Q&As

My question is about Matthew 10:23. It seems contradictory when it says that they will not be finished going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes,… Read More

I have some Bahai friends. Many times they ask me to join their ceremonies. When I told them I am a Christian they say this is OK — and even… Read More

What do you think is the purpose of the story of Judah and Tamar? I am studying out Joseph in Genesis 37-50, because his life speaks to mine (going through… Read More

I wanted to write to you about a couple of comments you have made in regard to tithing on your website. First let me say I appreciate your approach to… Read More

I was recently involved in a conversation about hermaphrodites. I was stumped by a very tough question. Since a hermaphrodite is born with male and female sexual organs, he/she is… Read More

It has been taught often that in the Greek, 1 John 1:7 is in the continuous present. The point is then made that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from… Read More

Is Paul saying that God will save all mankind and especially those who believe? Or was he trying to show Timothy that the real believers (true teachers of God s… Read More

For me it has never been clear that 1 Cor 11:4 is specifically talking about women praying and prophesying in the church services. It seems to me that in 1… Read More

How can we be sure that all of an elder’s children need to be Christians in order for him to serve in this capacity? I have received an email suggesting… Read More

When Jesus speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem, how are we to understand it? For a detailed study of the destruction of Jerusalem, see my article "Destruction of Jerusalem" at… Read More

Do you think Christians need a discipling partner? I have spoken often to this question, but if it helps, I will answer again. All Christians need input. We need one-another… Read More

Based on passages like Colossians 1:23, which says that the whole world heard the gospel in the first century, and Matthew 24, which says Jesus will only come back after… Read More

When did you change your mind about tithing? Tithing or (strictly speaking) giving 10% of one’s gross income is commonly taught in the Christian world, though seldom practiced. I did… Read More

I was wondering what your thoughts were on boxing, mixed martial arts, etc. I have been watching them for years but recently an older brother challenged another brother and me on watching… Read More

With all that seems to be happening around us and in the Christian churches, I keep asking myself, “Is God in control?” What do you say about this? — many… Read More

It seems to me that you, Douglas, should mention by name church leaders who may have constructed a man-made system. Why don’t you say their names publicly? Are you afraid… Read More

I hear that you are teaching against evangelists leading churches. Several of my friends have expressed concern that you are advocating the abolition of evangelists. Is this true? No, not… Read More

I have heard Exodus 18 taught as the biblical basis for having everyone in the church in a discipling tree. What do you say? In Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law gives… Read More

Is it necessarily wrong for a Christian to date a non-Christian? Where do you stand on this issue? — Various The Bible does not address the dating issue directly –… Read More

If a person is a believer, one who is striving with all his heart to follow Jesus (and Him only), then does it matter what denomination he belongs to? Is… Read More

At the present time churches around the world are naming deacons. My question is: in situations where there may be hostility or lack of trust in leadership how should deacons… Read More

Local publications in Boston have been advertising a course called "The Power of Kabbalah." It claims millions in the world are turning to Kabbalah for spiritual growth. Free lectures are… Read More

I have heard that congregation autonomy is unbiblical. What do you think about this? — Many emails It is fairly easy to prove in the NT that the churches were not… Read More

After reading Romans 9:22-24 I was struck by what seemed to be an argument for predestined grace. Is this so? Or is Paul speaking rhetorically to show God’s sovereign power… Read More

I have heard a lot about the Boundaries book. Some have warned me not to read it, but others have recommended it. I took a look at it and it… Read More

I am a former disciple, and I am interested in getting your insight into different scriptural references used for restoration. Would Luke 15 be applicable? (The parables of the lost… Read More

I see so many thing changing in my church — some good, some bad. Everyone keeps saying "God is in control." What do you say? "God is in control" may… Read More

What is biblical success and how do we measure it? Are there any papers written or books available that you can recommend to me to answer this question for us?… Read More

My question deals with Daniel 9:24-27 and 12:9ff. I don’t understand the significance of the numbers. What I do understand is that some parts of it deal with Titus, the… Read More

I know that you rotate your Bibles, and do not read just one translation. What Bible are you reading now, Douglas? The new Bible I just started the other day… Read More

What does the Bible say about body piercing? I have a friend who got his nose pierced and I was wondering if he was wrong or not to do this…. Read More

There has been a lot of scholarly activity proving that the Koran could not have been written originally in Arabic since the Arabic language did not exist until 150 years… Read More

We hear talk a lot about people working "in the ministry," or "getting out of the ministry." What are your thoughts on this? — Will I am very glad that… Read More

I have had my own position on "the fear of the Lord" for many years. However, the topic recently came up at our church service. Looking through the New Testament,… Read More

PART I What scriptures would you suggest for a single woman whose biological clock is about to stop ticking regarding becoming pregnant through artificial (donor) insemination? This seems controversial because… Read More

As a former agnostic/atheist, I now take great comfort in the evidence for the resurrection. One question that I have never heard even raised in my 27 years as a… Read More

Our church is forming a group to direct the affairs of the church. What kind of people could be included in that group, and how soon should we establish it?… Read More

Is it right for wealthier members to keep their money? Shouldn’t they give it all away if they really love other people? If everyone in the church shared, we could… Read More

In the New Testament, why was contribution collected? Many people are asking this question! As I understand the New Testament, there are two principal purposes for the collection. The first… Read More

I am writing to get your input about the process of selecting deacons. In our church we want to teach about the biblical qualifications for serving as a deacon. I’d… Read More

Do I have to obey a human discipler? I have heard Hebrews 13:17 quoted to tell me I need to be humble and follow advice. But sometimes it feels like… Read More

I heard there are two words for love in John 21. Does one refer only to friendship, and the other to real love? You know Greek, so what do you say? In John… Read More

I have a friend who visited nudist camps in South America years ago, and ever since has visited other camps in other countries. She has expressed that the people who… Read More

I remember reading a long time ago that the practice of "bindi" (dying the skin with henna paste) is a form of worship to a Hindu god. I’m trying to… Read More

I was sharing my faith with someone who told me he believes in the Urantian philosophy. I don´t know a lot about it and I wanted to ask you what… Read More

I read somewhere that the answer to the question "Who’s a candidate for baptism?" is "a disciple." This is confusing. If a disciple (a Christian) is already saved why does he… Read More

The Bible talks about forgiveness: after we are baptized we are forgiven for all our sins, and if we remain in Jesus his blood is "like windshield wipers" for our… Read More

I thought I had read a few weeks ago — it may have been in Dr. Jacoby’s Q&A’s — that C.S. Lewis fell away prior to his death. Did I… Read More

This may sound like a stupid question, but do animals go to heaven? I’m almost positive that they don’t, but I heard someone use the scripture about humans and animals… Read More

Where are we as Christians today in the time line of the Book of Revelation? I do not believe that the book of Revelation was written as a "time line."… Read More

If someone leaves the church, does he or she actually leave God? I cannot find anything in the scriptures to support this. What do you think about this? People leave… Read More

I was reading 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 ("to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one spirit… to another miraculous powers"). Many groups (for example… Read More

In studying about the gift of tongues I find that tongues are languages. If this is true I want to know what languages were spoken in the cities listed in… Read More

Jesus was baptized by John. Why were the twelve chosen disciples not baptized? First of all, several of the twelve were former disciples of John, who naturally were baptized by… Read More

I would like to know more about the remnant of God. How do we know which church is the actual remnant? — Robert The "remnant" (Isaiah 10:22 and other passages)… Read More

Exactly when did Satan fall? My guess is that it occurred before creation since Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the beginning. I am also curious to know is it… Read More

I have a question about God making exceptions to his law. In 1 Samuel 21:1-6, David was allowed to take the consecrated bread only the priests were to eat. I… Read More

Is there really only one true church? What does the Bible say? Ephesians 1:22-23 teaches that the church is the body of Christ. It is not an institution. No one… Read More

For many years I have heard it taught that to repent is "to stop sinning," or to "turn around 180 degrees." However, Vines Expository Dictionary defines it as more fundamental… Read More

Who are the Anakites (Deuteronomy 1:28)? Why were the Israelites terrified of them? — Stephen (Chennai, India) Apparently the Israelites were afraid of the Anakites because they were descended from… Read More

What did people in the 1st century call Jesus? Did they actually call him "Jesus," or did they use a Hebrew name? One study Bible claims "Jesus" derives from the… Read More

I’ve read somewhere that Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) did not lose their salvation but only lost the opportunity to be on earth and serve the Kingdom. Can you please… Read More

How much are staff paid in the New Testament? What does the Bible say about this? The New Testament clearly teaches financial support for preachers; that is, for those whose… Read More

  A friend of mine studying considers herself married. She has stated she has not had a ceremony and does not have an official document of marriage. She has stated… Read More

I have a question about an alternative reading of Luke 9:27 and parallel passages in the other Gospels. Typically we read that passage to be emphasizing that some of the… Read More

I often read in the Bible about some evil spirit torturing people. How should I see that? Is it just a kind of interpretation of a (mental) illness, or were… Read More

I would like to know whether there any demon-possessed men today? If yes, how can we help them? — Sérgio Costa (São Paulo) I have never personally seen a possessed person,… Read More

Many people have been asking this question, and let me begin by saying that just because a church is not ready to be led by an eldership, this does not… Read More

I have a question concerning the proper order of evangelists and elders. It seems to me that in the Bible the evangelist appoints elders who in turn govern the affairs… Read More

I understand that the word Amen is Hebrew for "Truly so" or "Very true." It’s a word of agreement, or of support. Some outsiders say that by saying Amen we… Read More

In Deuteronomy 22:28-29, the punishment for rape is that the man has to pay 50 pieces of silver to the father of the victim and then marry her, without being… Read More

How can I be sure that the canon decided in the 300s was legitimate since the church had gone so far astray in its doctrine by this point? How can… Read More

I read that Irenaeus the bishop of Lyon at end of 2nd century first suggested the “forming” of the New Testament. I read also that the NT was eventually formed… Read More

My NIV commentary indicates that 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 was written of married persons, of cases where one subsequently becomes a Christian. I assume the same standard would apply for believers… Read More

For a Christian married couple, is it possible for one to commit spousal rape to another? Does the Bible say anything about "spousal rape" (a legal term, I assume)? In… Read More

In your article on "forceful men" you refer to those who consider themselves to be "called by God" and say "The Lord has ‘put something on my heart.’ " Should… Read More

What was the nature of money collection and distribution in the early church, outside of what we can glean from the New Testament? Do extra-biblical sources suggest that congregations paid… Read More

On what grounds does someone have the right to divorce? Are things like years of impurity, phone sex, or even sexual neglect legitimate grounds for divorce? What about strip clubs?… Read More

I went to visit a sister in one of the African churches; she is terribly sick. She has depression and anorexia nervosa and almost died in the hospital when she… Read More

In Q&A 0074 about tongues you said: "In the New Testament tongues (languages) are actual human languages." But 1 Corinthians 14:2 says: For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not… Read More

I am doing a study on Joseph in Genesis, and have two questions. First, what do the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to Joseph symbolize? His family? There… Read More

Some people say that Communion should only be taken with real wine, and that by using grape juice we are desecrating the holiness of Jesus’ sacrifice. Should we as Christians… Read More

I was wondering about the signs of the zodiac. I know that in Deuteronomy 18 it says divination is a sin. Are the zodiac signs connected with divination? Yes, they… Read More

In light of James 5:14 are church members often prayed over by the elders and anointed with oil? Or is this only have to do with confessing sins? Please help… Read More

What did Jesus mean by “forceful men “in Matthew 11:12? I’ve heard this passage a lot in lessons on leadership. Also why do some Bibles say “violent men” in Matthew… Read More

Offhand can you recall any reference to angels in either testament being female? I recall angels having male names and being referred to as male. My big question: the Bible… Read More

I’ve talked to many people who say that you cannot be sure of your salvation. They say that only God knows and we’ll just have to see at the end…. Read More

How can we be certain about the side notes in some Bible versions? Can we trust the side notes as much as we trust the scriptures they represent? Are they… Read More

Recently, a struggling brother pointed out to me the fact that in Joshua 15:21-32, a discrepancy in the Bible seems to occur between the number of villages mentioned (36), and… Read More

What are the beliefs of Freemasonry? Please see the acticle by David Brown, Freemasonry and Discipleship. A former Mason, David gives us a history and overview of the teachings of… Read More

Jesus seems to equivocate in Luke 21. How can his followers be executed and protected from death at the same time? That doesn’t make sense. Let’s look closely at the… Read More

Two of my friends, Christians, decided to marry in a different way than we practice in our churches: i.e. without a person, an evangelist or a preacher, who marry them…. Read More

In Luke 22:44 Luke records that Jesus sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. I have read a medical account of the crucifixion in a particular Christian… Read More

I have been discussing the authority of the pope within the Roman Catholic church. My friend said that in Matthew 16 the Greek distinguished between the words Peter and rock…. Read More

I have often heard people today call their spiritual leaders "prophets." I don’t completely understand the role of prophets in the New Testament. However, in the Old Testament, I thought… Read More

In Acts 2:5 "every nation under heaven" is a figure of speech and does not literally mean that Jews from all over the earth arrived at Pentecost. Could not a… Read More

What is the best way to get a good understanding of the literary forms of the Bible? Think of the Bible as a library. The books are all quite different,… Read More

When I first studied the Bible, I was told debauchery means doing anything in excess, like overeating, drinking, sleeping, etc. I still hear disciples defining it this way. However, when… Read More

Is it stealing to download music/media for free? I know that the music industries have issued numerous lawsuits against Napster. Should I have the same attitude towards this and pay… Read More

I have often been puzzled by the differences between the Greek words translated "love" in English. Butchered interpretations of John 21 can cause the whole scenario with Peter and Jesus… Read More

I would like to know how much of a connection there is between circumcision and baptism. Some suggest they are extremely connected, and since circumcision was done to babies, it… Read More

Are we responsible for sins that we commit in our dreams? I do not think so! We do tend to dream about the things that have been on our minds throughout… Read More

The Bible says Jesus was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness." Since Jesus was sinless, what does this mean? Matthew 3:15 describes Jesus’ baptism at the hands of John. Yes, Jesus… Read More

In Isaiah 59:1-3 we teach those we study the Bible with that sin separates one from God. Verse 2 says "Your sins have hidden his face from you so that… Read More

If God is the creator, what do we do with the whole issue of human cloning? If we are capable of cloning animals and humans, it would seem that God… Read More

I’ve been spiritually raised on the conviction that the church must grow. Yet most churches level out in their growth after a few years. Some leaders even say When we… Read More

In Ephesians 4:11 Paul explains how God established various offices (prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) to build up and strengthen the church. All of those offices/duties listed are words disciples… Read More

Is there a difference between a disciple’s purpose and a disciple’s mission (Matthew 28)? I teach that a disciple’s purpose is to know God, whereas his mission–and this is not… Read More

Thank you so much for your presentation in Berlin. You pointed out that the Old Testament "tells it like it is," and that many pagan religions believed in demons and… Read More

After reading over some of the questions and answers, I came across this one (Q&A 0107, on Disfellowship). Wouldn’t “warranted by grave sin unrepented of” include all sin? I have… Read More

What is the purpose of Hebrews 7:4-10? Can this passage be used in support of strict tithing? Can we use 1 Corinthians 16:2 & 2 Corinthians 9:7 combined to say… Read More

Benjamin Britten used the term in his diaries “Tell it not in Gath” (2 Samuel 1:26) in a reference to Jonathan’s love for David as a justification for his homosexual… Read More

“Behemoth,” one of the beasts referred to in Job 40:15-24, is sometimes translated “hippopotamus” or “elephant.” Yet couldn’t it also refer to a dinosaur? This is doubtful. The New Living… Read More

In Mark 2:5, it seems that the paralytic’s sins were forgiven because of his friends’ faith. This this seems contrary to other scrptures that teach we are saved by our… Read More

What does the Bible teach about homosexuality? I’ve looked at websites that denounce it, but have no scriptural backing to its talk. Can you back it with scripture? Both Old… Read More

In Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus celebrates the Passover with his disciples but in John, they are clamoring for the body to be taken down before the beginning of Passover…. Read More

Where did all the religions of the world come from? And when did they originate? This is a huge question, and I prefer to give a short answer, then refer… Read More

Where does the idea of reincarnation come from? Are there any verses in the Bible in favor of this belief? With the increasing popularity of eastern religions in the west,… Read More

This article originally appeared in the July 1987 issue of A Light to London, the bulletin of the London Church of Christ. There is an amazing wealth of evidence even… Read More

How come we do not hear about vibrant churches in Antarctica? Doesn’t the great commission mean we should go to every continent? — Various queries Quite simply, the reason you… Read More

As a disciple, I have often wondered that is it okay for a disciple to miss church for reasons other than attending funerals or visiting the sick. Is it acceptable… Read More

I noticed that you have a degree in theology from Harvard and I thought you might be a good person to ask about majoring in Religious Studies at a state… Read More

John 4 says Jesus met the Samaritan woman around the 6th hour. Is this 6 pm? Or is it noon? Are there any guidelines you can give us for how… Read More

With all this talk about the end times and the Left Behind series, what does the Bible actually say about Armageddon? I wrote the following two-part article series in 1986.ARMAGEDDON!I am convinced… Read More

Must Christians observe the Sabbath? Please see the article on the Sabbath. which first appeared in A Light to London, the bulletin of the London Church of Christ, May-June 1987.  Click here…. Read More

My friend and I have been debating this issue for some time: Can God be all-knowing and free will exist at the same time? — Steven Soo (Sydney) I wish… Read More

I have read about Judaism and Christianity in some academic books and one of them said that the doctrine of James (leader of Jerusalem church) is in confrontation with Paul’s… Read More

In Matthew 8, Jesus heals the leper and tells him not to tell anyone about the miracle, but to take his offering and gifts at the temple. Is this because… Read More

In chapter 38 Ezekiel is told to prophesy against Gog of the land of Magog. Who is this person/ nation God is talking about? "Gog and Magog" in Revelation symbolize… Read More

A dear friend of mine who has been a disciple for ten years is about to leave the Lord. She e-mailed me this question in an effort to resolve an… Read More

If God kept men from building a tower to "heaven," why did he allow us to build machines that could fly into "heaven?" In Genesis 11, mankind was in some… Read More

Whenever I share my faith with a highly religious person, the question of fire baptism comes up. What did John mean when he said "I baptize you with water for… Read More

The Bible seems to support the notion that it is better to remain single than to get married. For example, Paul seemed to prefer that we remain single. Also, Jesus’… Read More

When you study the Bible with someone who intentionally or unintentionally leaves some sin unconfessed, does that mean that the baptism is invalid? Some have told me it does, but… Read More

I was wondering if having a discipler was essential for salvation. I know that the Bible says getting discipling and advice and counseling is essential, but there are many ways… Read More

Who was St. Patrick? Where does St. Patrick’s Day come from? Every year around March people start asking me, “Who was St. Patrick?” or “Should Christians celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?”  I wrote the following article in 2003. Hopefully it will prove… Read More

[Edited for length and clarity] How do you square the practice of accountability in the areas of evangelism and financial giving with the words of Matthew 6:1-4 about not doing… Read More

I have heard people say that we Christians are Jews, since the Bible says we are "children of Abraham." Is this right? Am I really Jewish? No, this is not… Read More

If a woman is informed of the abnormal development of the baby, and the doctor suggests having an abortion. What does the Bible say about it? — Eunice Mah In… Read More

Is there a direct connection between Christianity, Islam and Judaism which traces back to the Old Testament? Also what are the origins of Islam and Judaism? — Dany J. Mendez… Read More

I would like you to help me understand Matthew 17:1-13. Did Jesus communicate with the dead? How does this relate to the spirit doctrine of Kardec? — Márcio (Salvador Brazil)… Read More

I have always wanted to understand what happened to Jesus when he took on my sin and died. Did he actually go and experience hell? Do you have any insight… Read More

I am one of those who analyze every little thing, and I was curious to see if the Bible talked about joking around with one another. I didn’t see anything… Read More

Is it wrong to drink alcohol, according to the Bible? I have always thought it was fine as long as you did not get drunk, but recently I decided to… Read More

Greetings from the Ukraine! In Philemon 1:6, Paul and Timothy ask Philemon to be “active in sharing his faith.” That’s the scripture that we use to teach others about our… Read More

I noticed in one of your recent answers you criticized the book The Prayer of Jabez. I felt that this book contains inaccuracies about how to become a Christian, yet… Read More

Muslims say Allah does not have children. How can I get across to them that we Christians do not believe Allah had children by a wife, and that Jesus is… Read More

I have a question about the footnotes in the Bible. Often we read something like "the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain." What does that mean? If… Read More

[Greatly condensed] I would like to know everything possible about baptism. Can you point me in the right direction? I am glad you want to know everything about baptism. I… Read More

I have heard it taught that Isaiah 40 proves the earth is round. What are your thoughts on this? It is true that the verse portrays the earth as "round,"… Read More

In Leviticus 10, Nadab and Abihu were struck down for getting the incense recipe wrong. Isn’t this a bit severe? God had already indicated he would not tolerate improvising when… Read More

In Acts 17 Paul says he found an altar to an unknown God. Has this altar ever been found? Have archeologists discovered it anywhere in Athens? A number of such… Read More

Where does Easter come from? Should Christians celebrate it? Following is an article I wrote on the subject of Easter in 1986. If you prefer to listen to a podcast… Read More

John 10:28 says "no one can snatch them [Jesus’ sheep] out of my hand.” Could this be teaching the doctrine of "once saved, always saved"? Look at the passage closely…. Read More

What does the word "Bible," mean? Ironically I can’t find the word anywhere in my Bible. Good observation: the word "Bible" does not appear in the Bible. (Some religious groups… Read More

Is it true that the Bible says only 144,000 people will be allowed into heaven? Are my Jehovah’s Witnesses friends right? The misunderstanding is based on an over-literal reading. If… Read More

What exactly is the Middle East? "East" with respect to what? I will try to answer the question in as non-confusing a manner as possible (but beware!). From the perspective… Read More

Could it be that Matthew’s virgin birth account contains pagan elements? God despises sorcery, divination, and witchcraft (Deuteronomy 18:9, 14; Isaiah 2:6, etc). Those who followed the "star" were "from… Read More

I was just reading your article, "The Record," and I would like to know what books Codex U — which is said to be housed in Venice — includes? –… Read More

In Genesis 6 God says his spirit will not contend with man for more than 120 years. Why then did Noah live to be 950, Sarah 127, Abraham 175? — Vicki… Read More

I understand (and have read) your view of the old earth theory. I was wondering how would you line up the old earth theory with Romans 5:12. It seems that… Read More

I am trying to gain a conviction about how I feel about people living illegally in the US.  The Bible says we need to love the aliens and help meet… Read More

Where did Christmas come from? A friend of mine told me it is a pagan holiday, and that Christians should not celebrate it. What do you think about this? The… Read More

In Genesis 32:22-30 after his wrestling match Jacob says "I saw God face to face and yet my life was spared." Yet 1 John 4:12 says "No one has ever… Read More

Why was David’s taking a census of Israel a sin in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21? I looked up "census" in my concordance and found Exodus 30:11-13: "When… Read More

My church says that the proper term for a true Christian is "disciple," since this is the word that appears hundreds of times in the New Testament. Why don’t I… Read More

I’ve done a study on Jesus return. Jesus’ return is talked about in most of the New Testament books. From what I can tell the brothers and sisters of the… Read More

At least four times in Revelation, Jesus says "I am coming soon." In the Bible, "soon" usually doesn’t mean two thousand plus years later. Is there a scripture in the… Read More

Recently, an article I read accused my church of Pelagianism. From the context, it seems Pelagius believed Adam’s sin was not passed down from generation to generation, except in the… Read More

1 Timothy 2:15 speaks of women being saved through childbirth. What salvation is this referring to? Contractually speaking, there is only one way to be saved (Acts 2:38), so our… Read More

In John 4:20, what is this place of worship on Gerizim? The Samaritans built their own temple as a rival worship center to the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem. This was… Read More

How come the book of Enoch is quoted in Jude 14, but is not part of the Bible? — Vincent Grandia The book of Enoch (or 1 Enoch) is quoted… Read More

What are those references to in Hebrews 11? Where can we read about someone being sawn in two? Who refused to be released to obtain a better resurrection? I can’t… Read More

I have a question that has been bothering my heart. I have been studying the book of Joshua and I find in the second chapter Rahab lies and that seems… Read More

The accounts of Saul’s death recorded in 2 Samuel 1:1-16 and in 1 Chronicles 10:1-5 seem to contradict each other. Is there an explanation for these two different accounts of… Read More

Why or how is the Dead Sea "dead"? The salinity of the oceans is around 3.5%.  Yet the Dead Sea has a phenomenally high salt content — around 30%! –… Read More

Matthew 1:17 says there were fourteen generations from Jeconiah to Jesus, but by my count there are only twelve. Matthew does have fourteen generations from Abraham to David and another… Read More

I have a question about restorations. I am helping a sister to return to the church, and am uncertain as to whether my friend is still in the darkness. She… Read More

Is Joseph really Jesus’ father? Matthew 1:16 says he was the husband of Mary, who was the mother of Jesus. How should we understand this passage? Your question is a… Read More

Isn’t the Big Bang Theory against the Bible? Not at all! In fact, there is much in the Big Bang theory that agrees with the Bible! This theory, formulated in… Read More

When we study the biblical topic discipleship with people we usually challenge them to respond immediately to the call (Mark 1:16-20). But do the gospels uniformly teach that this immediate… Read More

What does the Bible have to say about TV? I am sometimes concerned by the kinds of things Christians watch on TV. What are your concerns, if any, about TV?… Read More

Is it true that the book of Esther is suspect because it does not mention God? Although the word God does not appear in the book of Esther, it is… Read More

With certain dates I have come across some interesting abbreviations. What exactly are C.E. and B.C.E.? In an effort not to offend those who are uncomfortable with the claims of… Read More

I have heard that western culture, especially America, is paralleling the ancient Roman Empire in many ways, and is on the way to destruction. Do you have any comment on… Read More

Who was Caesar? And why was a salad named after him? The original Caesar was Julius Caesar–the great Roman soldier, statesman, dictator, and author of the first century BC. His nephew, Octavian,… Read More

Why did Jesus come to earth? Did he just come to improve our society? Excellent question! Why did he come? What was his mission on this earth? He came to… Read More

How did Satan learn the scriptures? We say "even Satan knew the Bible" since he tempted Jesus by misusing the scriptures. How did he learn them to begin with? –… Read More

Was Satan formerly an angel? I have heard people mention this in passing numerous times, but I can’t find a scripture that directly supports this. If he wasn’t an angel,… Read More

I am wondering what the size of Jesus’ family was. I know he had brothers. Did he have sisters? According to the New Testament, Jesus came from a family of… Read More

What do Muslims think about Jesus? Does the Koran ever refer to him? The Qur’an (or Koran), which actually mentions Jesus Christ far more than it does Mohammed, teaches the… Read More

What language did Jesus and the apostles speak? I hear that the New Testament was written in Greek. Was this their native language? Actually, the question should be not “what… Read More

Was Jesus born in the year 0? I guess the BC-AD thing means he was, but I have never read the actual date in the Bible. Also, I am wondering… Read More

What did the sacrifice of the Red Heifer in Numbers 19 really mean? Is there some deeper meaning that is eluding me?There are a number of popular and not so… Read More

In Matthew 11:11-12 a reference to the kingdom of heaven is made. Several other NT passages refer to the kingdom of God. Is there a distinction between the two? — Joshua Christensen… Read More

I have understood that the passing on of the gifts of the Holy Spirit came through the apostles, but I am hoping you can shed light on the laying on… Read More

Jesus means salvation. In both Hebrew (Yehoshua) and Greek (Yesous), this same word is also translated Joshua. Christ is from the Greek Christos (anointed one). The first Greek letter of… Read More

In Mark 4:31 and Matthew 13:32, Jesus refers to the mustard seed as the smallest of seeds, yet in fact the orchid seed is the smallest seed.  Could it have… Read More

How can we be sure Jesus was a carpenter? Jesus was the eldest son of Joseph, husband of Mary. Joseph was a tekton — a woodworker or master craftsman. (We… Read More

I studied the Bible with a friend of mine who reckons that the NIV does not contain the whole word of God, because in some places it is different to… Read More