Q&As

In Mark 8:22-24, the blind man says, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." Why is this different from all the other healings of the blind? Why did it… Read More

In Exodus 30:22-23 (KJV) where it talks about the anointing oil, are the sweet calamus or fragrant canes actually cannabis? I tend to think not, but in some ways to… Read More

What is your view on the importance of church loyalty? I see a trend in my church: disciples "not getting their needs met" decide to visit or even join some church… Read More

Considering the Parable of the Good Samaritan [Luke 10], the openness of the Samaritan woman [John 4], and other passages in the gospels, can it be said that Samaritans were more God-fearing in heart than the Jews in… Read More

I wanted to do a study on Messianic prophecies, so I found a website that had a list of many. I’m not sure if this is a credible website, because one of… Read More

I have a very hard time keeping myself pure, avoiding lustful thoughts. It seems like every minute there is a thought I have to sweep away. I have shared this with my wife… Read More

What is your advice regarding disciples who used to be leading or on staff, disagreed with the way things were being done and spoke up — but felt no one… Read More

Why is it true that if I break one part of the law I am guilty of breaking all of it? Why can’t I just repent over that one infraction through… Read More

I live in a nation where the Orthodox Church has great power. They teach that true church must have continuity with consistent succession of members from person to person all… Read More

I am trying to resolve the seeming disagreement between Paul’s conversion story in Acts and what he writes to in Galatians 1. We know the Damascus road story has him immediately… Read More

I have a question about the phrase "touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm" (Psalms 105:15), used by David when he had an opportunity to kill Saul. This… Read More

Okay, I have been wrestling with Galatians 2:18 for too long now! When Paul speaks of rebuilding what he destroyed, is he speaking of the law he destroyed through dying… Read More

You mentioned somewhere that one of the apocryphal books has Paul baptizing a lion. Where can I find that? –Jack Spencer It is from the Acts of Paul. This is not a biblical… Read More

Is there ever a righteous time for a disciple of Jesus to bring a lawsuit against someone, whether or not the other person is a disciple? I looked at Jesus’ teaching… Read More

The gospel of Mark indicates that the last supper taken by the apostles was prepared on "the day the Passover lamb was sacrificed," after which Jesus was betrayed and later… Read More

We need to hear something from you about “The Secret” as seen on Oprah. This is beginning to sweep through our church and I know it must be affecting others… Read More

I am sure you have seen the articles floating around about the tomb discovered in the early ’80s that some claim is the tomb of Jesus Christ and his family. My attention… Read More

Some brothers feel it is wrong and unclean to baptize in a bathtub? What do you think? We must ask, does the Bible state where someone ought to be baptized? If… Read More

Our church place is in a business center also registered as a company which during the week we use it as a school to help support the church. Some brothers thinks… Read More

Were the founders of the US sinful in creating a rebellion against authority (this would seem to go against Romans 13)? Should we as American Christians be proud of the… Read More

I am fully aware that truth cannot contradict truth, so I expect no real contradictions in the Bible. However, this seems to be one that I am wrestling with. I… Read More

I have a question for you on behalf of another sister. She has written her first book about focusing on God while being faithful about getting married someday. It is… Read More

I’m trying to witness to an orthodox Jew about Jesus being the sin offering for mankind per Leviticus/Yom Kippur atonement and he keeps referring me to Ezekiel 33:11 and Micah… Read More

I am been reading the books of Samuel and have a question for you. The ephod was to be worn only by the high priest to discern the will of… Read More

I am studying the book of Acts, generally presumed to be written by Luke. Most of the book is written in the third person, as Luke is presumably writing an… Read More

Polycarp declared, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me injury. How can I blaspheme my King and Savior?” (Polycarp, Martyrdom of Polycarp 9, c…. Read More

In your book Till the Nets Are Full (formerly Shining like Stars), you say that it’s a sin for unmarried men and women to live together. I do agree that… Read More

My fiancée and I do not see eye to eye on how someone becomes a Christian. Because of my views, I consider certain people to be right with God that… Read More

I have spent hours on your website perusing and searching but can find no reference to a book specifically about 1st century Roman/Jewish culture or Old Testament Jewish culture. I… Read More

The blood of Christ cleanses us from sin (1 Peter 1:19), but on the other hand baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). There are people who say… Read More

Paul wrote, ”more than I can ask or imagine…" With this in view, is there any sense in praying for Satan? He is my enemy; should he be loved as… Read More

Here’s a thought that sometimes lurks in the back of my mind. I am not sure how to square it with the Bible. We affirm that a pure and holy… Read More

I’ve read that Jesus’ cry in Matthew 27:46 on the cross is actually an Aramaic idiom meaning something like "..for this I was spared." This is, of course, quite different… Read More

What is your favorite Bible dictionary? I recently acquired the ISBE. I was wondering if it is possible to read this work online. I am looking for access to some… Read More

Some of Watchman Nee’s writings speak of ways in which a spirit can "sense." He calls this intuition. Examples are Mark 2:8 (perceiving in his spirit), Mark 8:12 (He sighed… Read More

As a single man, I’ve been pondering a question for a long time. Is kissing before marriage wrong? What is your input? Do the Scriptures speak on this subject? –… Read More

To whom is the "ransom" referred to in Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, 1 Timothy 2:6, and Hebrews 9:15 actually paid? — Mike Windland Technically speaking, I believe the ransom is… Read More

Could you tell me if there is a good reference book about the meaning behind God’s repetition of numbers in the Bible? (3, 7, and 40 come immediately to mind.)… Read More

I need your advice on something. I am dating and planning to get married this year, but found out that my and my fiancée’s genotypes are AS. We were advised… Read More

I would like some help with the Strong’s NT Word 1135, gyne, meaning woman or wife. I know that in French, the word femme can mean both woman or wife…. Read More

John 1:13 reads, "children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." What does "nor of human decision" mean here? I… Read More

The Jews had to get permission to execute Jesus, yet it seems to me that they acted on their own for most of the other executions mentioned in the NT…. Read More

In Numbers 20:14-21, Moses and the Israelites are denied passage through Edom. The Edomites "came out to confront the Israelites with a large force of heavily armed people." So "Israel turned… Read More

Where do you stand on the Filioque controversy? — Roger Hoelzel (Grand Rapids) [For those not familiar with the controversy, the Latin form of the Nicene Creed states that the… Read More

What Paul did mean in Romans 3:25, where he wrote, "He passed over the sins previously committed"? Does 2 Peter 3:9, 15 help, or is that about a different subject?… Read More

Who are the "two who are anointed" in Zechariah 4:14? I have studied this out myself and I cannot seem to figure it out. Maybe you could help. — Chuck… Read More

You wrote, "To qualify as a Jew, you would need to be a descendant of Jacob, whose twelve sons became the twelve tribes (recalling that Jacob’s other name was Israel)."… Read More

I am curious if you have studied or know anything about the links below. The first link is one to “A Home Fellowship Community of Jesus’ Disciples.” It is very… Read More

Since I’ve seen a post from other church teachers (Gordon Ferguson and Steve Staten) regarding their feelings about the unity proposal, should we expect some analysis or comments from you… Read More

In a posting in 2003 there was a question regarding eldership, and you mentioned that the writings of the early fathers speak of the children of elders. I have read… Read More

In my church, I feel that I cannot express any difference of opinion to the leaders. It feels like all disagreement is viewed as "divisiveness." What can I do? If… Read More

At the present point, I believe the leadership in the church are going beyond what is written. I met with the leading evangelist about his teaching, and even met with… Read More

Christians who are lawyers and operate within the Mexican legal system face corruption all the time. We will treat the theme with a group of Christian lawyers in an upcoming… Read More

In Leviticus 21:16-23, God doesn’t want the blind, the lame, the disfigured/deformed, the crippled, the hunchbacked, the dwarfed, those with eye defects, running sores, or damaged testicles to come near… Read More

In 2 Chronicles 22:7-9 and 2 Kings 9:27, there are two accounts of Ahaziah’s death. In the version from Kings, Ahaziah is said to have escaped to Megiddo and then… Read More

In Joshua, the land is apportioned to the tribes. Each tribe as follows: Reuben, Simeon, Levi (no land, because they were priests), Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Ephraim… Read More

How did Christians in the first century study the Bible with non-Christians? Do you think there was a system of study or indoctrination they used? –Isabelle Glemmestad While there is… Read More

Further to Q&A 0594, do you have any thoughts about the bread and wine of the communion being the real flesh and blood of the Lord? –Roy Rudl Jesus says… Read More

Greetings from Manila! Today is Easter morning, so I decided to read the Easter accounts for my quiet time. In Matthew, Mark, and John, its clear that Jesus and his… Read More

There is something that does not sit well with my conscience. Disciples all around me are turning 21 and see no problem in taking shots. Of course they say, "Well,… Read More

I love hip-hop and rap music, but I hear rappers say a lot of things against God’s word, things that insult him. Then this leads me to think about things… Read More

Not that I agree with their courses of action, but how should we view the actions of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in the plot to kill Hitler and those of Eric Rudolph,… Read More

I have been studying the Bible with one of the college students here in Athens. He has agreed with everything until baptism. My question about Acts 2:38 is, What is… Read More

Some time ago, I rather surprisingly came across the following Scripture in Jeremiah 8:8: "How can you say, ‘We are wise, for we have the law of the Lord,’ when… Read More

Mark 10 has Jesus saying in reference to his death, "The Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the Law. They will condemn him… Read More

Lately, I have literally insulted God in my thoughts, speech, and actions. I can’t control my thoughts! How can a disciple of Christ commit such sins? I pray God will… Read More

The church is often said to be "the wife of Christ." We even sing this in our songs. But it seems to me that the New Jerusalem (after Judgment Day)… Read More

James 4:5 is often translated: "Or do you suppose that the Law speaks in vain when it says that the Spirit, whom God has caused to live in us, longs… Read More

A friend of mine said, "It is unfair of God to have killed the firstborn of Egypt and saved the children of Israel. After all, all children are innocent." I… Read More

In Philippians 1:23, Paul says that he wants to depart and be with Christ (which is better by far), but according to multiple articles written by you and others –… Read More

In John chapter 2, Jesus drove away the animal sellers and money changers. How did these kind of activities start in the temple? It seems that they did not come… Read More

In Ezra 6:22, should it not be the King of Persia instead of Assyria, as the temple was completed during the reign of Persia? Perhaps I have missed out on… Read More

In 2 Kings 24:18 and 23:31, it is stated that the mother of Jehoahaz and Zedekiah was Hamutal, daughter of Jeremiah. Is this Jeremiah the prophet, making Jeremiah the father-in-law… Read More

I would like to know if you have come across the personality called Lilith before. The name shows up in Isaiah 34:14 (Darby translation). Lilith is not mentioned in most… Read More

I have been having weird nightmares for a long time now and I am wondering what the cause might be. I have a lot of guilt inside and I do… Read More

Someone I respect has come to the conclusion, after research into early Christianity, including Bible study and reading anti-Catholic scholar David Berçot’s opinions, that the wine is blood and bread… Read More

I was studying out heaven and hell, and also the question of where one will go when he dies. I was wondering about the case of Elijah in 2 Kings… Read More

I have just completed a book by Rob Bell entitled Velvet Elvis. It is very thought-provoking and makes a argument that Jesus was a trained rabbi. Have you read or… Read More

I am a bit confused about the use of capital letter ‘L’ in the use of the word "law" (Matthew 5:17, James 2:10). What is the exact difference between the… Read More

What about Andrew’s execution? Where’s a good place to study the lives (and deaths) of the early disciples? —Nikki PierceFor extrabiblical information about the apostles, try The Search for the… Read More

In Titus chapter 2, Paul directs Titus to address the issue of self-control ("sound mind") to all sections of the church. Notably, it’s the only thing mentioned for young men. Here… Read More

In my old church we used to recite the Nicene Creed, and sometimes the Apostles’ Creed. Does the Apostles’ Creed really go all the way back to the time of… Read More

Today’s Q&A is handled by John Oakes, whose apologetics and teaching ministry I heartily commend. John has traveled all over the world building people’s faith. See his website: http://www.evidenceforchristianity.org. What… Read More

I’m wondering if you would take a look at the Dake Annotated Reference Bible, written by Finis Jennings Dake. I don’t agree with some of his theology, but there is… Read More

My question stems from a section of 2 Kings 3:27: "Then he took his firstborn son, who was to succeed him as king, and offered him as a sacrifice on… Read More

My dad is a history PhD and teaches at a small private college. We had a small discussion the other day that skimmed the surface of the dinosaur debate. He… Read More

Did David write Psalm 20 as a sort of a prayer for King Saul? Do you have any insight into this Psalm? — Vedran Pintek (Zagreb) I do not think… Read More

I had one question that I was wondering about. There are a few brothers here that smoke cigars. Any thoughts on that scripturally? –Jackson Cheng (Honolulu) Well, a multitude of… Read More

I was talking to a guy on campus today, and we got into a discussion about God’s view on homosexuality. I began to show him the obvious scriptures: Romans 1… Read More

Concerning the previous discussion of malakoi and arsenokoites posted on your Q&A board: If the connotation of Paul’s use of the word malakoi is effeminacy, not merely the commission of… Read More

What Bible software would you recommend? Any good programs out there? I purchase most of my theological books and other resources from CBD (Christian Book Distributors). Top of the line… Read More

I am reading Colossians 2:13-14. Does God have to sacrifice Jesus on the Cross for our sins? We learned are that our sins separated us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and… Read More

I came across this encyclical from Pope Benedict… I have only skimmed it but the last section caught my attention in the way the Catholic church uses scripture to back… Read More

Through many years as a Christian I’ve heard people counseling others with the statement, "The root of all insecurity is pride." Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and… Read More

What is your opinion on The Message version of the Bible? Would you recommend it as the primary tool for instructing preteens and teens? –Roger Hoelzel (Grand Rapids, Michigan) It… Read More

I didn’t see anything on your website about the documentary hypothesis. Can you help me with a reading suggestion? — Marc-André LaverdièreThe Documentary Hypothesis (or “J-E-D-P”) attempts to find various… Read More

I was wondering about 1 Thessalonians 4:11. Are all of us supposed to have a job where we work with our hands? I think this is a reference to manual labor… Read More

My religion professor explained to us that since epilepsy was not understood in ancient times, it was attributed to demons. Biblically, is there a difference? Am I reading the Bible… Read More

After reading your "Evangelists, elders, deacons" paper (2003, revised), I get the impression that your view of the evangelist is that he represents a type of deacon (a servant of… Read More

Do you believe in Intelligent Design, and if you do or don’t what’s your main argument? None of my colleagues at my workplace believes in Intelligent Design. They all argue… Read More

What is up with the NIV rendition of Hebrews 11:11? It seems to create the first half of the verse out of thin air. No other translation or Greek manuscript… Read More

I read your answer on predestination and I appreciate your diligence! Is it true that God chooses those who will be saved before they are even born? Though I did… Read More

I have been studying the feasts of Israel, and in particular, the Passover. As you teach, I agree that the crucifixion was not on Friday. It would also seem clear… Read More

I have a question regarding a teaching I’ve heard about who the children of God are. It has been said that we are all children of God but have been… Read More

What is your opinion of the NET Bible, both the translation itself and the extensive footnotes? Also, are you familiar with their Theology Program courses, and would it be worth… Read More

Pat Robertson recently claimed that the Lord struck Ariel Sharon because he had partitioned Israel, God’s holy land. Do you think he is right? Note: For details of Robertson’s statement,… Read More

Can you please recommend a couple of books on the subject of predestination? I read what you wrote in Shining Like Stars [now Till the Nets Are Full] but want more…. Read More

Paul warns twice that those preaching another gospel are under the anathema of God (Galatians 1:8,9). Yet many people who claim answered prayers are from churches or religions who preach… Read More

What happened during the dark ages? God says that he always has a remnant. Can you share your thoughts on the subject? Does Romans 11:5 apply to every generation? — Oswald… Read More

What do you think about the book The Alchemist? Paulo Coelho’s 1988 work (English version 1993) was well written and certainly an interesting read. It moves quickly, and its North… Read More

What do the scriptures say about the death penalty? In California, a major gang member was in jail for 25 years and sentenced to death. Some people were in an… Read More

Isaiah 61:1 tells of the binding up of the brokenhearted and freedom for the captives. "The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me." Who is me? I always thought… Read More

I’m having a hard time trying to understand how this is Godly. I know we do not live in the Old Testament days, so I can sort of see how… Read More

From my understanding of the Scriptures, in order for someone to be saved, one must believe, repent and be baptized. Then the blood of Jesus forgives one’s sins and one… Read More

I was talking with a friend about original sin again and he said that he believed that we have "imputed" guilt, not "inherited guilt." What in the world is the… Read More

Could you please define/explain what things… actions… thoughts… mindsets, etc… you’re thinking of when you refer to "clergy/laity"? — Joel Suggs (Cincinnati) I refer to clergy as professional church workers,… Read More

I was reading a devotional on a weblog, and it quoted John 1:1-5: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. Read More

I have heard that "seeking first the kingdom" means putting my church first and foremost in my life. Is this a right interpretation? — V.J. In the Sermon on the… Read More

Which leaders exactly are being referred to in Hebrews 13:7 and 17? I am unclear. Most scholars agree that the leaders, the outcome of whose way of life we are… Read More

You wrote that those who received John’s baptism probably didn’t get baptized again. So how then did they get the indwelling or seal of the Holy Spirit? Did John’s baptism… Read More

Am I misleading people by practicing and teaching yoga? I run a wellness studio, and yoga is a practice I teach for physical fitness. I teach students how to calm… Read More

Aren’t all the mystical experiences of spiritual persons essentially the same, regardless of the culture or religious context in which they occur? It is fashionable to posit a mystical connection… Read More

In reference to the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, I’ve always believed from the Scriptures that the only people who had these gifts were the apostles and whoever the… Read More

In John 7, Jesus mentions to his brothers that he is not going to the Feast. But in verse 10 it says Jesus went also, but in secret. Was this… Read More

I believe that priorities in financial giving need to be changed. Christians feel their obligation to God has been fulfilled if they give to support the work of the ministry… Read More

There is a new version of the Bible out called the Recovery Version. Have you any information on the accuracy and reliability of this version? — Mike Armstrong (Athens) I… Read More

Proverbs 11:30 is translated by the Holman Christian Standard Bible: "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes lives," whereas the NIV says: "The fruit… Read More

Conversations usually become heated when discussing free will, Calvinism, and the seeker-sensitive movement. How would you answer this statement: “Once you affirm that man has the ability to choose, the… Read More

I have a question regarding 2 Timothy 3:16 ("All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness"). How do you understand the term God-breathed… Read More

My question is about Romans 13:1-5, which says we are to obey the authorities, and the extent to which we should we follow every human law. In some countries, if… Read More

I have a question about Jesus. The Bible says everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus came down as a man to be just like… Read More

I read about the belief of some that the Rahab of Joshua 2 is not the same Rahab listed in the lineage of Jesus. I also read that according to… Read More

What should I make of all the things I am reading about my church on the internet? Much of it is negative, and I do not know what to make… Read More

I was wondering about Luke 19:10. I have heard many say Jesus came "to seek and save the lost," when in fact I haven’t found a translation that says that…. Read More

I am starting to do a study on this subject of “lukewarmness,” a term bandied about often these days. The word lukewarm (chliaros) only occurs once in the NT, in… Read More

A dear friend and brother says that a person will be saved when a person believes and get baptized (Mark 16:16), even if he thinks he was saved before the… Read More

I am having some trouble understanding the meaning of "false humility" in Colossians. Also I am trying to understand the concept of self-imposed worship, and just what exactly was going… Read More

My number one priority is to spread the gospel, not to get a wife. But that doesn’t mean I’m not attracted to women, or that I have the gift of… Read More

In Acts 16, why did Timothy allow Paul to circumcise him? Especially after in chapter 15 he realized and taught that the yoke of the law was unbearable, and a… Read More

I’m facing a dilemma. It seems that the Bible says we cannot totally conquer sin and are destined to be sinners until we die (e.g. Romans 7:14-20). This seems problematic… Read More

How can one be sure he is saved? I mean there are baptism conversion, faith, and love for God. The latter seems to waver quite often in my life. God’s… Read More

I’m reading Ezra and Haggai together right now in the NET Bible. Some of the footnotes refer to the time period certain kings ruled. I’m confused about the chronology of… Read More

When Jesus died on the cross, did he impart his righteousness to us through the Holy Spirit? Please help me also with scriptural references. — Art The answer is yes… Read More

I am reading a book called The Man Who Shook the World, by John Pollock. I’m not sure if you’ve read it or heard of it, but it is a… Read More

In your Q&A on polygamy you state that if the laws of a country allow polygamy then we should obey it. How then can we not recognize homosexual marriage if… Read More

My question comes from Revelation 20, where we read that Satan will be bound for 1000 years while the people who have not worshiped the beast will be with God…. Read More

My mother, whom I had the privilege of baptizing, passed away last year. I accept the fact that she is not in heaven yet, and that she is happy and… Read More

I’m teaching a three-part series on baptism and have a question. With John’s baptism and the disciples baptizing while Jesus was alive, how could these baptisms be for the forgiveness… Read More

In my local church, a couple of times a sister has led church songs, or led the benevolence offering (prayed and read scripture). My understanding was that leading songs would… Read More

In Luke 11:24-26, the spirit leaves and later returns, finding the house looking good. It would seem like that would communicate that the spirit is no longer welcome. Instead he… Read More

Some have proposed that we need overseeing evangelists who have charge of, or responsibility for, more than their local congregation or church. Some go so far as to say this… Read More

Is there any evidence for the biblical land of Edom? I have been told that this is just a figment of Israelite archaeological imagination. "Critics of the Bible try very… Read More

I am facing a little persecution from my family, who are trying to convince me that Hinduism came earlier than Christianity. However, I defended my faith, as I believe that… Read More

Do you have any references for the Baha’i Faith and their teachings? I have seen references to most other religions on your website, but not this one. What can you… Read More

I was just reading through Jonah chapters 1-3, and couldn’t figure out how Jonah got to Nineveh the second time. I know that the fish spat him out on the… Read More

I know several brothers who own firearms. What do you think about Christians owning firearms for self defense? — Jason Reichert (Atlanta) Weapons for hunting are one thing… killing one’s… Read More

Aren’t Christian morals out of date? "In spite of all the claims that Christian moral ethics are out of date for the age in which we live, the evidence gets… Read More

I was told that the early Christians were Essenes, and that Paul lied when he painted his picture of Judaism and Christianity in the New Testament. What do you say?… Read More

When giving advice, people may give their "opinion" backed up by scripture, but not necessarily offer a biblical command or instruction. I believe some of this can fall into the… Read More

Proverbs 17:8 says "A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; wherever he turns, he prospers" (NASB). I checked the NIV and it translates about the same…. Read More

2 Samuel 21:19 says that Elhanan the son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 1 Chronicles 20:5 says… Read More

Do you think that the lessons of the Old Testament kings and leaders can be applied today? What I mean is I know that when God was angry with the… Read More

What is your view on having a formal thanksgiving ceremony for a baby just born, at the request of the parents, especially as part of the worship service? I have… Read More

I have trouble reconciling some of the violence in the Old Testament. I detest today’s Islamic violence in the Middle East, but it mirrors the destruction of the Promised Land… Read More

I have a question regarding animal sacrifice in Leviticus. Is there any significance to taking out the fat "that covers the inner parts" or "both kidneys with the fat on… Read More

A friend was telling me that Jesus in John 3, speaking of being born of water and the Spirit, was referring to the womb (amniotic fluid), representing natural birth, and… Read More

I was talking to an old pastor friend and he cited the example of Cornelius receiving salvation and the Holy Spirit before being baptized. He said this was proof that… Read More

Most Christians reject use of marijuana as sinful. I agree that if you’re not abiding by the law, you’re in the wrong. But what if you have permission from a… Read More

In majority of the churches I am familiar with, the women speak on Sunday during the welcome, communion, etc — anything except the actual sermon. Is this biblically acceptable (1… Read More

I am contesting that Matthew 28 must be interpreted to imply that all disciples are commanded to go and make disciples of all nations. The premise for this interpretation is… Read More

Would you please tell me your understanding of "time, times, and half a time," as in Daniel 7, Daniel 12, and Revelation 12? — Noel Honey (Johannesburg) You are referring… Read More

Does our sin hurt God? I believe that if I make sinful decisions now, I actually add to the pain Jesus had to endure on the cross. I have believed… Read More

Mark 9:43-47 says, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell,… Read More

You teach that once we die, the saved and those that will be punished will reside in different parts of Hades. Is it possible to still sin after death? Will… Read More

I’m reading Revelation for the first time, and I’m confused about the concept of Hades. I read your response in Q&A 0227 which states Hades has two compartments, one for… Read More

My question comes from Matthew 24:35: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Can you explain the meaning of that passage? Will heaven really… Read More

Is there anyway of proving absolutely that God exists, or must we take a leap of faith? — Tony Lopez Let’s put it this way: The leap is based on… Read More

As an American and a Christian, I have been in conflict on my support for American-led Iraq war and also for the war on terror. Initially I was afraid and… Read More

In Acts 22:16, where Paul is told, “Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord,” my Amplified Bible says that the phrase “wash… Read More

Who was Thallus? All I have been told is that he was a Samaritan historian, writing in 52 AD, who amongst many other things wrote about the death and resurrection… Read More

I see that you have addressed the topic of homosexuality and the Bible in your Q&A. But I wanted to draw your attention to a short study a man has… Read More

My friend was asking why God lets murders and rapes happen in the Bible. He quoted scriptures like Judges 21:10-24; Numbers 31:7-18; Deuteronomy 20:10-14, 22:28-29, 21:10-14; Judges 5:30; Exodus 21:7-11;… Read More

I am currently taking a philosophy class in college, and the question of free will was recently a topic of discussion. As a Christian, I have always believed, by default,… Read More

How do you explain how Jesus’ incarnation, holy life and death on the cross achieve our salvation? Most Protestants adhere to the so-called "legal doctrine of the atonement," which holds… Read More

I studied the Bible the other day with a guy who posed some pretty interesting questions. For one, he asked: "If God is so ‘unconditionally loving’ and compassionate, then why… Read More

In 1 Corinthians 7:8, Paul states that he is unmarried, but in 1 Corinthians 9:5 he claims to have the right, along with the other apostles, to take a believing… Read More

I’ve heard Proverbs 29:18 used to teach that we must have vision for our lives. I agree with the point, but not with the passage pressed to support the idea…. Read More

Here in the GCC countries, we are facing a common situation: disciples who come here to work while leaving their spouse and children behind. These situations vary tremendously. Sometimes the… Read More

Someone said. "It is unbiblical to move because you want a better life for your family." This person did not say that it’s wrong to take care of your family,… Read More

Was John present during Jesus Crucifixion? Where is it in the Bible? After Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane, where did James and John go? Can you give me book, chapter… Read More

I came across a preview copy of the TNIV (Today’s New International Version). Have you looked at this or had any feedback on this version? It seems to have been… Read More

In your opinion, what, if any, influence did Alexander Campbell have on American society of his day, and has any of it carried over to present day America? — Donald… Read More

I have been researching blacks in the Bible. Here is a link to someone’s study that seems fair and logical: http://www.wcg.org/wn/98May/black.html. What are your thoughts? — Jeff Marcantonio (Lawrenceville, Georgia)… Read More

I’m interested in starting a speaker team that would travel to speak at conferences and conduct workshops (national and international), publish books, tapes, etc. So far I have a ministry… Read More

I was studying Luke 16 this morning and focused specifically on the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. I have heard that one interpretation of this parable is that… Read More

We recently heard a speaker who preached that to be “lukewarm” is to be a Christian who is neither hot nor cold spiritually. He proceeded to give his definition of… Read More

How would you treat a brother who believes that Jesus is the son of God, but who does not believe that he is God in flesh? How would you treat… Read More

When I was in Israel, I heard from several Jewish friends that they couldn’t ever write down the name of God or utter it. They could only say hashem. If… Read More

Are there digs in Ethiopia for manuscripts? That seems like a place replete with biblical finds, but that hasn’t been explored like, say, Palestine. Have there been any finds or… Read More

When Christians die, are they in heaven immediately? If this is the case, lots of people are already there! Or do we have to wait for the Second Coming of… Read More