Q&As

You wrote to me, "Christians would say that some OT laws were concessions. Progressive revelation came as the people were ready to accept it." But I think that’s a little… Read More

I read your previous comments on this topic but couldn’t find an answer to my two-part question. I know the definition of celibacy, but: (1) What does it look like… Read More

I recently read an article which said, "The Jewish Temple was the center of religious Jewish worship. It housed the Holy of Holies, which contained the Ark of the Covenant… Read More

I’m helping to bring back an ex-member of the church. He is eager to be with God again and he has an awesome heart. We had been talking about sin… Read More

I’ve searched for quite a bit, but can’t find anything on the site. Q&A 1179 ("Jesus’ body literally broken") doesn’t really answer my question. The medical accounts of the crucifixion that… Read More

A seminarian friend recently referred to God as “she.” I asked why. To paraphrase her answer, “In the original language of the scriptures Holy Spirit is always feminine, or the verb describing what… Read More

Was Jesus brave, or was he just a coward? After all, he said, "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after… Read More

Isn’t the following a contradiction? "… I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved" (Genesis 32:30). "No man hath seen God at any time…" (John 1:18)…. Read More

In Matthew 5:5 what does "inherit the earth" mean? I can find loads of information about the first part of the verse, referring to the meaning of "meek," but I can’t… Read More

What do you think of this article in New Scientist? My father-in-law is mocking the Bible because of its stance on homosexuality; he claims people are gay because of their biology. –… Read More

It says in Acts 17:11 that the Bereans examined the scriptures daily. Now back then there weren’t any personal Bibles like today. I understand that communities had copies of scripture,… Read More

I have an interesting biblical question that a brother and I were discussing over dinner yesterday, and I wanted to pose it to you. We were comparing the beliefs that we hold… Read More

What do you think is the significance of the placing of the sacrificial blood and oil in the Old Testament atonement? Such is stated in Leviticus 14:14: tip of the… Read More

Is the Old Testament word covet essentially the same thing as lust in the New Testament? I noticed the words are used in different ways, depending on the context –… Read More

About women’s appearance — I would like to get some clarification on Ezekiel 16, because I have seen this passage used time and time again to say that God intended… Read More

Do you have any suggestions on where I can learn more about the Rastafarians? Rastafarianism is one of the more exotic man-made religions on the planet, rivaled perhaps by Mormonism… Read More

When Daniel and his 3 friends were drafted into Nebuchadnezzar’s court, was castration one of the requirements? I noted there were eunuchs who sided with King Jehu in 2 Kings 9:30-33,… Read More

What is your conviction or opinion about e-mails that say, "Send this to ten people and your wish will come true, or something good will happen to you, etc.."? I… Read More

A very close friend of mine and sister in Christ is suffering from sexual addiction. I don’t think it would be appropriate to go too deep into her problem, but… Read More

If two brothers in the same church like the same sister, what’s the wiset thing to do? Is it okay to let the sister know how you feel so you… Read More

I have been speaking to a Roman Catholic friend, and his argument for the validity of the papacy was that John was still alive for the first pope, and there was… Read More

I have a question about 1 Kings 1:2. The aging king David is too cold, and the solution to keep warm is to have a concubine/nurse lie down with him…. Read More

I have been struggling with cursing in my mind. I have read the scriptures about getting rid of filthy language. Yet when I read the scriptures and pray I fail…. Read More

On another note, my wife and I have been discipling a couple who said to me one evening that the reason he does not spend so much time reading the… Read More

It seems strange that Solomon ("peace") was not known by the name the Lord directed Nathan to give him, Jedidiah, ("loved by the Lord"). This latter name doesn’t seem to appear… Read More

In 1 Samuel 16:12 we read: "He [David] was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features" (NIV); "He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance" (HCSB); and "Now he was ruddy, with… Read More

When angels appeared to people, why did they begin by saying, "Do not be afraid," as in Matthew 28:5 and in Luke 2:10? I’ve heard that it was because sometimes people… Read More

Here in our country, the Roman Catholics celebrate feasts in honor of saints. 1 Corinthians 10:14-33 is an instruction about idol feasts, but this scripture is a source of debate even… Read More

There are and were many false predictions about when the end will come. But this I don’t know: Before a few weeks ago I had no idea about year 2012, but now it’s… Read More

We preach forgiveness — forgiving others the way we want God to forgive us, etc. We talk about "no record of wrongs," but Christian counselors tell people it will take as long… Read More

I have a question regarding those people who died in the desert. Most of Israelites were baptized in Moses and in the Red Sea, and yet they died in the desert…. Read More

I just finished reading Psalm 89 and it seems like Ethan the Ezrahite directly accuses God of breaking his promise to David. v.39: "You have renounced your covenant with your… Read More

Some people say that God is an alien but with special powers. Is this true? — Jeffrey No, since if he were a creature (created being) like an alien, he… Read More

I am a young Christian, and I have been reading Joshua. The book explains that God commanded Joshua to invade and kill different civilizations. My question is, Why? When earlier-on… Read More

What is the oil of Matthew 25? ("Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2… Read More

If the church is the body of Christ, and the church is also Jesus’ bride, does that mean Jesus married himself? I hope this isn’t too confusing.No, it isn’t too confusing. But… Read More

1 Timothy 5:22 reads, "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." I’ve searched your Q&As… Read More

Do you think disciples should let the abortion issue rule who they should vote for in the election? — several questioners. No. There are so many issues! Both main parties in the U.S…. Read More

A couple years ago I had a dream about an enormous archive with tall rows of books, and one book standing out in particular. It was a very large book… Read More

The HCSB translates Hebrews 11:1 differently than do the NASB and the ESV, which render it more or less the same, though the HCSB gives the same translation options as… Read More

In Luke 11:5-11 and Luke 18:1-8 we are taught to faithfully persevere in prayer to God for something we want or need — to not give up asking. However, Matthew 26:36-42… Read More

I am reading Leviticus and came across references to a scapegoat offering to the desert (Leviticus 16). The footnotes in the NIV mention Azazel, but the Message translation attributes the goat… Read More

Deuteronomy 15:1-15 says, "There should be no poor among you." How do you think the word poor should be defined in the modern church? Deep question I know…any random thoughts are valued…. Read More

Do you acknowledge the flaws of your Bible? For example, contrast "If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true" (John 5:31) to "I am one that bears… Read More

Do we have free will? What did the early church teach about this? [Thanks to Jonathan Lenzi for the following information. See also www.scrollpublishing.com for more on what the early… Read More

I didn’t want to bother you about the 2008 US Presidential election, but I believe my conscience is seared right now. I’ll get right to the point: I support the Republican candidate because I think… Read More

Have you seen the bowl with the inscription of Christ on it? Here is the MSN link. What do you think of it? – Paul  The bowl may date to a little before the time… Read More

I remember a guest preacher telling us that the shortest verse in the Bible was not "Jesus wept" as is commonly believed. He said that in the original language, there… Read More

I have been reading Matthew lately with commentaries, and I’ve found two opposite readings of Matthew 8. There is "demon", as in Satan’s angels, and there is "wicked spirits", meaning… Read More

The Bible states that we are not our own, that we were bought at a price, and therefore ought to honor God with our bodies. My question: If someone blatantly eats… Read More

We are considering home-schooling. I want to keep my daughter from being exposed to the world; however, she has to experience it to learn how to deal with it. What… Read More

I found this opinion, and wanted to know your response: "There are lots of opinions out there regarding finding that special someone in God’s kingdom — a potential husband or… Read More

The original texts of the biblical books were inerrant and inspired 100%, not just not the preservation, right? For example, in the case of Kings, Chronicles, Samuel, Nehemiah, Ezra, Gospels, etc…. Read More

Why is it that the book of John doesn’t mention Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the desert? Moreover, why does John explain seeing Jesus the day after his baptism,… Read More

I noticed that you indicated in a question concerning how many were in Jesus’ family, that he may have had 4 brothers and at least 3 sisters. My question –… Read More

Often individuals who claim to be Christians point to a radically-changed life as "proof" of their being real Christians, although they have not been baptized. In response, I refer to… Read More

Having watched your debate with Michael Shermer on the existence of God, I wish to commend you for your ability to grasp the point of an argument with great accuracy,… Read More

Some critics of Christianity argue that in ancient times attributing virgin birth to a historical figure was a way of enhancing that person’s credibility or divine prerogatives. We see this… Read More

According to Hebrews 8, the old covenant had something wrong with it because of humans breaking the covenant. How do you respond when asked, “Why did the all-knowing God create… Read More

Why didn’t Adam and Eve realize they were naked until only after Adam tasted of the fruit? And if this is the case, does this suggest that man was considered… Read More

Though I found the idea quite amusing, I was curious as to any input you might have on refuting the notion that Jesus was not truly the Christ, but only another "sun god" made… Read More

How can you explain Numbers 23:19  — "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind"? Wouldn’t that disprove… Read More

The Bible teaches in 1 Peter 5:5 that the younger men should submit to the older ones. What does the bilble mean by young or old in that passage? Does it… Read More

I hear a lot of brothers say that Jesus’ body was broken for us. Yet the Bible says that, in fulfillment of scripture, no bones of his body were broken…. Read More

Question to Douglas Jacoby and John Oakes: I’m reading the book on Daniel (John Oakes’ Book) after listening to the sermon at Riverside back in 2005 about the book of… Read More

Of the over 200 religious texts from religions ranging from Asatru to Zoroastrianism, do any of them have grounds to claim prophecy fulfilled in totality, as the NT is to the… Read More

My question is about the "wine" used in the Lord’s Supper. Should we use real wine, or just juice made from grapes? In my church we used to drink real… Read More

As an atheist, I bring you no "hate mail" of any kind. I would rather you talk to me through email if at all possible (as busy as you are)…. Read More

I have a friend who is Catholic, and we have had many discussions on the topic of "apostolic succession." Can you give me your thoughts and point me in the right… Read More

Luke 16:1-8 seems to have Jesus praising the efforts of the dishonest manager, and his master praised him as well. Jesus tells us to use worldly wealth to gain friends for… Read More

In my study I have come to realize a few things. One of them is that Paul, "called to be an apostle," never really knew Jesus. How then can he… Read More

Studying the ten commandments made me wonder whether the first commandment is an action command, or a call to faith, or even perhaps an "action point" about our worship? I… Read More

My wife is taking a class where she has to prove that modern slavery is unethical by using one of various theories, among them the "divine command theory." This states… Read More

There’s a lot of speculation and rumors flying around about Obama being the Antichrist spoken of in Revelation. Just curious what your thoughts are on the subject. — Christina Mayes Yes, every… Read More

Do you think it is appropriate to have a portion of the worship service dedicated to the giving, where we spend 5 to 10 minutes inspiring members to give, or… Read More

Why are there so many differing views of Christianity? The amount of theological debate going on out there about baptism, predestination, salvation, etc is overwhelming! How can one approach these subjects without… Read More

Have you ever seen this translation? This particular page on the site highlights the consistent translation of the original text. I think I’ll get hold of a full copy. Of course, it… Read More

Working as a call center agent is one of the most common jobs here in our country today. Some companies have a policy to say we’re in the United States,… Read More

I have been tormented by a Bible question which may be esoteric… In 1 Chronicles 27:17, where the author enumerates the dudes who were the heads of the tribes of Israel at the… Read More

What do you think about Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven? Is he right that heaven will be down here on earth? When I read Alcorn’s 2004 bestseller Heaven, I expected to… Read More

I have been doing some study on the relationship between sin and the conscience. Is it likely that the "knowledge of good and evil" as described in Genesis was in… Read More

I would just like to know what the Bible says about lending money with interest in return.—a disciple in Manila The Old Testament absolutely forbids this form of exploitation (Exodus 22:25;… Read More

I recently came out of a seven-year relationship (off and on). I’m only 26 years old and it really became a hindrance to my walk with God. That person has now… Read More

As a Christian sister, I am very interested in Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth. What is your opinion about this book? I was just wondering. Tolle’s popular A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose has… Read More

I recently read in John Maxwell’s book Attitude 101 that Goliath had four sons [or brothers, in some versions]. Maxwell explained that the reason David grabbed five stones is that… Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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