Q&As

Whet about the issue of giving to people who beg on the streets? I am conflicted as to when that is the right thing to do and when it might… Read More

I’ve heard many times that salvation is a “free gift” and one can do nothing to earn it, and that’s what sets Christianity apart from other religions. But obedience to… Read More

A disciple recently posted this article. https://sojo.net/articles/jesus-was-protester. I’m not sure why, but it bothered me. What do you think about it? Interesting…  Yesterday I passed a group of protesters — in front of… Read More

I hope you are doing well. I’d like to ask a quick question. The other day at church a brother was chairing the communion while a sister was going to share…. Read More

I would be interested in knowing what you consider a strong argument for the resurrection of Christ. The vast majority of biblical scholars, whether Christian, Jewish, agnostic or atheist, admit… Read More

Pascal’s Wager can be used to assess the fact that believing in the existence of God is the Nash equilibrium or the dominant strategy for the game. However, this won’t… Read More

I was reading Numbers 12 and some questions came up. Did Moses have more than one wife? Was Zipporah a Cushite?—Mike C. . It seems to me that Zipporah was… Read More

I have enjoyed the way you broaden people’s understanding of the Bible, and wish to wholeheartedly thank you. My question regards Matt 27:51-53, where as Jesus dies and many holy people are… Read More

My brother is a great hearted and very intelligent person who seems to be searching for answers about God. We are having a great conversation about Christianity. He recently said, “Sure…. Read More

I was happy to see you and listen to your speech when you came to Russia. My question is about Mathew 18:17. What does it mean — to treat a sinner as… Read More

Greetings from New Delhi! I see many disciples wearing crosses of gold around their necks as jewelry. Isn’t this idolatry? In India, we ask Hindus to give up every form… Read More

So, no one brings up the fact that Jesus is God’s Son in the first 7 chapters of Acts. Yet this is noticeably absent from the first gospel sermon in… Read More

When Jesus cleanses the Temple (Matt 21:12-13), he seems to have left himself open to charges of being violent or emotional or even sinful. What are we to make of… Read More

I was reading the Torah, and I noticed that the stories in Numbers 20 and Exodus 17 are most likely parallels. Both have Moses giving the Israelites water from the… Read More

I’ve been discussing the issue of the missing 42nd generation with a good friend of mine, and quite frankly, we’re stuck. We’ve searched through Kings and Chronicles and it seems like… Read More

In Ezekiel 26:14, 21, we read about Tyre, never to be rebuilt and never to be found again. However, it seems Tyre was rebuilt. Can you help me understand this? –… Read More

I am doing a devotional on “Devoted” for the SW Women’s Conference. In looking at Leviticus 27:28-29, there is a reference to “nothing a man owns and devoted to the… Read More

Is the following an OT statement against polygamy? “Then Laban said, ‘This mound is a witness between me and you today.’ Therefore the place was called Galeed, and Mizpah, for… Read More

I recently read a book on Bathsheba (fiction), and I really liked it because it made the story come alive. (It was Unspoken, by Francine Rivers.) I’ve read other books,… Read More

In Job 2:3, does Satan manipulate God to “ruin” Job without reason? — Ed That seems to be the intent. But God is not manipulated by anyone. He is clearly… Read More

I am Temi, a Christian in Abuja. I’m going over Genesis 12. When God called Abram to leave his country and family he promised to show Abram a land, to… Read More

Greetings from the historic city of Bamberg, Germany – what a marvelous place. It’s me, André from Düsseldorf. I won’t ask if you remember the burgers we shared along with Vicki and… Read More

My 14 year-old son fancies himself a deep thinker/seeker, and our spiritual “household culture” conforms to your “unexamined faith” mantra: we try to encourage independent examination and free discussion. This has… Read More

Has your church fellowship ever given any serious consideration to exploring the possibility of membership in the ecumenical organization of the World Council of Churches (WCC) as a means of… Read More

Why does God essentially declare death to all of Ahab’s descendants (1 Kings 21:22,29) as a result of his sin, yet also proclaim (2 Kings 14:6/Deuteronomy 24:16 ) that children… Read More

Thanks for explaining the doctrine of God’s “two books,” as I value science very much, and value rationality. A brother in another city in my country tends to think that it’s not necessary… Read More

I am from a Jewish background. Would you please explain how Jesus Christ can be the Messiah, using the Hebrew Bible? Thanks. A fair question — and especially when you’ve… Read More

What does the Bible say about contraception? I belong to a church that forbids it. Can you please help me figure this out? I would like to invite you to… Read More

I am agonizing over something that happened to me when I was a child, before I was 11 years old. I’m almost certain that what happened to me was sexual molestation. I blame… Read More

When Calvinist scientists and theologians embrace evolutionary creationism, do they deny that random mutations are random? Maybe this is a silly question, but could creation ever be considered truly random… Read More

First, thanks for all the teaching you provide. Today I write with a concern. In my congregation we are sometimes told that singles are “the pillars of the church.” Now… Read More

I am troubled by the concubinage element of polygamy. I have a difficult time understanding how David, a man whose only recorded sexual sin  condemned by God was being with… Read More

Greetings from New Delhi. I see many disciples wearing a cross made of gold around their neck as jewelry. Isn’t this an act of idolatry? In India, we ask Hindus… Read More

Is the church the same thing as the kingdom? Not exactly. Often I hear brothers and sisters identifying the kingdom with the church. Some even teach that “Seek first the… Read More

“About two years ago, I had a few atheist friends over who during a conversation about a great many things proposed that the Bible was merely a copy of many… Read More

“Does God still speak through people? I ask this because sometimes brothers and sisters say that God could be using them to let one know something.” — Lester Luna (Nicaragua)… Read More

“I am somewhat confused about the concept of the LORD’s forgiveness and punishment for the same sins, especially as described in Numbers 14, when the Israelites grumbled against Moses and… Read More

“In Exodus 24:10 it says Moses and 70s others ‘saw the God of Israel.’ Yet in 1 John 4:12 and John 1:18, both verses say ‘No one has ever seen… Read More

“A Muslim friend of mine rejects the incarnation. He says the following verse makes it impossible: ‘God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he… Read More

“Recently a friend asked me this. ‘If sin cannot be transferred from father to son [as stated in Ezekiel 18], how can our sins be transferred to Jesus on the… Read More

If my wife and children were being physically harmed or threatened, would I as a Christian be permitted to protect them? Or would I have to let them be harmed?… Read More

A new disciple asked me a question about this. So I looked at your website and found this article on communion. I was a little surprised. My questions: (1) Is… Read More

Does Matthew 23:8-9 contradict the Catholic Church’s teaching of calling the priest “Father”? Yes, the practice of calling a leader “father” seems to fly in the face of Jesus’ plain… Read More

“I’m studying the bible with this friend who I recently met. He is apart of a sect [name deleted] I’d never heard of. He told me today that his church is international… Read More

“In our ‘Bible Chat’ at our Catholic church this morning we were reading the various accounts of Jesus’ trial before Pilate, and we came across an exchange that has always… Read More

“I wanted to ask your opinion about an article I wrote on the ‘age of accountability.’ At age 12, Jesus is referred to as a ‘boy/child,’ and the (little) girl… Read More

“I’m studying the Bible with a friend who is still coming to faith. This question came up: ‘Just because God exists doesn’t mean he must be a perfect being, does… Read More

We are studying Bible with a Muslim friend who is asking us a lot of questions. For him it seems like the Bible is self-contradictory. For example, he finds contradictions in the books of Samuel,… Read More

I came across Zechariah 14, and am hearing lots of interpretation, from future apocalyptic to that these events have already happened. Since much of the material in the prophets (like… Read More

Christians from a Pentecostal background often talk about ‘binding’ negative/evil things. I am confused – do we as Christians have the authority to bind and loose spiritual things? My question… Read More

I frequently think about the suffering in this life — more and more with every year — including very painful emotional distress. It seems like there is a randomness to life. We… Read More

I was wondering if you had any suggestions on books to read. I’m looking for something that traces the threads of the Gospel and Jesus through the Old Testament. Any suggestions? — Guy… Read More

A non-believing friend counters the idea of a creationist God by contending for seeding from aliens. I realize this idea is preposterous to you, but I didn’t find anything specifically… Read More

I was reading Acts 21 today and was struck by reading how when Paul came to Jerusalem he went to see James. What seems odd about that there is no mention of… Read More

“Number 5:11-31 speaks of a test for an unfaithful wife and the law of jealousy. I’ve read some insightful commentaries, but would love to hear from you your understanding of… Read More

What is Jesus talking about in Luke 11:13, since we receive the Spirit at baptism? — S.F. Here’s the passage, in case anybody isn’t familiar with it: 11 “Which of you… Read More

What is the meaning of Luke 17:37? I don’t understand the question or the significance of Jesus’ response to the question. Are the disciples asking where the will these people be taken?… Read More

If possible, a couple should consummate the marriage sexually, fulfilling the physical aspect of the “one flesh” principle. But if they don’t, is such a couple still considered married in… Read More

I am thoroughly enjoying your audio recording of Revelation & the End of the World. I am almost finished with my research but have reached a point of uncertainty concerning Domitian… Read More

I have recently had discussions with a believer outside our fellowship regarding discipleship and church membership. I have been faced with a difficult question that I can’t answer. Where does… Read More

What would you do if, while walking with your wife along the street, a man came up and started to attack her with a machete? Would you use violence, which Jesus… Read More

I would like to find out about generational curses, which seem so common here in Africa. Are they real? What should a Christian’s response be? What are practical, biblical ways… Read More

What do you think about this “elf on a shelf”? A fictional character watches your children and reports to Santa. They are told to be obedient so that the elf… Read More

Is there a quadrinity? Clearly, the Bible supports the triune nature of God. Moreover, the Scriptures demonstrate mutual love, honor, submission, and dependency between each part. I cannot help but notice… Read More

I was reading 2 Corinthians 10 and I noticed something about verses 1-5. It seems to me that he is talking about how they handle opposition. The part that hit… Read More

I listened to your podcast series on Revelation. I thought you did an excellent job of exegesis on Revelation 13; the first beast being the political/military branch of Rome (or… Read More

Dear Dr. J, I just found, and listened to your podcast. I enjoyed listening to it. Thank you!  Here is a challenging question for you: Can you be both a… Read More

What does the Bible say about a single leading a ministry? As far as I’ve seen, there hasn’t been any single officially hired to lead a ministry full-time. And often,… Read More

Is there astronomical evidence for the missing day of Joshua 10? I saw somewhere that there is, and once heard a preacher confirm it. Often more harm than good is done… Read More

After his death and resurrection, Jesus gave the charge, the “Great Commission,” to the eleven faithful apostles. Let’s take a look at this passage and see what conclusions we can… Read More

What is going on in the Law, where the Israelites are told to bury their waste? I’ve heard that God’s main intention was to protect his people from sickness. Am… Read More

Recent claims that Jesus was married — always sure to draw a crowd — are based on the discovery of an ancient manuscript that has come to light. It’s not… Read More

Author: John Clayton of Does God Exist? Used with permission. When Richard Dawkins released his now famous atheist rant against God, he opened the door for many arm-chair atheists on… Read More

In Luke 24:34, we read  “…he appeared to Simon.” Your thoughts on how to reconcile this possible discrepancy — doesn’t seem to flow with the narrative in Luke? — Marcus… Read More

One of our dear brothers has stopped coming to church because he is wrestling with two questions: (1) Why do many Christian theologians believe that Paul kept Nazirite vows and… Read More

How should I respond when I am unjustly treated or wronged? When I know I am right or I see the situation as unfair, I plead my case for justice…. Read More

What’s the relationship between Jesus and Horus? Are they one and the same, or close relatives? I have heard that the Christians borrowed from Egyptian mythology. There is no relationship… Read More

I have a question about 1 Corinthians 12. A little over two years ago I fainted in my kitchen and woke up with a broken neck. I am now a… Read More

Is there any country that celebrates or follows the rules for the Year of Jubilee? And when I say follow, I mean they follow what it says in Leviticus 25:8-55:… Read More

The Bible is inerrant; being inerrant, it is consistent; there is no inconsistency possible in the Bible. If there is a difference of interpretation, it cannot be resolved by arguing… Read More

In Mathew 11:3 why did John send his disciples to go confirm whether Jesus was the Messiah to come even after baptizing him? Was he doubting him because Jesus failed to assist… Read More

Is it possible that if a person were to commit suicide due to having a psychotic state of mind, uncontrollable actions, and extreme emotional unrest or distress, that God’s grace… Read More

You argue that it does not make sense for God to punish a certain number of years of sin with an infinite punishment. What about Hades, the intermediate state of… Read More

In Isaiah 23:17-18, why is the profit of a prostitute set apart for the LORD? If wicked persons’ income is spent in the service of the LORD, won’t the wicked be inspired… Read More

I just listened to your podcast “Yahweh and the Ancient Gods.” You mention the fact that the ancient gods sinned just like humans. One of the sins you mention is vengeance…. Read More

I am currently reading Paul was not a Christian, by Pamela Eisenbaum. At the beginning of her book she is talking about disputed and undisputed letters of Paul. She states that… Read More

What does the Bible say about confessing to a crime if confessing will destroy your family and friends? Confess and be damned, or spare the hurt and pain it will… Read More

In Hebrews 2:9, why does God make Jesus a little lower than the angels? As God’s Son, he had no sins — right? How should I understand this? Originally Psalm 8,… Read More

Hello. I just read your pdf file on hell and its terminal punishment. I’ve really enjoyed reading the profound insights that really help motivate me to study the Bible further…. Read More

Correct me if I’m wrong. It seems like in the scriptures God’s love is conditional. I understand God is love. And people have free will and must choose whether or… Read More

Q&A 1358 – Evangelism for everyone? or How much can we read into the scriptures? Douglas, I thoroughly enjoy and am built up by your Q&A section. I’m writing about… Read More

What is your take on the recent Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriages? And advice? Following the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize “gay marriages,” here are a… Read More

In several passages the dead seem to be described as though they were asleep. For example, 1 Cor 15:6 says “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at… Read More

The concept of praying together comes up many times in the NT. Just wanted to know, is it asking all the disciples to pray at the same time or be together and… Read More

I am trying to study the meaning of apostolos in 1 Corinthians, and in some sense, it seems to mean an official ambassador sent out on a mission from a… Read More

Zechariah 1:15 and Isaiah 47:6 confuse me. How did nations go far beyond what God intended? In the Book of Job, God put a limit on what Satan could do… Read More

I have seen a couple of articles on CNN where parents are letting their kids at a very early age transition to the opposite gender: http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/27/health/transgender-kids/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/24/us/colorado-transgender-girl-school/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/19/politics/mike-honda-transgender-granddaughter/index.html This one… Read More

In 2 Kings 6:30, the passage where the two women are arguing about whose son to eat, the king is wearing sackcloth under his regular robes. Why would he do… Read More

How do you study the Bible with a devout Muslim? What would you look at first, second, third, etc? I may have an opportunity to do regular studies with a pretty… Read More

Posted on October 4, 2008 by John Oakes at his website, Evidence for Christianity. Used with permission. I was just reading an excerpt out of the book Who is My… Read More

I’m wondering about the sun and moon event in Joshua 10, and I read you short bit on it in Your Bible Questions Answered. If the event is meant to… Read More

Did God create Jesus? I was reading John 5:26 (For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself). But I thought… Read More

Is writing term papers and doing assignments for students in overseas universities for pay a sin for the writer? I know disciples who have opened companies and receive term papers… Read More

A friend of mine is wondering if there is any place in the bible where forgiveness of sin is not connected to salvation. She thinks someone can be forgiven of… Read More

How would you answer an eastern European atheist who grew up in communist state atheism, and was taught that religion is a way for authorities to make people compliant and… Read More

Biblically speaking, are married couples who are physically able required to have children, or can a couple come together in marriage for the sheer enjoyment of one another’s company and… Read More

I am reaching out to  a woman who has a gay brother. This man is in a committed relationship and is also a committed church member in a large denomination that… Read More

Matthew 6:25-34 seems to suggest that it would be impossible for a Christian to starve to death, yet church history seems to teach otherwise. How does one harmonize what appears… Read More

It seems that ‘ari means “lion” throughout the OT, but in Psalm 22 KJV and NIV translate it “pierced.” I believe Jews now claim that it can’t mean “pierced” in Psalm 22. How… Read More

1 Timothy 4:1 says that “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” Does this mean… Read More

Dr. Jacoby, my question is simple. Based on scripture: is technology beneficial or detrimental to mankind? A loyal fan- Miguel Gutierrez Brownsville Texas. Technology is bad in Gen 11 — the Tower… Read More

I have been trying to improve my ability to pronounce words from the Bible. I found it to be a difficult task, because I have trouble finding a standard. It… Read More

I have a question regarding the idea of free will and how it affects prayer. My understanding of free will, according to a Christian’s point of view, is that God… Read More

Does God have vision for humankind?  In 1 Timothy 2:4, God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. So is it correct… Read More

I recently heard a sermon from a young evangelist. He repeated a well know refrain in many churches, calling the crowd to be willing to “go anywhere, do anything, and… Read More

I worked as a graphic editor for a newspaper. But in this paper, there are topics like horoscope, new age, the meaning of names…to the point where I feel like my… Read More

Q&A 1333 – What about the Gospel of Jesus’ Wife? I am wondering if you have any thoughts on this new finding? In 2012 an ancient papyrus fragment, about the… Read More

Do the speeches in the Bible record the exact words of Peter, Paul, or Jesus? And if not, why should we trust them? In ancient times, transcription from dictation was… Read More

Censorship of Christian Songs — replies: Ferguson, Jacoby, and Oakes  It seems that many modern evangelical songs stress blessings and grace, with little emphasis on discipleship or repentance. Some song… Read More

What was ancient Israel’s population? The statistic in Numbers 1:46 implies a nation of millions exiting from Egypt. Was it really that high? Israel’s population was in the millions, but… Read More

Why were the Jews told to write out scripture on their gates? I get that having God’s word written inside our houses would be a great reminder to stay focused… Read More

My sister and her husband have been trying to get pregnant for the past two years with no success. My mom, who is a very religious woman, wants me to… Read More

Is life insurance, or any other form of insurance, Biblical? Someone told me it is not because it is usury. Also, what about networking or recruiting people for the purpose… Read More

In the present age has there ever been a church of Christ that lived in constant contact with each other (literally), like the Christians in the first century church did,… Read More

I was studying about heaven and hell, and John 3 says no one is in heaven. How do you understand Ephesians 4:8 –  “When he ascended on high, HE LED… Read More

Is life insurance, or any other form of insurance, biblical? Someone told me it is not because it is usury. Also, what about networking or recruiting people for the purpose… Read More

In as few words as possible… I caught a fellow disciple stealing from the offering. I tried to talk with the person, but they wouldn’t confess it. This person quit… Read More

My mother-in-law stumped me with this question. Why did God allow David to eat the bread which was lawful only for the priests, but condemn Saul for offering a sacrifice,… Read More

I have a question about the Messianic Jewish movement. I searched on both of your sites and couldn’t find if you wrote on this topic. My sister who isn’t part… Read More

In a discussion with a friend about eating being an ‘act of worship,’ somehow he was thinking that there was a connection with sin manifesting itself as disease in the… Read More

If Jesus died for our sins and took the punishment that we deserved, and if our punishment would have been eternal separation from God, then why was Jesus only in… Read More

I have a question about 1 Timothy 2:1 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” Does this mean that… Read More

I was trying to find information about what happens to Orpah, Ruth’s sister, once she turns her back to them. A few websites I found said according to Jewish history… Read More

Do you believe that Luke 21:1-4 is an example to follow, or a means of convincing someone to tithe? I mean, looking at the surrounding context, it’s just an odd… Read More

Brother, I wanted to ask you about questions that I have been faced with many times here in Lebanon – Is the killing of Gentiles in the Old Testament a… Read More

Though not a Biblical doctrine or salvation issue, we as the leaders of our church decided to expect our members to only date committed Christians. A woman who was part… Read More

Someone in our group (my husband and I are family group leaders) wants to declare bankruptcy. We don’t think this is biblical. Some might argue that filing for bankruptcy is… Read More

Why did Jesus include wife in the list of things you can leave and still be blessed (Luke 18:28-30) if elsewhere Jesus commands against divorce, and Paul says that one… Read More

When I study church with people during Bible study it’s a bit daunting to them. My question is, is the church study a salvation issue? Do people have to attend… Read More

How do I obtain electronic/digital copies of your books, or of other books recommended on this site? Quite a few of my books are available for Kindle, but generally you… Read More

My heart’s desire is to be led by the Holy Spirt and continue to grow daily in my prayer life and Bible study. I do realize that I have my… Read More

This is a question that comes up repeatedly. Some of the reasons given are as follows: The person did not understand Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The person was confused… Read More

[Paraphrased] Hi, Doug! My name is Sergiy Shabashkevich, I was baptized 18 years ago in the Kiev Church of Christ (Ukraine). In the last month I have heard several times… Read More

A couple of women have been coming to my house over the past week, who happen to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. They want to get together and study the Bible, probably… Read More

Please enlighten me regarding hypnotherapy. Can a Christian go for hypnotherapy sessions (for example to stop nail bitting / slimming) or practise hypnotherapy as hypnotherapist? Please advise. — Caroline (Singapore)… Read More

Is cremation inconsistent with any biblical or Christian principle, or is it an acceptable alternative to embalment and burial? [Reply from Edward Fudge (of gracEmail), used with permission.] Throughout recorded… Read More

Do you believe the sentence "Perfect love casts out fear" in 1 John 4:18 can be used to mean "since we want to love perfectly as God does, let’s have… Read More

What do you say about the "doctine of non-resistance"? What about Romans 13? Doesn’t this allow us to kill our enemies, if our own government commands us to do so?… Read More

I’d like to ask for some advice. Right now I’m struggling with my faith. I’ve always asked questions and really had a desire to seek the truth. In doing so… Read More

This issue has been one lately that I have been researching some. I started with a search online for ‘Christian views of nude art’. I found a lot of articles that take… Read More

How long were the Israelites sojourners in Egypt? Paul assigns a 430-year interval between the Abrahamic covenant given in Genesis and the Mosaic Law introduced at Sinai. The arithmetic gets… Read More

What’s a Sabbath day’s walk? How far were the ancient Jews allowed to walk on a Sabbath? Exodus 16:29 discouraged long walks on the Sabbath. Traditionally, the limit was 2000… Read More

The following question came up recently concerning the eldership in our congregation. One of the couples in our oversight group just moved to another city. We believe in the importance of a plurality… Read More

A review of Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005) Rob Bell (b.1970), preacher at Mars Hill Bible Church, has become a highly influential speaker and writer… Read More

In Joel 1:4 and 2:25, what do the locusts represent?  Some readers understand the locust hordes literally; others, as the invading armies the Lord would use to punish his people…. Read More

Is there any special meaning to the way Paul so often wishes his readers "grace and peace"?  There is. In the east, people wished one another "peace," just as the Jews said "Shalom"… Read More

Exploring your websites, I have realized that although I’ve been a disciple for almost 20 years, I really don’t know how to study my Bible. I wanted to ask if you… Read More

“Even when we do our best, our righteousness is filthy rags in God’s sight (Isaiah 64:6). Do you agree?” No, I do not. Works-salvation is rightly rejected by scripture, but… Read More

I have a question regarding marriage in heaven. In Matthew 22:30, Jesus says that at the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like… Read More

I want to find out God’s plan for my life. Jeremiah 29 says he wants us to have prosperity. But things aren’t going so well. What should I do? This… Read More

Who is the man of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians? Many find in this passage a sort of “antichrist”—though the word is not used—whose rise presages the end of the world…. Read More

Many have tried and failed to predict the end of the world. Is this fruitless, or do you think it’s possible to find out the date by searching the scriptures?It’s… Read More

Why is the Bible so long? It’s taking me forever to read it. It isn’t, compared to the scriptures of the Eastern Religions, with many thousands of pages. Or when… Read More

Why are the words of Jesus printed differently in “red-letter” editions of the Bible? Editions of the N.T. with Jesus’ words in red, first appearing in 1899, were intended as… Read More

Doesn’t the Bible interpret itself? My preacher pointed out 2 Peter 1:20. Isn’t interpretation how we ended up with so many dissensions and denominations? 2 Peter 1:20 does not forbid… Read More

What does “Bible” mean? Ironically, I can’t find the word “Bible” anywhere in my Bible! And why do they call it “The Holy Bible?” Good observation. The word “Bible” does… Read More

What language was the original Bible written in?  Think of the Bible as a library, not as a single document. Its constituent books were authored, and edited, over a period… Read More

How can I be sure the Bible hasn’t been changed? Isn’t it just a translation of a translation of a translation, and so on? Actually, modern translations are made from… Read More

Is modern magic equivalent to ancient sorcery? I’m curious to know if magicians today are tapping on the power of demons? I know magic is just tricks, but I got a… Read More

What position should we adopt when we pray to God? — David  Here are some passages for you to consider. Kneeling: 1 Kings 8:54, Daniel 6:10, Acts 21:5Standing: 1 Samuel 1:26, Matthew 6:5,… Read More

Were some Jewish people cannibals? I found a passage, Lamentations 4:10, which says "With their own hands compassionate women have cooked their own children." This is shocking. Cannibalism was practiced in… Read More

How did God bless the world through Abraham? Genesis 12 says he would bless all nations, but most nations don’t follow the Bible. Blessing is a major theme of the… Read More

The Old Testament has so many prophets. How did they get their messages from God?The answer surprises most people. The prophets received their prophetic messages in visions, and these visions often… Read More

What’s going on in Matthew 26:64? Why doesn’t Jesus directly admit he’s the Son of God when he is asked by the high priest? You are right. In Matthew 26:64,… Read More

Did Jesus have free will to sin if he wanted to? Wouldn’t He need that to be human? Was He sinless by divine intervention or choice? Wouldn’t that be robotic… Read More

In regard to the Qur’an, is there any part of that book that is productively applicable to our lives? Is there a danger in reading it? Wouldn’t this be the… Read More

I have read of claims that the early Israelites were heavily influenced by their neighbors (Canaanite religion), and were in a sense polytheistic. They believed in the supremacy of YAHVEH… Read More

There is somewhat of a mild debate going on in the church I attend. One brother with a degree in theology, understanding of Greek etc, always gets on to the… Read More

Thank you for your websites. I am a premium member, which is good, as my sons are reaching the age of many difficult questions… I have a question of my… Read More

I want to understand how other religions view Jesus. Have you written anything on that topic? I want to make sure I am on base as I share this information… Read More

Why does the bible refer to "God" as Elohim when "Elohim" is plural for "gods"? And in Genesis the verse that talks about two types of water and the expanse:… Read More

I have heard a new movement on the rise called the "New Atheists," and they recently held a "Blasphemy Day." They have attacked, mocked and belittled God, and it made… Read More

What’s the best way for a Christian woman to help her husband get spiritually engaged?  It seems that he’s a true introvert and not close to many of the brothers,… Read More

What god did the nation of Edom serve? I have been searching for weeks and can’t find anything. — Mike Harris Whereas the gods of the Moabites, Ammonites, Philistines, et… Read More

I recently reached out to a young man, and although he speaks English fairly fluently, he cannot read and write very well. He was orphaned as a young child, and… Read More

When you said you believe "God’s future knowledge is conditional on our free-will choices," do you believe in open theism? — Adam Great question. I find open theism untenable in its… Read More

I hope all’s well and that the year is fantastic for you! If it’s all right, I was hoping to pose a couple of questions: Do you have any advice… Read More

Help me please to understand one instance in Numbers: "Those numbered of them, by the number of every male from a month old and upward—those numbered of them were 7,500… By the… Read More

I found the following excerpt from a book I’m reading, The Ancient Library of Qumran, 3rd Edition, by Frank Moore Cross. He writes: "[Essene] parallels to John and the Johannine Epistles will… Read More

What do you know about Black Hebrew Israelites? During the twentieth century there have been several African-American groups that organized themselves around the belief that they were the "true" descendants… Read More

What is your belief about the importance of the Virgin Mary to all humanity in our search for God’s mercy? I believe that she is a very important person because… Read More

Can you elaborate on the idea of godly division v. sinful division? — Ed  Good question. I hope these general comments about division help clarify the issue at hand. God… Read More

What do you think is the ideal Spanish version of the Bible to use? There seem to be a few out there. Well, Dios Habla Hoy is extremely popular, though… Read More

Is there any validity to the idea that certain commands are more important than others, based on the number of times they’re mentioned in the Bible? For example, some people… Read More

What was Jesus referring to in Matthew 28:18-20’s "end of the age"? — C.G. In my view, there are two ways to look at this phrase: 1) The end of… Read More

In Matthew 27 the Jews say, "His blood be on us and our children." But isn’t this just a case of Christian antisemitism? Would they really have said such words? Yes,… Read More

When Jesus makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), what is the significance or symbolism of the palm fronds? You are referring to the event recorded in John 12:13… Read More

I am confused about the two genealogies we find for Jesus. Matthew and Luke give differing lines of descent. How are we to understand this? In the words of H…. Read More

I am looking for a version of the Koran in English. What would you recommend? Is there more than one good version? There are three “authorized” versions in English, which… Read More

In Exodus it says God hardens Pharaoh’s heart. Isn’t this unfair? I thought God didn’t override our free will! You are right about free will. God is sovereign and omniscient, but… Read More