary’s condition. Perhaps when they arrived at the home of their relative, it was already filled with oth-ers who were there to comply with the census. Could there have been other accommodations in the house?

Upper Room vs Lower LevelSome first century homes had two levels. The eating and sleep-

ing quarters would have been on the upper floor and the lower level was often used to shelter livestock during inclement weather. If Mary and Joseph were turned away at a house, because there was no room in the guest chamber or upper room, they may have been offered shelter in the lower level among the animals. This would explain their access to a manger in which to lay baby Jesus.

This does raise a question of why a relative would have turned away a pregnant woman. A possible explanation is that Mary’s pregnancy would have been considered shameful. Mary had be-come pregnant before she married Joseph and Joseph had the legal right to put her to death (Matthew 1:18-19) for having commit-

God became man to turn creatures into sons: not simply to produce better men of the old kind but to produce a new kind of man. It is not like teaching a horse to jump better and better, but like turning a horse into a winged creature.

— C. S. LewisThere is in Christ a fullness of all-sufficiency of all that which is needful to make us happy. . . While we keep our eyes upon Him, we never desire to change Him for another, or to add to ourselves some other thing, together with Him, to make up our spiritual joy. O the heart-attracting glory that is in Jesus Christ.

— John Bunyan

We have Reasons for Hope*__________________________Got Questions?_______________

*Jesus

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

26 27

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

ted the sin of adultery. Her pregnancy would have brought shame upon the family. They would have thought Mary to have been pregnant with the illegitimate child of Joseph. The family would not have known that Mary was pregnant with the legitimate Son of God.

This theory about Jesus being born in the lower level of a house is quite possible and very probable, but remember it is only a the-ory. The Bible only tells that they were turned away from lodging in a guest chamber and that Jesus was laid in a manger. However, if this is correct, it could confirm why the Wise Men arrived at a house.

Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

With the departure of the upper room guests, perhaps the owner of the house permitted Joseph and Mary to reside with him in the upper room quarters. Perhaps the homeowner had compassion on this young couple with a newborn child.

We know that “when the days of [Mary’s] purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought [Jesus] to Jeru-salem [about 10 miles from Bethlehem], to present him to the Lord [at the Temple].” (Luke 2:22) This was 40 days after the birth of Jesus, because Mary was “unclean for seven days” (Leviticus 2:2) and she was required by Law to wait an additional 33 days, “until the days of her purifying be fulfilled” (Leviticus 12:4).

The Bible does not tell us where they stayed during the 40+ days. Perhaps they remained in Bethlehem in the house of a relative. Perhaps not. We can only wonder. But this would explain the Wise Men coming into “the house” and presenting their gifts to Jesus.

Some claim the Wise Men’s visit was much later and that Jesus was much older because of the words “young child” in Matthew 2:11. However, the Greek word does not conclusively support that.

By Strong’s definition, the Greek word could also mean an infant:

paidion, pahee-dee’-on; neut. dimin. of G3816; a childling (of either sex), i.e. (prop.) an infant, or (by extens.) a half-grown boy or girl; fig. an immature Christian:--(little, young) child, damsel.

The gifts that the Wise Men gave to Jesus were of great value. Many Bible readers believe those gifts were the source of the mon-ey that enabled the family to flee into Egypt and avoid Herod’s de-cree of death upon children two years and under (Matthew 2:16).

ConclusionI cannot stress enough, this theory is only reasoning from God’s

Word. The Bible does not tell us in what kind of shelter Jesus was born.

However, it’s interesting to think that at the beginning of Jesus’ life He was turned away from an upper room because people did not know who He was and they would not make room for Him. He was rejected and only a faithful few were present at His birth.

Then at the end of Jesus’ life He gathered in an upper room with only a faithful few (11) who knew Him, and one who would reject him (Judas). At birth (in the lower level of a house?), gifts were brought to Jesus, and in the upper room, on the night in which He was betrayed, Jesus gave great gifts of revelation and blessings to His faithful 11 disciples. We can only imagine the blessings that were lost by those who turned Jesus away at His birth.

This theory of Jesus’ birth in the lower level of a house answers many questions, but again it is only theory. If the definitive answer of where Jesus was born (stable, cave or house?) had been of great importance for us to know, God would have revealed it in explicit detail.

What is important is that God sent His Son to earth, to be con-ceived in the womb of a young woman, to take on human form, to be born in humble surroundings, to live a sinless human life and then to present Himself the perfect Lamb of God and to finish the

Got Questions?_______________

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

PreviewBuy the book at

www.rforh.com/store

work His Father had sent Him to do—to take away the sins of the world.

Remember the sacrifice of the cross began in the cradle. It was prophesied by Isaiah and fulfilled when Jesus was born.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Jesus IS the reason for the season!

Buy this book now atwww.rforh.com/store

Let the just rejoice, for their Justifier is born.Let the sick and infirm rejoice, For their Saviour is born.Let the captives rejoice, For their Redeemer is born.Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.Let free men rejoice, For their Liberator is born.Let All Christians rejoice, For Jesus Christ is born.

—St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)

Other books and resources from this author.

Why the Butterfly? Rightly Remembering Jesus, by Shari Abbott This book isn’t about butterflies. . .it’s all about Jesus! Discover how rightly remembering will establish your heart, anchor your soul and transform your mind. A quick read that will give you a heavenly perspective on this journey we call life!

Remember Me - A Course About Rightly Remembering Seven video study sessions that teach rightly remembering and will ignite in you a desire to filter everything you think, say and do through the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Learn how rightly remembering will establish your heart, anchor your soul and transform your mind.

Who Said That? Common everyday sayings. . .where do they come from? by Shari Abbott This is a great book to give to unbelievers. It’s simply a look at everyday sayings that originate from God’s Word. At the end of the book is a gospel presentation.

Fun with Shuns Learn key doctrines of the Christian faith by understanding the many words in the Bible that end in -tion. Includes five short videos. If you can’t fully explain why you believe what you believe, then you need this study. DVD and book for group or individual study. Also available in iBook with video.

Got Questions? We have Reasons for Hope, by Shari Abbott Reasons Books 1 & 2 Real questions from real people. Each book has 30 questions and 30 answers with reasons for hope.eBooks available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

How to Witness to Jehovah’s Witnesses, Apologetics An-swers & Verses, by Shari Abbott. Be prepared to defend what you believe and be able to present biblical truth the next time a Jehovah’s Witness comes to your door. Don’t be out-witnessed by a Jehovah’s Witness. Free with the pur-chase of any Reasons Book(s). eBook available at Amazon.

30

We have Reasons for H

ope Shari S. Abbott

Reasons Book 3

SHARI ABBOTT, communications director for Reasons for Hope (rforh), is an avid Bible reader and teacher. She is passionate about equipping and encouraging Christians to know Jesus better and to love Him more. Shari is the author of the books Why the Butterfly? Rightly Remembering Jesus, Remember Me--A Course in Rightly Remembering, Who Said That? Common Everyday Sayings, Got Questions? We have Reasons for Hope (Reasons Books 1 & 2), How to Witness to Jehovah’s Witnesses, and a number of Bible study resources. Shari and her husband Steve have two daughters and live in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Got Q

uestions?

Everyone has questions!

The world is changing faster than ever before and in ways that were unimaginable only a decade ago. On some things we must adapt and change, but on others we must stand firm on what God commands and desires. To do that we must know what God says.

The Bible is the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. It has been the life manual of believers throughout the ages and it can be trusted to empower and direct our lives.

Christians should read the Bible every day. God has told us “study to show yourself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). In careful and prayer-ful study we come to know Jesus better and be surrendered to His will and to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Reasons Book 3 presents 30 more questions from our Reasons for Hope community of friends. Digging into the Bible to find an-swers equips us to stand firm in our faith and share our faith with others. Join us now as we prepare you to...

...be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you

a reason of the hope* that is in you... 1 Peter 3:15

Foreword by Wade Wacker

We have Reasons for Hope

*Jesus

1 Thessalonians 2:19

Why do I believe what I believe? How can I defend what I believe?How can I share what I believe?

For what is our hope, or joy or crown of rejoicing?

Shari S. Abbott3

ReasonsBook

Buy NOW at www.rforh.com/store