Latest Posts

Did ancient humans really live for hundreds of years, as mentioned in Genesis? What is your explanation? In ancient Egypt, one did not have to be a centenarian in order… Read More

In this posting I respond to the questioner section-by-section, since the question was much longer than the normal 100-word limit allows. His words are in italics (as usual); mine, in… Read More

What do the Jews teach is the purpose of the Sabbath? What do they do with all that free time? Orthodox Jews teach that Shabbat is for the purpose of… Read More

You are to forgive those who have done wrong to you. Must you also forgive Satan?  There is nothing I have read in the Bible that answers this question. Can you help… Read More

Listen to Rejoicing in Osama bin Laden’s Death (?) (11 minutes), one of several podcasts under the heading Politics. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save… Read More

Listen to The Kingdom of God Part 2, by John Oakes (36 minutes), one of several podcasts under the heading Politics. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save… Read More

Listen to The Kingdom of God Part 1, by John Oakes (30 minutes), one of several podcasts under the heading Politics. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select… Read More

Before being rejected by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 29, was David really willing to fight on their side against Israel and his own people? If so, was this not… Read More

For O.T. Lesson 13, Joseph (26 minutes), click on the play button: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More

I have been doing a personal inventory on my belief system, and kind of rearranging some of my ideas. As a science teacher who believes in God, I often feel I… Read More

I have read in several places the theory that Romans 16 was not an original part of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Some scholars contend that it is more likely that… Read More

Greetings from Mumbai. It is so fullfilling to read all the Q&As at your website. Currently I am using commentaries from E-Sword, and for the New Testament, Matthew Henry’s. However, I am… Read More

We presently have a situation in the church here in Monrovia and need all the biblical help and advice we can get. Is it wrong or right biblically to put… Read More

In our congregation we are doing a financial seminar sponsored by David Ramsey’s book and Financial Freedom Seminars. It sounds very logical, but I often get a little confused when reading… Read More

I was wondering what your definition of the Greek word skubalon is, and how Paul is using it in Philippians 3:8? I looked it up and found two meanings: 1…. Read More

My question is in regard to politics. I like to keep up with what is going on in the United States, and as you know we currently have a female presidential… Read More

I would like to hear your opinion about Jesus and the Jewish Talmud. Personally, I do not believe Jesus regarded the Talmud as a “book” of authority, considering his opposition… Read More

In Jeremiah 31:40, the prophet says that the city of Jerusalem would be rebuilt and never again destroyed. The context is the new covenant, so is it referring to the… Read More

In Exodus 2:14, we read, "Then Moses was afraid." After he learned that Pharaoh had heard about what he had done, he fled to Midian. It seems fairly obvious to… Read More

Can you let me know your thoughts about this? The account in 1 Kings 15:14: "Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the… Read More

I had a question about Hebrews 9, where the writer says the altar of incense was in the Most Holy Place. My study Bible says that the writer was trying… Read More

I’ve been considering the Holy Spirit. I wonder: if you were left only to the scriptures, what would you conclude about the Holy Spirit and whether or not the miraculous aspect… Read More

"While most English Bibles use ‘blessed,’ a few modern translations have preferred ‘happy’: ‘How happy are the poor of spirit…’ " ‘ "Happy" isn’t good enough," Rabbi Steven Schwarzschild once… Read More

I can’t understand the Protestant interpretation of John 6. In your opinion, is there anything true in the Catholic Church’s teachings today? It is making some outlandish claims, notably that you… Read More

I don’t understand what’s being said in Matthew 8:11-12. Are the many who come from east and west like the centurion — those with great faith — while the subjects are the… Read More

The Bible says not to use your freedom as a Christian to indulge the sinful nature… What if I know that something I am involved with is sinful, but I refuse to… Read More

In describing David’s conquest of Rabbah in 1 Chronicles 20:2, it says that after Joab and the army laid waste to the city, they put the Ammonite king’s crown on David… Read More

I read Psalm 8 for my personal Bible study this morning and I don’t understand who David is referring to when he says "son of man." I know that this… Read More

Most of the feedback on the current series has been extremely positive, though a few persons have been unhappy with what I’ve written. Some seem to think I’ve changed my… Read More

I have a question about divorce and remarriage. I know that you have studied it out and I do have a copy of the paper at the website and it is… Read More

Are Christians supposed to forgive non-Christians? And if so, why? If God doesn’t forgive non-Christians, why would he expect Christians to? Does God expect humans to be more forgiving than himself? If Christians… Read More

When we share the gospel with non-Christians, we usually crack down on smoking as sinful because of the effects it has on the body and its addictive nature. We expect… Read More

What do you think about Ray van der Laan’s teachings (“Follow the Rabbi”)? I am sure that Rabbinic Judaism has something to tell us about Jesus’ ministry. But to be… Read More

I read your direction from Q&A 0407 — Church leadership group? I think my congregation is like the second option ("Intermediate church: hybrid between "one-man rule" and eldership). In other… Read More

How can I experience the "peace that passes understanding" (Philippians 4:7)? You know that peace, according to Paul in Philippians 4, when you pray, bringing your anxiety to God: "Have… Read More

I just finished reading your book Genesis, Science & History. Being a bit of a Bible nerd, I of course enjoyed it and learned some things, too. There are a… Read More

I am wondering what your thoughts are about the first part of 1 John 4:12, in light of traditional Christianity’s claim that Jesus was God. It says:"No one has ever… Read More

Proverbs 26:4 and 5 seem to contradict one another. How do you resolve the problem? — Aron Kuch (Charleston, South Carolina) The passage reads, “Answer not the fool according to his… Read More

In John 6:70-71, we read "Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.’ He spoke of Judas the son of Simon… Read More

I had a question regarding the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11. Jesus admonished the adulterous woman to leave her life of sin. Would the adulterous woman’s husband be within his rights… Read More

I read your interpretations about homosexuality. My question: If it is so against God, why did Jesus never make mention of it? I have fasted and asked many brothers to help me,… Read More

For O.T. Lesson 12, Rachel & Leah (26 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… Read More

At the end of your response to Q 0527, you imply that it is wrong to take up arms against your oppressors. What does that make of the Mandelas of… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson L (14 minutes).   To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can… Read More

I realize God is in control of all things — rulers, authorites, etc. — and that his eye is constanly roaming the earth looking for souls to strengthen and discipline. Is it fair… Read More

In Exodus 3:2 it says the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses. Then later it refers to the Lord speaking. It is confusing. Are the angel of the Lord and The… Read More

I am challenged with Luke 9:57-60, in particular Jesus telling the man to “let the dead bury the dead.” I have heard it said in the past that this man’s… Read More

I just got done reading an incredible book, Hadassah, by Tommy Tenney, a Christian fiction writer. It made me think about Queen Esther and the moral issues she was faced with. If… Read More

I was baptized in Kiev (the Ukraine) in 2007. My question is of a romantic nature. The fact is that I’m going out with a girl who isn’t Christian, though she… Read More

Is it wrong to eat animals? Don’t they feel pain? After all, in the beginning, God gave mankind plant food to eat. That’s why I believe God intended us to… Read More

2 Peter 2:4 says, "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment…" Now,… Read More

In Galatians 4:22, Paul says that it is written that Abraham had two sons. But surely he had more than two sons! Paul never said Abraham had only two sons… Read More

Could you please elaborate a little on Matthew 12:29 — about the strong man? What are the most important things to know about this passage? As it turned out, I… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson K (19 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson J (18 minutes). To download the file, please click HERE. If the link does not work when you left-click on it, right-click on the… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson I (21 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson H (22 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson G (16 minutes).   To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson F (11 minutes).   To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson E (19 minutes).   To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson D (16 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson C (18 minutes).   To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson B (22 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download… Read More

How would you define pornography? The reason I ask this is because a few years ago I made a promise to God not to look at pornography. There were a… Read More

I heard a line of reasoning posed to me by an agnostic friend yesterday that I can’t seem to answer. It started with the question, "If God makes all the rules,… Read More

I recently visited San Diego to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, and there was a mistake where the scribe wrote that Goliath was six and a half feet tall, not… Read More

Can you recommend any books on the paranormal? It seems to be a popular topic these days, at least with some people I have spoken with. I would like to be able… Read More

I’m inquiring as to whether you make any distinction between historical and dispensational millennialism, or if you think they’re both false. I accede to your statements about dispensationalism. However, in my… Read More

What do you think about the text in James 2:14-26 versus Romans 4:1-25? Are the authors talking about same thing but in two different ways, or do they have opposing… Read More

Our church’s musical ministry recently got rated a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10! There are no men available to lead this ministry. A sister who is a professional full-time musician… Read More

According to your findings, how old is our earth? If we use simple dendrochronology (a foolproof method involving counting tree rings — we’ve all done it!), the earth has to be at least… Read More

According to Bible, is there any standard for defining the salary level of interns, preachers, or evangelists? Also, in the business world, it’s common for companies to award employees one-month salary bonuses. (For some very… Read More

An atheist once told me that the Christian God is more complex than extreme complexity seen in creation — and hence infinitely improbable. How should I respond to him? — Edwin… Read More

I wanted to ask for your opinion on the relevant “warning” on the new movie out called The Golden Compass. I personally have not seen it, but am planning to view… Read More

If Onesimus had wronged his master by stealing from him and then running away, why did Paul allow him to be baptized? Shouldn’t he have been made to wait until he… Read More

I would appreciate your opinion on whether you think eating sushi is sinful, given James’ statements at the Council in Jerusalem and all. What do you think? — David Rhinehart Jesus… Read More

I heard a professor say today in class that the scriptures say nothing about female homosexuality. I did not counter because I was not sure what I could say. I went… Read More

I just wanted to suggest a book for you to read, one I’ve probably read several times. I think that because of a lack of open-mindedness, a lot of true disciples would refuse to… Read More

To hear Decision-making & The Will of God (48 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More

I’ve read in a number of commentaries that say the time period mentioned in Exodus 19:1 is the same as the length of time between Passover (or Firstfruits) and Pentecost. Exodus… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Amos, lesson A (30 minutes).   To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More

Here are an audio talk plus notes on New Year’s Day (10 minutes). To download the talk, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More

I have started hearing Calvinists use Ezekiel 36:27 now to defend their view because it says, "And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in… Read More

This Catholic apologetic source is very interesting for the Eucharist since it quotes the very early church fathers. http://www.catholic.com/library/Real_Presence.asp. What do you think? – Tod Shuck Yes, as early as… Read More

What is the importance and significance of baptism in salvation? — A.H. Please search the website first, then send many any lingering questions.  I have written a lot about baptism…. Read More

For the O.T. Lesson 1, Jacob (33 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More

At a conference it was preached that Christ appeared in the Old Testament in Genesis 18:1-15, Genesis 32:22-31, Joshua 5:13-15, and Daniel 3. What is your take? — Derek (San Antonio) … Read More

Lately I have really struggled with sin. And I’ve also struggled with believing I’m forgiven. I don’t believe my sin is to the extent where the church would disfellowship me,… Read More

Thanks for recommending some reading (in the past) so that our family will be able to make an informed decision regarding what we believe about creation. We are a home-schooling family… Read More

Luke seems to describe Christ’s ascension on the same day as his ressurection (Luke 24:13-51), whereas Acts states clearly it was forty days after (Acts 1:3ff). What do you think?… Read More

I learned from your writings that the prophecy of Joel preached by Peter refers to the day of Pentecost, and the "last days" are probably referring to those days between… Read More

I was reading some of the early Christian writings recently and was surprised to come across references to infant baptism in the Church from such patristic heavyweights as Iraneus (130-202), Origen (185-254), Tertullian… Read More

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes that all who are in Adam die, and all who are in Christ live. We need to sow the seed that needs to die… Read More

Could you explain why yeast was not to be used is some sacrifices, while being used in others? I am aware of the symbolism in the New Testament, but am… Read More

Why are the books of prophecy categorized as "major" and "minor"? What makes one major and another minor? — Dovie Bohnhoff In Latin, the language of medieval scholarship and theology, major (maior) means greater,… Read More

What was God, before being God? Was he the pleroma?  No, not the pleroma [a term from Gnosticism], if that is what you are thinking. By definition, God is uncaused. He never came… Read More

My seven-year-old son asked me why God did not simply forgive Adam and Eve in the Garden. Why did God have to set in motion the kind of world we now… Read More

Was Jesus was a real man like you and me? I know this sounds weird, but yesterday I had a dream about the sky. I was flying, and when I turned my… Read More

"My regional evangelist told me it wasn’t that important for our church to study our Bible in depth. He said what is important is how we live our life. He… Read More

God knows what is going to happen in our lives, what comes up in our minds before we know it. Why didn’t God stop Satan in the Garden of Eden… Read More

The Bible teaches that there is one church and gates of Hades will not overcome it. My understanding is that it is talking about the eternal church. In Luke 17:21, it consists of… Read More

At what point is a couple married? After looking through the bible, and having talked with many people, I’m not sure I know. Everyone says that it’s when you get… Read More

Does Christ’s sacrifice "once for all" mean that we are already forgiven for every sin we will ever commit in the future, thereby eliminating the need to ever ask for… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes for What God Has Taught Me Through the School of Experience, by David Bercot (33 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download”… Read More

In Luke 10:6, the apostles were told to stay at the house of a “man of peace.” What if the house was not occupied by a man of peace? Might not… Read More

Here are a podcast and notes on Homosexuality (15 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download… Read More

Is debt a sin? Romans 13:8 KJV says, "Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." I have a religious friend… Read More

A great deal is made about free will nowadays (nothing new under the sun). When Jesus was in the Garden just prior to his arrest, he spoke of his own… Read More

I had a question about John 6:19, after reading the commentary of William Barclay. He says, "They saw Jesus, as the Authorized Version and Revised Standard Version have it, walking ‘on the… Read More

Matthew dates the nativity to 6/5 BC; and Luke, to 6 AD. Please explain how you reconcile the 2 dates. — Dennis GoffinFirst of all, there are not hard dates… Read More

I have been scanning your website and was confused on the subject of baptism. I was baptized not by immersion but rather by water being cupped and poured on my… Read More

I have noticed that many congregational worship services are built to climax at the evangelist’s sermon. If our focus is to be on Christ and him crucified, shouldn’t the focus… Read More

I have a question about The Bible Code. To me, this seems very suspect. And what about claims that they have found the same sorts of codes in other books? I… Read More

My Bible, the New Living Translation, has Acts 2:38 saying baptism is to "show that our sins have been forgiven." But no other translation says this. What is happening? –… Read More

How many years can olive trees live? Could the trees in the Garden of Gethsemane be the trees that were alive during the time when Jesus prayed in the garden?… Read More

A friend of mine is really struggling with this one. Leviticus 11:6 says that a rabbit chews the cud. The dictionary says that cud is "partly digested food returned from… Read More

I attended a Passover meal a few years ago, and my husband and I would like to do one with our Bible discussion group. The one I attended did a… Read More

To hear Thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer (27 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save… Read More

I was reading Acts 8:36-38 and I noticed that verse 37 is missing. I checked in my other NIVs and — much to my surprise — it was missing there… Read More

I am very close to a sister who has a hard time accepting that the Bible is talking to her when it says “he.”  She thinks that those parts only… Read More

For the O.T. Lesson 10, Esau (24 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More

I have been in discussion with a brother about spanking children. The viewpoint I have taken is that Jesus would not have spanked children because he did not endorse violence…. Read More

I once heard, in a biblical lecture, that the place where Abraham “sacrificed” Isaac is possibly the same general area where the crucifixion took place. Is there any textual or… Read More

Jesus says you are the salt… and you are the light. He doesn’t tell them to try to keep trying to be salty or to try to keep shining. How… Read More

To hear The Sabbath (40 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

Joshua 2:1 calls Rahab a prostitute, but the footnote says "or possibly an innkeeper." This seems like a huge difference. Is there anything in the Hebrew that clarifies this –or… Read More

To hear Holiness (42 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you… Read More

I have been a faithful (although far from perfect ) disciple for 11 years, and have experienced the highs and lows of the ICOC movement. I am fortunate to be… Read More

If you’re interested in my thoughts on The Secret (11 minutes), listen to the podcast. To listen now, click on arrow above. To download the podcast, right click on “download”… Read More

Listen to Reincarnation I  (12 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the podcast and listen… Read More

Listen to Illegal Immigrants (12 minutes), one of several podcasts under the heading Politics. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… Read More

"I am a lapsed Christian. What if I counted the cost [Luke 14] and decided to follow God’s way and then later on decided to go back to my old ways? I… Read More

We read in Genesis 8:22, As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest,cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. How do you explain this?… Read More

Genesis 2:2 says that after the creation days, God rested. But I thought God never gets tired. Doesn’t Psalm 121 say he never needs to sleep? Please explain. The original Hebrew… Read More

There are a few passages in the Bible where I am surprised that people seem not to be wearing clothes. In 1 Samuel 19:24, Saul lay down naked. In Isaiah… Read More

To listen to Astrology & Horoscopes (10 minutes), click on the play button below. To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… Read More

Listen to The American Civil War (20 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the podcast… Read More

In Exodus 28:33 and 39:25 we read that the high priest wore bells on his garments. I read somewhere that this was to let the priests standing outside know if… Read More

To hear Law, Allegiance, & Revolution (24 minutes) — just click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or… Read More

http://www.cegenglish.com/ http://www.religionnewsblog.com/17479/jose-luis-de-jesus-miranda-3

I’m a single mother of three teenagers, and have been a faithful and dedicated disciple for 10 years. (My children’s father is not at all involved in their life.) I… Read More

THE LORD’S SUPPER Putting "Supper" Back in the Lord’s SupperThis essay aims to address one of the basics of the faith: our communion. People have often asked such questions as… Read More

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

To hear Judging, Tolerance, & Exclusivism (21 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… 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

Listen to the podcast “Who’s Fat?” (17 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and you can download the… 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

For the O.T. Lesson 9, Rebekah (30 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target… 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

Adapted from Aaron Taylor’s website: Alone With A Jihadist is not just another book about Islamic-Christian relations. It is far more than that. This book may very well be the… 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

For the O.T. Lesson 8, Ishmael (26 minutes), click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as”… 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

Speaking in Tongues is 28 minutes in length. To listen, click on the play button below: To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save… 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

Listen to my review of Wm. Paul Young’s The Shack (10 minutes). To download the podcast, right click on “download” and select “save link as” or “save target as” and… 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