Q&As

I don’t understand how and why God would have people slaughter defenseless animals for sacrifice, or why he would make us so we are carnivores and eat animals rather than… Read More

Concerning Ezekiel 8, I don’t quite understand the magnitude of the sins and the hurt that God is feeling against his people. I know that he showed Ezekiel four different… Read More

Why do Matthew, Mark, and Luke speak of miracles (dynameis), while John speaks of signs (erga, thaumasia, dynameis, and semeia)? — Filipe Barreto (Recife, Brazil) Actually, these words appear in… Read More

Some people think a person can be saved even if he is still smoking, as long as he’s cut down on the number of cigarettes smoked a day. The goal… Read More

In Mark 5, when Jesus drove the legion of demons into the pigs, the people were very upset with him. But weren’t they being hypocritical? I mean, they shouldn’t have… Read More

The apostle Paul says that law was abolished. This means that there is no law to follow and no law to condemn us (when we break it), doesn’t it? Now,… Read More

In your teaching on the Corinthian letters, you indicated that there are at least two other letters written by Paul to these churches. Since those letters have not survived to… Read More

What do you think Matthew 18:10 means? Do you believe in guardian angels? Do we all get our own angels assigned to us? — Ian Mohlie (Richmond) The verse in… Read More

Who is God talking to in Genesis 1:26 when he said, "Let us"? Who is the us? A good friend of mine is telling me that God is referring to… Read More

Can you recommend anything about being men of integrity? The men’s movement — Promise Keepers, for instance — has gained a lot of momentum. Where can I go to get… Read More

What Bible are you reading these days, Doug? Last year you were going through the Holman Christian Standard Bible. I bought that and am really enjoying it. I still like… Read More

Hebrews 1 and Psalms 2, taken together with several passages including Genesis 1, John 1, 1 John 1, Revelation 19 (Jesus the "Word of God") and Philippians 2 lead me… Read More

Do you have any advice about how to pray? I am stuck in a rut. Great question–and by no means unique! This is an especially important question, since we all… Read More

I would like your thoughts about the seriously debunked “Lucian Recension theory” on which textual critics (like Westcott and Hort) chose and still choose to justify their stance against the… Read More

I know that God is four-dimensional and we humans are three-dimensional. So as one of God’s creatures, is Satan four-dimensional or three-dimensional? It would make sense to me that he… Read More

Between the last book of the O.T. and the start of the N.T. there was no record of God speaking to his people — a period of over 400 years…. Read More

What are your thoughts on the interpretation of Matthew 16:13-20, which suggests that the "rock" Jesus was referring to when Peter confessed that Jesus as Christ was a mountain where… Read More

In Mark 7:19, the NIV reads "In saying this, Jesus declared all foods ‘clean’ ". The KJV reads "purging all meats"; the ASV, "making all meats clean"; and the NKJV,… Read More

I have heard numerous thoughts about when the book of Revelation was written. It seems the opinions range from 70-95/6 AD. What would be your take on this? — Bob… Read More

I am curious to know why Matthew 17:21 is not included in the NIV translation. It is in the KJV and some other versions but in the NIV it is… Read More

My question is regarding what Jesus taught regarding disciples in law enforcement. I am an ER nurse, and I have always strongly supported and respected the nobility and sacrifice of… Read More

Has there been any biblical or historical research done on Mary Magdalene that you would recommend reading? Do you know of any "legend has it" or "theories" (ones that make… Read More

What do you thing about Didache? I had read this text, but I see something wrong about baptism. It sounds rather Catholic. — Jorge (Cuba) I believe you will find… Read More

Hi…my husband and I are expecting our first child in about a week and I was wondering if there is any precedent in the Bible for offerings for the birth… Read More

I’m just writing to ask what your opinion is on the appointment of elders. Do you think elders need to be appointed, or are there situations where they may take… Read More

Q&A 0817 – Where Was God During the Tsunami?Guest article by John Clayton (Does God Exist? Vol. 32, No. 3, May/June 2005), adapted and used with permission. Every time there… Read More

I heard about the controversy over the “gender-neutral” language in the TNIV New Testament after it was published in 2002. After becoming aware of some of the problem passages in… Read More

The foundation for the premillennial doctrine is the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The land was promised to Abraham and his descendants. Acts 7:5 says, "He (God) gave him… Read More

I am looking for some inspiring reading in the area of church history. Do you have any ideas? I am not just looking for a history book, but for something… Read More

I have been studying out the name of Jesus and I have some questions. I know that Joseph and Mary were told by God to name our Savior Jesus, but… Read More

In searching for information about the belief that Mary was lifted into heaven, I found the following: "The belief in the corporeal assumption of is founded on the apocryphal treatise… Read More

As for the phrase "life and doctrine" in 1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV), we traditionally interpret the first word to refer to how a person conducts his life, and the second… Read More

I bought a Greek Bible and I’ve been learning Greek, sort of. It’s really cool, but I have some questions about the translation. (a) Logos: Why do you think the… Read More

I noticed while reading Amos that the prophet lists the sins of Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Judah, and Israel. Here is my question: Why does God use masculine/feminine pronouns… Read More

In Galatians 5:12, Paul says. "As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" I looked at the Greek word for emasculate and it… Read More

I am studying what the Bible says about money and stewardship. Any new books out there you would recommend (that you haven’t already suggested)? Recently I completed Gene Getz’s 2004… Read More

Hebrews 6:4 says falling away is permanent. I know a disciple who decided, after studying the Old Testament, that Jesus is not the Messiah, and is in the process of… Read More

What are the types of English translations (literal, interpreting, literal + interpreting); Holman (HCSB), King James (KJV), Contemporary English (CEV), Good News (TEB), The Message, etc? We consider The Message… Read More

Why are the mothers of kings mentioned only in the period of the kings? Is it because of their educational impact? — Cristian & Erika Paduraru (Bucharest) I think the… Read More

I read recently that the Akkadian king, Sargon I, or Sargon the Great, wrote that he had been rescued as a baby from a basket found among the reeds in… Read More

Is “Ezekiel Bread” the kind of bread we should be eating? For several years I have seen it in the bread section of our local supermarket. What’s your view? I… Read More

On the subject of deaconesses you wrote: “The office of deaconess had not developed until the 3rd century. What does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the first… Read More

I have a question that has seemingly come out of nowhere for me, and I’m finding it very difficult to deal with. While I certainly don’t endorse the overall quality… Read More

In reading Hosea, I found that in several places Ephraim is singled out. I understand that Hosea was prophesying to Israel in general, but what is the reason for the… Read More

I got asked a bit of a stumper the other day. Paul received the indwelling of the Spirit at baptism, but he was laid hands on by Ananias, who was… Read More

I don’t understand why Philip couldn’t give the miraculous gifts to the Samaritans in Acts 8. Why didn’t he lay his hands on the newly baptized Samaritans so that the… Read More

In my religious ethics class, I learned that some scholars and religious environmental activists argue that a better understanding of Genesis 1:26 (where God gave man rule over the earth)… Read More

If you discovered a truth that was truer than the Bible, would you go for it? In other words, if you were to discover there to be a higher truth… Read More

As a Christian man, I have been wrestling with a question for some fourteen years. How can we tell when a woman might be violating 1 Timothy 2 — that… Read More

I have been asked to forward to you the following questions from a dating couple regarding an egg donation from the sister to her biological sister who is not a… Read More

How should I treat a sister who has sexual contact with a man without being married to him? As far as I know, he does not believe in God, but… Read More

I’ve been studying out the Old Testament prophets recently; Daniel was extremely faith-building as I researched the historical accuracy and the arguments behind dating its writing. I’m working on Isaiah… Read More

I have the opportunity to either take an Attic Greek or a Latin class at the University of Florida. I am interested in learning Greek and Hebrew (for the obvious… Read More

I have recently read your paper “Television and the Media,” and I have also read the book Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ronald Sider. It seems that… Read More

In John 14:12-14, Jesus says that he will do whatever we ask and that we may ask him for anything. Also, Stephen, when dying, says "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."… Read More

I read all your articles on baptism at the website, but ran into an anti-immersionist article on my own at another. They argued that baptein is the word for immerse/dip,… Read More

I am a graduate student at Harding University and serve as an evangelist in Chicago. I am trying to find material on the topic of Hebrews 6:4-6. My goal is… Read More

Do you have to confess every sin before God will accept you as a Christian? Although I would not try to talk a person out of doing so, we must… Read More

Is Psalm 118:8 truly the center of the Bible? One website claims it is, while another kind of proves it isn’t, and it just confused me. I’m still not sure who… Read More

I noticed that in 1 Corinthians 14 they had several "prophets" speaking during a worship service, whereas today we usually have only one speaker. Back then it seems to have… Read More

My father has studied the Bible and is very knowledgeable. He is telling my mother that she should anoint the house with oil, because the Bible tells us to do… Read More

At your website, in reference to Q&A 0762, you referred to Exodus 21:22. In my NIV, it reads "gives birth prematurely," which does not indicate miscarriage to me, because many… Read More

I wanted to see if A.I.M. is an accredited school, and whether I might be able to take a few classes. I need nine electives to fulfill my degree requirement… Read More

I was recently informed that when King James Bible was produced, William Shakespeare was on the translation committee. Here was his proof: In the King James version, in Psalms 46,… Read More

I was brought up in a tradition that claims the King James Version is not only the best Bible, but also the only accurate English version there is. What do… Read More

I had a conversation with a woman who has been studying theology and the woman’s role. She said two things that made me wonder. First, she pointed out 1 Corinthians… Read More

Why in Revelation 22:15, after the passage about the New Jerusalem, do we read "Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters,… Read More

I was encouraged after taking a quick look through the TNIV that there appeared to be good translations of Philemon 6 and Matthew 11:12. Do you have any thoughts or… Read More

I just finished reading and studying Revelation, and here is my question: If Herod Agrippa I sent John to the Island of Patmos, when did he do it? My Bible… Read More

Thank you so much for your website! I have been skimming through the hundreds of questions as to not repeat mine. I did not find my question; however this doesn’t… Read More

I have a question concerning 1 Peter 3:21. The NIV reads "the pledge of a good conscience," whereas the NASB translates "an appeal to God for a good conscience," and… Read More

I was wondering if you had any recommendations on primary source literature relating to early church history. I have read bits and pieces of Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History, and that seems… Read More

My question is about the scripture that teaches that a believing spouse sanctifies her non-believing husband. I don’t understand this scripture. — César Herrera Mi pregunta es acerca de la… Read More

Someone wrote, "Many now expect the return of the awaited world teacher, Maitreya, whether they call him the Christ, Messiah, the fifth Buddha, Krishna, or the Imam Mahdi. Millions now… Read More

I think that when I was baptized, I was only 99% immersed, and there was a small portion of me that didn’t go under the water. This was unintentional. Is… Read More

I would like to know your thoughts on dedicating infants to God during a church service. My husband is concerned that it is somehow unbiblical. His thoughts are more that… Read More

Is the gulf between humans and animals really that significant? I have heard that genetically we are nearly identical to chimpanzees.Good question. I would like to respond with a piece… Read More

Why is there so much odd information on Mary Magdalene? How can we be sure that none of it is actually true? How do we know if something is inspired?… Read More

My Bible group asked me a question I was unable to answer, and so I seek your advice. Did Jesus receive the Holy Spirit at birth? I know John the… Read More

This question is for Douglas Jacoby and John Oakes. I was conversing with a friend the other day about the Bible. He said he prefers to read the New Testament… Read More

I was having a conversation with a friend debating whether the morning after pill is considered to be abortion or not. I’m interested to see if there is anything in… Read More

I have a thought on that prickly topic of authority that so many are wrestling with. Sometimes I think we are looking at the issues backwards. We are assuming one… Read More

Are you obligated to confess every single sin you’ve committed in your past to your fiancé before getting married? If the sin has nothing to with your relationship, do you… Read More

I want to learn more about numbers in the Bible, how they were used, when they are literal and when they are figurative, but I am having a hard time… Read More

I read a book called With God in Solitary Confinement, by Richard Wurmbrand. There is a part about his thoughts on the female principle in the Deity. He uses Genesis… Read More

I am a battered, wounded sheep who has forgiven all the hurts and sins committed against me and has sought forgiveness from those that I’ve hurt, yet I’m not moving… Read More

How do reconcile Exodus 20:5 and Ezekiel 18:20? — Evgeny Tkachenko (Yekaterinburg, Russia) I believe Exodus discusses the consequences of sin, which often last for as long as three or… Read More

What do you think about Acts 9:25? Is it appropriate to use the phrase “my disciples”? And what, if anything, can we conclude about a system of discipleship? Do you… Read More

I have a question in regard to John 13:27 and Luke 22:3. They both say that Satan entered Judas just before the betrayal. What does this mean for Judas as… Read More

The disciples here have received a teaching, based on Hebrews 6:4-6, that people who have fallen away can never come back. We understand that there are different types of falling… Read More

[Question submitted to DJ and Gordon Ferguson] A couple of members of our church have a question regarding anointing a sister who has been ill for some time. What does… Read More

Romans 2:12-16 makes it sounds like salvation is all about the heart and the motives behind our actions, more than the actions themselves. Does this scripture teach that some people… Read More

In 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20-24 we read, "Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This… Read More

I’m confused about the conversion of the jailer (and his household) in Acts 16. The man asked them what he must do to be saved, to which he was told… Read More

Is it really effective to pray for God to change people’s hearts? If God gives the individual the choice of whether to be slaves to the spirit or slaves to… Read More

I’ve read all of your answers concerning Islam, which have given me more insight and helped me to answer my sister-in-law a little better. Her questions to me are: “How… Read More

I have a question about John 12:39-40. How would you interpret John’s citation of Isaiah, “Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, ‘He has blinded their eyes and… Read More

The Bible is clear that lust is a sin. I would like to know where the line is between temptation and sin: Jesus said even if you look at a… Read More

In 2 Kings 3:18, Elisha prophesied that God would hand Moab over to the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom. At the end of the chapter, however, it is made… Read More

Have you ever read some of David Berçot’s works (for example, Common Sense and Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up?)? His thesis, esp. in Common Sense, is that the… Read More

I have a friend who has been a disciple for many years, and who has several Christian relatives as well. He has always considered himself to be on the philosophical… Read More

Could you advise how we can go about studying the topic of exclusion of members from the assembly? (I.e., what types of sins/behavior qualify, at what stages one gives a… Read More

I have read your article on the Trinity, but still have a question. Nowhere in scripture does it say that Jesus is God. It only says he is the Son… Read More

I was reading about Moses and the Tabernacle and all that jazz. I guess through all these years of church, I became familiar with the notion of animal sacrifices, and… Read More

My friend has vivid dreams, almost every night. She is a mature woman, yet young in faith. She gives her dreams a lot of weight in her decision-making and understanding…. Read More

At the time of this email the death toll from the [2004] earthquake and resulting tsunami in the Indian Ocean is already 155,000, and experts believe this number will rise…. Read More

It would seem that the greatest challenge my church faced early on was a willingness to be persecuted. Of course, I realize we brought some of it upon ourselves. Now,… Read More

Why was Paul eager to visit Spain (Romans 15:24)? Recall that he viewed himself as the “apostle to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13). Paul often quotes the prophet Isaiah in relation… Read More

What I see in scripture is that fasting is an abstinence from both food and water. Further, the purpose of fasting is to weaken the flesh and create a humility… Read More

1Timothy discusses qualifications for elders. But given the fact that there were elders there when Paul visited in Acts 20, isn’t it possible that there was a problem with the… Read More

In chapter two of Luke, Luke names Quirinius as governor of Syria. It appears that the present state of knowledge about that man tells us that he didn’t assume the… Read More

At what point did Jesus become God’s son? I believe he has always eternally existed with God, but when did he inherit the title "son"? Since scriptures say that God… Read More

‘Yo soy discipulo de la iglesia en Bogotá (Colombia) hace más de 10 años. El mes pasado un hermano se ahorcó en su casa, la iglesia hizo una reunión …… Read More

I was recently asked by a brother to become the "godfather" for his son. I was very honored, as he explained the heart of the request was to look after… Read More

I have tried to study about the Holy Spirit, its works and gifts, and all the myriad themes entailed in this insurmountable topic. We learn in 1 Corinthians 13 that… Read More

In Acts 8, why wasn’t the indwelling Spirit given to the Samaritans at their baptism? Why did the apostles have to lay hands on them for them to receive the… Read More

You mentioned in your series How the Bible Came To Be that apostolicity is the key to inclusion of a text in the NT canon. How do I know any writing is apostolic,… Read More

We know that John the Baptist immersed people. In John 4:1, we see that Jesus’ disciples were also immersing. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. What was the purpose… Read More

How does one become married according to scripture? Actually, the Bible does not specify any one way to become married. This will depend on the laws of the nation in… Read More

What is your opinion of the NIV Translation Committee? It is my understanding that there were as many as three homosexuals assisting them in some capacity. When I compare the… Read More

I wanted your recommendation on a title(s)/author(s) for an English-NT Greek Lexicon; and the more "user friendly," the better for me. What would you recommend? At the moment, I do… Read More

Em João 17 Jesus ora para que sejamos completamente unidos. Em nossa congregação aqui em Recife tem alguns líderes que tem tido um contato muito grande com a Igreja de… Read More

I noticed your reply to the inquiry about the ISV [Q 0695] and I wondered if you have noticed that free HCSB software is now available at e-sword.net. They also… Read More

We recently used IVF to conceive another child. However, instead of the normal number of good fertilized eggs (four), which would normally produce one or two babies, we ended up… Read More

Can you think of an instance where an evangelist, elder, deacon, etc. might have his authority removed? A situation has happened in our local congregation that has sparked many questions… Read More

What do you think about David Berçot and his writings, especially Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up? — Alvin Gumiran (Manila) I enjoy David Berçot’s writings enormously. They make… Read More

Is it wrong if I move in with my boyfriend? If we love each other, isn’t that what counts? Is the Bible against this? Living (and, presumably, sleeping) with your… Read More

I have recently read the following books: How We Got the Bible, by Neil R. Lightfoot; The Origin of the Bible, by Philip Wesley Comfort; and From God to Us,… Read More

How do viruses fit into God’s plan, and where do you believe they come from? Also, do you believe they are living? — B.M. Virology is simply not addressed, even… Read More

Romans chapter 3 says that "there is no one righteous — not even one." If there is no one righteous, why is Jesus considered the righteous one? Does righteous mean… Read More

I recently wrote a paper on my blog entitled "What is Salvation?" Yet I felt that the baptism discussions were a little too pointed, too focused on baptism exclusively rather… Read More

I was reading in Psalms 1, and I noted verse 5: "Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous." I was… Read More

Romans 16:13 says that Rufus’ mother was like a mother to Paul. Speculating that this woman was the wife of Simon of Cyrene Mark 15:21, when did Paul develop this… Read More

I have begun reading through Leviticus to get a better understanding and appreciation of the temple/tabernacle worship. One of the striking things is the sudden death of Nadab and Abihu,… Read More

I am truly trying not to "speak where the Bible is silent," and I feel like baptizing children is one of those issues. I see that Jesus called children to… Read More

In the first five books of the OT, there are at least 21 times where people were killed directly or ordered to be killed by God. Yet God said, "Do… Read More

Acts 22:28 states that Paul was a natural born Roman citizen, while Philippians 3:4-5 states he’s a Hebrew. There are other passages in Scripture indicating his apparent dual citizenship. My… Read More

When do you think John the Baptist was taken into prison in relationship to Jesus’ ministry? It seems like one account says that after Jesus got back from the wilderness,… Read More

I appreciate your answers to the questions concerning dating and whether to marry. I recall you writing that if you have the gift of celibacy you should consider remaining single… Read More

In Acts 1:26, the apostles cast lots to determine who would replace Judas as the twelfth apostle. Proverbs says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision… Read More

I have a question regarding homosexuality. I am a Christian and obviously believe God’s word to be true. The Bible says homosexuality is sinful — something to be repented of…. Read More

I have a question about 2 Corinthians 2ff. and Ephesians 1. Paul often uses the term "we," "our," etc. In our reading and preaching of these texts, it seems to… Read More

"For many are called, but few are chosen" appears in some Bibles as part of Matthew 20:16, after "the first shall be last and the last shall be first." Yet… Read More

I would like to share the following submission from one of my readers. (My own position is that in 99% of all cases, abortion is indeed wrong.) Would you consider… Read More

I visited a Bible discussion on campus at a nearby university. The topic was the life of David. The leader mentioned (commenting on 1 Samuel 29) that since David fled… Read More

Can you please suggest some websites with some good biblical study courses? (several inquirers) John Lang, of Indianapolis, recently sent the following great links. I think you will appreciate all… Read More

Where can I find out what coins in Bible times looked like? Any pointers? A good Bible encyclopedia would probably help you, though there is a quicker way. Since you… Read More

I came across an online resource for a Bible translation I was unfamiliar with. The ISV (International Standard Version) purports to bridge the gap between literal and idiomatic translations. The… Read More

I found a book that answered a lot of my questions about prayer. It is Nelson’s Personal Handbook on Prayer, by James Wilhoit. On page 182 it says, "First of… Read More

Don’t the two following passages in the scriptures rule out that the kingdom of God came on the day of Pentecost? Luke 17:20-21: "Once, having been asked by the Pharisees… Read More

Could you please explain the concept of surrender as it applies to "letting go and letting God"? I hear this over and over, but I’m not sure that I know… Read More

Is it true that the Koran prophesies the "War on Terror" against Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden? I recently received an email. It said, "No other nation, except Israel,… Read More

I was reading about Origen (d.254 AD), one of the ancient church fathers in a recent Christian history magazine, and it got me thinking. My church has taught for years that… Read More

Do you believe that Revelation was written by John around 64-65 A.D, or do you hold to the more traditional date of 95 A.D? I know that the 95 A.D…. Read More

[The issue at hand: whether it is right to baptize a couple living together who are not technically married.] — See Q&A 0666 for the context. I was reading through… Read More

I read somewhere (I can’t remember where) that each of our modern-day paragraphs is the equivalent of a single sentence in the original Greek. But my interlinear Bible seems to… Read More

Do all who call on the name of the Lord get saved? Or only the ones who do his will? I am thinking of passages like Romans 10:13, Joel 2:32,… Read More

How do you explain that Jesus himself called people ‘fools’? Wouldn’t he be subject to hellfire according to his own words (Matthew 5:22 versus 23:17, 19)? What does this mean… Read More

I have a question about Romans 10:9. Before every baptism I’ve been to, including my own, the person to be baptized confessed "Jesus is Lord." Was this confession done in… Read More

I was wondering what your view was about life on other planets. — Chris Gordillo So far, there is no unequivocal evidence that there has ever been life any of… Read More

I’m trying to understand the idea of male-female relationships — i.e. marriage, or in my case, dating. My desire is to have a girlfriend, and eventually a wife, but I’m… Read More

I noticed in your book Genesis, Science & History [now Origins] that you teach Revelation 21-22 is about the church triumphant. My viewpoint on this is evolving, but I have a… Read More

What reference books do you recommend in order to study New Testament words? — C. W. Rardin Why not start with Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament… Read More

I believe Mary and Joseph were called "married" before Jesus was born. I do not understand this. Were they really married? And were they allowed to have sex together? And… Read More

Please help to make sense of the following scriptures — how they relate to one another and should be applied. Numbers 30:10-12: "Suppose a woman is married and living in… Read More

I recently visited a charismatic church. The sermon was about strengthening the spirit, or, as they put it, "Getting the wuss out of you!" The main scripture was Numbers 13:29,… Read More

In Acts 21:29, Paul was criticised for bringing an uncircumcised Greek into the temple courts. I was trying to find the OT regulation stipulating that Gentiles, aliens or the uncircumcised… Read More

I am reading through Chronicles and have a question about names in the Bible. Do you know the process by which names are translated? I came across one name Evil-Merodach,… Read More

I would like to study the water and HS baptism as one in the same theme. Do you have some scriptures or a study on that? Yes, chapter 24 of… Read More

I’ve been asked by a few friends, “Was it a sin to be immoral in the Old Testament without being married?” What do you say?”—Carmen (Long Beach) Absolutely! It is… Read More

The article posted at your website on this difficult subject is very helpful. I especially appreciate the time all the authors took in developing the “concessionary will” strand in the… Read More

1 Samuel 17:50 and 2 Samuel 21:19 appear to be contradictory. The second passage says Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim of Bethlehem killed Goliath the Gittite. If this is true, how… Read More

In Daniel 6:30, the king who conquered and took over the Babylonian empire was Darius, while I guess historical records indicate it was Cyrus. What would you say about this?… Read More

Are the Nag Hammadi and Lut Lake documents (gospels) true, or did somebody make them up to confuse the believers? If they are true, do they contradict with the Bible… Read More

In Acts 19, in Ephesus, the great goddess is named Diana in the KJV, but is called Artemis in the NIV. This seems like a pretty big difference. Any reason… Read More

I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question in Q632. However, there are some loose ends I’d like to clear up. First, you said "Then why, you… Read More

At your website you wrote that if the laws of the land recognize you as married, then that is fine. I have a friend who has been living a common… Read More

Is masturbation sin? Can we separate the act from the sinful desires that accompany it? The Bible does not directly address the subject, so we should be careful in how… Read More

In Matthew 5:42 we read, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." Is it right for… Read More

I checked out one of your articles regarding the creation account, where you said, "There are several other scientific insights one can glean from Genesis. For example, Genesis 3 teaches… Read More

I will get married soon. My fiancée and I were wondering, "Is it really necessary to be married in front of the church, or only in front of the law?"… Read More

How should we proceed with people who in the past were disfellowshiped from the church? In Bulgaria we are asking ourselves, "For how long does the disfellowship apply?" and "If… Read More

A footnote in my NASB study Bible on 1 Kings 16 said Ahab was probably worshiping both YHWH and Baal, because the names of both of Ahab’s sons refer to… Read More

I just want to know about the biblical explanation of the Sunday church service. I am referring to such features as the welcome, opening prayer, communion, benevolence collection, message, response,… Read More

As a political science and sociology student I have found it fairly difficult to accept all that my country continues to do domestically and abroad to those less fortunate. I… Read More

It seems that Satan was created with the sole purpose of sifting men. God knew that Satan and the other angels would turn from him, before he even created him…… Read More

You wrote, "Whatever resists God’s will is evil’ (Q0067). Before, I viewed the cosmos as a duality with two forces, good and evil. But as I see things now, that… Read More

I’d love to see something posted on clearing debt. During my 19 years as a disciple, I’ve allowed contribution pressures to influence my financial decisions. I have a good bit… Read More

Here in Turkey it’s not that easy to get sources to teach us about Christianity. I have a question: Are the Nag Hammadi documents true, or did somebody make them… Read More

I have done some study about salvation and baptism, and have come to some conclusions that are in seeming disagreement with the doctrine of salvation through baptism. Undoubtedly, baptism is… Read More

When it comes to reading the Bible daily, is there any passage that calls us to read every day? I am looking for a passage that’s not been taken out… Read More

What are your thoughts on the authorship of Isaiah? I know that most scholars believe the book consists of the prophecies of two, three or more prophets, including various editorial… Read More

I noticed in The Muslim Challenge at the website the "Fatiha." I have studied part of the Koran back in high school in Lebanon and recently bought a copy of… Read More

Is Mary in Luke 10:38 the same Mary who appears at the foot of the cross in Luke and John? — Tasha No, Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, is… Read More

I am trying to figure out 1 Corinthians 11:17-19, where Paul talks about how there will be differences among brothers to show which have God’s approval. Does this mean the… Read More

I have been taught that in Matthew 16 Peter was given the keys (plural), and used one in Acts 2 for the Jews then the other in Acts 10 to… Read More

What do we know about crucifixion in the ancient world? One of the best books I have ever read is The Cross of the Son of God (London: SCM Press,… Read More

From Deuteronomy 21:10-14, it would appear that God allows his people to marry outside of Israel. Was this a special case? What seems odd to me is that the husband… Read More

Thank you for your website. I find it quite helpful to hear the questions of others, and am thankful that others are just as confused about some things as I… Read More

Doesn’t Mark 16 encourage Christians to handle snakes? What do you say about that? In Mark 16 — if we accept the passage as genuine — Jesus predicted that believers… Read More